A Novel Approach
Break out the bookmarks! With 7,000-plus volumes to
choose from and a spate of on-site appearances planned
by literary luminaries, The Scholastic Store is hands-
down New York’s hottest attraction this season. Proving
summer reading isn’t just for kids, the
6,200-square-foot retail wonderland, at
557 Broadway between Prince and Spring
streets, won’t simply amuse with its activ-
ity loft or weekly classes and workshops.
Breeze by on July 20 for a magical
midnight launch party to celebrate the
debut of the seventh and final series installment Harry
Potterandthe Deathly Hallows. Stop in every Satur-
day throughout July and August for free arts and crafts
events that give kids the opportunity to go hands-on
with cutting-edge creative and learning products.
Expect live visits by heroes such as everyone’s favor-
ite oversized red rover, Clifford, during both months,
offering fans a perfect photo opportunity. And just in
case teaching resources and curriculum support areas
(covering every subject ranging from music and math
to science and geography) don’t get young’uns hopping,
lean in and whisper: “They also sell toys and games.”

Photo Finish

Shaking it like a Polaroid picture is cool and all, but these days, good luck getting your old-school, point-and-shoot snapshots developed. Try this easier solution for preserving treasured memories. Kodak’s EasyShare electronic frames ( kodak.com) let you comfortably store and display dozens of digital photos in stunning detail.

The 8-inch EX811 ($229.95) and 10-inch EX1011 ($279.95) not only offer 16: 9 widescreen viewing options, built-in stereo speakers and wireless network support, but also they include 128MB of integrated memory and are capable of playing MPEG, MOV and AVI videos as well as MP3 music.

Don’t need Wi-Fi functionality? The 7-inch SV710 ($129.95) and 8-inch SV811 ($179.95) are just as easy to set up and use, with all models including customiz-able slide-show features and a remote control for easy configuration. Compatible with digital cameras, PCs and most memory-card formats, you can even customize each with optional frosted floral glass, walnut, erasable whiteboard and antique silver faceplates.

FLATTER THEIR FACE Want to take better shots of your loved ones? Try this technique, adapted from the Tips and Projects Center at kodak.com: “Overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes people squint, and it throws harsh shadows on their faces. On overcast days, the soft light flatters faces. Indoors, try turning off the flash and use the light coming in from a window to give your subject a soft, almost glowing appearance.“