Archives for 2026

The Pout-Pout Fish is the hilarious and heartwarming story of an unlikely duo: Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) a pouty introvert and Pip (Nina Oyama) an energetic sea dragon, who embark on a daunting quest to find a legendary fish to grant their wish to save their homes. Also stars Jordin Sparks and Amy Sedaris.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brooklyn S. comments, “Can a permanent frown really be turned upside down? Right from the start, this movie brings a fun and energetic vibe to every situation and I love it. Whether it’s the characters or the witty jokes, I was constantly laughing.” Julie O. adds, “The film’s animation is smooth and in a fresh new style, with bright vibrant colors. I like the voice acting; I especially like that most of the characters have an Australian accent since that is where the story takes place. I also enjoyed how the film has two different story lines which are well developed, have good pacing, and are easy to follow.” Ashish S. wraps it up with, “There are a plethora of great things about this movie, but the visual design really stands out. The animation of the characters is really high-quality, and the background design is eye-catching. In addition, all of the characters’ expressions seem realistic and fun, despite them being animals. An example of this is the vivid and eye-catching color of the pink dolphins that Mr. Fish and Pip encounter towards the beginning of their journey.” See their full reviews below.

The Pout-Pout Fish

By Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 11

Can a permanent frown really be turned upside down? Right from the start, this movie brings a fun and energetic vibe to every situation and I love it. Whether it’s the characters or the witty jokes, I was constantly laughing. Even though the movie is called The Pout-Pout Fish, there was always a smile on my face while watching this.

The Pout-Pout Fish follows two unlikely friends, Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) and Pip (Nina Oyama). When both their homes are destroyed, this fish and sea dragon duo embark on a quest for a legendary fish that grants wishes. This hilarious and heartwarming movie shows how Mr. Fish realizes maybe he doesn’t need to be grumpy all the time.

I love how catchy the music is. It really fits the emotion of the scene in each moment. The music definitely sets the tone for the movie. Next, I cannot express enough how funny the characters are. Pip, the adorable sea dragon, brings her humor and chaos to finally bring a smile to Mr. Fish’s face. She is the reason why his personality changes so much throughout the film. Every part with Pip made me laugh! I have to give praise to the screenwriter for creating Mr. Fish’s backstory. It really adds depth to the character and is not included in the original book, The Pout-Pout Fish. Lastly, I love the action and adventure-filled parts the best. These are my favorite because they go really fast and keep me interested. An example is when Mr. Fish and Pip are swimming away from the pink dolphins trying to chase them. The music, funny characters, and action-filled scenes all contribute to making this a great film.

The film’s message is that anything can be accomplished if you think positively and help others. Pip always strives to help others and keeps a positive mindset no matter what. Be aware that some scenes may be scary for younger children.

I give The Pout-Pout Fish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It is available in theatres on March 20, 2026.

The Pout-Pout Fish

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

The Pout-Pout Fish is a cute, fun adventure movie that highlights the importance of helping those in need and the importance of friendship. 

The Pout-Pout Fish is an animated movie based on the children’s book by the same name by Deborah Diesen. The film, however, follows a different story line. Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) is a solitary fish that likes to be left alone. He has an encounter with a small sea dragon named Pip (Nina Oyama) and the two go on an adventure to try to find her family a new home. Meanwhile, a group of Cuttlefish are forced with a difficult decision and the two stories intertwine on a journey to get the help they need.

The film’s animation is smooth and in a fresh new style, with bright vibrant colors. I like the voice acting; I especially like that most of the characters have an Australian accent since that is where the story takes place. I also enjoyed how the film has two different story lines which are well developed, have good pacing, and are easy to follow. My favorite part of the film is when Mr. Fish and Pip visit the Dolphin Cove because of the pop culture references. I appreciate that the film includes factual details about sea creatures. For example, I learned that cuttlefish can hypnotize their prey. The film also has a lot of humor and some adult references to modern culture.

