Good Grief

TUE 11/18

During Halloween season, we always think of Charles Schultz and his kid-cartoon masterpiece It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This is quite possibly the best Halloween TV show ever, a statement we’re willing to defend to the death. It’s not just any genius who can invent a character like the Great Pumpkin, who rewards not good behavior but the wily concept that is sincerity. So inspired are we that, like Linus, we often look at the world around us and cry out defiantly, “Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see!” And like Linus, we are often mocked.In celebration of Charles Schultz’s birthday, the West Wyandotte Library (1737 North 82nd Street in Kansas City, Kansas) hosts Popcorn ‘n’ Peanuts, a 7 p.m. party that includes Charlie Brown flicks, popcorn, peanut brittle and Charlie Brown’s beverage of choice: root beer. Fans of all ages are invited to join in the fun. For information, call 913-596-5800.— Gina Kaufmann

Come On, Pilgrim

TUE 11/18

Contrary to popular belief, there was more to pilgrim life than accessorizing with buckles and sharing horns of plenty with the locals. The Colbern Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library (1000 N.E. Colbern Road in Lee’s Summit) hosts a free pilgrim program for children at 2 p.m. this Tuesday. To register, call 816-525-9924.— Michael Vennard

Barney Relief

SAT 11/15

When it comes to children’s entertainment, there are two kinds of parents: those who grit their teeth through Barney Live! and those who would rather die. Kudos to parents who can stomach the Big Purple Dinosaur, but for everyone else, a performance of Ralph’s World (7 p.m. at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main) is in order. Ralph Covert tours with his guitar and a yearning to make kids dance to songs such as “All I Wanna Do Is Play” and “Covered in Glue.” As on Jerry Garcia and David Grisman’s “Not for Kids Only” recording, there are songs about cute animals and nonsensical situations. Covert’s set, however, includes polkas. For information, call 816-753-0441.— Nadia Pflaum

Better to Give

TUE 11/18

The day he read Shel Silverstein’s now-classic children’s book The Giving Tree, editor William Cole told the author, “It’s not a kid’s book — too sad. And it isn’t for adults — too simple.” After taking your kids to see the stage adaptation at the Carlsen Center (12345 College Boulevard in Overland Park, 913-469-4445), you may want to offer them Cole’s interpretation: “That was one dum-dum of a tree, giving everything and getting nothing in return.” — Kaufmann