Saturday, October 31, 2015

Thursday, October 29, 2015

THE PEANUTS MOVIE Hits Theaters Everywhere on November 6, 2015 #PeanutsMovie


Just in time for THE PEANUTS MOVIE's big-screen debut on November 6th, Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox have just released a celebration of 65 years of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Friends, Underdogs, Dreamers, and the world of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts. Check out the must see video below:

 

ABOUT THE MOVIE

THE PEANUTS MOVIE
3D Animation
Release: November 6, 2015
Director: Steve Martino
Based upon the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz
Producers: Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, Cornelius Uliano, Michael J. Travers, Paul Feig

SYNOPSIS
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation.  Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron.  From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.

THE PEANUTS MOVIE Official Socials
Official Hashtag: #PeanutsMovie

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

It's Raining Bats and Frogs by Rebecca Colby / Book Review


By: Rebecca Colby
Illustrated by: Steven Henry
Published by: Feiwel and Friends
Released on: 8/11/15
Ages: 4-7
Purchase from: the PublisherAmazon | B&N
Rating: 5 Stars - We Loved It!
Source: arc from publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review 

Delia has been looking forward all year to flying in the annual Halloween Parade. But parade day brings heavy rain. So, Delia takes action. Using her best magic, Delia changes the rain to cats and dogs. But that doesn’t work too well! Then hats and clogs. That doesn’t work, either! Each new type of rain brings a new set of problems. How can Delia save the day?

What's a witch to do when it rains on parade day? Delia knows just spell to make things better. Or does she? Turning the rain into bats and frogs sounded good at first, but sometimes things are better left the way they are. Though Delia tries to make everything better for her friends, in the end she realizes the rain makes for a fun parade day. That is until something happens the following year..... you'll have to read the book to see what happens.

It's Raining Bats & Frogs is a fantastic picture book for the Fall and Halloween. The story is fun, and engaging, and the perfect length for short attention spans. It's repetitive words, and simple rhythms are great for young children. It also makes it a great book to have in the classroom for teaching young students about listen for receptive words and rhythms. 

The illustrations are great. The color scheme sets the perfect mood/tone for the story. I love the greens, purples, oranges and grays. 
The witches are all friendly, happy looking witches, which make it a great fit for young children. There's something fun on every page. This is one fun, Halloween themed book I'd recommend picking up. Though it can also be read through out the whole year.

Check out a sample of the illustrations (image for the publisher's website):



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Jack Frost (The Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce / Book Review



Published by: Atheneum
Released on: October 27th, 2015 - TODAY
Ages: 4-8
5 Stars - I LOVED IT
Purchase from: Simon & Schuster | Amazon | B&N
Source: Purchased 

Before Jack Frost was Jack Frost, he was Nightlight, the most trusted and valiant companion of Mim, the Man in the Moon. But when Pitch destroys Mim’s world, he nearly destroys Nightlight too, sending him plunging to Earth where, like Peter Pan, he is destined to remain forever a boy, frozen in time. And while Nightlight has fun sailing icy winds and surfing clouds, he is also lonely without his friend Mim. To keep the cold in his heart from taking over, he spreads it to the landscapes around him and earns a new name: Jack Overland Frost.

But a true friend always comes through, and on one particularly bleak night, Mim shines down and shows Jack a group of children in great peril. Through helping them, Jack finds the warmth he’s been yearning for, and realizes bringing joy to others can melt his own chill. It is this realization—that there will always be children who need moments of bravery, who need rosy cheeks, who need to build snowmen, and who are then eager for a spring day—that makes Jack realize why he is a forever boy, and worthy of becoming a Guardian of Childhood.

William Joyce has once again captured the wonder of childhood with Jack Frost's story. Told in the same fashion, and given the same visually stunning, old-fashioned illustrations, the story of Jack Frost is as mesmerizing as the first two books in The Guardians of Childhood series, The Man In The Moon, and The Sandman. The long awaited arrival of this book's release lives up to all that I had hoped it would be and more.

