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Valentine’s Day Books for the Kids!

February 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment
A timeless Valentine’s picture book from Nicola Killen

From the beloved author-illustrator of the My Little Animal Friend picture book series, comes a new adorable story about Valentine’s Day and puppy love. THE LITTLE PUPPYis a tenderly told, gorgeously illustrated story about when Grandma comes for a special Valentine’s visit with her puppy Milo (Paula Wiseman | Available since Dec. 2024).

Nicola’s characteristic “understated charm” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review for The Little Reindeer) shines with this heart-warming bedtime story’s limited color illustrations accented with lovely red foil and interactive die cut pages. The Little Puppy is a cozy picture book sure to be an instant classic and perfect to share with your loved ones on Valentine’s.

Keith Baker’s bestselling Peas Series – Valentine’s Day Edition!

With a delightful new holiday spin, the Peas series is back with 4 new books: Hap-Pea Valentine’s Day, Hap-Pea Easter, Hap-Pea Halloween, and Hap-Pea Holidays.  HAP-PEA VALENTINE’S DAY goes on sale December 3rd and is the perfect addition to show off the love and cheer of the holiday (Beach Lane Books).

It’s Valentine’s Day, and there are lots of hap-pea hearts for the peas to give away. From frilly hearts and silly hearts to growing hearts and glowing hearts, there’s plenty of love to go around. Will you join the peas in giving away some valentines? Any kind will do… Every hap-pea heart says, “I Love You!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith Baker has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books for young children, including the New York Times bestselling LMNO Peas, 1-2-3 Peas, Little Green Peas, Hap-pea All Year, LMNO Pea-quel, My Octopus Arms, and No Two Alike. He lives in Seattle.

Who loves Dragon?

Sharing is Caring Dragon (the BRAND NEW Dragon story) –

 Dragon is on her way to the library to return the books she borrowed and check out her favorite book. But when she gets to the bookshelf, she realizes that the book she wants isn’t there! Sir Fiero has checked it out and is starting to read it when Dragon grabs it out of his hands. Will Dragon learn to be patient and wait her turn to read the book?Who Loves the Dragon (board book edition!)

– In this adventure, Dragon is wide awake and getting ready to celebrate one of the kingdom’s most important events of the year: the Friendship Festival!

Dragon Love Cards – These 25 Valentine’s Day cards, which come with envelopes, are the perfect way to say I love you! Each card features adorable illustrations of Dragon and her friends, as well as room for children to personalize with a drawing or heartfelt message.

  • How to Catch a Loveosaurus by Alice Walstead, illustrated by Andy Elkerton (hardcover; $10.99; ages 4 to 8) —A group of kids tries to catch the elusive and adorable Loveosaurus, who always spreads love and kindness.
  • Why We Celebrate Valentine’s Day by Shannon Anderson, Med, illustrated by Alyssa De Asis (hardcover/paperback; $15.99/$9.99; ages 6 to 9) — Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun of Valentine’s Day.
  • Don’t Push the Button: Tons of Love by Bill Cotter (board book; $8.99; ages 0 to 3) — Larry the monster has spotted a heart-shaped button. You probably shouldn’t push it.
  • I Love to Watch You Grow! by Sesame Workshop and Erin Guendelsberger, illustrated by Marybeth Nelson (hardcover; $12.99; ages 3 to 7) — Love is blooming on Sesame Street! Celebrate your little one as they grow more and more each day while introducing them to themes of sustainability!

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

Filed Under: Media Reviews

New Year, New Reads! February’s Book Picks!

February 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Diane Clarcq & Landon Gaboury – Winston Travels to America

https://www.amazon.com/Winston-Travels-America-Diane-Clarcq/dp/B0DGMCFL73/
 

Embark on an adventure with Winston as he leaves his childhood home to seek excitement on the high seas and thrills in the New World. Unexpected new friends await him as Winston travels to America. Filled with inquisitive adventures and the power of companionship, this tale will show children that sometimes we can find friendship with someone completely different from ourselves.

When I Can’t See You by Dr. Haley T. Arias

https://www.amazon.com/When-I-Cant-See-You/dp/B0DPRCTWST

A poignant take on where to look when grief seems too big for our little ones, When I Can’t See You sparks conversations about navigating loss. Dr. Haley T. Arias hopes to foster a sense of imagination in children as they search for their own answers throughout the confusion of their loss

People Have Pets by Dave Schwartz

https://mascotbooks.com/product/people-have-pets/

Pets are special friends who come in all shapes and sizes. People Have Pets takes readers on a global journey of understanding about the invaluable members of our families who provide undying love and affection. Along the way, you will find that the friends who share their lives with us come in all shapes and sizes, just like the people who love them.

