Disclosure: I received a fun kit full of goodies from a promotional program with MomSelect to host a Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood sponsored play date. The opinions expressed here are my own.

My parents had a big, blue suburban when I was growing up. We took a lot of road trips from Plano, Texas to Corpus Christi, Texas. Both sets of grandparents lived there, so we would pile in for the eight hour drive. We had a set of tapes that we would listen to, including Jerry Clower and Garrison Keillor. My brother and I always asked to listen to Peter and the Wolf. Did you listen to it growing up? The orchestra just has to play a few beginning notes, and I can clearly remember closing my eyes and settling in for one of my favorite stories.

The original score was written in 1936 in just four days. The original intent was  to cultivate “musical tastes in children from the first years of school”.

Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood is a revival of the classic Peter and the Wolf tale brought to you by acclaimed production company, Giants Are Small. This version brings Peter to Hollywood to meet his hippie grandfather while bringing classical music elements to life. Peter, along with all of the characters in the movie book, are narrated and brought to life by Rock n’ Roll legend, Alice Cooper.

We hosted a relaxed play date with Peter’s Drum Sticks (white chocolate covered pretzels of course) and made DIY percussion shakers.

Staying in touch with friends over the summer is so important. I’ve found if I give the kids a small activity, I might actually have the chance to visit with the other moms!

We made these simple, percussion shakers and they were a hit! We had the soundtrack on in the background and the kids had a great time!

To make the percussion shakers:

Supplies

• Construction Paper
• Tape
• Crayons
• Uncooked Pinto Beans

Directions

1. Color any design you like on a a piece of construction paper
2. Take the construction paper into a tube resembling a paper towel roll
3. Twist and tape one end of the construction paper
4. Fill the roll with uncooked pinto beans (this was a great opportunity to practice our counting!)
5. Twist and tape the other end
6. Prepare for the parade!

To make Peter’s Drum Sticks:

• Large Pretzel Sticks
• Meltable White Chocolate Rounds
• Purple Sprinkles
• Pan lined with foil

Directions

1. Melt the White Chocolate according to the package directions
2. Swirl the pretzel sticks in the chocolate (be careful as these can be fragile)
3. Coat with Purple Sprinkles
4. Place on pan lined with foil to dry overnight

You can download the app on iPhones or iPads. Riley loves watching the story unfold on the app, and I love the music. Alice Cooper does and amazing job keep everyone’s attention through this wonderful story. The animation is fresh and colorful. It is a successful twist on an absolute classic. 18 months of building, crafting, drawing and photographing was poured into creating this amazing world. Be sure and check it out!

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