Kid Picks with Philip Potempa for Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012

Here's our monthly showcase of the latest and greatest new selections in media for youth.

From books and games to educational toys and DVDs, there's never a dull moment for active and eager young minds.

BOOKS

Macmillan Children's Publishing, $17.99, Ages 12 and older

"My Brother's Shadow" by Monika Schroder

 As World War I draws to a close in 1918, German citizens are starving and suffering under a repressive regime. Moritz is 16 and his father died in the war and his older brother still risks his life in the trenches. While his mother participates in the revolution, when Moritz's older brother is sent home from the war, it's a challenge of selecting between an allegiance to his brother or those who usher in the new democracy. The 224-page hardcover is available in stores or at macteenbooks.com.

DVD

Master Communications, $29.95, Ages 5 to 11

"Families of Germany" by Arden Media

Meet 7-year-old Sophia from the village of Reimershausen, who lives with her parents, sister Johanna and brother Simon. After a breakfast of bread, cheese and fresh jam made from the fruits in their garden, she is off to school where she and her 19 classmates study English and biology, among other subjects. During this 30-minute visit, viewers learn about St. Martin's Day and also meet Ole, who is 10 and loves to play handball. It's available by calling (800) 765-5885 or visit familiesoftheworld.com.

Books, Plush Toy and Children's Production Tickets GIVEAWAY

HarperCollins, $5, Ages 3 and older

"Eric Carle Books and Toys Collection" by Kohl's Cares for Kids

Now through the end of April, Kohl's Department Stores is offering the latest line in the Kohl's Cares program. This time, the theme is a spotlight on the books and characters of Eric Carle. For just $5, kids and parents can pick from four adorable plush characters: Sheep, Bear, Kangaroo and Duck. The author's book favorite available are: "The Very Busy Spider," "10 Little Rubber Ducks," "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" and "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?" Visit any Kohl's store or kohls.com/cares for details.

• YOUR CHANCE TO PLAY AND WIN:

Here's the trivia question you need to answer correctly to have your name entered in today's drawing to win the Kohl's Cares Gift Pack, which includes all four of Eric Carle's storybooks along with a plush toy of his Brown Bear storybook character. In addition, the winner will receive 4 tickets to Saturday's family stage production (see photo and description on this page) of "Treasured Stories by Eric Carle" at 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University in University Park, Ill. Total prize package value is more than $100.

• In Eric Carle's storybook "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?" the author shares reveals that a baby kangaroo is called a what_______?

* Hint: It's the same as what could be a little boy's name!

You have until midnight tonight to call with the correct answer to this question.

All the readers who call in with the correct answer will be entered in a random drawing. PLEASE INCLUDE your name, town you reside in and a best contact telephone number. Call this direct desk line at (219) 933-4173 with the answer. When you're calling in your answer, please remember to speak slowly and clearly.

The winner will be contacted Friday and the winning name published in Philip Potempa's Sunday Off Beat entertainment column. The contest is not open to Times employees and their immediate families.

Good luck!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.