A mishmash of family fun and news

Wally Amos leads readings for keiki at Kailua Library

Kailua Public Library will host several story time sessions that will captivate your keiki in January and February.

Enjoy “Storytime with Uncle Wally Amos,” founder of the Chip & Cookie Read Aloud Foundation, at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 25 and Feb. 29 at the library. Keiki ages 2 to 5, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, are welcome.

You can also enjoy a special “Keiki Pajama Storytime with Uncle Wally Amos” at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 where Amos will read a special bedtime-themed story. Keiki ages 3 and older are invited to wear their pajamas, bring a favorite bedtime stuffed animal or blanket and stretch out under the Reading Tree.

If your little one enjoys music, then check out “Musical Storytime with Keiki Crescendo” at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Feb. 8.

Claudia McDowell, owner and creative director of Keiki Crescendo, will conduct a special program for keiki ages 3 and older, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Keiki will have the opportunity to add sound effects to stories using musical instruments.

Kailua Public Library is at 239 Kuulei Road. Call 266-9911.

Museum’s monthly ohana event cheers Chinese New Year

The Honolulu Academy of Arts continues its popular free monthly Family Sundays with “Dragon’s Nest,” a Chinese New Year-themed event.

From noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, watch drumming, martial arts and calligraphy demonstrations as well as a Chinese lion pole performance. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the kids become the artists as they make their own colorful dragon heads.

The art galleries will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At 11:10 a.m., the Doris Duke Theatre on the museum property will screen “Best of the Fest!” — a series of short films from the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.

The 41-minute production includes 10 films from around the world focused on engaging children’s creative spirits. Films showing are: “Domo-Kun and the Egg,” “Luka,” “Mondo’s Myths: Where Did the Night Come From?,” “Nineteen,” “Egghunt,” “The Mantis Parable,” “Do Other Things,” “The Magic Lion,” “Confection” and “Little Pig Is Flying.” Three of the films have subtitles.

Movie tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children. The program is recommended for children ages 5 and older. Tickets are available at the box office a half-hour before the screening. Call 532-8700.

Go ‘ice’ skating without shivering

A synthetic ice rink that allows families to enjoy skating without the hassles of cold weather was set up on Monday at the old Borders space at Windward Mall. It will be open 2 to 9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 26. Cost is $10; $5 for children, which includes skate rental. Call 235-1143.

Art contest seeks kids’ concept cars

Car-crazy keiki can win $100 and a chance at a trip to Japan in Toyota’s Sixth Annual Dream Car Contest. Local Toyota dealers are accepting hand-drawn submissions from children up to age 15 until Jan. 31.

Toyota officials say the idea is to encourage youngsters to imagine the possibilities for cars, as well as develop artistic abilities. Last year’s winners included an automatic noodle truck, a car that could turn into a handbag and one that transformed pollution into clean air.

Entrants will be divided into three age groups: under 10, 10 to 12 and 13 to 15. Five winners from each group will receive $100 savings bonds and the chance to compete in the international competition. Finalists receive an all-expense-paid trip to Japan and a meeting with Toyota executives.

For entry forms visit toyotahawaii.com. Forms may be dropped off at local Toyota dealers or mailed to P.O. Box 2788, Honolulu, HI 96803-2788.