Archives for October 16, 2024

From Halloween to bullying prevention, our October picks cover a wide variety of seasonal topics. Here are some great books to cozy up to with your kiddos.

Sophie and the Swans

By Holly Peppe

Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully, but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake. A heartwarming children’s book that tackles important themes of kindness, empathy, and bullying prevention. Ages 3-8.

Kloe’s New Start

By K.M. Selvidge

Kloe can’t wait to get started at her new school… but when her brother Wreny starts acting out, will she end up stuck in his shadow? Or will she be able to make her own way and make others see her for who she truly is? A heartwarming tale that teaches kids about making friends, feeling included and learning to be your own person. Ages 8-12.

The Legend of the Serpent Witch

By F.P. LaRue

Just in time for Halloween comes a new Scary Shivers Mystery adventure where young readers can solve mysteries alongside Ollie, Mellie and Scotty. In the third edition, they stumble upon clothing in the woods that belongs to a group of boys who went missing. Through their quest to find the missing kids, they encounter an evil witch who casts scary spells and wicked curses on the whole town! Ages 9-12

The Fly Who Flew to Space

By Lauren Sanchez

Flynn is a fly with big dreams of becoming an astronaut. One day, he stumbles onto a rocket ship that takes off! Follow Flynn on an exciting journey to space to learn more about our planet.

A celebration of overcoming challenges, the joy of learning and dreaming beyond the stars. Kids will especially love that the book glows in the dark and includes a free poster. Ages 3-8.

Ava the Monster Slayer: Sleepover Superheroes

By Lisa Maggiore

At their school’s sleepover event, Ava and her friends must rescue their beloved stuffies after they’ve been taken by a group of older girls. But that means they must enter the school hallways, rumored to be haunted with ghosts and mythical creatures! This imaginative graphic-novel style picture book keeps youngsters on the edge of their seats while showing them how to face their fears. Ages 6-10.

Self Disclosure: research was compiled from Expound Publicity. 

LEGO bricks tell the life story of singer/songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams — from his childhood in Virginia to his success in the music and fashion industry. Piece By Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “This film is such an innovative approach to the music-documentary genre as it tells Pharrell Williams’ life story in the form of LEGO bricks. I absolutely love the music, colors, visuals, storytelling, and so much more.” See her full review below.

Piece by Piece 

By Zoë C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Piece by Piece is the perfect addition to the LEGO movie franchise. I was so excited for this film since the LEGO movies hold a special place in my heart. I not only grew up playing with LEGOs, and The LEGO Ninjago Movie was my first ever press interview! I love that all the LEGO movies have been so diverse and different. This film is such an innovative approach to the music-documentary genre as it tells Pharrell Williams’ life story in the form of LEGO bricks. I absolutely love the music, colors, visuals, storytelling, and so much more.

The film follows the traditional documentary formula — it starts off examining Pharrell’s beginnings. He discovered music at a very young age and instantly felt a strong connection with music beyond just listening to it. He started a band with his friend Chad Hugo who was just as passionate about music; they called themselves the Neptunes. When a record label moved in across the street from them, Pharrell insisted on being heard, and eventually he was. From there his career skyrocketed. He eventually lost himself and his touch as he became obsessed with creating music for people rather than making music for himself. When he reconnected with his sense of self, his career once again went above and beyond. It was Pharrell’s idea to utilize LEGOs to tell his story, which I think is such a great choice. The beauty of using LEGOs is that it’s free to interpret in any way, and the animators were free to create any world imaginable. The LEGO animation is perfect. I love the sets and other visual creations. Pharrell William is a very important person in the music industry, and I think the choice of LEGOs emphasizes how unique and special his story is. So many other artists have also been a part of his journey — Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Snoop Dog, and many other artists. The cast is incredible and they all voice themselves. Of course, one of the most important aspects of this film is the score. This film takes us back in time with some of Pharrell’s greatest hits. Director Morgan Neville captivates the essence of Pharrell’s story while making it interesting, fresh, and new for the audience through a completely mesmerizing cinematic experience.

The film’s message is that you can reach any goal you strive for with hard work and perseverance.

I give Piece by Piece 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  You can watch Piece by Piece in theaters October 11, 2024.