I've long been a fan of William Joyce's The Guardian's of Childhood series. These books are some of our all time favorite children's picture books. Not only are the illustrations visually stunning, the stories themselves are captivating for readers of all ages. The stories are about guardians who's job is to keep safe the merriment of childhood. Protecting their hopes, their dreams, and their hearts. These valiant Guardians offer hope, and courage, as they keep children safe from darkness of Pitch. 

Jack Frost's story is one I've always been fascinated with. Learning about Jack Frost's origins, and his history with the Man In The Moon is something I absolutely loved reading about. Jack Frost's story is one of courage, and valor. I have always admired his character, but do so even more, now that I know more about him. The story about Jack Frost is about who Jack was before he became Jack Frost, how he became Jack Frost, and what he does now, as a Guardian of Childhood. I imagine that if you already didn't love Jack Frost, you will after you read his story. 

This book is one of my all time favorite children's books. Jack Frost is definitely my favorite out of the Guardians of Childhood series. That is saying a lot, considering I loved the previous two books in the series. If you have not yet done so, I highly recommend picking up the series. If you've already read the first two books in the series, than I definitely recommend picking up Jack Frost's book. 

To William Joyce, thank you for brining Jack Frost's story to life! 

*This book was purchased, read, and reviewed all within the same day. I adore this book!

Check out some of the artwork featured in Jack Frost. 


Image from William Joyce's website

*Click on image to enlarge it. 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Are You A Harry Potter Spotter?



Are you a Harry Potter spotter? Harry Potter fans in the UK and Ireland, check out what Bloomsbury has in store for Harry Potter spotters around UK and Ireland! Per their email:

To celebrate the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay, we have launched a Harry Potter Spotter competition in association with children’s charity, Kids in MuseumsThe Telegraph and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

The Harry Potter Spotter challenges you to seek out 1 of 12 Jim Kay prints in 12 different museums around the UK and Ireland. With a clue to solve at each venue, participants must find one of these images, take a photo of themselves with it and share via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #HarryPotterSpotter. Click here to find out more and to discover all the fantastic prizes up for grabs, including family tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. 


In other Harry Potter news, it’s less than two weeks until the Deluxe Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is released. Pre-order now so you don’t miss out on our offer of 10% off (offer ends midnight on 4th November 2015). 



Tuesday, October 20, 2015

TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE: A NEW AUTOBOT MISSION - OUT TODAY! / DVD Review



Who loves Transformers? We do! Growing up with the original 1980's hit cartoon series, I couldn't pass up the chance to review this brand new release from Shout! OUT TODAY, TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE: A NEW AUTOBOT MISSION, is a DVD I'd highly recommend for long time fans of the series and those who are new to the Transformers fandom. 

With some of my favorite Transformers characters like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, this particular DVD focuses on Bumblebee years after Optimus Prime's rein. Bumblebee must now learn how to fulfill his new role as leader of the Autobots. With some guidance from Optimus, I loved seeing Bumblebee's journey both in his world, and his journey to earth. True to the classic Transformers story, there's adventure, heart, and plenty of action packed fun in this DVD. 

This is definitely a must have for Transformer fans of all ages! This DVD gets 5 stars from all of us! Check out a CLIP from the DVD, Here.


ABOUT THE DVD


TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE: A NEW AUTOBOT MISSION
SPECIAL DVD IN STORES NATIONWIDE TODAY! OCTOBER 20, 2015 FROM SHOUT! FACTORY KIDS

Synopsis
The new mission begins as BUMBLEBEE must step up to be leader in the years after we left the AUTOBOTS in TRANSFORMERS PRIME. Summoned by OPTIMUS PRIME to save Earth from a new DECEPTICON threat, BUMBLEBEE puts his light-hearted mettle to the test after assembling a rouge team of AUTOBOTS action heroes. BUMBLEBEE must balance his job fighting off evil with being equal parts squad leader and coach to a rascally team that needs constant coaxing to learn how to work together. The results are comical when the cool rebel SIDESWIPE, elite guard cadet STRONGARM, bombastic dinobot GRIMLOCK and overly-excited mini-con FIXIT must balance keeping the team together with chasing and capturing their new enemies in each adventure-filled episode.

