Archives for April 2023

New Children’s Book SWEETER than Chocolate!

Award-winning literacy company, Mrs Wordsmith has something sp-egg-tacular in its Easter basket this year: the launch of their new Children’s book, The Book of BIG Feelings!

Social Emotional Learning has never been so simple and so gentle, with the help of The Book of Big Feelings. A fun, approachable illustrated dictionary packed with words that have been thoughtfully selected by some of the world’s leading literacy experts. 

Giving children 4-8 years old the vocabulary they need to express themselves, the highly-educational and highly-hilarious dictionary builds on social and emotional learning with the help of the silly illustrations that Mrs Wordsmith is known for. With characters modeling how each feeling looks and acting out short scenarios inspired by the word, the Book of BIG Feelings helps children develop empathy and resilience, encourage inclusivity, and form positive relationships. The Book of BIG Feelings is available now at Amazon, mrswordsmith.com, Barnes & Noble, indigo.ca for $24.99 USD and $33.99 CAD.

I’m a Preschool Teacher and highly recommend this one, especially for ages 4-6!

The Indestructibles are books built for the way babies “read”: with their hands and mouths. Printed on a unique paper-like material that is nontoxic, washable, and rip-proof, they hold up against anything little ones can throw at them. With few words and eye-catching colors, these books introduce infants to the act of reading. Actress and director Olivia Wilde sums it up, short and to the point: they’re pretty “friggin’ genius.”

With the two latest installments, Indestructibles is bringing holidays to your home! Baby’s First Passover takes baby through the steps of their first Seder meal. Happy Easter takes little ones on their first egg hunt and introduces them to their new favorite character: the Easter bunny.

I absolutely love these books! Toddlers can not tear them up! I took them to my Preschool class and they still are not ripped! You can find out more here.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above books to facilitate this holiday post. Cover images were also provided.

The conclusion to #1 New York Times-bestselling–author Katherine Applegate’s fun new early reader’s series, Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy (on sale March 28, 2023) is full of adventure, wonderful humor, and charming art by Charlie Alder. And this time, the canines help Cat adjust to a big change: a new bed! This series is perfect for emerging readers, pairing adventurous friendship stories with laugh-out-loud illustrations. Not only entertaining, but this format also strengthens both print and visual literacy skills in young readers as well as overall reading comprehension as they tackle future texts. I love this story and the characters! It reminds me of when my dog was a puppy and we bought him his first bed. He really wasn’t sure of it and it took him a while to get used to it. He actually liked it better when he was in the same room as us! I highly recommend this one!

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

Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz (Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston) are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect. Murder Mystery 2 sends Nick and Audrey Spitz on a high-stakes case that finally gives them everything they’ve ever dreamed of: a shot at their detective agency finally becoming successful…and their long-awaited trip to Paris. The film is directed by Jeremy Garelick and also stars Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, with John Kani, and Dany Boon.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Calling all murder mystery lovers! Murder Mystery 2 is even more hilarious than the original and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. I love how this movie has the perfect amount of suspense and comedy to keep me both interested and entertained.” See her full review below.

Murder Mystery 2

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Calling all murder mystery lovers! Murder Mystery 2 is even more hilarious than the original and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. I love how this movie has the perfect amount of suspense and comedy to keep me both interested and entertained.

The Spitzes have now – four years after their first mystery – created their own detective agency. However, they aren’t doing as well as they had hoped, so when their old friend (from the first movie) the Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar) invites them to his wedding, they take up his offer and use it as a much-needed break. However, Nick Spitz (Adam Sandler) and Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston) seem to have bad luck on vacations, and this trip is no exception. The night before the wedding, Vik’s bodyguard gets killed and Vik gets kidnapped. So, the Spitzes must solve the mystery and get Vik back before he gets harmed!

Even though this is a sequel, it’s not necessary to watch the first movie. There are a couple characters from the old movie that reprise their role in this one, but it isn’t too important to know about their backstory to understand Murder Mystery 2. However, the first Murder Mystery is a very funny movie so I would recommend it anyway. And if you liked the first movie, you will love this one. I actually enjoyed this one more than the original because of its hysterical writing and engaging story. Although I enjoyed every single performance in this movie, the funniest performances come from Jennifer Aniston (Audrey), Adam Sandler (Nick), and Adeel Akhtar (Maharajah/Vik). The cleverness of the actors mixed with the crazy situations they find themselves in creates scenes that have so much humor. Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler have so much chemistry and throughout the movie, they seem like a genuinely married couple.

