This year, though, MDC is presenting a November event that definitely will not draw half-a-million people, but may just draw international attention to MDC’s newest innovative project — and make serious educational stuff seem sexier than the book fair.
Slooooks! ($17.95, 3-up) is an award-winning portable game created by Kate Patterson, a Grosse Pointe mother of two. The game is based on a combination of I Spy and a scavenger hunt. The toy earned Dr. Toy winner for best Vacation Products and the Creative Toy Awards 2011 Game of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine.
Air Picks Series 1/The Rolling Stones ($9.99, 6-up) was difficult to get running at first. However, once he figured it out, Tyler, 10, said he felt like he was playing a real guitar. One suggestion for Santa: add more songs.
Air Hogs Hyperactives Pro Aero GX RC ($49.99, 12-up) stunt vehicles by Spin Master were flying all over the testing grounds. They’re a bit pricey but seemed very durable and cost includes vehicle, controller and a charger. The cars come in a variety of colors.
Tetris Link by Techno Source ($30.39, 5-15) reminded Olivia of Connect Four, but Tetris is more interesting because of the additional pieces. Olivia also liked that more than two people can play at a time, making it great for family game night. No batteries are needed, so it’s also a money-saver, Olivia’s dad said.
MCI is the first U.S. culinary school to have its own organic garden, but to see it you’ll have to traipse down the block, to what used to be a grubby vacant lot. “We don’t start classes in the kitchen, with a bundle of herbs on the chopping block,” says instructor José Casals. “Students’ first experiences are in the ground. If a recipe needs, say, rosemary, they walk to the garden and pick it.”