Archives for 2025

When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together — and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Juliana S. comments, “Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.”  IvyJoy C. adds, “I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.”  IvyJoy C. adds, “I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life.” See their full reviews and Chase L.’s interview with the creator and star below.

Dog Man

By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Dog Man is such an amazing film! The movie provides messages about how sometimes, no matter how evil one is, all a person (or cat, dog, or fish) needs is a little bit of love. Dog Man has fun, comic-like animation and a musical score that always matches the scene.

The storyline is about a highly ranked officer (Peter Hastings) and his dog, who have an unfortunate accident while trying to detain a very evil cat (Pete Davidson) and must be combined into one being. Newly formed Dog Man has to learn how to live a life meant for both humans and animals, while also trying to impress the police chief (Lil Rel Howery). As time goes on, Petey, the evil cat, creates a clone of itself, Lil Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), who ends up playing a crucial part in showing how love is important, no matter who it’s for.

The animation in this film immediately stands out – it looks like a 3-D comic book, but moves. These images are created by an entire team of people, including Paul Phippen and Aymeric Arnaud, the lead DMP artists. What makes this animation so amazing is that it includes certain features that would normally be seen in print comic books such as a pencil-like stroke, or words coming out of a person’s mouth. These features truly strike the movie as an adaptation of an incredible comic book franchise. Of course, the animation is perfectly paired with the music, which is another thing that is noticeable to the audience. The orchestra, led by Jill Streater, is wonderful at conveying emotional scenes and leads the audience to feel deeply for the characters. The music was created by Tom Howe, and he nailed it. When a scene is sad, the orchestra is quiet and somber; when the characters are happy or excited, the music is upbeat and fast. These carefully thought out music choices make Dog Man all the more better.

The film’s message is that no matter how evil one can be, a little bit of love goes a long way. Dog Man is very successful in leading others to be more empathetic to those who might need extra care.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Dog Man can be found in theatres beginning January 31, 2025.

Dog Man
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really love the film Dog Man. Not that I’m surprised, I just knew I would. If you, like me, are a fan of the Captain Underpants and Cat Kid comic books, then this is definitely a film you will enjoy as much as I did. It has all the fun and crazy characters of Dav Pilkey’s comics brought to animated life. 

Dog Man starts with a police dog named Greg and his human partner, Officer Knight (Peter Hastings) who are dedicated to keeping their community safe. All is normal until an accident occurs where the two must go through a wacky surgery, which fuses them together to create the amazing Dog Man! While showing off his classic dog skills, such as playing fetch, Dog Man must also protect the city from Petey the Cat (Pete Davison), who hatches a sneaky cloning scheme. With all the craziness, we meet the lovable and adorable Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) who forms a surprisingly amazing friendship with Dog Man. Eventually, a new common enemy makes Dog Man and Petey realize they must team up, setting aside their differences to tackle the challenges ahead. 

Loving the Dav Pilkey books the way I do, I adore how the art style and the script of this film – they capture the wackiness of the books. I commend the director, Peter Hastings, for his outstanding work and also for Dog Man himself. The film truly is designed in such a way to appeal to the target audience, fans of the original books. It really holds true to the comic book series and its goofy nature. My favorite part is when Li’l Petey is taken hostage by the surprise villain known as Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais), which leads to Petey the Cat unlocking his inner good and teaming up with Dog Man. I also like when Petey buys a cloning machine off the internet and has a bunch of silly problems that lead to the creation of Li’l Petey.

The film’s message is that everyone has good in them; it just needs the right person, or kitten, to be unlocked. This film contains very slight profanity, but is otherwise okay.

I give Dog Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can find it in theaters on January 31, 2025.

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.

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 3^rd 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.

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.

Diane Clarcq & Landon Gaboury – Winston Travels to America

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

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

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

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.

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.