You are here: Home / Archives for 2023

Archives for 2023

Books of the Month of March!

March 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment
New LGBTQ+ Picture Book LINUS

Linus is trying his very best to stay in line, but everyone in Linneopolis is bent out of shape because he isn’t square enough for them. When he’s sent to an overnight camp to straighten out and build some character, Linus decides he’s had enough. He’s going to run away and find shapes that aren’t so set in their ways. But what happens when he starts to miss home? Can he convince the population of Linneopolis to open up instead of shutting down? Or are they too boxed in to hear him out?

I love this children’s book because it has such a great message for young children.

Stuart’s debut picture book Linus is fundamentally a story about self-love. Despite the world around him telling him that he is wrong for being colorful, loud, and clumsy, Linus is confident and assured in what he likes and who he is, a lovely example for young ones still figuring out who they are. Find out where to buy here.

ERIC LOVES ANIMALS: (Just Like You!) (The World of Eric Carle, on sale February 14th, ages 2-5)

Who doesn’t love Eric Carle books?! As a Preschool Teacher, I know just how popular The Hungry Caterpillar is! The 3-4-year-olds in my class are obsessed with the story! Actually, I am a big fan of many of his books so I was quite delighted to hear about this new one! On February 14th, The World of Eric Carle published the most complete collection of the beloved artist’s animal illustrations to date, ERIC LOVES ANIMALS (JUST LIKE YOU!) (Hardcover, ages 2-5). The book, an interactive, alphabetized guide to the animal kingdom, features 176 pages of sketches, drawings, paintings, sculptures, and collages, including dozens of unpublished pieces from Eric’s collection, narrated simply yet elegantly in Eric’s own words. Fan-favorites, like the famous Hungry Caterpillar and Grouchy Ladybug, sit alongside never-before-seen hippos, ostriches, and jellyfish. Peek-through holes, gatefolds and other surprises make ERIC LOVES ANIMALS the perfect gift for budding young readers, nature and art fans, and anyone who grew up with Carle’s timeless characters.

About The World of Eric Carle

The World of Eric Carle is based on Eric Carle’s beloved picture books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  The brand’s mission is to nurture a child’s love of literature and learning, encouraging imaginative play and exploration. Trusted by parents, teachers and librarians and beloved by children worldwide for generations, the The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other timeless storybooks come to life in colorfully creative books and products designed to inspire very hungry young minds.

And, yes! The first thing I did when I received the book was to look for The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

ERIC LOVES ANIMALS

(Just Like You!)

World of Eric Carle | On Sale 2/14/2023 |Ages 2-5

Hardcover | 9780593224366 | $29.99

Find out where to buy here.

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

Filed Under: Media Reviews

  Experience the Magic of Broadway in Long Beach with Musical Theatre West’s “An American In Paris,” April 14 – 30

March 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment
An American in Paris. Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton/The Observer

Musical Theatre West (MTW), Long Beach’s premier theater company, will make musical magic with its spring show, An American in Paris. Known for its Broadway-caliber productions, MTW is excited to debut the latest rendition of the 1951 movie musical for the first time on the West Coast. Audiences can experience An American in Paris on select nights from April 14 – April 30, and are invited to celebrate the official opening night on Saturday, April 15. Tickets range from $20 – $125 each and are available by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org.

“Our goal at Musical Theatre West is always to bring the brilliance of Broadway to our local community and beyond, without having to travel to New York,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director and Producer of Musical Theatre West. “Our production of An American in Paris is going to be a classic silver-screen musical come to life- mixing theater, jazz, ballet, and more for one phenomenal performance.”

Originally a jazz-influenced orchestral piece by American composer George Gershwin that was first performed in 1928, this version of the An American in Paris musical is inspired by the Academy Award-winning hit 1951 movie of the same name that starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. An American soldier, an alluring French woman, and an indomitable European city each yearn for a new beginning in the aftermath of World War II. MTW’s An American in Paris will feature an enchanting score by George and Ira Gershwin, a fresh, sophisticated book by Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas, and stunning choreography from tap to ballet that will sweep audiences off their feet!