And The Trees Talked Back by Frederick J. Burns

https://www.amazon.com/Trees-Talked-Back-Frederick-Burns/dp/B0CL5JY7V3

Meet Amanda, an extraordinary child with a unique gift — she can talk to trees. As Amanda encounters ancient trees, she uncovers a world she never knew existed, where wisdom and acceptance coexist with fear and hatred. Amidst the rustling leaves and haunting shadows, she confronts the duality of nature, discovering the true meaning of good and evil. And The Trees Talked Back is a heartwarming tale of wonder, friendship, and self-discover that will captivate readers of all ages.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Valentine’s Day Snacks the Kids will Love!

February 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Yummy! Valentine’s treats are better with Président Whipped Creme.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love with indulgent treats, and Président Whipped Crème is here to make every dessert extra special! Known for its rich, creamy texture and exceptional quality, it’s the secret ingredient to elevate Valentine’s Day creations.

Perfect as a topping on ice cream sundaes! I prefer the Original flavor but it is also available in Original with Madagascar Vanilla. 

Here are a few other great ideas:

  • Fluffy heart-shaped pancakes topped with a dollop of whipped cream,
  • Velvety chocolate fondue with fresh fruits for dipping,
  • Decadent strawberry shortcakes layered with sweetness,
  • Or a romantic breakfast in bed spread…

Président Whipped Crème brings elegance and deliciousness to every bite!

Président® Whipped Crème Original with Madagascar Vanilla 

The Président® Whipped Crème Original with Madagascar Vanilla is an extra rich and creamy whipped cream with flavors of Madagascar vanilla, and it is the secret to turning simple hand-crafted desserts into indulgent masterpieces. Each delicious, whipped cream peak holds beautifully from kitchen to plate and is sure to impress. No one will know you didn’t whip it yourself.

Président® Whipped Crème Extra Creamy

The Président® Whipped Crème Extra Creamy is an extra creamy and extra rich whipped cream with a stronger, longer hold and fluffier appearance, and it is the secret to turning simple hand-crafted desserts into indulgent masterpieces. Each delicious, whipped cream peak holds beautifully from kitchen to plate and is sure to impress. An authentic restaurant-style experience right out of the can.

For more information, visit presidentcheese.com 

Mavericks Snacks for this Valentine’s Day!

This Valentine’s Day, Mavericks is sharing the love with the release of their brand-new, limited edition Double Chocolate Bolt Cookie snack packs, perfect for gifting at home, in the classroom, and beyond! Found at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide, we’re bringing all the sweetness of the holiday but none of the junk, with our snacks being free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and sugar alcohols.

These are delicious and are perfect for sharing! I especially like the new extra chocolate flavor! Sure to be a hit with both adults and kids!

I also love that they are plant based! Visit www.mavericksnacks.com

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

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Laugh Out Loud with The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series Available Now!

February 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

Fans of the groundbreaking 90s sitcom The Wayans Bros. can now relive the laughs and unforgettable moments when Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment brings The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series to DVD for the first time ever on February 4, 2025. The DVD set includes 101 episodes from all five seasons. 

Premiering in 1995, The Wayans Bros. quickly became a fan favorite with its hilarious mix of family dynamics, quirky characters, and memorable one-liners. Following the misadventures of two distinctly different brothers sharing an apartment in New York City, the series was a cultural touchstone for ’90s television blending physical humor, clever wit, and heartfelt moments.

The Wayans Bros. was created by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Leslie Ray, and David Steven Simon. The production companies involved were BabyWay Productions, Next to Last Productions, and Warner Bros. Television. The executive producers varied by season, including Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore in the first season, Rick Hawkins in the second season, and Phil Kellard & Tom Moore from the third to the fifth season.

