Sparkles and muscles

Face painting at Chicago's 57th Street Book Festival provided a great reminder of what kids like.

The picture was always Edgar & Ellen's pet, "Pet" a one-eyed fur-ball of indeterminate gender. 93% of all children preferred sparkles. But a few of the older boys were hesitant to get painted until they saw Pet on this impressive arm.

"I want one just like the strong guy!"

Superheroes come in all shapes and styles.

kids will always love retailtainment

You don't have to be Wal-mart to be a kid-friendly retailer. This little fellow in the Katia neighborhood in Caracas last month was having a grand time pretending to be a vaquero.

Wal-mart does a great job of making their stores fun for kids, too. I've seen kids enjoy Jedi knight training, Oreo stacking contests, and casting for imaginary fish.

Smaller stores can also thrive by doing the little things that empower kids' big imaginations.