Archives for 2026

When we begin our lives, stories help us understand who we are.

Drawing on tribal Nations’ traditions including Mandan-Hidatsa and Navajo/Diné, this lyrical picture book carries us through the milestones of a beloved child’s life, from birth and their first laugh to entering young adulthood and understanding their place in the community and the world.

Each ceremony that marks a special moment comes with a story—and each story reminds us of the beauty and responsibility to the land we call home, the powerful ancestors who came before us, and the amazing people we can grow up to be.

An Indigenous author-illustrator duo, the award-winning Laurel Goodluck and rising star Nicole Neidhardt, have gorgeously captured the rituals and stories that shape our lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Laurel Goodluck writes picture books with modern themes that reflect Native children’s cultural experiences and everyday life, showing they have a unique and powerful perspective. Her books include Forever Cousins, Rock Your Mocs, She Persisted: Deb Haaland, Too Much, Yáadilá!: Good Grief!, and Fierce Aunties!, a recipient of the American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor.Laurel was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She comes from an intertribal background; is an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation; and is an Alaskan Native Citizen of the Tsimshian Tribe. She received a BA in psychology and an MA in community counseling and family studies from the University of New Mexico. Laurel began writing by crafting a curriculum for community advocacy involving Native teen leadership and later for children newly diagnosed with mental health challenges. Laurel lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her Navajo husband, where they raised two sons who are also bent on storytelling. Please follow her on @LaurieGoodluck on Instagram.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Nicole Neidhardt is a Diné (Navajo) multi-disciplinary artist and award-winning illustrator. Nicole’s Diné identity is the heart of her practice, and she is continually dreaming for Indigenous futures. Nicole holds an MFA from OCAD University in Toronto and grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has illustrated the books Circle of Love, What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me: Deb Haaland’s Historic Inauguration, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, and Stories Are the Heart of the World.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the above book to feature. Cover image was also provided and I highly recommend this book.

If Animals Said I Love You, Mama by Ann Whitford Paul; illustrated by David Walker features playful rhymes and adorable art, and the story highlights the joys of the mother-child relationship through an imaginative lens. Just imagine the many, many read-alouds you can do while fostering your little bookworms. 

Young children will love the characters and the story! It’s a fun and engaging story to read and love that there are so many different animals in the story! This one is a must-read this upcoming Mother’s Day!

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy to facilitate this post and cover image was provided.

Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Adele N. comments, “I was thrilled with the execution of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 hit movie The Devil Wears Prada. The contemporary themes and dedication to its fashion roots allows the film to not only stand on its own, but thrive in its spotlight.” Valerie M. adds, “The Devil Wears Prada 2 not only lives up to the original, it surpasses it. The plot, the stakes, the drama, and the statement outfits have all gone up by 110% in the latest film.” Katherine S. adds, “This sequel may not have been necessary, but is it worth the watch? Absolutely. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shockingly funny – honestly, even funnier that the first.” Julie O. adds, “I love that the same messages from the first film remain true in this one. First of all, hard work, perseverance, and patience are valued traits.” Elsy S. wraps it up with, “The film’s message is about how modernity is overtaking the media, but one should never forget from where it all began. Be forewarned that the film shows some profanity, alcoholic drinking, the concept of death, and other adult references.” See their full reviews below.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

By Adele N, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I was thrilled with the execution of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 hit movie The Devil Wears Prada. The contemporary themes and dedication to its fashion roots allows the film to not only stand on its own, but thrive in its spotlight.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 reintroduces us to the loveable Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who is now 20 years older and has grown into herself as a well-respected journalist. But after a mass firing at her company and an even larger scandal at the infamous Runway (the world’s most elite fashion magazine), Andy must reunite with her former boss Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) in order to save both her own job and Runway’s future.

Sequels always make me slightly apprehensive. All too often they either try too hard to recreate the magic of the first film, or completely ignore its predecessor and fall flat for eager audiences. The Devil Wears Prada 2, however, did neither of these. Instead, it creates a refreshing storyline by adding themes that resonate with today’s audience. The age of media, doom scrolling, and clicking-over-reading are central to its plot, which keeps it realistic to today’s world. Additionally, its commitment to not just recreating, but rather reimagining its high-fashion visuals are phenomenal. There are many montages that show how today’s fashion has developed from that of 2006. The styling, color palates, and silhouettes are all unique from its predecessor but accurate to real fashion trends of today, which kept me engaged and enthralled.

This film illustrates the importance of the delicate balance between preserving the past and integrating the future. It reminds us that, while tradition is important, so is opening our arms to what is to come, lest we be swept away by the past. Note that this film does have some profanity.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in cinemas May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

The Devil Wears Prada 2 not only lives up to the original, it surpasses it. The plot, the stakes, the drama, and the statement outfits have all gone up by 110% in the latest film.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 follows Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) as she loses her job at a newspaper due to budget cuts. After an impassioned speech at an award ceremony and a tip from someone special, Andy is offered the position of Senior Feature Editor by the owner of Runway. He brings her in to save the magazine from losing its credibility after a scandal from their coverage of a fast fashion company, and she’s reunited with the creative power behind Runway Magazine: Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci)

If I had to take only one thing away from The Devil Wears Prada 2,it would be the message. The film really excels in addressing relevant issues of the modern-day fashion industry and journalism in general – specifically, how artistic industries lose their meaning and purpose when they have to appeal to owners to stay profitable, and to mass consumers of short-form content to stay relevant. The film has so much to say about that and weaves it into the story, creating a movie where actions speak louder than words. The film achieves this with artistic cinematography. The movie doesn’t just show you what’s going on, it uses its visuals to tell the story – every plant, painting, light fixture and, especially outfits, set the mood and hint about what is going to happen. It’s subtle, and it ties the film together nicely. However, what really makes the film special is the character Andy. In her new position, she is really in her element. While I love this film, I feel the romantic subplot is underdeveloped and rushed, and there are a few situations that simply aren’t believable. Other than that, I had an absolute blast!

