‘Mountain’ of fun

There are a mountain of reasons to love Marianne Berkes’ “Over on a Mountain: Somewhere in the World,” which features mountain ranges from around the globe, depicted in amazing collages by Pratt Institute grad Jill Dubin. Berkes’s rhyming text, which can also be sung to the tune of the traditional song “Over in the Meadow” (easily found on Google for those of us who can’t read music), incorporates counting to 10 and a rich vocabulary.

Recommended for kids ages 3–8, the book offers a fun challenge for older readers: finding the creature hidden in each illustration, a great way to introduce the concept of camouflage.

“Tips from the Author” offers ideas for parents and educators on how to further explore the book’s themes.

“Over on a Mountain: Somewhere in the World” book by Marianne Berkes, $8.95, www.dawnpub.com.

Friends Academy

<h1>Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island.</h1> Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island. Our timeless values elevate our outstanding academic program to create a unique educational experience, where our students are empowered to inquire, reflect, and engage in real-world, life-changing ways. Friends Academy graduates are exceptionally prepared for college and the world. Friends Academy educates students, ages 3 through 12th grade. We offer outstanding experience in our Little Friends Daycare program, and a best-in-class education for every level of your child&rsquo;s development in our Early Childhood, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. At every step of our students&rsquo; journey, they are seamlessly prepared for the next grade, division, and challenge in life. Our students are known, embraced, and loved by a community of dedicated, experienced teachers who provide individualized attention through our small class sizes and outstanding curriculum. Founded 148 years ago, we are the #1 ranked private school on Long Island by Niche.com and have been ranked #1 in the following categories for four years in a row: #1 K-12 private school #1 private College Prep HS #1 private High School Please visit our website @ friendsacademy.org or call our Admissions team at 516-676-0393 to schedule a visit and find out how Friends Academy might be the smartest investment you can make for your child's future.

Manhattan Charter School & Manhattan Charter School II

Having two small public elemen&shy;tary schools educating children in grades Kindergarten through Fifth is certainly appealing to parents.&nbsp; Here, much emphasis is placed on the importance of an intimate school culture and learning environment.&nbsp; They are committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem solv&shy;ing skills. This means that there are never more than 25 students in a class, and that all students receive weekly French, Art, Physical Educa&shy;tion, and Technology instruction, in addition to daily Music instruction all beginning in Kindergarten. "We pride ourselves on delivering chal&shy;lenging, standards-driven instruc&shy;tion and fostering a culture of high expectations.&nbsp;We are dedicated to demonstrating that all children, regardless of race or economic sta&shy;tus, can succeed when given equal access to quality education."&nbsp;Both schools offer free afterschool.&nbsp; Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.manhattancharterschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.manhattancharterschool.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1632498940569000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHW4OtNCKMQM-sdVjrtRWjATPkx8Q">www.manhattancharterschool.org</a> to learn more.

Language & Laughter Studio

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LLS is a French and Spanish language center and immersion French preschool located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn. Their programs nurture children and provide them with the building blocks needed for a lifetime of learning, critical thinking while exposing them to the benefits of speaking a foreign language in a supportive environment.&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The French Nature Preschool "Mini Maternelle" program offers a unique hybrid of outdoor and classroom-based learning with as many mornings as possible spent exploring nature in Fort Greene Park. Children grow excited about learning by building on their own discoveries and interests and nature provides an incredible setting for these experiences. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">100% of the children who graduate from LLS leave the program fluent in French with a real sense of ownership of the language. Many of them go on to attend public or private dual language (French-English). To Learn more, click the website link above.