The messages of Murder Mystery 2 demonstrate the power of love and how going through difficult situations will only make it stronger and that it’s important to enjoy yourself along the way. The movie has mild profanity and violence and is rated PG-13.

Murder Mystery 3 gets5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out on Netflix on March 31, 2023.

TRAILER:

A young girl dreams of a life riding horses but can’t because of a disability. When Bridget, the reigning equestrian champion is injured, the two girls come together to learn the importance of following your dreams and never giving up.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “I really enjoyed If I Could Ride’s message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.” Kyla C. adds, “If I Could Ride is an uplifting and engaging film that’s perfect for kids, teens, families and especially horse lovers. If I Could Ride emphasizes how anyone can form a life changing bond, even if they come from different backgrounds.” Anna Clara B. wraps it up with, “This is a very emotional story, well made. The storyline is well written and the girls’ personalities are well developed.  They won my heart!…The film’s message is to never give up on your dreams; everything is possible; just try.” See their full reviews below.

If I Could Ride

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really enjoyed If I Could Ride’s message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.

The storyline follows a girl with a mobility disability who wishes she could ride horses. Another girl who is an outstanding rider gets hurt and the two girls start a friendship because they are both injured. It asks the question, “Who will step in to cover for the champion rider?”

There is more to this movie than a horse competition – the plot left me on the edge of my seat and the emotions of the girls are very relatable, especially for teenagers. The main characters are Jolie (Alexis Arnold), Bridget (Eva Igo) and Coach Jimmy (Tom Vera). Jodie has a back disability and Bridget is a champion rider, coached by Jimmy. They are all entwined in an intricate storyline that is well-planned and intriguing. The sets and locations stay true to the plot, as the action takes place mostly in the stable or the arena. My favorite part is when Jodie becomes strong enough to ride a horse. The look on her face is heartwarming and it’s rewarding to see her develop the strength and courage to ride. Sometimes, the lighting and the sound are a bit off and the camerawork is shaky at times, all of which are unsettling.

The film’s message is that friends and family are extremely important. They’ll always be there for you throughout hardships and we see that between Bridget and Jolie. It’s also about following your passions, especially when they make you happy. It promotes overcoming challenges and reminds us that we are capable of pursuing our dreams.

I give If I Could Ride 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. If I Could Ride comes out on VOD and DVD April 4, 2023.

If I Could Ride

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

If I Could Ride is an uplifting and engaging film that’s perfect for kids, teens, families and especially horse lovers. If I Could Ride emphasizes how anyone can form a life changing bond, even if they come from different backgrounds.

If I Could Ride follows Bridget Van Heusen (Eva Igo) and Jodie Davis (Alexis Arnold), two girls from completely different worlds. Bridget is a rich, talented horse rider who is constantly pressured and berated to do her absolute best and uphold the Van Heusen legacy. Jodie is a poorer girl with a physical disability that prevents her from doing many things, including walking and riding a horse, her dream in life. Bridget must navigate her family issues and her own internal struggles; while Jodie must keep a positive attitude as she takes small steps towards her dream of riding a horse. An unexpected crossing of paths leads to an unlikely friendship that might last a lifetime.

The actors’ performances in If I Could Ride are what make this film so impactful emotionally. Eva Igo amazingly portrays every emotion that Bridget is feeling. Bridget’s life is very difficult, with doubts of whether her parents love her and constant pressure to do her absolute best every time she competes on horseback. Eva Igo shows her frustration and sadness building up throughout the entire film until it reaches its breaking point. The raw emotion truly makes the film’s message so much more effective. Similarly, Alexis Arnold’s performance as the optimistic, determined and unbelievably sweet Jodie is just as important for If I Could Ride’s theme. Alexis Arnold captures Jodie’s delicate personality in a way that gives the audience someone to root for. Both actresses show their characters’ development emotionally and physically throughout the entire film. Additionally, Tom Vera’s performance as Jimmy is vital for the plot. Tom Vera embraces Jimmy’s backstory and turns him into another treasured protagonist rather than just a backup character. Jimmy could just be Bridget’s trainer and the person who cares for the horses, but he instead connects his own background to his job and Bridget’s story. The landscapes in this film are beautiful — from wide open fields to forests crowded with towering trees to horse stables, every setting is simple yet magnificent.

The theme of If I Could Ride is that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Jodie must overcome many obstacles if she wants to reach her final goal of riding a horse. If I Could Ride also shows how family life can really affect someone’s personality and feelings, as we see with Bridget and her situation. The film also focuses on forming bonds and taking steps towards good communication with people you love. There are some very sad and slightly scary moments, such as falling off of a horse and some scenes in hospitals.

