Archives for April 2, 2025

Springtime is the best time to fill your bookshelf with great reads that are filled with love, the power of light, and the warmth of home.

The Places We Call Home by Kim Ann  

     Discover the delightful world of homes in The Places We Call Home, a captivating rhyming book perfect for children from age 1-6. This charming story takes young readers on a journey to explore the many unique places where people and animals live. From bustling cities to quiet countryside, from treetop nests to oceanic depths, every home is celebrated for its special qualities and the love it holds within. Whether high in the attic or deep in the ocean, with family or alone, The Places We Call Home reminds us that home is where all love begins.

Taught Me Love by Misty Black

https://a.co/d/27S6Lly

Join a mother, daughter, and a silly little frog on a heartwarming tale showing love through the eyes of a child! There’s nothing quite like the love a mother and child share. You Taught Me Love is a tender rhyming tale that captures the magic of childhood love through the playful bond between a mother and her daughter. With vibrant watercolor illustrations and joyful rhymes, this story will tug on your heartstrings and leave you smiling. What words might a child use to describe her love? And can a child’s love ever compare to the limitless love of her mother? Find out in this snuggle-time story that might have you reaching for tissues.

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light by Tami Scripps

https://a.co/d/8iyk0jS

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light by Tami Scripps is an enchanting new sci-fi/fantasy series by author T.J. Scripps, about a brave girl named Ruby who goes on a magical quest to Starland to save the world’s light from evil forces. During these missions, Ruby must maintain her disguise, uncover secrets, and stop the dark forces before it’s lights out forever! Perfect for middle-grade readers who love magical adventures, space mysteries, and brave heroes. And readers will love how Ruby discovers the true power of her glowing aura along the way. 

The Live Big Series by Kat Kronenberg

Learn The Trilogy’s Three Secrets—SHHH—that the Animals discovered! Light the stars in your heart & Live Big too! The Live Big books show how each animal goes on their own heroic quest to achieve their dream and live life full of love and happiness. Readers can catch CATCH-M too with the stardust above you, around you, and within you! And let’s start living our best life together.

Books

That’s not all folks! From Ketchup Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, director Pete Browngardt, and the creative team behind the award-winning “Looney Tunes Cartoons” comes a brand new buddy comedy starring one of the greatest comedic duos in history–Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This richly-crafted, hand-drawn 2D animated adventure marks the first fully-animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history, told on a scope and scale that’s truly out of this world.  Porky Pig and Daffy Duck venture to the big screen as unlikely heroes and Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)… that is if they don’t drive each other totally looney in the process.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Junior R. comments, “What happens when Daffy Duck and Porky Pig have to save the world from an alien invasion? A whole lot of chaos, laughter, and classic Looney Tunes fun!  This film is loaded with new content, delivered in Looney Tunes fashion that I really enjoyed!” Kinsley H. adds, “I really enjoyed the humorous and sticky adventure of The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie which is the first fully animated feature length film in Looney Tunes history. I was launched into a very gooey and fun adventure.” See their full reviews below.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

By Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

What happens when Daffy Duck and Porky Pig have to save the world from an alien invasion? A whole lot of chaos, laughter, and classic Looney Tunes fun!  This film is loaded with new content, delivered in Looney Tunes fashion that I really enjoyed!

The storyline follows the wacky adventures of Daffy Duck (Eric Bauza) and Porky Pig (Eric Bauza) straight from the mind of producer (Peter Browngardt), who try to stop aliens from taking over the world.  Daffy is so silly, unpredictable, and always gets into trouble, while Porky tries to keep things under control, with his nervous but kind-hearted personality.

I absolutely love the animation because it looks just like the classic Looney Tunes cartoons my parents used to show me and it brought back a lot of nostalgia, with a twist of new age technology. Every explosion, chase, and gag is packed with eye-catching colors that keep the energy high and the fun non-stop. Porky and Daffy become world heroes by accident when they get off task and mess around at a bubble gum factory and discover a secret alien plan to control people’s minds! A spunky new character joins this crazy duo which makes the perfect Looney Tunes trio, and their adventures are unforgettable and super silly to keep the audience intrigued.  See for yourself to find out what the alien leader is really after.

The film carries themes of friendship, teamwork, and embracing individuality as Daffy Duck and Porky Pig face challenges that test their bond and require them to work together to save the world.  Their journey underscores the importance of collaboration and accepting each other’s quirks to overcome obstacles.  Be forewarned there is content with adult humor and some moments that might frighten younger audiences.

I give The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults.  It opens in theaters March 14, 2025.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I really enjoyed the humorous and sticky adventure of The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie which is the first fully animated feature length film in Looney Tunes history. I was launched into a very gooey and fun adventure.

