A feature of the arrival of the summer months in the Kingdom is often an increasing focus on children. As one tranche of events starts to wind down as the first half of the year draws to a close, another seems to gather momentum.

In this issue our lead happenings story takes us on bear hunt, at least figuratively speaking. Sally Cookson's book is now an entertaining theatre production that will thrill children and adults alike. Meanwhile, over at the British School of Bahrain there's the first of what is hoped to be an annual gymnastic competition for children under the age of 12.

The Manama Singers' French-inspired evening of music, to celebrate World Music Day on June 21, draws upon a number of talented youngsters from local schools for a rendition of Chorus of the Street Children, an emblematic song from the movie version of Les Miserables.

Bahrain City Centre, whose senior manager, Duaij Khalifa Al Rumaihi, we interview in our business pages, hosts a series of sports camps for kids during the course of the month. Our spotlight article is an ample articulation of the first letter of the St Christopher's School's 'S'. Caring for others is translated into action by Celine Vaandrager, a teenager at the school who is seeking to raise funds for her own charity.

Coinciding with Italian National day we speak to HE Alberto Vecci about relationships between the two countries. When it comes to an Italian lifestyle, it would not be complete without a luxury sports car; our publishing director and Bahrain This Month editor, David M Robertson, recently took the latest Maserati Quattroporte for a spin around Dubai.

Another member of our editorial team went a little further: Elma Bartholomew headed to Salalah to discover the tropical charms of this Arabian paradise.

In this issue we also take a look at Far Eastern cuisine options in the Kingdom, which sees a new entrant to the local market with the opening of PF Chang's in Bahrain City Centre last month. And, just in case you're not sure of your way around the Kingdom to find these culinary venues, we talk to an enterprising new company, Arteleus, that's working with GPS technology to resolve such issues.

So, here's to another month to enjoy the great way of life the Kingdom has to offer!