SYNOPSIS:

Shawn Wayans (In Living Color, Scary Movie, White Chicks) and Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie, In Living Color, White Chicks, The Ladykillers) — real-life brothers and members of the prolific Wayans family —star in this hilarious and physical comedy series as Shawn and Marlon Williams, two very different brothers who live together in New York City while searching for success. As the series begins, Shawn wants to be promoted from delivery man to dispatcher to impress his girlfriend, Lisa (Lela Rochon – Waiting to Exhale, Any Given Sunday). Marlon works in the diner operated by his and Shawn’s father, Pops (John Witherspoon – Friday, The Tracy Morgan Show, Boomerang, The Boondocks). The two brothers often get into trouble with their moneymaking schemes — but it’s always entertaining to watch! The series also features numerous notable guest stars.

PRODUCT                           

DVD                          

Audio: English

Subtitles: English

Running Time: 50 hours, 50 mins

Rated: TV-PG

Credit:

About Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales and digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels.  WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Aquarium of the Pacific launches first of its kind Marine Species Report Card

February 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific

Research Provides In-Depth Updates on 30 Marine Species in SoCal with Goal to Motivate Actions for Protection.

To further its mission of engaging the public in ocean conservation, the Aquarium of the Pacific launched its first Marine Species Report Card today. An abundance of monitoring exists for CO2 and many other environmental variables that can be observed from satellites, or with drones, and that do not hide or run away. In contrast, we often do not know what is happening to local marine species, even though we suspect climate extremes and coastal development may be taking a toll on them. Documenting population trends of plants and animals is key. Biodiversity and ecosystems are collections of species – species are the building blocks of nature. Only by knowing what is going on with species can we hope to foster a vibrant natural world. The Marine Species Report Card combines the work of scientists, researchers, government agencies, and others from more than a dozen institutions to assess the status of thirty key California coastal species.

“Knowing which species need intervention requires knowledge of their population. If we know a species is declining, we might be able to take action before it is too late,” said Dr. Peter Kareiva, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO. The Aquarium gathered leading experts from across the state to develop this new tool, which can serve as a resource and guide for action and ongoing research on the state of California’s marine species.

The list includes marine mammals, birds, invertebrates (animals without backbones), fish, kelp, and more. The report card is newly launched on the Aquarium’s website with photos, facts about the species, information on the threats they face, and an arrow icon that indicates the population trend of each animal and whether it is increasing, declining, or stable. Threats include climate impacts, habitat loss and degradation, food web imbalance, human disturbance and harassment, pollution and disease, and extraction. The most widespread threats across the thirty species are under two categories: climate impacts and pollution/disease.

For most species, the accounts provide stories on conservation actions. Southern sea otters, gray whales, and the California brown pelican have experienced a significant recovery and are among the eighteen out of the thirty species on the report card with population trends that are either stable or increasing. Twelve out of the thirty species on the list are experiencing population trend declines that are cause for concern and signal a need for further protection. These include giant kelp, bull kelp, sunflower sea stars, white abalone, and black abalone.

The Aquarium has been working to help many of these species. Some of its conservation projects include growing and outplanting endangered white abalone for restoration efforts in the wild, preserving bull kelp, helping rescued southern sea otters, monitoring and rehabilitating green sea turtles, documenting local whale populations through the photo I.D. program, raising baby sunflower sea stars, and contributing to the community science initiative, Spotting Giant Sea Bass. The Aquarium also offers opportunities for the public to help SoCal marine life, including its monthly wetlands habitat restoration, beach cleanups, and other volunteering opportunities.

When visiting the Aquarium, the public can see more than a dozen species listed on the report card such as southern sea otters and white abalone. The Aquarium also offers daily harbor tours and whale watches aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises, which provide the chance for the public to see and learn about other species listed on the report card, including the eastern north Pacific gray whales, brown pelicans, seals, sea lions, and giant kelp.

“The report card serves as a valuable tool for the public and policy makers, especially students and teachers, to better understand our ocean neighbors and serve as a motivation for sustained protection measures. Our hope is that this resource will inspire people to support conservation efforts in a variety of areas from engaging in science to promoting environmental legislation,” said Jennie Dean, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of education and conservation.

To assess changes to populations of species, long-term monitoring programs are vital as are programs to restore California’s coastal ecosystems. The species depend on the habitats they live in, and we—as people—depend on these species. With knowledge is power… power to save a species before it reaches a critical point. To learn more, you can visit pacific.to/msrc to access the Marine Species Report Card online. Funding for the Aquarium’s Marine Species Report Card is provided by The Dorrance Family Foundation through their Marine Conservation Initiative.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News