MTW’s production will be helmed by Jeffry Denman as both Director and Choreographer, who has worked on Broadway, off-Broadway, and regionally on both traditional and more experimental works for over 20 years as an actor, singer, dancer, director, and choreographer. His credits include the cast of CATS, The Producers, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and more. Denman has previously led award-winning productions of An American in Paris in Ogunquit, Maine in 2018 and Wichita, Kansas in 2019, and will bring his dazzling direction and captivating choreography to life on the West Coast for the first time. Music Direction will be provided by David Lamoureux, who has been creating music and theater on stages and in recording studios around the globe for over 20 years. Lamoureux’s MD credits include Spamalot (3-D Theatricals), Once (California Center For The Arts), and multiple previous Musical Theatre West productions.

“With a production like this I can’t imagine having a separate director and choreographer because the dancing is so much a part of the piece,” said Denman. “It is so infused into nearly every moment they become very hard to divorce from each other. I find that the vision all coming from one source makes the piece consistent.”

The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is designed for every seat to have a great view, so audiences can stay on budget and still experience the grand magic of Musical Theatre West’s An American in Paris. With tickets starting as low as $20 and $15 rush tickets available for all students, MTW is accessible, affordable, and delivers Broadway-caliber performances on par with the top theater companies across the nation.

“An American in Paris is a beautiful, enchanting story and appropriate for all ages, so we encourage people from all walks of life to enjoy an extraordinary experience at the theater,” continued Garman. “Even if you’ve never been to the theatre, ours will be a great first experience. Everyone is welcome at MTW!”

Musical Theatre West’s production of An American in Paris will premiere at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on select dates, April 14 – April 30, 2023, with a special ASL Interpreted Performance on Friday, April 21. Tickets start at $20 – $125, and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office 1 hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

An American in Paris by Musical Theatre West

April 14 – April 30, 2023, select dates

Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Tickets $20 – $125, Purchase here

Student Rush tickets $15 at Box Office

Credit: MUSICAL THEATRE WEST.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

Three New Exhibitions Opening at Laguna Art Museum March 2023

March 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Shepard Fairey, Make Art Not War, 2019 Ed. 1/19 from Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey

Laguna Art Museum will present three new exhibitions opening in March, Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey, Unseen Ties: The Visual Collection of Sherman Library & Gardens and Outlook/Insight: The LCAD Effect. 

“Our team has created three exciting opportunities to experience California as a place where cutting-edge artists uphold the values of our shared culture. These experiences range from the socially conscious and impactful work of globally renowned artist Shepard Fairey, to the creative and intellectual surge of a new generation of artists from the Laguna College of Art and Design and, in partnership with Sherman Library and Gardens, discovering a little-known collection of artworks that speak to how artists in the first half of the 20th century interacted with and conceptualized the significance of coastal Orange County,” said Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum.

Opening on March 11 and on view until June 4, 2023, Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey features a selection of key works that highlight how Fairey has developed an intentionally accessible visual style that speaks broadly by pulling from visual history to address critical issues. The show is a celebration of Fairey’s 30 years as an artist featuring works that range back as far as three decades. Many of the works depict the struggle of oppression as a human experience. 

The title Facing the Giant references the giant of Fairey’s early stickers of Andre the Giant, which generated over a million copies distributed around the world. The title also references the giant issues and forces he confronts through his art. 

Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey was organized by the Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA, in association with OBEY GIANT ART. This exhibition has been generously supported by The Segerstrom Foundation and Lori and Harley Bassman. 

On March 18, the museum will present Unseen Ties: The Visual Collection of Sherman Library & Gardens. A special partnership between Sherman Library & Gardens and Laguna Art Museum brings the legendary collection out of the library for the first time. Each artwork in Sherman Library’s fine art collection is an opportunity to make connections between past and present, tell a tale of local lore and notoriety and see the ties that weave California’s coastal and artistic communities together. Unseen Ties correlates the culture of Southern California with its storied history of art collecting, featuring artists Rex Brandt, Phil Dike, Anna Althea Hills, Clarence Hinkle, Edgar Payne and William Wendt. The exhibition will be on view until June 4, 2023. Unseen Ties: The Visual Collection of Sherman Library & Gardens is presented in partnership with the Sherman Library & Gardens and is organized by guest curator Meg Linton and Director of the Sherman Library Jill Thrasher.

