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New Stars of the Sea experience

May 26, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Photo Credit: Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating the delicate beauty and superhero powers of over twenty species of sea stars from around the globe in a new experience this summer. Stars of the Sea opens May 24, 2025, and continues through April 30, 2026. Guests will be able to meet sea stars like the venomous crown-of-thorns and spider-like brittle stars and learn about how the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is working to save the largest sea star of them all: the critically endangered sunflower sea star. Guests will also be able to visit a reimagined section of the Aquarium’s California Terrace that focuses on coastal habitats, featuring the new immersive outdoor touchpool experience, Our Living Coastline. This new exhibit includes a life-like rock structure, multiple viewing windows, and surging cascades of water, designed to mimic a real tidepool on a rocky shore. Visitors of all ages will be able to learn about and touch different sea star species, including bat and ochre sea stars, along with sea urchins and sea anemones from California’s northern and southern coastal regions. Sea stars can be found in over twenty exhibits at the Aquarium, representing habitats from coastal tidepools stretching from Mexico to Alaska, coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, the deep seas of Japan and the Galapagos Islands, and beyond. In addition, guests can discover the diversity of sea stars in a new film that will play throughout the day in the Aquarium’s Great Hall. As guests explore Stars of the Sea, they can learn about the stories behind each sea star species and the Aquarium’s groundbreaking research and breeding programs, including raising baby sunflower sea stars, offering hope for the species’ recovery.

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

Cost: Included with general Aquarium admission and free to Aquarium members / Reservations required

Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

House Republicans Pass Budget Bill Slashing Medicaid and SNAP to Fund Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

May 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a deeply harmful budget reconciliation package that prioritizes tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of millions of hard-working American families. The bill passed 215-214 and now goes to the Senate. If passed there, it will mean the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in U.S. history, while lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy with massive tax cuts.

ParentsTogether Action is raising urgent concerns about the profound harm these cuts will inflict on families nationwide.

In response, Ailen Arreaza, Executive Director of ParentsTogether Action said:

“Make no mistake: this bill is a cruel betrayal of families.

In the dead of night, Republicans in Congress held committee hearings and then voted early this morning to rip health care away from millions and take food off kids’ plates – all to hand massive tax breaks to billionaires.

Parents across the country are outraged – and we will not forget who chose billionaires over our children.”

Additionally, ParentsTogether Action has compiled stories of parents who are struggling to make ends meet here. Additionally, quotes from these parents on what cuts to SNAP and Medicaid would mean for their families are below.

This plan will:

  • Cut Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding by $715 billion, stripping health coverage from nearly 14 million Americans.
  • Slash $230 billion from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), shifting 10% of the cost burden to states, and imposing stricter work requirements that jeopardize food aid for millions.
    • According to the Congressional Budget Office, this would mean 3 million people lose SNAP benefits each month.
  • Take the Child Tax Credit away from 4.5 million U.S. citizen children, and lock 17 million low-income children out of the full credit because their families don’t earn enough.
  • Raise taxes for the bottom 40% of Americans, while giving 70% of the tax benefits to the wealthiest 5%.

ParentsTogether Action calls on the Senate to reject this cruel and shortsighted legislation and urges all lawmakers to remember who they were elected to serve. Families need care and support—not cruelty masquerading as fiscal responsibility.

Parent Quotes:

“Medicaid is the lifeline that gives my son access to his neurologist and the seizure medication he depends on. Without it, I don’t know how we’d survive. It’s also made it possible for me to get essential care during my pregnancies, from doctors, midwives, and doulas who supported and protected my health and my baby’s every step of the way. Thanks to Medicaid, my entire family has been able to stay healthy – not just survive. The thought of losing that support is terrifying. Any cuts to Medicaid would devastate us, financially and otherwise.” – Ashley T., California City, California

“Our SNAP benefits were slashed from $800 to just $185 when the COVID emergency funds ended. That cut has been devastating. Both of my daughters are autistic and have multiple special needs and finding the foods they can safely eat is already a challenge. The alternatives they need aren’t affordable without help. I thought our benefits would stay the same since my husband is medically disabled, and one of our daughters has seizures and developmental delays, but even with disability income, we’re drowning under rising costs. Gas and electricity keep climbing, food prices are up, and SNAP hasn’t matched the rise in those costs. The $30 per child they’re offering this summer helps, but it’s not nearly enough, and this is the last year we’ll get it. Families like mine are being left behind.” – Gabrielle J.,  El Paso, TX