The film’s message is that you shouldn’t lose yourself just to please others. Note that there is some mild profanity, death references and questionable business practices.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in theatres on May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the sequel we didn’t know we needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this film with its witty dialogue, lighthearted energy, and return of iconic characters. It’s a great way to catch up on what our favorite fashionistas are up to today.

Twenty years after she left Runway, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is now the successful and award-wining journalist she always hoped to be. But after her company’s budget is cut and her whole team is let go, she finds herself back where she started: working for Runway with the devil herself, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), but now as the features editor. With scandals and unexpected changes to Runway, can she save the future of the magazine?

This sequel may not have been necessary, but is it worth the watch? Absolutely. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shockingly funny – honestly, even funnier that the first. I was laughing out loud the entire time, whether it was from the references to the first film or the perfectly timed one-liners. Speaking of references, I recommend re-watching the first film before seeing this one so you can pick up on subtle Easter eggs you might miss if you blink (keep an eye out for any blue belts or cerulean sweaters in the background). There are also a ton of unexpected cameos from famous actors, athletes, influencers and singers to anticipate. Along with these cameos, the whole gang is back together, and it’s so enjoyable to see their group dynamics and witness their interactions. We’ve got Andy (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), Nigel (Stanley Tucci) and Miranda (Meryl Streep) working together and against each other, again. It’s so wholesome seeing how some of the characters have changed: Andy now has her confidence, Emily has a new leadership role at a different company; Nigel has more command, albeit behind the scenes, and Miranda has calmed down just a bit. It’s also interesting how Runway has evolved over the last two decades, from being a print magazine to becoming entirely digital. I congratulate the screenwriters for adapting these characters and the business to modern times, really connecting the audience immediately to the cast despite how long it’s been since the first film’s release.

The film reminds us to have ambition and resilience; to fight to achieve your dreams; and care for the people around you even if it’s unreciprocated.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults of course. It comes out in theaters on May 1, 2026. Check it out!

The Devil Wears Prada 2

By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The Devil Wears Prada 2 surprised me with how much I enjoyed watching the movie. It is a fashion feast for the eyes! I love how the storyline is fresh and new compared to the original and I liked seeing how each character has developed over the years.

Anne Hathaway returns as Andy Sachs, the young woman who left the fashion world for a career in journalism. After twenty years, she is reunited with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) who are still leading the fashion world at Runway and Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) who is now at Dior. The fashion world is striving to remain relevant in a world rapidly changing with online content and AI. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has a powerful storyline about how different business industries like fashion and journalism try to stay relevant and have to adjust to the changing needs of the world. Fashion is still the main aspect of the movie and the costumes are absolutely gorgeous. It is a lot more body positive than the first film and it is really funny when Miranda tries to make unacceptable comments and her assistant tries to stop her. I love when it features montages of everyone’s outfits while they are in Italy. The storyline has a lot of suspense and conflict. Each of the actors brings life to the characters, making it really easy for viewers to become invested emotionally when things are difficult and wanting to celebrate with them when things go well.  My favorite part is when Nigel gives his speech. I love this part because he has worked so hard for his recognition as a major contributor to Runway. The actors also bring a lot of humor to their characters, which makes the film really enjoyable to watch and each character is easy to relate to.

I love that the same messages from the first film remain true in this one. First of all, hard work, perseverance, and patience are valued traits. Also, the themes of being true to yourself and the value of friendship are still important. I like that the sequel also emphasizes how important it is to remain flexible and open to new opportunities in our fast-paced world. Parents should be advised there are some alcohol references and profanity. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in theaters on May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2                                                                                                                    
By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

I absolutely love the movie The Devil Wears Prada 2 because of its amazing plot twists, relatable characters and, of course, the amazing fashion that is exhibited in the movie.

The story takes place in several places, including New York City and Milan, and follows Miranda (Meryl Streep), Andy (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), Nigel (Stanley Tucci) and several others as they attempt to save Runway through a series of ups and downs, including the death of their long term CEO. Andy is rehired at Runway after being fired at her old job, though doesn’t realize that she was hired without Miranda’s knowledge until she gets the job as a feature writer. In the end, she earns Miranda’s trust and respect and keeps her job at Runway, though not before a huge betrayal by Emily and more dramatic plot twists.

This movie is an incredible and much needed sequel to the first, and really wraps up the story, showing viewers what ends up happening to Andy and Miranda. It really demonstrates how, even as our world evolves into the modern age, we would do well to remember our roots and beliefs. My favorite character is Nigel, because of his humorous lines and kindness to everyone, even when they don’t reciprocate his generosity. The actors are all incredible and really demonstrate the emotional depth of each individual character. My favorite scene is when Nigel reveals that he was behind Andy getting rehired at Runway, and it wasn’t a grand coincidence. My least favorite part is when we discover the extent of Emily’s betrayal, even though she ends up becoming friends with Andy in the end. The fashion in this film is incredible and entirely up to date, showing us breathtaking images through clothing, while not taking away from the plot. In comparison to the original film, this one definitely focuses on the complexities of the real world and the environment, making them both amazing in their own right.

The film’s message is about how modernity is overtaking the media, but one should never forget from where it all began. Be forewarned that the film shows some profanity, alcoholic drinking, the concept of death, and other adult references.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on May 1, 2026.