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Looking for an inspirational book for children? Check out Change the World Before Bedtime in its 2nd edition!

April 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment

This is a book I highly recommend especially at this time of the year! It is written in a simple rhyming type of way that is engaging with delightful illustrations. I love that it shows that the little things in life can and do make a big difference in the world. It’s truly an inspirational book just perfect for ages 4 +. Look for this book and many other delightful books at https://www.schifferbooks.com/

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the above book to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Doozers We Dig Spring! – Unique Story Lines Based On STEAM Topics

April 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Doozers: We Dig Spring! – Living at the edges of our world and right under our noses are Doozers. Just who are the Doozers? They’re green, they’re cute, they’re three inches tall, full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm they’re AWESOME! Doozers love to create, build, and innovate. Doozers are DOERS they put their ideas into action! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “The stories follow four green Doozers that love helping wildlife and building things.  Doozers are little green, cute and energetic creatures – two boys and two girls.  Each one has a unique talent. For example, one has the power of science, another has technology, the third one has engineering and the fourth one has arts and math.  All together it equals STEAM (science, technology, engineering arts and math).” See his full review below.

Doozers We Dig Spring!
By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11


I like Doozers We Dig Spring! DVD because it is very entertaining, even for an 11-year-old, like me.  This animation has very unique storylines in every episode.  

The DVD has six episodes, each about 11 minutes long. The stories follow four green Doozers that love helping wildlife and building things.  Doozers are little green, cute and energetic creatures – two boys and two girls.  Each one has a unique talent. For example, one has the power of science, another has technology, the third one has engineering and the fourth one has arts and math.  All together it equals STEAM (science, technology, engineering arts, and math).  In every adventure, they learn something new such as the stages of a butterfly, what bees like or how to work together.

My favorite episode is Oh Beehive where one of the Doozers is hungry and goes to a bakery to get something to eat.  When he is about to go inside, a storm of bees swoops in front of the bakery’s door so the owner has to shut the bakery down.  The Doozer calls his friends to come and help him.  All four Doozers together think of a genius plan so they can stop the bees and remove them from the door.  The animation is cute with vibrant colors.  The voice-overs are all by kids and their voices fit each character perfectly.  The theme song is very energetic.  Each episode is a different adventure and they don’t necessarily follow a sequence.  My favorite catch phrase they say is, “Doo, doo, doo…” and, right after that phrase, they start working together as a team to resolve a situation or to build something. 

The moral of Doozers We Dig Spring! is “teamwork makes the dream work,” because in all six episodes all four Doozers team together to solve situations or to build something and they always put their ideas together to make things happen as a team.

I give Doozers We Dig Spring! 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 18, and adults can enjoy this DVD as well. This DVD is available now so go get it before it runs out!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Floogals: Investigation Station * Funny, Original, Always Teaching Kids Ways to Explore

April 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Join the Floogals on a mission of discovery as they explore Earth and the funny “hoomans” who live there! KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like Floogals Investigation Station because it is very funny, original and creative… I like that it is not just animation, as some parts are real life graphics.  I also like that it is always teaching kids to explore and experiment in every episode.” See his full review below.

Floogals Investigation Station
By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

I like Floogals Investigation Station because it is very funny, original and creative.  It captured my attention the whole time.  I like that it is not just animation, as some parts are real life graphics.  I also like that it is always teaching kids to explore and experiment in every episode.

This DVD is about three purple lookalike aliens called Floogals – Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo and Junior Boomer.  The Floogals learn new things and report back to their boss to inform him what they have learned on Earth.  This DVD contains six episodes about experimentation, discovery and observation.  Each episode has about 11 minutes of adventure and funny situations.  One of the funniest things of this show is that the aliens call the humans “hoomans.” 

My favorite episode is “Project Popcorn.”  This episode is about the Floogals discovering a food called popcorn.  When a human accidentally lets go of the popcorn, it falls and the dog eats it, so they think it is dog food.  Later they start to realize what popcorn is.  Another one of my favorite episodes is “Project Sleep” which is about how a “hooman” girl invites her friends over for a sleepover.  The Floogals spy on the girls to see what a sleepover is all about.  The Floogals slowly learn about and process the word “sleepover,”  The Floogals do not realize that the whole time they are actually part of the sleepover.  The graphics are real live backgrounds and the Floogals are little animated aliens.  The animation is neat and very colorful.  The voiceover talent suits each character.  I like Junior Boomer’s character the most, because he is clumsy, funny, and always curious about learning new things.

The moral of this show is: don’t ever let someone stop you from doing what you desire.  Don’t allow anyone to discourage you from doing what you are capable of doing.  For example, Junior Boomer investigates this thing called “popcorn” and Captain Fleeker tries to stop him, but Junior Boomer still investigates.

I give Floogals Investigation Station 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it ages 6 to 18, plus adults.  By Ethan P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Look for these Easter goodies for the kids!

