Travel with Kids: New York

In this latest entry from the Travel with Kids series (see review of Travel with Kids: Paris in VL-11/09), the Roberts family tackles the Big Apple. Here, they recommend getting a hotel in Manhattan near the attractions of most interest (a little pricey, but well worth the convenience), which—for them—means a nice place in the vicinity of Times Square. The family uses popular media to pique their two young sons' interest—for example, watching Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller, later generated strong interest in and appreciation of the Natural History Museum. All of the most familiar New York attractions are given a nice treatment, complete with history lessons and a modern-kid-factor spin. The Roberts tour the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building; see the United Nations; take a carriage ride through Central Park; make a sobering stop at Ground Zero, site of the former World Trade Center; and visit what is perhaps the most famous toy store in the world—FAO Schwarz. They board subways to go almost everywhere (with a stop at the historic Grand Central Station) and compete for taxicabs, too. Of course, food is an important part of any trip—and what's a trip to NYC without a slice of pie (the pizza variety) and some soul food from a street vendor? Offering a perfect mix of kid-friendly travelogue and documentary, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)