The storyline is about Daffy Duck and Porky Pig as they work together to fulfill their promise to Father Jim (Fred Tatasciore) to always take care of their home. Due to very looney space activity, this oath is put to an extreme test that not only challenges Daffy and Porky’s home but also the planet.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie stays true to the classic animation of Looney Tunes. The hand drawn cartoons have intricate details that are eye catching and enjoyable to watch. Slapstick humor is definitely at the forefront. Daffy Duck wears his feelings for all to see with everything from bulging heartbeats to a very sensitive exploding head. Unexpected laughable moments occur frequently like when Daffy and Porky desperately try to find a job in a momentary combination of the new and the old. They try to start a rideshare business with a horse and even attempt to become influencers but quickly get cancelled due to inappropriate content. Petunia Pig (Candi Milo) even has a humorous entrance. It is entertaining to watch Porky see her through rose-colored glasses. Petunia’s real look versus what Porky really sees demonstrates that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Even the Invader (Peter MacNicol) is ridiculous due to being a clumsy alien dictator. His scariness does not last long as he continuously falls and drops items all at the worst moments. 

The film’s message is that friendship conquers all. Daffy and Porky always stick together, no matter what challenges come their way. They are direct opposites of each other: Daffy is crazy, and Porky is cautious. However, this mismatched pair ends up being exactly what the world needs. You should be aware that the show does have some cartoon violence action and rude, suggestive humor.

I give The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Trailer:

The Ballad Of Wallis Island follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, “The Ballad of Wallis Island is a unique film that I absolutely loved. Its wonderful performances, unconventional story, and heartfelt themes make The Ballad of Wallis Island a stellar drama.” See his full review below.

The Ballad of Wallis Island

By Daniel Salem, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a unique film that I absolutely loved. Its wonderful performances, unconventional story, and heartfelt themes make The Ballad of Wallis Island a stellar drama.

The Ballad of Wallis Island follows the famed singer and songwriter Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) as he travels to a secluded island for a gig. Hired to perform for two-time lottery winner Charles (Tim Key), Herb is forced not only to put on a good show, but to find himself emotionally, musically, and spiritually along the way.

The performances in The Ballad of Wallis Island are nothing short of spectacular. Although Tom Basden’s Herb McGwyer leads the film, he shares the screen with Tim Key’s Charles, and the two are incredible together. They have a sort of chemistry that feels natural, and watching their friendship blossom throughout the film is a joy. They are polar opposites that are bound together, forced to find common ground. It’s no wonder the two work so well on screen together because they actually wrote the film together! To begin with, Tom Basden’s acting excellently captures the kind of existential crisis of an artist past their prime. Although not uncommon, this theme is a central part of the film. Herb McGwyer has descended from his peak in popularity, and Basden depicts his entrapment in the past so well. Tim Key’s portrayal of Charles is 100% the highlight of the film. He brings a kind and bright energy every time he is on screen, which works perfectly to counteract the gloomy Herb. All of Key’s comedic lines are well-delivered, and his witty, but lighthearted demeanor uplifts the film. Both Basden and Key experience an emotional arc together that is beautiful to watch. Academy Award nominee Carrey Mulligan not only produces, but stars in this film as well. Mulligan plays Nell Mortimer, the other half of “McGwyer Mortimer,” an incredibly popular music duo. Her portrayal as a former musician is outstanding and starkly contrasts with Herb’s personality. Their onscreen dynamic is great, as is their chemistry. They are past lovers, and watching them reunite after years, and dissect the band’s falling out is very interesting. The Ballad of Wallis Island is rather unusual in that it takes place in one location – an island in the middle of nowhere. Wallis Island is tucked away from the rest of society, and therefore cut off from Wi-Fi, technology, and civilization. It feels as though Wallis Island has its own personality in its transformative nature. It morphs the characters emotionally, and puts them to the test. Both Herb and Nell are trapped and pushed to figure out what they want. Are they truly just seeking payment for the gig, or are they looking for something deeper, like a connection?

The Ballad of Wallis Island juggles several mature themes, including societal isolation and the cost of fame, but the film’s message is about the importance of human relationships. We find Herb kind of disappointed with himself, and discouraged, but only until he goes to Wallis Island does he begin to find meaning in his life. Through his friendship with Charles, a man with whom he is completely different, he finds what is missing in his life and art – human connection and companionship. Ironically, his adventure to a place secluded from all society is where he learns the power of the bonds and friendships he builds.

I give The Ballad of Wallis Island 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Ballad of Wallis Island releases exclusively in theaters March 28, 2025.