Former BeijingKids columnist and renowned Panda Dad Alan Paul has officially announced that the movie rights to his book Big in China, about his experiences living and playing music in Beijing, have been purchased as an option by Ivan Reitman's (Animal House) Montecito Pictures.

For Alan Paul's take on his book and movie to-be, see the full post on beijing-kids.com.

Tonight (June 15) it's once again time for you to put on your thinking caps to help a worthy local charity, have a great time and possibly walk home with stupendous goodies. Turn up at the Sanlitun location of Schindler’s for what is quickly evolving into an annual tradition: the Magic Hospital Charity Quiz Night.

Teams of up to 8 are welcome to join (reservations suggested – team slots are filling quickly as of this writing).

For more information on signing up, what you can win, and the charity you can support, check out beijing-kids.

For any fathers reading this, look out your water wings, because our colleagues over at beijingkids have a great Father's Day event coming up for you and the family this weekend. The beijingkids Father's Day Pool Party takes place this Saturday (June 18) at the Westin Chaoyang, and the beijingkids team is giving you the chance to win tickets for you and your family.

The April issue of beijingkids is out now and jam-packed with info for Beijing's international crowd. Read what three teens have to say about their globe-trotting experiences. Parents and experts talk about the pros and cons of raising TCKs. Looking for something to remind you of home? Kara Chin shows you where to find treats from around the world. We asked kids to picture their hometowns. And the team from Slurping Soup share a fun excerpt and activity to help your kids get a handle on "home."       

Elsewhere in the magazine, we give you the low-down on this year's Easter activities: Chocolate eggs, brunches and Easter egg hunts - we've got you covered.

You have probably heard of spring cleaning for your home, but have you ever considered spring cleaning your body? Day to day and month after month, many of us consume foods that aren’t good for our health; perhaps it’s too much fat, too much sugar or too many processed foods. Maybe we’re eating the same types of foods on a daily basis; this can prevent us from getting the vast array of nutrients we need to optimize our health. Take advantage of the change of season to do a short cleanse.

For the full article on getting healthy as the seasons turn, check out the post on beijing-kids.com.

Mark your calendars: join the beijingkids Club Saturday (March 26) for a special workshop for Third Culture Kids & their families!

To celebrate the release of the new book "Slurping Soup and other Confusions: True Stories & Activities to Help Third Culture Kids During Transition" beijingkids is holding a special activity session for beijingkids club members with three of the Beijing-based expatriate authors of this new book at new Italian eatery Alio Olio.

For more information on this event check out the blog at beijing-kids.com.

Cheap shopping is easy to find in Beijing, but let’s face it: Silk Street and Yashow can feel like tourist traps, with grabby stall-keepers and repetitive, low-quality products. Beyond Silk Street, however, clothing options seem to be limited to shopping malls and boutiques, where price ranges can be exhausting. Nonsense! Good quality clothing and ridiculously low prices are best friends at the Beijing Zoo. Zoo Market, that is.

Want to turn your expat life into a viable writing career? (Who doesn't?) Alan Paul left New York to follow his wife to Beijing, where she joined the China bureau of the Wall Street Journal and left Paul to help with three kids, start a blues band (cleverly named Woodie Alan) with his friend Woodie, and eventually write a book.

You asked for tech, so we delivered. The March issue is all about things that go "beep." Indulge your inner geek and check out our essential Top 10 Apps, see what three gadget-loving dads have to say about screen time, read about kid bloggers who are making a splash, and find out how technology is changing the classroom.

Elsewhere in the magazine, regular health columnist Dr. Richard Saint Cyr continues the tech theme and tells how to find reliable medical information online. Meanwhile, Nutritionist Olivia Lee reveals her favorite apps and websites for teaching kids (and adults) about health. What about a healthy home? See how you can protect your family from unwanted nasties using a few cool gadgets.

beijingkids has launched its School Choice Guide 2011, a lifesaver for any parents who need to tackle the ins and outs of the education options in Beijing. Grab a copy out in the city or check out the beijingkids website for a peak at one of the Guide’s feature articles.