“Medicaid has been there for me through every stage of life including prenatal care, dental emergencies and ensuring I have access to the essential medications I need. It’s not just insurance, it’s a safety net for my family. If Medicaid funding is cut, it wouldn’t just hurt us, it would upend our lives.” –Taylour G., Tampa, Florida

“As a grandmother and full-time caregiver to my adult daughter and grandson, programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and free school meals aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. My daughter lives with a chronic mental illness that makes it impossible for her to work. I have my own chronic health issues that prevent me from working, too. Without these supports, we simply can’t afford food, housing, or basic utilities. The thought of losing access to these programs due to funding cuts is terrifying. When you’re physically unable to work, my family is left with few options for survival.” Adria P., Detroit, MI

Credit:

ParentsTogether Action, a nonprofit parent and family advocacy group that represents more than 3 million families, brings parents together to make a difference on the issues that matter most to our kids and families — things like family leave, childcare, and quality education.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

NOW OPEN: Dogs! A Science Tail Returns to the California Science Center

May 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Dogs! A Science Tail, a hands-on science exhibition that highlights the unique and dynamic nature of the bond between humans and dogs and enables guests to experience the extraordinary way that dogs see, hear, and smell the world, returns to the California Science Center and is now open. This free, immersive, multisensory, and highly interactive exhibition enables guests to learn first-hand the many ways dogs experience the world around them.

The exhibition demonstrates how science is helping us better understand and communicate with each other, which lies at the heart of the unique relationship between humans and dogs, and what makes this one of the most successful interspecies partnerships of all time. Dogs! A Science Tail was created and developed by the California Science Center in 2019 with support from the Annenberg Foundation and Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. PetSmart Charities®, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, sponsored the subsequent national tour.

“Dogs! A Science Tail explores the powerful connection between dogs and humans, while examining their extraordinary traits and abilities,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. “There is so much we can learn from dogs—how they restore our calm, strengthen communities, and live up to their title as man’s best friend. This has been a popular exhibition as it has toured the country, and we are delighted to bring it back home to advance our mission to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone.”

Guests will be able to explore the world from a dog’s perspective through a variety of hands-on exhibits. Experiences will range from listening to hidden sounds that dogs can hear but humans can’t, excavating replicas of fossils to determine if they belong to wolves or dogs, walking through an interactive neighborhood to understand how pets strengthen the community, or testing your pop-culture knowledge during a game of “Jeopawdy!” based on the show Jeopardy! and hosted by the late Alex Trebek. Guests can also interact with virtual dogs, explore the jobs that dogs and humans undertake together, test their running speeds, and get inside a dog’s head to see and hear like them.

Pets are not permitted inside the Science Center (apart from service dogs*), but guests can share personal digital photos and record stories of their dogs on a digital sharing wall in the exhibition photo gallery.

(*The Science Center welcomes service dogs. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is defined as one that is individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks for a guest with a disability. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, pets and therapy dogs are not service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in the Science Center. Service dogs must behave in a safe manner and be under control at all times.)

Credit: The California Science Center.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

Dalia & The Red Book * Fascinating, Innovative And Inspirational.  Love The Connection Between The Book And Real Characters

May 22, 2025 By Leave a Comment

When the daughter of a famous author finds her late father’s unfinished novel, she is drawn into its magical world by some of the characters who wish to complete the story on their own. Taken to their fictional world, she teams up with a heroic goat, the character she created, to ensure the story is finished as her father intended, and before she is stuck in their world forever.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Josephine K. comments, “Dalia & The Red Book is fascinating! The storyline is innovative and the animation is unique. I like Dalia’s character arc throughout the film; it is inspirational and refreshing. I also like the connection between the book world and the real world characters.” Ryan M. adds, “The film Dalia & The Red Book intrigued me. Being captured into a book and saving it is one thing but being captured into your dad’s book by the bad guys, and now finishing it is a whole other story.” Mark S. wraps it up, “I really like the stop-motion animation – it’s very unique and makes the story feel very real. The ending is very well done and emotional, giving feelings of happiness and sadness at the same time. I enjoyed the protagonist of the story, Dalia, and her journey as she becomes sucked into the pages of her dad’s unfinished novel.” See their full reviews below.