April 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Looking for something a little different for the Easter Basket this year? Foodie Surprise Yolkies and Foodie Surprise Candy Slime Eggs are sure to be hit with the kids! Foodie Surprise Yolkies would make the perfect egg-tra addition to your Easter baskets this year! Yolkies are the first collectable toy including delicious slime you can eat! Inside each Yolkies egg is a yummy candy slime ‘egg white’, gummy yolk and an adorable egg yolk character with surprise costume! With 12 Yolkies to collect in season 1, there will be an assortment of holiday Foodie Surprise Yolkies rolling out throughout the year. These are great for kids ages 6+ and can be found on Amazon and at Target! Although I wouldn’t suggest Amazon right now because shipping times are taking longer than usual!

Foodie Surprise Candy Slime Egg:

The Foodie Surprise Candy Slime Eggs are fun too! Just crack open the egg to find a whole new series of yummy candy slime.  Just like real slime, customize your candy slime with the included mystery mix-ins such as edible glitter, pastel pearls, blue crystals, and candy flowers. With 6 Candy Slime Eggs in Season 1, there will be an assortment of holiday slime eggs rolling out throughout the year. You can find these on Amazon and at Walmart! I would recommend these for over the age of 5.

Happy Easter!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Jett, April 9th Pet of the Week!

April 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Our shelter has been emptied by rescues like The Little Lion Foundation, with their Safe-Purr at Home program. One beneficiary is lovely jet-black jumpin’ Jett—he’s 2 years old, is high energy and leaps into the air when he’s playing with his toys! He’s still getting adjusted to his new digs and sometimes jumps as well when someone walks into the room too quickly. Once he’s comfy, he enjoys chin scratches and, although he pretends not to at first, a cuddle. Hobbies? Just like us stuck at home, he sits in the window and spies on the neighbors. To adopt Jett, find him on the Little Lion’s page and fill out the application at https://www.littlelionfoundation.org/adopt.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

The Story Pirates Present: Quest for the Crystal Crown

April 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment
by Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White, Illustrated by Joe Todd Stanton;
available on February 11, 2020 from Penguin Random House; Launch events planned in New York and Los Angeles

The Story Pirates are proud to announce the third in a series of middle-grade books for kids: The Story Pirates Present: Quest for the Crystal Crown, by  Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White, and illustrated by Joe Todd Stanton. Like the first two Story Pirates books — Stuck in the Stone Age and the Parents’ Choice Award-winning Digging Up Danger — this imaginative fantasy is based on an idea from a real kid (Angie Ortiz, from Rockland County, New York). The story is also a jumping-off point for an introduction to the basics of creative writing. The story: An enchanted arrow pierces the wall of Hillview–the city is under attack! Years ago, a powerful crystal crown was stolen from a group of magic-wielders called Lysors. Lacking the crown’s protection, the Lysors hid themselves behind the city walls, shut off from the rest of the world. But with danger upon them once more, can Laura, a spunky girl with a knack for adventure, journey outside Hillview…and reclaim the crystal crown? I highly recommend for ages 8-11! I think children will love the characters and the story!

The Story Pirates are a group of top comedians, musicians, best-selling authors, and world-class teachers who partner with schools to help tens of thousands of kids write original stories. Then they adapt these kids’ stories into a critically acclaimed series of books, a sold-out national tour, award-winning albums featuring guest artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the #1 podcast for kids and families. The Story Pirates Creator Club offers subscribers a host of exclusive gifts, insider offers (such as advance book purchases) and a limited-edition magazine featuring kid-created content.

Story Pirates Changemakers, the non-profit arm of the organization, have brought life-changing literacy programs to more than 500,000 students around the country. Visit Storypirates.org to learn more about Changemakers. StoryPirates.com features the latest news about the Creator Club, podcast, music, books, and performances.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

6 Super tips to keep your travel juices flowing

April 6, 2020 By Leave a Comment

It’s a weird time at the moment with almost every aspect of our lives being clouded by the uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

And if there’s one part of life in particular that’s being impacted, it’s travel.

People’s dreams of heading off to a fantastic destination to explore, unwind and have fun, have now been put on hold for the foreseeable.

But don’t be disheartened. There will come a time when you can travel far and wide once again.

Until then, here are six super tips to keep your travel juices flowing!

  1. Create a travel shortlist

Creating a shortlist of destinations is the perfect way to keep your love of travel alive. If you’re not sure where to begin, travel sites such as Culture Trip and Lonely Planet are packed full of exciting and informative content to help you choose the places that suit your tastes and personality best. With your shortlist finalised the only question is – where first?

  • Find a travel team

There’s nothing wrong with flying solo, however, you’ll find your travel dry spell is more bearable and exciting if you’ve got a group of pals to make plans with and share your enthusiasm with. So what are you waiting for? Start recruiting members for your travel team.

