A multi-generational family of witches, cursed to be loveless for centuries, attempts to break the spell by confronting dark secrets and sacrificing for each other.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery.” See her full review below.

Practical Magic 2
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery. What I love most is that, even with all the supernatural elements, the heart of the story is really about family and the powerful bond between the Owens women. There is something so special about watching them come together, especially when one of their own needs them most.

Set 25 years after the first film, this one follows Sally’s daughter, Kylie (Joey King), as she experiences the same curse the Owens women have always faced when falling in love. Determined to break the spell, Kylie recruits her sister, Antonia (Maisie Williams), her mom, her aunt, and her great-aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Bridget “Jet” (Dianne Wiest) to help her discover the source of the curse. Together, the Owens women embark on a magical journey to uncover the truth and hopefully put an end to the curse once and for all.

The cast brings so much heart and personality to the film. Joey King is wonderful as Kylie, and I loved watching her character discover what it means to be part of the Owens family and carry on their magical legacy. Maisie Williams brings a great energy to Antonia, and seeing the sisters navigate their relationship while facing this challenge together was one of my favorite parts. Of course, seeing Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return as Frances and Jet adds that wonderful connection to the original film. The sets and locations also help make the movie feel so magical. From the beautiful Owens’ home to the locations surrounding their story, everything feels like it belongs in this enchanted world. The production design creates that cozy, mysterious, witchy atmosphere that fans of the original will recognize and love. If you loved the magic, sisterhood, and unforgettable charm of the original Practical Magic, you will want to see the sequel!

Practical Magic 2 is a story about love, family, sisterhood, and breaking the patterns that have been passed down through generations. It reminds us that we don’t have to let fear or the past determine our future. Sometimes the people who love us most are the ones who help us find the courage to break free and become who we are meant to be.

Practical Magic 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters September 10, 2026.

Adapted from Enid Blyton’s beloved classic novel The Magic Faraway Tree, the film centers on Polly (Foy), Tim (Garfield), and their three children – a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface (Anozie), Silky (Coughlan), Dame Washalot (Gunning), and Saucepan Man (Dustin Demri-Burns). At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Valerie M. comments, “The Magic Faraway Tree enchanted me. I enjoy everything the film has to offer but, more than anything, I love the story – it’s magical but still relatable.” Maica N. adds, “Magic Faraway Tree is a star-studded, family oriented movie that has the perfect balance of whimsy, adventure, and intricate character arcs. Although the film uses the magic of CGI to bring the fantastical lands to life, The Magic Faraway Tree was shot across various beautiful United Kingdom landscapes.” Giana N. wraps it up with, “If you are interested in a family oriented, magical, and adventurous film, then The Magic Faraway Tree is exactly the film for you. This movie contains relatable themes, real-world issues, and a fun story to watch which makes it a film you don’t want to miss! The set designs and the landscapes are some of my favorite aspects. The intricate details and the colorful atmosphere in the magical lands truly bring the film to life.” See their full reviews below.

The Magic Faraway Tree
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

The Magic Faraway Tree enchanted me. From its wild worlds and adventures to its simple, yet important messages, The Magic Faraway Tree made me feel.

The storyline follows Tim (Andrew Garfield) and Polly (Claire Foy) Thompson plus their three kids, Joe (Phoenix Laroche), Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy) and Fran (Billie Gadsdon) as they move to the country after Polly quits her job. The children hate the idea because they don’t want to leave their friends behind to move to a house without Internet service. As they head to the barn, Fran unknowingly helps Silky (Nicola Coughlan), a magic fairy. Silky invites Fran to tea at the Magic Faraway Tree where she meets other residents and begins a journey full of magical and wonderful worlds.

This film invites you along for the fun. The Magic Faraway Tree is the perfect balance of light-hearted fun and earnest emotion. I enjoy everything the film has to offer but, more than anything, I love the story – it’s magical but still relatable. It is almost like something that could happen on a random Tuesday. It also keeps a perfect balance between events happening in the real world and at the faraway tree. I didn’t lose out on the stories happening in either world. Another puzzle piece in this film is the characters. Each one is unique. Even if they share opinions or struggles, each one still feels like their own person. No character is there just to support another. We see a group of friends with special relationships, memories and backstories. It’s a perfect balance.

The visuals in the film are beautiful. Everything from the Magic Faraway Tree to the family’s old apartment is vibrant and colorful — a fairy tale in real life! The magic extends to the way the characters dress. From magical suits and gowns down to regular clothing, the costumes reflect each person’s personality and complement the others wonderfully. The set and costume designers are to be commended. Their work makes the film feel timeless, so viewers from now to a hundred years from now can imagine themselves there.

The film’s message is that you only get one childhood, so go out and explore the world. Note that there are some risky actions like running away, and strong verbal arguments that children may imitate.

