Is bedtime usually a nightmare at your house? Most kids today keep such hectic schedules with after school sports and activities, that it’s hard for them to unwind at bedtime. Do you dread long car rides because the kids whine and fight the whole time? These days it’s common to live hundreds of miles from family and friends. Children’s story tapes can make that long car trip to grandma’s more bearable for parents and they help wound-up kids settle down at night.

Camp Wacki Kooki stories is an hour-long cassette tape full of lively, hilarious stories that elementary-age kids love. Narrated by Emmy Award-winning children’s celebrity, Brian Czock (Brian Z to his fans), Camp Wacki Kooki stories were developed by real parents who know that it’s tough to get kids settled down at bedtime, and to keep them entertained in the car.

"We found that cassette tapes were a great alternative to TV," said Lonny Kocina, father of three and co-developer of Camp Wacki Kooki stories. "The kids get riled up when they watch TV before bed. Listening to story tapes helps them unwind. When we’re traveling with the kids, the tapes help them pass the time quietly."

"The problem was, we just couldn’t find enough story tapes out there," said Robin Kocina, co-developer of Camp Wacki Kooki. "We decided to team up with Brian Z and create our own. Kids think they’re great, plus, as parents, we feel better knowing the kids are listening to funny, lighthearted stories with positive messages about friendship and teamwork."

Day care provider Linda Ratike agrees. "Kids love to listen to stories during quiet times," she said. "Camp Wacki Kooki stories are great for their imaginations, and it definitely calms them down for more low-key activities like coloring and craft-making."

Dr. David Walsh, Ph.D. believes story tapes are a good tool to help children get a restful night’s sleep. "In our media-saturated world, stories on audio tapes can tap into children’s imaginations in a way other visual media cannot," said Dr. Walsh, Executive Director for the National Institute on Media and the Family. "Audio taped stories…can help (kids) settle down, so they can make an easier transition to sleep."

Camp Wacki Kooki Stories with Brian Z is the first in a series of Camp Wacki Kooki story tapes. Two more tapes are also available in stores, Camp Wacki Kooki II Friendship and Camp Wacki Kooki III Teamwork.

Camp Wacki Kooki Stories are currently available at Super America, Barnes & Noble, Borders Bookstores, Waldenbooks, and Sam Goody. They can also be ordered through Camp Wacki Kooki’s interactive Web site for kids at www.campwackikooki.com. The tapes retail for $9.95 +tax.

Robin Kocina