  • Network

Connecting with fellow travellers using a networking app such as Travello is a great idea, now more than ever. You can use these platforms to share your knowledge, tips and experiences with likeminded travellers and the in process, inspire one another to keep planning and dreaming of travelling. You might even find some suitable recruits for your travel team.

  • Look back

Looking back at your past travel escapades will help quench your thirst for travel by enabling you to relive your past experiences. Whether it’s flicking through old snaps, reading a blog or journal that you wrote or talking with friends you made during your trips, it’s a fun and reflective experience that can really lift your spirits and keep you motivated.

  • Pre-book stuff

Pre-booking stuff saves you time and money. So once you’ve chosen your destination, see what things you can book early – whether it’s attraction tickets on Trip Advisor or Miami airport parking on Looking4.com, doing so will leave you with one less thing to worry about down the line.  

  • Brush up on your lingo

If you’ve found yourself with more time on your hands lately, learning the native language of a country your interested in visiting is a fun idea. It’ll give you something exciting to focus on and keep your desire for travel burning bright. And when you’re finally able to head to your destination, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident knowing you can converse with locals in their native tongue.

It might not seem like it now but there will come a time where you can travel to your heart’s content once again. And when you do, be sure to follow or these six super travel tips and look forward to some fun-filled global adventures!

That’s our list! Share your own travel tips in the comments section.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

How dollhouses can positively impact childhood experiences

April 5, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Dollhouses, which are beautiful, miniature homes with tiny dolls are popular toys among children of all genders, though mostly little girls use them. Dollhouses can not only be quite entertaining for all children but even for adults. They are also beneficial in child growth and development since they positively aid in the development of young children. During dollhouse play sessions, children can also use symbolic representations for different objects like furniture and other accessories like potted plants. Due to the beneficial aspects of dollhouses in terms of positively impacting childhood experiences, they are a wonderful addition in your children’s playrooms.

Before, most dollhouses that were available were handmade, but with the increased demand there has been quite a mass production of these gorgeous toys. Their prices have also incredibly reduced, enabling most parents to purchase them for their children. You can get the best standardized and affordable dollhouses for your children on popular sites like We Love Dollhouses. Below is more information about how dollhouses can positively impact childhood experiences and develop their social, emotional, and intellectual skills as well as help boost their brainpower.

Enhances a child’s social skills

The dollhouse play can include dialogue between more than two different characters in the family set up. You can improve your child’s social skills by asking her to reorganize the dollhouse to accommodate more people. This will allow your child to communicate and connect with other people, make friends and learn how to work harmoniously with other people. These skills will be quite beneficial later on when your child goes to school.

When it comes to emotions, your child will be also able to learn how to process and express emotions like empathy and compassion. Once your child learns how to take care of her doll by playing with it they will be able to care for other people including their siblings and pets. As they care for their doll, children’s level of responsibility is heightened, allowing them to grow up into caring people.

Promotes creativity

Kids who play with dollhouses have to imagine various situations that occur in homes. This might include daily household activities among other tasks like dinner or playtime. Their involvement in dollhouse daily play activities carried out at home, such as playtime, bath time, mealtimes, and going to bed. Incorporating this kind of play in the dollhouse game and life helps your child to piece together different elements and important daily routines occurring in everyday life, enabling them to determine which chores are essential to maintain a home. You can also ask your child to play different roles in the family scenario that needs to be solved allowing him to control and customize a solution, therefore enhancing their creativity.

Enhances vocabulary and verbal skills

As your child learns to socialize and communicate through the dollhouse play, her vocabulary is enhanced. This will help your child to narrate situations the correct way and describe certain items and rooms. It will also teach your child how to speak respectfully to others, especially in a scenario where there are adults or elderly people involved. This is great in helping them discover how the world around them functions.

Improves a child’s imaginative abilities

The dollhouse play setup provides an avenue for your child to learn how to solve problems. By asking your children to imagine a story and possible topics or ideas that occur in a family set up, they will be able to create an imaginative picture of the scenery, people involved and imaginary narratives that happen in real life. This will help improve your child’s emotional skills by allowing him to express his feelings and thoughts allowing him to learn how to deal with different kinds of feelings every day.

It refines a child’s motor skills

Dollhouses consist of small objects that can be moved around and rearranged in different areas, For example, upgrading their dollhouse by measuring the surface area of floors in the dollhouse, decorating the dollhouses, creating room borders and measurements or using items like tiny pillows or bottle caps can be great for refining motor skills. This skill also allows your child to understand mathematical concepts which will be a heads up when he starts school.

Dollhouses provide several setups to be explored, stories to be told among many other elements. Also, since they don’t have to stick to only one component, these present an opportunity to help your child develop various skills in one setting. Simply pick from the best collection with plenty of fun accessories and get ready to keep your child’s mind occupied throughout the day.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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