Archives for October 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.

I WORKED HARD ON THAT! is a delightful story that young children will love!

As a spider, Kiara has always made webs to catch food, but one day, she discovers a web so beautiful that she’s inspired to spin a masterpiece of her own. So, Kiara starts creating, but even though she works hard on her webs, they are carelessly destroyed by others. How frustrating!

It’s not until Kiara meets Orb, a spider who eats every web he weaves, that she gains a fresh perspective: the artistic process isn’t about the destination but the journey and the friends you make along the way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robyn Wall lives in Nashville with her husband and two daughters. She is the author of the My Cool Family board book series and the picture book I Worked Hard on That!. Learn more about her work at RobynJWall.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
A. N. Kang started her career designing giftware, greeting cards, and holiday installations all over New York City. In 2016, She debuted as an author and illustrator with the picture book The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon. Since then, she has been working as a children’s book author and illustrator. Her books include My Big Bad Monster, Celebrate You! by Sherry Duskey Rinker, Squirrel’s Family Tree by Beth Ferry, and I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall. You can see more of her work online at AnnaKangDesign.com.

WHAT CAN A MESS MAKE? By Bee Johnson (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), On Sale 08/20/24, Ages 4-8): Our main characters really throw themselves into play and imagination, and their messes show readers that creativity is almost never linear or perfect. Sometimes, the best way to show joy is to make a mess.

I love how this book teaches that art doesn’t have to be perfect and that it truly is more about the process and creativity!

WE DON’T EAT OUR NEIGHBORS by Daniel J. Mahoney (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), On Sale 8/6/24, Ages 4-7): In this laugh-out-loud picture book perfect for fans of Lyle the Crocodile and Dragons Love Tacos, an alligator family runs into trouble when their son can’t seem to curb his appetite for their new human neighbors. This is such a fun book to read! Parents and children will love laughing through this story!

Take a culinary trip around the world without leaving home. A Taste of the World invites the whole family to explore new flavors and cultures through 60+ recipes tailored for cooking enthusiasts of all ages. This children’s cookbookis a carefully curated collection of recipes celebrating global cuisine and designed to be made by families with kids of all ages. Each recipe is a full meal and includes step-by-step instructions so parents can safely have their kids join in the fun while learning about other cultures through their traditional foods. The cookbook includes 64 kid-friendly recipes ranging from Pork Katsu from Japan and Vegetable Korma from India to Lamb Kebabs from Morocco and Black Bean Enchiladas from Mexico with short selections of facts from 20 different countries as well as adorable in-color illustrations of their landmarks. Each recipe includes full-color photographs of each finished dish and the steps along the way. More information: https://eat2explore.com/products/eat2explore-cookbook?_pos=1&_sid=9367ddb28&_ss=r.

Snoopy’s Guide to the Great Outdoors:

Hike, Camp, and Enjoy Nature with the Peanuts Gang

Available now!

Join Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang for an exciting, fun-filled journey into the wilderness with Snoopy’s Guide to the Great Outdoors.

Calling all Beagle Scouts, from Tenderpaws to Pros! Guided by everyone’s favorite beagle troop leader, collect Beagle Scout Badges as you learn respectful wilderness practices and master outdoor skills, from how to build a campfire and pitch a proper tent to water safety and how to leave no trace. 

Infused with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang’s wholesome, honest humor, this guide to outdoor adventures features:

• Beloved Peanuts characters like Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Pigpen, and Lucy, spotlighted in personality-specific sidebars, including Sally’s Who Cares about Camping?!, Franklin’s Camping for the Curious-Minded, and A Lesson from Linus
• Helpful tips and tricks to make any jaunt into the wild a memorable and fun experience for the whole family, from game and activity ideas to sing-a-longs and how to make the best camp treats (including s’mores!)
• Writing prompts and space to record your favorite star-gazing moments and hiking trails, the best wildlife and natural wonders you saw, your yummiest camp meals, and more!
• Campground and nature-approved, the guide features a water- and dirt-resistant coating on the cover designed to withstand the elements and compact size perfect for any sack or pack

In addition, readers can collect Beagle Scout Badges (eight total) at the end of every chapter of this wilderness guide. Each badge relates to an important outdoor lesson that is learned within each chapter, from camp cooking and how to build a campfire or pitch a tent, to safety smarts and respecting plant and animal life while adventuring in nature.