Opening on March 25 and on view through May 21, Laguna Art Museum will present Outlook/Insight: The LCAD Effect, a sampling of the artwork from the 2023 Master of Fine Art graduates from Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). Outlook/Insight implies that mindful engagement with the outer visible world builds personal insights. These artists skillfully express, not only how things look, but also what they can make you feel. Both the rational and the poetic are made apparent to the viewer who takes time to observe and reflect. Outlook/Insight: The LCAD Effect is presented in partnership with the Laguna College of Art and Design.

For more information about Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey, Unseen Ties: The Visual Collection of Sherman Library & Gardens and Outlook/Insight: The LCAD Effect at Laguna Art Museum, visit lagunaartmuseum.org. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Linda, March 16th Pet of the Week

March 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment

You might be thinking, “Why is Linda surrounded by pumpkins when it’s almost Easter?” Answer: to show that she’s been in the shelter at least since October—in fact, she entered in the middle of an August night when a couple of Long Beach Animal Care Services officers found her and another dog tied up at the main entrance gate! Linda’s been at the shelter for the better part of a year, and this is no fate for such an adorable, friendly girl. As you may have heard, our shelter is literally overflowing with dogs, and some of them may not make it out of there at all. So please, consider this girl! She deserves you! Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). You can email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process for adopting or fostering Linda. Ask for ID#A682262.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

GoodPop launches “dipped” dessert bars are a must-try!

March 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment
These are delicious!

Looking for delicious non-dairy ice cream dessert bars? GoodPop has you covered! These are so good that the samples I received did not last more than a week in my house!

 GoodPop®, the award-winning better-for-you frozen treat brand that exists to do good in the world, continues its mission to “clean up” classic frozen treats by launching its first line of fudgy oatmilk-based frozen dessert bars.

The four new treats—Fudge n’ Vanilla Crunch, Double Chocolate Fudge, Fudge n’ Caramel Crunch, and Mint n’ Fudge Chip—are either dipped in chocolate fudge or include fudge chips. Creamy and indulgent, these bars are just like the classic ice cream truck favorites but are non-dairy and gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, 130 calories or less, and made with organic and fair trade ingredients.

It wasn’t easy to pick a favorite but if I have to select one it would be the Fudge n’ Vanilla Crunch! I will definitely be buying this the next time I go to the store!

GoodPop’s fudgy bar lineup includes: 

·  Fudge n’ Vanilla Crunch: Nothing “vanilla” about it, this creamy oatmilk bar is a classic combination with smooth, decadent vanilla filling dipped in an irresistible chocolate fudge shell. Topped with organic cacao nibs, this frozen treat delivers a satisfying (and allergen-friendly) crunch.

·  Double Chocolate Fudge: Silky, chocolate oatmilk filling gets dipped into a rich, fudgy chocolate shell for a dairy-free treat that’s nothing short of indulgent. And hint: serving size is two pops for double the goodness. 

·  Mint n’ Fudge Chip: This 80-calorie pop was “mint” to be! Sweet and minty,  made with organic peppermint leaves, this creamy mint oatmilk dessert bar has fair trade cocoa chips in every bite.

·  Fudge n’ Caramel Crunch: Take a beat and dive into the salty-sweet decadence of this chocolate and caramel oatmilk pop. Creamy salted caramel filling sweetened with fair trade molasses and organic cane sugar gets covered in a super fudgy coating, dotted with crunchy organic cacao nibs.

The bars come with four in a box and the suggested retail price is $5.99. They are available now at Sprouts Farmers Market, Publix Super Markets, and online at GoodPop.com. The bars will roll out in Whole Foods Market and other natural and conventional retailers across the country in the coming months. For a local store locator, click here.

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

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Aquarium’s International Children’s Festival March 18 & 19

March 13, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Photo credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s eighteenth annual International Children’s Festival is a special festival for kids. Celebrating the amazing talents of children, this festival features cultural presentations and performances by children. West African dance, martial arts performances, a drum circle, Mexican folk dance, Irish dance, Korean dance, origami, Cambodian dance, Pacific Islander performances, and Persian music and art are included in the programming. The Aquarium will also honor a local youth with its annual Young Hero Award in recognition of the student’s efforts to make our planet a better place.

WHEN:           Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            Included with general admission: $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required

INFO:              (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/international_childrens_festival/

FESTIVAL

SPONSORED BY: 

CLBD new logo.jpg

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific,

Filed Under: Featured Events

Creed III * A Thrilling Movie That Lives Up To Expectations And Definitely Makes A Mark For Michael B Jordan

March 13, 2023 By Leave a Comment

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose. Creed III is the third installment in the successful franchise and is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N. comments, “Creed III is a movie that is carried by its acting. With a combination of seasoned and up-and-coming actors, the scenes are more meaningful than ever. In his directorial debut, Michael B. Jordan stars in a movie that had me invested from the start, through to the very end.” Emma D. adds, “Creed III is a thrilling movie that lives up to expectations and definitely impressed me. However, due to its thrilling fight scenes and serious topics, it may be a difficult watch for younger kids.” See their full reviews and interviews below.

  

Creed III

Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Creed III is a movie that is carried by its acting. With a combination of seasoned and up-and-coming actors, the scenes are more meaningful than ever. In his directorial debut, Michael B. Jordan stars in a movie that had me invested from the start, though to the very end.

After officially retiring from boxing, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been focusing on his family and his career as a businessman. When he is greeted unexpectedly by his childhood friend Dame (Jonathan Majors), a former boxer who spent 18 years in prison, Adonis is also reminded of his tough past. Dame is insistent on getting another chance to box, enlisting Adonis for help. When Adonis realizes there is more to Dame’s plan than just boxing again, he is forced to face him in a battle that is more than just a fight.

Creed III focuses on its main plot and doesn’t rely on subplots to move the story forward. There are ideas introduced in the movie that could’ve become more significant elements such as Amara’s school situation, but instead, it sticks to the primary conflict, making it easy to follow along with the storyline. The dynamic between Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors creates a sense of tension within the movie and creates a much larger reaction when there are plot twists, which there are. Adonis and Bianca’s (Tessa Thompson) daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent) is such a good addition to the storyline, and her character creates a feeling of love that is palpable. Having the entire family understanding sign language and using that to communicate brings them closer together, which translates to the audience. Creed III is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, and the setup of this movie conveys its message incredibly well. In the final fight scene, we see Adonis and Dame in the ring alone – symbolizing the two being together since their childhood, as brothers. Neither of them can believe their relationship has come to the point where they are here, against each other. This scene shows the vulnerability of both characters and provides both points of view. The fight choreography, the silence of the scene, the visual effects, and deeper meaning make the final fight one to remember.

The primary message of Creed III is that the only way to resolve a conflict is to face it, rather than run away from it. Even though Adonis is scared to face his past because of his guilt, he realizes that facing it is the only way to truly move on. There are some profanity and violent scenes within the movie, which explains its PG-13 rating.

Creed III gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find Creed III in theaters on March 3, 2023. Make sure you check it out!

Creed III

By Emma D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Creed III is a thrilling movie that lives up to expectations and definitely impressed me. However, due to its thrilling fight scenes and serious topics, it may be a difficult watch for younger kids.

Creed III takes place seven years after Creed II and follows Adonis Creed (Michael B Jordan) as a retired boxer and a father to his daughter Amara (Mila Davis Kent). Everything changes when a childhood friend resurfaces and brings back problems from Adonis’s past, which makes Adonis question everything.

