The Little Bookroom guide to New York City with children Play, eat, shop

The "Getting Ready" section of this useful title offers lists of websites and apps, books, and music to help prepare and get in the mood before you even reach the city. "Once You've Arrived" follows and is an overview of eating, getting around by bike and boat, seasonal events, babysitting, and medical services. (This section also includes a chapter on public restrooms, making it clear that these New Yorker authors know their city and children.) The book then goes into detail on particular neighborhoods in Manhattan, recommending options for playing, eating, and shopping in 16 areas stretching from the island's southern point in Battery Park to the northern area of Harlem. An "Excursions" section lists stadium tours and a limited number of locations to visit on trips to Brooklyn, Governors Island, Fort Tryon Park, Queens (one attraction for the whole borough!), and Staten Island, though since most families will concentrate their visit in Manhattan, this brevity isn't a major issue. The authors list things that are free as well as on the more expensive end of the scale and include activities that don't always spring to mind with kids in tow but that will be perfect. VERDICT This handy, compact title will be wonderful for families visiting the city as well as locals who are feeling jaded with their usual weekend circuit.-Henrietta Verma, Library Journal (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.