Archives for March 2022

This spring, Simon & Schuster is publishing Jessie Sima’s eagerly-anticipated companion to the bestselling Not Quite Narwhal, PERFECTLY PEGASUS (3/29/22)! Not Quite Narwhal has become a beloved read for thousands of children since it was published in 2017. So much so, that not only was it a New York Times bestseller, it’s also being adapted into a television series with DreamWorks and Netflix!

In this gorgeous companion picture book, readers will meet Nimbus, who has always lived among the clouds. She’s a pegasus, after all, and the sky is where she belongs. She is one of a kind. And when she wants a friend, all she has to do is look up—and talk to the stars. Only…they don’t really talk back. The clouds don’t, either. And sometimes, being the only pegasus can be a little…lonely? So she decides to find a fallen star to make a wish on—and wishes for friends who are just like her. Along the way she meets a Unicorn named Kelp, and a host of other creatures…who might just open her eyes to something other than what’s up in the sky.

Like Jessie’s previous books, PERFECTLY PEGASUS has that magical combination of humor and heart that’s made Jessie so tremendously popular. With gentle spirit and affirmation, this stunning read is attentive to the feelings of its young readers, delivering a story that is joyful and uplifting.

This truly is a beautiful children’s book with a delightful story and amazing illustrations! I highly recommend it!

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to facilitate this spotlight post. A cover image was also provided.

A young couple from Mexico decides to come to the U.S. in search of the “American Dream” — illegals in a foreign country, no family, no friends. They are forced to confront the choices they have made.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “Por Mi Hija is a gripping, evocative film; it does its part to encourage dialogue about immigration and the journeys of illegal immigrants to the U.S. while greatly entertaining audiences. The film’s cinematography further enhances the engaging storyline.” See his full review and interview with director, Fernando Rodriguez below.

Por Mi Hija

By Eshaan M, age 16, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Por Mi Hija is a gripping, evocative film; it does its part to encourage dialogue about immigration and the journeys of illegal immigrants to the U.S. while greatly entertaining audiences. The film’s cinematography further enhances the engaging storyline.

Por Mi Hija follows Leo (Christopher Bustos) and Emma (Daniela Vidaurre), a newlywed couple from the small town of Jalostotitlán, Mexico. Leo’s friend helps him get a job in Fresno, California, and the two head north as illegal immigrants to start a new life.  Soon they must confront the reality that their new life in America isn’t all that it’s cut out to be.

The acting, cinematography, and storyline of the film all come together to make Por Mi Hija a unique experience. The film jumps back and forth in time, using color and light to indicate these shifts. Director Fernando Rodriguez ensured this isn’t disorienting to audiences; rather, he keeps viewers interested throughout the hour-long feature film. Rodriguez also wrote the script, which contains a melodious mix of Spanish (about 90%) and English (about 10%). Bustos, Vidaurre, and young Luciana Elisa Quiñonez, who plays the character of the same name, deliver their lines with beautiful conviction. Their eyes speak just as they do, and their body language syncs up perfectly with the mood of the scene. The cinematography is remarkable as well; especially towards the beginning and during tense scenes—the use of light and framing of scenes adds layers to the film.

Por Mi Hija promotes staying together despite difficulties, taking risks, never running from challenges, and, at its heart, the film’s all about empathy: empathy for immigrants, yes, but also for all those around you. Por Mi Hija contains racism, blood, slight profanity, and alcohol.

I give Por Mi Hija 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Por Mi Hija is available now on digital and DVD.

Niah, Ari, Ellie and Jax are members of  Team Zenko Go, a secret squad of stealthy do-gooders who harness the art of distraction to perform anonymous acts of kindness for the unknowing residents of Harmony Harbor. These four kids have been taught by their mentor, Auntie Yuki, a special set of skills that allow them to do good deeds (or Zenkos) for others, making their town the happiest in the world. Like Auntie Yuki says “when we help people without them knowing, they start to think that the world is just a nicer place.”

Team Zenko Go

Giana Nesmith, KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Team Zenko Go is a positive children’s series that shows kids that you don’t need to be a superhero to do something good. And that even though you might not agree on the same things as other kids, you can problem-solve to figure things out.  