The film’s main message is the idea of helping others, even if it is inconvenient, because it can have a lasting impact. I also love the messages about how you never know who might end up becoming your friend and how important it is to work together towards a common goal. Parents should be aware that the film uses creative ocean terms as workarounds for profanity words.

I give The Pout-Pout Fish 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. The Pout-Pout Fish releases in cinemas on March 20, 2026.

The Pout-Pout Fish

By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Pout-Pout Fish is a new and exciting animated film that I really enjoyed, due to its emotional yet adventurous plot, funny scenes, and stunning animated visuals.

The storyline follows an always upset-looking fish called Mr. Fish (Nick Offerman) and a happy and energetic sea dragon named Pip (Nina Oyama). When both of their homes unexpectedly collapse, they go on a journey to find Shimmer (Jordin Sparks) who can grant them their wish of it being restored. Simultaneously, they have to race against Archie (Nazeem Husain) who is also looking for Shimmer so that he doesn’t have to leave the abyss.

There are a plethora of great things about this movie, but the visual design really stands out. The animation of the characters is really high-quality, and the background design is eye-catching. In addition, all of the characters’ expressions seem realistic and fun, despite them being animals. An example of this is the vivid and eye-catching color of the pink dolphins that Mr. Fish and Pip encounter towards the beginning of their journey. The plot also stands out; it involves the two fishes going on a long and cinematic journey through the ocean to find Shimmer, encountering various obstacles along the way. The journey also brings them closer together, and provides revelations about each other that they would not have known beforehand. My favorite part of the film is the character of Mr. Fish. Nick Offerman’s voice acting performance is deep. He aptly portrays Mr. Fish as a deep and grumpy guy, but brings out his softer side. Flashbacks reveal traumatic events from his childhood that make him the way that he is, and with Pip’s help, he is able to recover from that.

The film’s message places an emphasis on helping others. Regardless of whether or not it will be inconvenient to you, the film encourages you to support others when they need it and see the world through a more positive lens. Friendship is also a prominent theme, primarily shown through the relationship between Mr. Fish and Pip, as well as the journey they go on together.

I give The Pout-Pout Fish 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. The Pout-Pout Fish releases in theaters on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Trailer:

This bouncy read-aloud follows a little letter who rolls out of the alphabet line and goes on a grand adventure to find her truest self. The story behind the story is an adventure in its own right – 

Rhea Sarason, an artist based in Albuquerque, was feeling stuck and at a crossroads in her career when she received a writing prompt from her therapist that would change her life. With just a ream of copy paper, a blue pen, and some old markers, she wrote the story of Little o. On a whim, she shared o’s story on TikTok, and to her total surprise, it took off (the video has nearly 4 MILLION views to date). The comments section was abuzz with people relating to Little o and begging for the story to become a book – et voilà! Perfect for fans of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, this whimsical, watercolored fable about self-discovery (and combatting comparison and people-pleasing along the way) is a perfect gift for graduates and anyone going through a big life change. Rhea hopes you will discover the “O” within yOu, and maybe even feel the courage to venture beyond your own line.

While division dominates headlines, A Song of Her Own (Rain Chaser: Book One) [Iftin Ink; November 2025] by Saida Bulhan counters that narrative to build empathy by centering dignity, belonging, and the universal desire to be seen.

The first English-language children’s chapter book set in nomadic Somalia, the novel follows seven-year-old Kiin, who is eager to prove she’s ready to shepherd her family’s animals on her own. She already helps care for her younger siblings and assists Hooyo in building their huts. Her older siblings were trusted with herding at her age, so why not her?

Through Kiin’s journey, Bulhan centers what connects us: the universal longing to be seen, trusted, and valued. Somali proverbs and cultural wisdom weave through the narrative, grounding readers in nomadic life while underscoring themes of dignity, belonging, and human connection. Rather than positioning Somali culture as “other,” A Song of Her Own invites young readers into a world that feels both specific and familiar: where family dynamics, sibling rivalry, self-doubt, and creative ambition transcend geography.