Dalia & The Red Book

By Josephine K, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Dalia & The Red Book is fascinating! The storyline is innovative and the animation is unique. I like Dalia’s character arc throughout the film; it is inspirational and refreshing. I also like the connection between the book world and the real world characters.

The story follows Dalia, a 12-year-old girl who stumbles upon her deceased father’s unfinished novel. With the help of a well-balanced goat character she made with her father, Dalia makes it her mission to finish her father’s book before time runs out. This film acts as a reminder of the importance of the written word and how much it still matters.

This film is inspirational. Dalia is a quiet girl who doubts her abilities, and her journey will challenge those very doubts. I also like the animation and how it is a more modern version of classic stop-motion animation. I like that the movie makes a connection between the real world and the book world with characters like the librarian (Andres Burecoics), and how the film makes a connection between his character in both worlds. (Agustina Cirulnik) plays Dalia well and with a good amount of childish enthusiasm in her voice. My favorite part is when Dalia finds her goat stuffy, which inspires the goat character in the book. He is an integral and skilled character as Dalia progresses through the story.

The film’s message is that believing in yourself will take you far. It is an uplifting reminder that confidence is key.

I give Dalia & The Red Book 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It is available on VOD and streaming beginning May 6, 2025.

Dalia & The Red Book

By Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The film Dalia & The Red Book intrigued me. Being captured into a book and saving it is one thing but being captured into your dad’s book by the bad guys, and now finishing it is a whole other story.

Dalia (Agustina Cirulnik), the daughter of the famous writer Adolfo (Gustavo Barrientos), who recently passed away, finds his last book and opens it. Some villains decide to come out of the book to finish it their way. Dalia becomes part of the story, meeting her character goat (Gustavo Barrientos) and confronting characters like Lady Fox (Mariana Correa) and Buho (Andrés Burecovics). They meet the most powerful villains and have an epic showdown.

This movie was fun to watch because there are lots of action scenes, and the suspense kept me asking myself what will happen next. My favorite character is Goat because of how serious he looks, plus his glasses make him look so cool. I credit director David Bisbano for making a captivating film that I wanted to keep watching – it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The animation by Luis Butrón and David Vinagre is amazing. I especially love all the unique character expressions. The musical score by Matias Caldarella is so suitable; it really helps shape the emotional impact, especially in the action scenes.

The film’s message is that something is impossible until someone proves otherwise. Be aware that there is some mild profanity.

I give Dalia & The Red Book 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases on VOD and streaming May 6, 2025.

Dalia & the Red Book (Dalia y el Libro Rojo)

By Mark S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Dalia & the Red Book is an amazing movie with terrific stop-motion animation and an interesting storyline. The movie made me feel like I had been transported inside of a book, and was a part of the film with the characters.

Dalia (Agustina Cirulnik) is a 12-year-old girl who loves writing but feels she isn’t as good as her dad Adolfo (Gustavo Barrientos), a famous writer who passed away recently. After a dramatic scene of book characters in the real world, Dalia finds herself sucked into her dad’s novel. During her escape from the book she is assisted by the Goat (Gustavo Barrientos) who she created as a character when she was a little girl.

I really like the stop-motion animation – it’s very unique and makes the story feel very real. The ending is very well done and emotional, giving feelings of happiness and sadness at the same time. I enjoyed the protagonist of the story, Dalia, and her journey as she becomes sucked into the pages of her dad’s unfinished novel. I love how the animation makes the world inside the book very unique and exciting with fantasy creatures like Wolf (Mariana Correa) who is trying to catch Dalia for the mysterious Creator. The music and sound effects fit perfectly with the scenes, further drawing me into the story. My favorite part is watching Dalia grow from a girl with little self-confidence to a successful and confident character in her dad’s novel and her own life. I will note that the dubbing in English makes the scenes with written words seem a little strange with the voice-overs but doesn’t take away from the story itself.

The film’s message is to believe in yourself and that you can do anything if you try and have faith in yourself. Remember that, even if you mess up at first, you can succeed by learning from your mistakes.

I give Dalia & the Red Book a solid 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It is available on VOD and streaming on May 6, 2025.

Trailer:

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Star Trek: Section 31 * Fantastic Acting, Great Costumes, and Terrific CGI

May 22, 2025 By Leave a Comment

In Star Trek: Section 31, Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, and must face the sins of her past. Star Trek: Section 31 is a 2025 American science fiction television film directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and written by Craig Sweeny for the streaming service Paramount+. It is the first television film, and the fourteenth film overall, in the Star Trek franchise and part of executive producer Alex Kurtzman’s expanded Star Trek Universe. A spin-off from the series Star Trek: Discovery, the film is set in the franchise’s “lost era” between the Star Trek: The Original Series films and the series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Charlotte L. comments, “I like Star Trek: Section 31 because the actors seem like they were made for their roles, the costuming is incredible, and the CGI is realistic… The show’s message is that, even when things go wrong, if you lean on others, you can get through it. Be aware that there are scenes showing suicide, cursing, violence, and death.” See her full review below.

Star Trek: Section 31

By Charlotte L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 14

I like Star Trek: Section 31 because the actors seem like they were made for their roles, the costuming is incredible, and the CGI is realistic.

Star Trek: Section 31 is a spin-off of Star Trek: Discovery. It follows a returning character, Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) as she assists the crew of Section 31, a division of Starfleet. She faces troubles as her past catches up to her and as a mole works to thwart Section 31’s mission.

I particularly enjoyed the actors’ performances in this show – they each have an important role to play. For example, Kacey Rohl, who plays Rachel Garret, a member of Section 31, has brilliant facial expressions, the most common ones being arrogance, annoyance, and determination. Her facial expressions truly make the film seem as if it is happening right in front of us. Another notable performance is by Sam Richardson who plays Quasi, another member of Section 31, who has fantastic voice inflections expressing determination, comedy, and annoyance. These contribute to the believability of the film. Another aspect that contributes to the believability of the film is the costuming. The costumes help us believe that there truly are parallel universes and different human-like species. Details like the color of a character’s eyes or a character’s skin tone show a different species as well as bigger differences. For example, Virgil (Augusto Bitter), a servant to Georgiou, is half white and half black body in his body design and his attire.​​ The CGI also draws us into the movie. There are many various explosions created with CGI and they are very realistic. Following the explosions, fire flares up or when it damages a ship, there are flickering lights and sparks flying everywhere. The sound effects and the background music help enhance the mood of the film. For example, in a bar scene, the clever combination of footsteps in the background and the soundtrack make the scene feel like a true bar – lively and a little chaotic.

The show’s message is that, even when things go wrong, if you lean on others, you can get through it. Be aware that there are scenes showing suicide, cursing, violence, and death.

Star Trek: Section 31 gets 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on digital platforms plus DVD, Blu-Ray, and Ultra HD on April 29, 2025.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Andor: Season 2 * An Incredible Adventure Filled With Brave Heroes, Exciting Battles, And Stunning Worlds

May 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Lucasfilm’s Emmy®-nominated thriller “Andor,” returns for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22. The second season takes place as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound. Rife with political intrigue and danger, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction—The Death Star—setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. commented, “The second season of Andor is a thrilling and spectacular continuation of the popular Star Wars series! Even if you’ve never watched Star Wars before, this show offers an incredible adventure filled with brave heroes, exciting battles, and stunning worlds that are incredible.” Zoey F. added, “I thoroughly enjoyed watching Andor: Season 2. It explores complex themes of politics and trauma with depth, and is enhanced by wonderful character development and a gripping plot. The second season of Andor is an extremely worthwhile watch.” Ari C. wrapped it up with, “This season has amazing acting, a fantastic storyline, and thrilling action scenes. I was at the edge of my seat as I watched, totally enthralled. The different points of view, including those in the empire, give so much more depth and meaning to the show. Oh, and did I mention how totally enthralled I was?” See their full reviews below.

Andor: Season 2

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The second season of Andor is a thrilling and spectacular continuation of the popular Star Wars series! Even if you’ve never watched Star Wars before, this show offers an incredible adventure filled with brave heroes, exciting battles, and stunning worlds that are incredible.

This new season follows Cassian Andor, played brilliantly by Diego Luna, a courageous leader who is helping to build a rebellion against the evil Empire. Alongside his loyal friends, Bix (Adria Arjona), a fearless and smart fighter, and B2EMO (Dave Chapman), a quirky and lovable droid, Cassian battles to free the galaxy from the harsh rule of greedy villains and make their world a better place.

One of the coolest things about this season of Andor is its amazing scenery and costumes. Every scene is beautifully made, transporting you instantly to a galaxy far, far away. The costumes are colorful and detailed, giving each character a unique look that helps tell their story. Whether you’re exploring an Empire castle, traveling through fields of grain where brave workers struggle, or sneaking through shadowy forests where the rebels hide, each location is brought vividly to life. The acting is outstanding — the actors made me feel everything their characters experienced—whether it’s joy, sadness, or determination. Lucasfilm really pulled out all the stops for this one, with various filming locations in Scotland, many great alien characters, and a plethora of stories across the galaxy. This continuation of Andor adds depth to the Star Wars universe in the lead up to the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope. I highly recommend that you watch season one of Andor before you watch this season to make sure you don’t lose the storyline thread.

This show doesn’t just offer adventure; it also has important messages about courage, hope, and fighting for what’s right. It reminds us that anyone, no matter how small or powerless they might feel, can make a difference if they stand up for what they believe in. It’s important to note that Andor season 2 does have some serious moments and battles that are pretty intense, so keep that in mind for younger viewers.  There are scenes where characters face real danger and violence.

Andor: Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It premieres on Disney Plus on April 22, 2025, with three episodes releasing weekly until May 13, making sure you’re always on the edge of your seat, eagerly waiting to find out what happens next!

Andor: Season 2
Zoey F. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Andor: Season 2. It explores complex themes of politics and trauma with depth, and is enhanced by wonderful character development and a gripping plot. The second season of Andor is an extremely worthwhile watch.

The plot follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), from Season 1, who actively fights against the Galactic Empire, committed to being a rebel hero. This is a far cry from the self-centered man he was before. Cassian reunites with Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona). She is still haunted by the psychological trauma she faced from her capture. Andor: Season 2 covers four years leading up to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The characters juggle betrayals, sacrifices, spies and consequences. Will the rebellion be able to stop the growing empire? Or will all their sacrifices be for nothing?

An important aspect that this show highlights extremely well is characterization. There are many complex and unique characters. A notable example is Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona). In Season 1, she was psychologically tortured. In Season 2, she is on a journey of her own to find peace and security. Adria Arjona portrays her vulnerability and strength admirably. Diego Luna should also be commended for his portrayal of Cassian as he undergoes an extreme character arc when he realizes his true potential and destiny. Luna perfectly embodies Cassian as he evolves from Season 1 to Season 2. While there are many amazing parts of this movie, such as the plot and the gorgeous costumes, the music deserves a big shoutout thanks to the work of music director Brandon Roberts.

The show’s main message is about unity through struggle. The rebellion against the Galactic Empire is an extremely diverse group and they have to ignore their differences in order to band together and fight evil. Be aware that there are some elements of violence, although nothing bloody and gory, and alcohol or drug use.

Andor: Season 2 gets5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It begins streaming on Disney + on April 22, 2025, with three episodes releasing weekly until May 13.

Andor: Season 2
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 12

I absolutely love Andor: Season 2. This season has amazing acting, a fantastic storyline, and thrilling action scenes. I was at the edge of my seat as I watched, totally enthralled. The different points of view, including those in the empire, give so much more depth and meaning to the show. Oh, and did I mention how totally enthralled I was?

This season continues to follow the adventurous story of rebel captain, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). It shows Andor’s exciting years of rebellion, leading up to the epic battle of Yavin, as seen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. We also get to see the rise of the rebellion, and even some of the internal affairs within the empire itself. This thrilling new season of Andor keeps our favorite characters, such as Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard), and more. Make sure to watch for epic fighting scenes, political views, and even a little bit of romance.

Andor: Season 2 is one of the best works of cinema I have seen all year. It’s perfectly orchestrated and fantastically written. Andor is one of my all-time favorite Star Wars characters. If you love him like I do, this epic new season will have you jumping for joy. Kudos to Diego Luna for maintaining his character’s consistency. He is just as mysterious and adventurous in the second season as he was in the first. It’s refreshing to see how Andor continues to develop its characters. I feel as if I can connect to them on a personal level. Props to the cinematographers for keeping that classic Star-Wars atmosphere. Its landscapes are beautiful, and its lighting succeeds at conveying the appropriate tone. This combination really makes Andor Season 2 into the masterpiece that it is. My favorite part is when Andor escapes the chaotic planet of Ghorman, which is very exciting and epic.