I give If I Could Ride 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch If I Could Ride on DVD and VOD beginning April 4, 2023.

If I Could Ride

By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

If I could Ride is an emotional movie filled with amazing life lessons that I enjoyed.

The storyline follows two girls living in two different worlds – Jodie (Alexis Arnold) who dreams of a life riding horses but can’t because she has a physical disability and Bridgett (Eva Igo), the reigning equestrian champion. When Bridgett is injured, the two girls come together to learn the importance of following your dream and not giving up.

This is a very emotional story, well made. The storyline is well written and the girls’ personalities are well developed.  They won my heart! Jodie’s live is difficult and, with the passing of her father, her hard-working mother works even harder. Bridgett lives at a beautiful farm, rides well, and is very competitive. She is unappreciative of what she has and is mean and belittling to everyone. These two girls’ paths cross and the story follows the success of one and the failure of the other.  My favorite part is when Jodie´s mother motivates her when she’s sad. I enjoyed the soundtrack for the film, especially the voice of (name the singer here).

The film’s message is to never give up on your dreams; everything is possible; just try. 

I give If I could Ride 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and DVD April 4, 2023.

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.  Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a comedy-filled, action-packed film. Its intense build up thickens the plot as it goes on, and helps to develop an interesting, heartwarming storyline.” See her full review below.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 16

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a comedy-filled, action-packed film. Its intense build up thickens the plot as it goes on, and helps to develop an interesting, heartwarming storyline.

The film takes place in the Forgotten Realms and follows Edgin (Chris Pine), who is on an epic journey to find a long lost relic that supposedly will bring his wife and mother of his daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman) back to life. Unfortunately, while he’s gone, his long trusted friend Forge (Hugh Grant) betrays him, and Kira starts to become collateral damage. This quest completely takes over Edgin’s life, but he must stay determined in order to achieve his long term goals.

A huge standout in this film is the cinematography. Every camera angle is so strategic and well thought out, which makes everything feel so real. For instance, the scenes in the large arena feel so big and alive. The costuming is also great; every outfit is executed extremely well. Holga’s (Michelle Rodriguez) outfit really grabs my eye; every piece and every accessory is so cohesive and make her appearance really eye-catching. Lastly, it’s really refreshing how the two lead characters, Edgin and Kira have a platonic relationship. Kira is Edgin’s best friend who helped him after he lost his wife. Their dynamic is so strong and really moves the plot forward. It really contributes to women’s empowerment by showing Kira’s character as powerful and helping Edgin, rather than the other way around. She is powerful and shows that she’s capable of taking initiative.

The film’s message is to not lose sight of all the good things that are happening in the present, because you’re too focused on the future. Be aware that this film does include violence and many fight scenes.

I give Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters March 31, 2023.

Trailer:

The first day of school can be tough and for little hedgehog he has a big obstacle to overcome! Little hedgehog’s tiny fingers are bandaged from a minor accident and participating in writing lessons leaves him frustrated and sad. Then when the teacher announces that there will be an art show featuring the letter “A” that the class has been practicing, everyone is excited. Everyone but little hedgehog, who cannot write his letters because of these bandages. Feeling determined, little hedgehog decides to find a different way to write his letters using his creativity and ingenuity. Will he be able to participate in the show with his classmates? While this warm story encourages readers not to be intimidated, and to turn obstacles into advantages, it also draws attention to how diverse the paths to a solution can be. The creative solutions the little hedgehog comes up with to write his letter “A” finds will amaze even the youngest readers. I absolutely love this book! I loved the characters and the story! The illustrations are amazing! You can find it at www.schifferbooks.com

Earth Day is this month and this book is a great way to teach children about our planet in a fun way! It is a picture book that celebrates and honors the interconnectedness of everything on planet Earth, while also sending out a call to protect it. The cumulative text that builds from page to page, demonstrates the many ways nature and all of its parts are connected. THIS IS THE PLANET WHERE I LIVE also features rich, highly-detailed collages, making this book a joyous ode to our wondrous planet.

The illustrator, Debra Frasier, who just so happens to be turning 70 on the eve of the books release date in March, created the whole book during the pandemic amid many personal and professional setbacks, which she’d be happy to share with you if you’d like to speak with her. What also makes this book and Debra’s process so interesting and unique is that Debra works in a collage/cut paper art style which is bold, colorful and one-of-a-kind. Creating this book during lockdown, gave her the time she needed to collect, sort, and choose the perfect collage pieces. You can find out where to buy it here.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post. Cover images were also provided.