Snoopy’s Guide to the Great Outdoors is the perfect gift for young adventurers, nature enthusiasts, families, Peanuts comic strip fans, and collectors of Charles Schulz memorabilia.

I’m the biggest Snoopy fan around and I loved this book!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books for consideration in being featured as books of the week. Information and cover images were also provided.

The Last of the Sea Women follows an extraordinary band of feisty grandmother warriors waging a spirited battle against vast oceanic threats. Often called real-life mermaids, the Haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor—without oxygen —to harvest seafood for their livelihood. Today, with most Haenyeo now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and way of life are in imminent danger. But these fierce, funny, hardworking women refuse to give an inch, aided by a younger generation’s fight to revive their ancestral lifestyle through social media. Peering into what drives Haenyeo young and old, this moving documentary zeroes in on their tight-knit friendships, savvy independence, and infectious sense of empowerment, unfolding into an uplifting tale of women taking on world powers to protect their beloved ocean and inspiring a new generation.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Alma K. comments, “This documentary is beautiful, educational, and it left me wanting to learn more about the Haenyeos and their way of life.  I also love the feeling of sisterhood you get from The Last of the Sea Women.” See her full review below. 

The Last of the Sea Women

By Alma K, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

The Last of the Sea Women is a gorgeous, moving documentary about the Haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island. Haenyeos dive in the ocean harvesting marine life using just their own breath. This documentary is beautiful, educational, and it left me wanting to learn more about the Haenyeos and their way of life.  I also love the feeling of sisterhood you get from The Last of the Sea Women. 

The documentary follows the Haenyeos, divers who work in a tradition handed down from mothers and grandmothers, as they tackle two main problems. One, the lack of younger Haenyeos to help with the physically hard and dangerous work. To collect seafood, they have to hold their breath underwater for up to 2 minutes and withstand water pressure, starting from a depth of 5 meters that is like a giant blue glass pushing them down. So, when emerging, a diver must break through this “blue glass” with all their strength, repeating this effort 100-300 times per dive. Also, today there are fewer women who risk becoming a Haenyeo. This documentary explores how their way of life may go extinct. Soon-E Kim (historian, Haenyeo tradition preservation committee) says being a Haenyeo is an extremely difficult occupation particularly because it’s so dangerous, which is why there are so few now. Young Haenyeos have asked why they can’t use an oxygen mask and yet that is not the way of the Haenyeo.

The declining population of Haenyeo is concerning, but these days, no one wants to become a Haenyeo, perhaps understandably: If you try to collect too much in one dive, you’ll “eat your breath” (die). And if you go too far out to sea, the waves become much stronger. When you dive down, you can get swept too far out by the current. Death is always around the corner for Haenyeo.  Another main concern of the Haenyeo is water pollution due to rising global temperatures which have changed the ocean. Soon Deok Jang, a 72-year-old Haenyeo, says she never saw trash like styrofoam in the sea when she was young – now she sees truckloads.

Directors of photography, Iris Ng and Eunsoo Cho, created a film with powerful images and Justin Turkowski’s underwater cinematography brings this story to life – it’s stunning. Some archival film clips are included which demonstrate that the Haenyeo have been around for a long time. The Last of the Sea Women’s encourages you to be invested in what they see as their calling. And they say that, in the old days, people looked down on Haenyeos, but now they are respected for who they are. The director and producer, Sue Kim delivers a compelling story with the help of the editors, Erin Casper, Yeong-A Kim, and Stacy Kim.

The Last of the Sea Women’s purpose is to bring awareness to the Haenyeo and their plight. The film’s message is that we need to take care of our planet, including our seas. The message is also to celebrate and learn about different cultures. Near the end of the documentary we see a Haenyeo festival. One of the Haenyeo, Hee Soon Lee explains that the festival is to teach people about their culture and their livelihood so that it is not forgotten. 

I give The Last of the Sea Women 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch The Last of the Sea Women on AppleTV+ beginning October 11, 2024.

Trailer: