Archives for February 2017

Looking for a fun book to make Science more fun? This one is a Must-Read! It has fun experiments such as Talking on a light beam and Coin dancing on a bottle top. My son actually liked reading the Sneaky Trivia where we learned things like where square watermelon are grown! I won’t tell you where because you will have to read the book to find out!

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to facilitate this post.

A reclusive young woman who dreams of becoming a children’s author finds an unlikely mentor in the rich curmudgeon who lives next door. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ella L. comments, “This film has stunning visuals, character development and a spellbinding script that turns it into a cinematic masterpiece.” See her full review below.

This Beautiful Fantastic

By Ella L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

This Beautiful Fantastic is an incredible cinematic experience that I’ll never forget! It is a stunning movie that brings two lonely people together to enjoy the beauty of nature. I love seeing each character grow throughout the film.

This incredible film is about an aspiring author with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) named Bella (Jessica Brown Findlay). She befriends her next door neighbor, Alfred (Tom Wilkinson), when she is told she will be evicted from her house if she doesn’t tend to her garden. With the help from Alfred and Vernon (Andrew Scott), Bella’s personal chef, they try to find a way to tend to the garden and, in doing so, discover how a garden influences them.

This film has stunning visuals, character development and a spellbinding script that turns it into a cinematic masterpiece. The flowers in Alfred’s garden add to the visual appeal of the film because of its juxtaposition to Bella’s garden. The set design also creates visual appeal, with sets such as Bella’s canopy bed and the setup of the garden. The garden is what inspired the film’s title because Bella describes it as “beautiful, fantastic.” The cinematography is gorgeous as well. An example of this is when the downpour starts and a rainbow reflects over Bella’s face.

In this movie, the characters grow alongside each other. Alfred starts off as a grumpy and mean old man, but grows to be kind, gentle and treats Bella as though she is his daughter. Bella is introduced as timid and scared of nature, but she overcomes her fear when she befriends Alfred and learns to care for the garden. Throughout the movie, you also see Bella become less and less OCD. At the end, she leaves her door open versus, in the beginning she checks the door five times before leaving the house. There is also a change in Vernon. In the beginning, he is very nervous and acts as a “slave” towards Alfred. But by the end, he becomes less scared and more independent.

The music adds an ethereal effect to the movie, such as when Alfred watches Bella tend to the garden. Also, when Billy (Jeremy Irvine) shows Bella the mechanical bird, Luna, he is making. The music in this scene adds a very magical tone.

I love how eloquent the script is. An example of this is when Billy talks to Bella about a statue he is studying called The Ecstasy of Theresa. He describes it as “destroying logic with emotion.” His detail in explaining the statue shows how impactful art can be to a person.

This film demonstrates how much another person can help you thrive and adore the importance of nature. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for people ages 10 to 18 and adults will enjoy it as well. This movie comes out March 10, 2017 in theaters nation wide, so check it out.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Looking for a children’s book that will teach about diversity? Journey to Appleville is the book to read! This is a wonderful book by Veronica Appleton. 

Veronica S. Appleton, multicultural author of new children’s book, Journey to Appleville, wants to spread awareness of the importance of cultural representation and acceptance. Her beautifully illustrated children’s book, the first of the Appleville Books series, showcases the importance of friendship and acceptance for kids everywhere.

Journey to Appleville follows six kids from a local neighborhood with a common goal—to go to Appleville, overcome their fears, and receive a Golden Apple from the Appleville Fairy. Embark on their quest and follow Kenan, Tu-Tu, Pedro, Liu-Liu, Lizzy, and Cassie as they make their way to accomplishing their goals and finding the Appleville Fairy.

Children will relate to these characters and will also learn a few powerful messages about friendship and acceptance! I think one of the most important lessons a child can learn is to be kind to others and this book reinforces this important lesson.

More about the Author:

Veronica Appleton is a writer, advertising professional, educator and avid collector of children books. Passionate about philanthropy and uplifting youth, Veronica leverages her education to develop stories that address the everyday life of multicultural families. For more information, visit www.applevillebooks.com to discover the world of Appleville.

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