Team Zenko Go focuses on a group of kids named Niah (Nakai Takawira), Jax (Dominic Mariche), Ellie (Penelope Good), and Ari (Hartley Bernier), who live in a town called Harmony Harbor. Together, they are Team Zenko. The people who live in Harmony Harbor think their town is the happiest place on Earth, and it’s all because of Team Zenko, who, in their free time, devote themselves to anonymously doing good deeds. The best Zenkos are the ones that are kept secret.

What makes this show unique is that the kids aren’t doing good deeds for fame and glory. They are doing it just to be nice and to help out. In fact, this is probably my favorite aspect of the show. Another thing I like about this show is the diversity. For example, Ari is in a wheelchair which demonstrates that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish things you would be able to do without it. My favorite character is Ari because he is optimistic and intelligent for his age. For example, in episode one, when Ari messes up his first mission, he gets kicked out of the team. But he uses his intelligence to figure out that it was all a test for him to prove he is worthy to be on Team Zenko. In most of the episodes when something goes wrong, Ari thinks positively and finds a way to get the job done.

The message of Team Zenko Go is that when good things happen to you, you are more likely to do good things for others, and that just makes everyone happy. The series is completely family-friendly.

Team Zenko Go is an amazing show for kids to watch with their families. I give Team Zenko Go 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 4 to 10. Parents will also enjoy watching it with their kids. This show is available to watch on Netflix starting March 15, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

The raucous exploits of a blended family of 12, the Bakers, as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing their family business. Paul and Zoey Baker are a married couple at the head of a large blended family in this reboot of the 1950 original film.  Together, they parent ten kids – some of which each brought into the marriage, some they have together. They also bring their ex-spouses into the mix, including flighty part-time babysitter Kate and wealthy former pro-baller Dom. Paul is White; Zoey is Black; their kids are White, Black, or mixed race — a blend that offers its own challenges in today’s culture. When the Bakers are offered a substantial sum of money to launch a line of sauces and franchise their breakfast place, they take the money and upgrade their lives, but their new lifestyle makes some things more complicated than expected.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Hilarious, chaotic family fun is headed your way as the Bakers return in this highly-anticipated reboot of Cheaper by the Dozen. The film is a modern twist on the original, with a more diverse cast, relatable characters, current world issues, new family adventures and craziness.” See her full review below.

Cheaper by the Dozen

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Hilarious, chaotic family fun is headed your way as the Bakers return in this highly-anticipated reboot of Cheaper by the Dozen. The film is a modern twist on the original, with a more diverse cast, relatable characters, current world issues, new family adventures and craziness. No matter your age, gender, or race you are sure to find someone you can connect to.

Cheaper by the Dozen is a reboot of the 2001 film of the same name, featuring the Bakers who are a family of 12. It follows parents, Zoe Baker (Gabrielle Union) and Paul Baker (Zach Braff), as they try to balance home life, taking care of their blended multiracial, talented family all while running the family business. Zach is faced with trying to expand the family business and still make time for his family, while Zoe deals with racism in their new neighborhood and constant criticism for having 12 children. It’s an all-around struggle of understanding, accepting change, and family.

One of the biggest differences with this reboot is the diverse cast. It really shows how people from all backgrounds can co-exist. The premise of the show is similar to the original, but with a twist:  Mr. Baker has an opportunity to expand on the family restaurant, and Zoe stays home to manage the family and the chaos while he travels. All of which leads to plenty of hilarious scenes. I love the updates in the film, especially some of the references such as the Black Lives Matter sign in the window of the first Baker house. Even the dogs’ names, ‘Bark Obama’ and ‘Joe Bitten’ are creative. My favorite scene from this film is when Seth Baker (Luke Prael) helps his cousin Haresh Baker (Aryan Simhadri) by teaching him skills to avoid getting bullied at school. It’s great to see how the family comes together to support each other.

The message of Cheaper by the Dozen is that change can be difficult, and everyone will react to it differently even to the point where it causes issues among family members. But we must accept that we are all different and need to work together to be successful and truly happy in life. The Bakers are the perfect example of how people so different from each other are still able to live and work together. The only things for parents to look out for are short scenes where the parents are intimate, mentions of serious topic like racism and some mentions of ‘teenager’ issues.

I give Cheaper by the Dozen 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 10 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Cheaper by the Dozen on Disney+ starting March 18, 2022.