Michael B. Jordan is undoubtedly the best part of the movie. Creed III is his directorial debut and it’s a great start to what I believe will be an amazing directing career. Since I hadn’t seen the first two films in this series I was concerned that I wasn’t going to understand the plot, but Creed III stands on its own and references the first two films without giving anything away. The movie is captivating and is beautifully shot. Jordan makes clear distinctions between good and bad with both costume design and cinematography. Kramer Morgenthau’s cinematography is beautiful, especially in the fight sequences. The relationship between Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) and Damien (Jonathan Majors) is super compelling, but a little predictable. One thing that is lacking is the backstory about why Damien went to jail, which made me wonder what really happened.  The movie is centered on boxing and can get a little violent. It’s actually a lot more violent than I expected and there were many times when I had to look away. 

Creed III promotes self-confidence and communicating with people you love. It also emphasizes not using physical violence in difficult situations, which is important in a movie that revolves around fighting.  There is a lot of profanity used and many violent and graphic fight scenes. The film also covers serious topics including death, abuse and prison.

I give Creed III 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters March 3, 2023.

Trailer:

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Outer Banks: Season 3 * Filled With treasure Hunting, Close Escapes, Daring Rescues And Romance

March 11, 2023 By Leave a Comment

After losing the gold and fleeing the Outer Banks, Season 3 finds the Pogues washed ashore on a desert island that, for a brief moment, seems like an idyllic home. Officially deemed “Poguelandia,” the island’s newest residents spend their days fishing, swimming, and reveling in the carefree lifestyle of their temporary dwelling. But things quickly go south for John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ, and Cleo when they find themselves once again caught up in a race for the treasure, quite literally running for their lives. They’re broke and far from home, they can’t trust anyone, Ward and Rafe are hungry for revenge, and there’s a ruthless Caribbean Don who will stop at nothing to find the bounty. Was the treasure ever within their reach? Or was it all a trap to stop them once and for all? Either way, it’s the Pogues against the world – and the only way out is together.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “The third season of the teen (and adult) adventure series, Outer Banks, is back and even more action-packed! This season is filled with loads of treasure hunting, close escapes, daring rescues and romance. I love how much the plot and characters change from the previous seasons.” See her full review and Interview with  Chae Stokes and Rudy Pankow below.

Outer Banks: Season 3

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

The third season of the teen (and adult) adventure series, Outer Banks, is back and even more action-packed! This season is filled with loads of treasure hunting, close escapes, daring rescues and romance. I love how much the plot and characters change from the previous seasons.

The story of the Pogues continues as the show picks up right where it left off with John B (Chase Stokes), JJ (Rudy Pankow), Kiara (Madison Bailey), Sarah (Madelyn Cline) and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) stranded on an uninhabited island they’ve named “Poguelandia.” But once they get rescued from the island, things go south. And the search for treasure isn’t nearly over yet.

Since this is the third season of Outer Banks, I highly recommend watching the previous seasons to things make sense. Fans of previous seasons will love this as there are many high stakes chases and unexpected plot twists. This season doesn’t get old and keeps you very engaged. The cast of this show is extremely talented. The best performances come from Chase Stokes (John B), Charles Hanford (Big John) and Andy McQueen (Mr. Singh). Chase Stokes’ character goes through a lot emotionally, especially in this season, and he makes it very believable and realistic. We hadn’t seen very much of Charles Hanford as Big John in the first two seasons, so it is very entertaining and surprising to get to know him more and see what kind of person he is. Mr. Singh is a new character this season, but his character fits in with the plot super well. Andy McQueen perfectly portrays him. I can really sense his background and feel what his past is even though we never see it.

The messages of this show, similar to seasons one and two, are that family can be chosen, change happens and should be accepted, and mistakes are okay because they are a part of life. Additionally, it shows how powerful love from friends is. Be aware that there is some profanity, violence and many risky things the kids do that are dangerous.

Outer Banks: Season 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out on Netflix on February 23, 2023.

Trailer:

Filed Under: Media Reviews
« Previous Page
Next Page »