The show’s lesson is that just one person can make a difference, even when the odds are against them. Note that this season does have some adult situations, namely slight substance use, and intense violence.

Andor: Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Disney Plus on April 22, 2025, with three episodes releasing weekly until May 13.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Books of the Week: May 17th, 2025

May 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment
 RAP IT UP! by Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Ernel Martinez.

This new picture book is available now from Henry Holt and Co. Books for Young Readers.
Aspiring young rappers will delight in this infectious, read-aloud introduction to the poetry and craft of rap. Celebratory and informative, RAP IT UP! invites us to see where our imaginations may lead. 

I found this book to be very interesting and I even learned a few things! I highly recommend it… especially for kids who love music.

Love this book!  WHERE ARE YOU, BRONTË? written by Tomie dePaola and illustrated by Barbara McClintock

A poignant and childlike meditation on love and remembrance in the wake of losing his beloved pet dog, dePaola’s Where Are You, Brontë? also serves as a poetic goodbye letter to his readers. It is a special and intimate book that reassures readers that our loved ones remain with us in memory, making it a comforting reminder that our loved ones are never truly gone. Celebrated as a fitting conclusion to dePaola’s illustrious career, this book also ties into this year’s 50th anniversary of his iconic work, Strega Nona — spotlighting his enduring legacy in children’s literature.

Barbara McClintock is an American illustrator and author of over forty books for children. Her books have received numerous awards and selections, including five New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, four ALA Notable Book selections, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Award, a China Times Open Book Award, and a British Fantasy Award. One of her books is a bestselling title in Japan. She has lectured about her work nationally and internationally and is currently teaching classes on creating children’s books at Wesleyan University. Originally from New Jersey and North Dakota, she now resides in northeastern Connecticut with her partner, the illustrator David Johnson, and their three overly helpful cats.




Parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy debuts picture book examining why kids hit.

That’s My Truck! follows Charlie whose feelings completely overwhelm him when he sees his sister playing with his favorite truck. This engaging story not only offers parents valuable insights and strategies to address a problem behavior like hitting but it also helps children cope with big feelings. The book also features backmatter with tips from Dr. Becky herself!

Dr. Becky is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a TED speaker, and the host of the chart-topping podcast Good Inside with Dr. Becky, which has amassed a global following of millions of parents—including celebrities Sophie Turner, Kevin Jonas, and more.

This would make the best Baby Shower Gift!

Baby Memory Box by Chloe Giordano (kaddo, February 2025)

Treasure your baby’s early years with this keepsake memory box. The ideal gender-neutral gift for new parents, this Baby Memory Box is a special place to record and store life’s little moments. Cherish every one of baby’s firsts with little boxes for first tooth and first curl, and a cloth bag for that tiny first pair of shoes. Write a letter to baby, record their first words and memories in the miniature memories book, and add a picture to the photo frame. Over time, it will become a treasure trove of memories that you and your child will cherish for a lifetime.

Fun for parents and those who interact with babies and toddlers!

Sing with Your Baby Every Day by Claire Grace and Chloe Giordano (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, March 2025)

Science tells us that babies develop best when they are spoken to, sung to, and read to. Even when they’re tiny, the sound of their parents’ voices helps babies make sense of the world and feel comfortable with new people and places—and this beautiful book brings you best-loved nursery rhymes and songs in one handsome keepsake volume. Sing with Your Baby Every Day is a collection of nursery rhymes and songs to share with your baby, illustrated with adorable hand-stitched embroidery art.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this weekly book feature. Cover images and information were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Peanut, May 16th Pet of the Week

May 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment
AWWWWWWW!

“Look, Ma! Look, Pa! I’ve picked up all my toys! Now, c’n I have some string cheese? Huh? Huh? Please?” Peanut is a real nut for affection and attention. As you can see, he enjoys playing and in fact was found last year near the soccer field at one of the local high schools. No owner claimed him as either a team member or their dog, so he came to Long Beach Animal Care Services. With his friends, the volunteers, Peanut walks jauntily on leash, rolls in the grass and smiles big, and of course, cleans up his toys. He’s only 2 years old and deserves a family that can appreciate a big, handsome doggie with a sense of humor and responsibility. He also deserves string cheese when he’s good, which is always. Speed the process to adopt or foster Peanut or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A728674.

Filed Under: Pet Corner
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