Cast 
Will Friedle (Boy Meets World), Darren Criss (Glee), Constance Zimmer (Entourage), Khary Payton (Teen Titans Go!), Mitchell Whitfield (TMNT) and Peter Cullen who voices OPTIMUS PRIME when he makes cameo appearances in this series.

TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE: A NEW AUTOBOT MISSION is available now on DVD. Purchase it HERE






Wednesday, October 14, 2015

THE 50 STATES by Gabrielle Balkan & Sol Linero / Blog Tour: Book Spotlight



Hello and welcome to today's THE 50 STATES post. To celebrate the release of a brand new book for kids, THE 50 STATES, a book that will help teach young readers interesting facts and a brief history about each state, I have the opportunity to spotlight one of the states here on Mundie Kids. Today's featured state is Oklahoma! *Click on the image below to enlarge it.



WELCOME TO THE SOONER STATE 

Of all the nine “panhandle” states, Oklahomans would argue that theirs most closely resembles the handle of a cooking pan! And Okies sure know how to cook. The lip-smacking official state meal includes chicken-fried steak, fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecue pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn on the cob, black-eyed peas, strawberries . . . and pecan pie! 

Oklahoma is home to the second-largest Native American population of any state. With headquarters for 39 of America’s tribal nations, as well as 25 different Native American languages spoken, the 46th state has the largest diversity of tribes in the country. The Sooner State boasts outdoor marvels of all kinds, including the lava rocks of the Black Mesa State Park, and seemingly endless prairies, which today are covered in wind farms. It’s not rare to hear the phrase “hold on to your hat” in Oklahoma, where, in the words of the state song, the wind comes sweeping down the plain!

ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Gabrielle Balkan
Illustrated by: Sol Linero
Published by: Wide Eyed Editions
Released on: October 1st, 2015
Ages: 8-12

Be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of fact-filled maps. Explore thousands of wondrous locations and be awed by the achievements of hundreds of people who helped make America what it is today. Celebrate, explore, enjoy!

This looks like a fabulous book! I'm looking forward to looking through it. You can find out more about The 50 States here. Add The 50 States to your To Be Read shelf on Goodreads. Purchase the book from Amazon. Check out Kirkus's review of the book here

Monday, October 12, 2015

Backyard Witch: Sadie's Story by Christine Heppermann and Ron Koertge / Book Review



By: Christine Heppermann & Ron Koertge
Illustrated by: Deborah Marcero
Published by: Greenwillow
Released on: 7/21/15
Series: Backyard Witch #1
Purchase From: Harper Collins Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

A must-have for newly independent readers and fans of Ivy + Bean and Clementine! The first of a new series, starring three young girls and a mysterious visitor who appears exactly when you need her--with just the right amount of magic.

Sadie has two best friends: Jess and Maya. But Jess can only take one friend on vacation with her, and Sadie is the one who gets left behind. How will she ever survive the days of loneliness and boredom? But wait . . . what is that in her old playhouse in the backyard? A witch has moved in! A kind and funny witch, who's looking for her own two lost friends. 

Together, Sadie and the witch have a curious adventure, one that makes Sadie see her neighborhood--and herself--with new eyes. 

Acclaimed authors Ron Koertge and Christine Heppermann--writing together and for younger readers for the first time--have created a heroine to rival Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and Ms. Frizzle. Short chapters, a satisfying mystery, gentle humor, magical dazzle, and adorable black-and-white illustrations throughout by debut artist Deborah Marcero make this an ideal pick for readers of Ivy + Bean, Just Grace, and Kate DiCamillo's novels for younger readers.

Who needs a fairy god mother, when you can have a witch like Ms. M to help you. Ms. M is just the person Sadie needs. In helping Ms. M look for her best friend and fellow witch, who accidentally turned herself into a bird, Sadie begins to learn and understand how she can over come her own friendship problems she's currently having with her best friends. Ms. M and Sadie have great team work. Even though they have a few minor mishaps along the way, they continue to work things out, together. 