“It’s particularly timely for young people, especially Somali American children and other children whose stories are underrepresented in children’s literature, who are processing the negative rhetoric they’re witnessing about their communities,” Bulhan said. “I want all readers to walk away affirmed in their own humanity and inspired by the vast potential for creativity and wholeness within us all, with deep appreciation for Somali culture and people.”

ISBN: 978-1969922015

Reading age‏:‎ 6-10 years

About the Author

Saida J. Bulhan was born and raised in a nomadic region of Somalia. She learned to read after immigrating to the United States as a teenager, an experience that sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling. She writes for children and adults but her first love is children’s fiction. A Song of Her Own is her first chapter book. Visit Saida at saidajbulhan.com.

GO BANANAS! (out 3/24/26): This infectiously silly read-aloud picture book brings a classic chant to bouncy, rhythmic life with a cast of very a-peeling yellow fruit friends!

This one is so much fun to read and kids will love it!

H is for Hiking
Greg Paproki

Learn with your toddler from A to Z all about hiking adventures and the outdoor world.

A fun collection of illustrations for young readers featuring things that toddlers might see on a hiking adventure or time spent outdoors in nature. Little ones will get a kick out spotting animal tracks, seeing eggs in a bird’s nest, scrambling over rocks, and finding animals and plants on the trail. They will also learn about what to wear and bring for excursions such as boots, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks. Another delightful BabyLit alphabet board book featuring Greg Paprocki’s classically retro mid-century art style that’s proven to be a hit with both young children and adults.

WISDOM OF THE WOODS by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas

From Newdigate Prize-winning poet Rachel Piercey comes a collection of autumnal artistry. Gather round and open up the Bear’s family possession for generations. A collection of 40 poems to fill the world with the magic of Brown Bear Wood. From the building of the butterfly’s cocoon to the songs sung through ancient tree roots, there is no shortage of natural wonders to behold.

OUR CITIES DEPEND ON US written and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov 

From acclaimed illustrator and architect Victoria Tentler-Krylov comes a hopeful and informative look at climate change. This book both examines the efforts that urban life has undertaken to reduce emissions, promote green-living and works to inform the reader on what the effects and terminology of climate change truly mean. A guiding hand meant to empower and uplift, not to frighten in the face of an issue of this scale.

ODD BUGS by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Gareth Lucas 

Celebrate the strange with us. From Dr. Laura Gehl comes a collection of all of nature’s most bizarre insectile creatures. A board book meant to foster a curiosity for the natural world in babies and toddlers by introducing them to the unusual bugs they can’t help but love. Penned in rhyming verse alongside gorgeous illustrations, it’s a unique and stunning collection that parents will love both for their children and themselves.

TINY GARDEN by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Jax Chow 

Love for the little among the large, Tiny Garden is a book about slowing down and celebrating the world around you as it is. The newest book from accomplished children’s author Deborah Underwood, this book is sure to warm the hearts of audiences everywhere. “Underwood’s sweet story valorizes “little things” and the true gardener’s intoxication with the earth.

WOODLORE by Kevin Parr and illustrated by Anja Sušanj 

Escape into the forests and witness nature’s beauties. Experience the seasons as you never have before. Woodlore takes readers on a journey through a year in the woods, letting time unfold with the equinoxes, the first seedlings, birdsongs, harvests, and solstices. Illustrated by accomplished artist Anja Sušanj, Woodlore is as beautiful within and without.

BUZZ by Richard A. Jones and illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows (On Sale: April 7)

A cataloging of fifteen of the world’s most breathtaking bugs, beetles, butterflies, and bees! Renowned entomologist Richard Jones makes his debut into the world of children’s books with Buzz: A Family Guide to Bugs and Bees and How to Spot Them. Beautiful and interactive, this book will set every child’s mind on fire as they try to spot stick insects, behold the beauties of the monarch butterfly, and get a close-up view of the emperor dragonfly!

Happy Spring time reading!

Self Disclosure: I received copies of the above books to feature. Images were also provided.