I loved that Ms. M helps Sadie see the magic that is in the world around them, and within herself. It's not the casting spells type of magic either.  Sometimes you need a little reminder, and some encouragement that there's something magically within you. Ms M, in her own unique way, helps Sadie realize that. I liked the way she went about teaching her that. I also loved the bird watching element in the story. There's something valuable Sadie learns through watching the birds, and helping Ms. M find her friend.

This is a great chapter book for young readers. With short chapters, age appropriate humor, a magical mystery, and an important lesson that is learned, Sadie's story is one readers will enjoy. The black and white illustrations found through out the book by illustrator Deborah Marcero, make Sadie's Story that much more appealing. I'd definitely recommend this story to young readers and feel it's appropriate for readers in 1st-3rd grade. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Today Is Star Wars Reads Day! 10-10-15



Happy Star Wars Reads Day! 
Whether your a new fan to Star Wars or a long time fan, this is a day all fans can celebrate! Thank you to Disney.Co.UK, fans can download a fun Star Wars Reads Day activity packet, here. You can also join the fun via @StarWarsUK. the source for the graphic above. 


@DK_Aus is also celebrating today's Star Wars Reads Day! Aussie fans can check out the Au.StarWars.com site, here, for more exiting things!


Today's an great excuse to go pick up the new Star Wars books out by Disney Books!Find out more about each one and where you can purchase them from, here. Happy Reading and may the force of reading be with you!

Monday, October 5, 2015

THE CARETAKERS GUIDE TO FABLEHAVEN BY Brandon Mull / Illustrated by Brandon Dorman / Book Spotlight

Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Today's feature is for a brand new book from author Brandon Mull. Fans of his FABLEHAVEN series will definitely want to get their hands on his upcoming release, THE CARETAKERS GUIDE TO FABLEHAVEN! 

ABOUT THE BOOK


Written by Brandon Mull
llustrated by Brandon Dorman
Published by: Shadow Mountain 
Release Date: October 13, 2015
Pre-Order from: Find a retailer here

This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves.
Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.
There's something exciting about being able to own a book that reveals the secrets and knowledge for a beloved children's book series. Not only will fans get to learn more about this series and it's world, but it's fully illustrated too! That is a huge bonus for fans of FABLEHAVEN! This is one of those books I can't wait to get my hands on. I'm looking forward to reading this book when it's out next week. 

Get A Sneak Peak


ABOUT THE AUTHORBrandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series, travels the country visiting schools, promoting literacy, and sharing his message that "Imagination Can Take You Places."

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in childrens books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War series.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Harry Potter: Exclusive New Illustrations by Jim Kay


* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

 We are 3 days away from the release of the Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with illustrations by Jim Kay. The Telegraph has treated fans to some sneak peaks of Jim Kay's illustrations from the book. I shared a few of my favorites below. I highly recommend checking out all the illustrations The Telegraph shared, here


* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

 * Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury / Telegraph

There are more illustrations for Harry Potter fans to see! Please visit The Telegraph to see more of Jim Kay's Harry Potter illustrations here. I also highly recommend reading Jim's interview with The Telegraph, where he talks about about his illustrations for the Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter, a letter he received from J.K. Rowling, and more. You can read his interview here.

Find out what you can receive a Harry Potter Illustrated Edition owl tote bag & get A Magical Celebration Pack, here!

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury, and were featured in each of the linked The Telegraph articles. 

3 Days To Go #HarryPotterIllustrated



Only 3 more days to go and then Harry Potter fans will be reliving the magic of Harry Potter all over again with Jim Kay's illustrations of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Both Bloomsbury.com & HarryPotter.Bloomsbury.com have fans covered!


GET YOUR HARRY POTTER OWL TOTE BAG! If you pre-ordered Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Illustrated Edition from HarryPotter.Bloomsbury.comfind out how you can receive an owl tote bag here. (UK)


While you're waiting for your book to arrive, you can download your A Magical Celebration Pack, provided by Bloomsbury.com & HarryPotter.Bloomsbury.com. This is a must have for fans of all ages! 

Check out Jim Kay's beautiful illustrations from my next post, here

* Images credit: Jim Kay / Bloomsbury

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~