I give The Magic Faraway Tree 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters on August 21, 2026

The Magic Faraway Tree

Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 18

Who doesn’t love a good fantasy film? The Magic Faraway Tree is a star-studded, family oriented movie that has the perfect balance of whimsy, adventure, and intricate character arcs.

The Magic Faraway Tree follows the Thompson’s, a once tight-knit family that has been severed by technology. In an attempt to salvage the family dynamic, Tim (Andrew Garfield) moves with his wife Polly (Claire Foy), and their three children to the countryside. In a miraculous turn of events, the children discover a magical tree that transports them to various enchanted lands, where they learn valuable lessons about loyalty and sacrifice.

Although the film uses the magic of CGI to bring the fantastical lands to life, The Magic Faraway Tree was shot across various beautiful United Kingdom landscapes. The set design is visually aesthetic and vibrant, easily capturing the attention of young children. Speaking of children, each of the Thompson siblings, Francesca (Billie Gadsdon), Bethany (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), and Joseph (Phoenix Laroche) bring their own distinct personalities to the table. After not talking for years, Fran finally steps out of her shell when she finds a friend in Silky (Nicola Coughlan). Beth, who is a moody tween at the beginning of the film, realizes that she is not too old to believe in magic. Joe, who is obsessed with virtual reality, eventually understands what he’d miss out on if he spent the rest of his life wearing goggles. Each character in The Magic Faraway Tree has a moment of growth that contributes to its theme. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy portray an exemplary couple who want the best for each other and their family. Both display nuance, as Tim is a child at heart but is willing to do anything to achieve his goals, and Polly is an intelligent, creative, and levelheaded woman that still has spontaneity within her. They demonstrate how, when you dream big and commit, you can have it all. The score by Isabella Summers, a founding member of the iconic band Florence and The Machine is terrific; each track encapsulates the tone of the film and draws the audience into each scene.

The film’s message is to never take those who love you for granted. In today’s world, it is so easy to get distracted by superficial things like technology and social media. However, this film encourages viewers to take a step back and remember what is truly important.

I give The Magic Faraway Tree 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on August 21, 2026. Make sure you check it out!

The Magic Faraway Tree

Giana N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 15

If you are interested in a family oriented, magical, and adventurous film, then The Magic Faraway Tree is exactly the film for you. This movie contains relatable themes, real-world issues, and a fun story to watch which makes it a film you don’t want to miss!

The storyline follows Tim Thompson (Andrew Garfield), Polly Thompson (Claire Foy), and their technology-driven children as they begin to navigate life in the country after leaving their home in the city. The family must rely on each other to make this new lifestyle work. Their children, Francesca (Billie Gadsdon), Bethany (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), and Joseph (Phoenix Laroche) discover a magical tree that leads them to mythical worlds, new friends, and various adventures.

The set designs and the landscapes are some of my favorite aspects. The intricate details and the colorful atmosphere in the magical lands truly bring the film to life. My favorite land is the Land of Birthdays due to its fun nature and whimsical atmosphere. Also, I found birthday wishes coming true in an instant, an interesting concept. The comedy is a major part in making the film what it is. There are funny moments throughout the movie that keep it lighthearted, and the character who keeps it this way is Silky (Nicola Coughlan). Silky keeps a humorous dynamic with most of the interactions she has and continues to be my favorite through the film. I enjoyed the character development of the individual characters, but also for the family as a whole. It is refreshing to witness the relationship between the parents and children grow stronger as the film progresses. Parent-child disconnect is real and this film conveys this issue through Tim trying time and time again to save the family dynamic.

The film’s message is to never forget that there is more to life than what you see on a screen. Throughout the film, the children seem to have been corrupted by technology, and have lost the real meaning of childhood. Not only do they lose a sense of reality, but they begin to lose themselves along the way. The film portrays how people can overcome that.

I give The Magic Faraway Tree 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in cinemas on August 21, 2026. Be sure to check it out!

After their ship gets caught in a mysterious storm, the PAW Patrol pups crash land on an uncharted tropical island filled with dinosaurs. They meet Rex, a pup who has been stranded on the island for years and has become an expert in all things dino-related. When the PAW Patrol’s archrival, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly mining in hopes of exploiting the island for its natural resources, he inadvertently causes a huge, dormant volcano to erupt. The PAW Patrol pups are thrown into a series of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues bigger than anything they’ve done before, as they must stop Humdinger before everything on the island goes extinct.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kennedy P. comments, “If you thought the PAW Patrol pups couldn’t get any more adventurous, think again! Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie delivers an action packed journey filled with dinosaurs, laughs, heart, and plenty of heroic moments that had me cheering from beginning to end.” Ryker N. adds, “I was surprised by Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie! The storyline is much more intense and action- packed than the previous Paw Patrol movies while keeping some of the recurring themes such as the corrupt Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) and Marshall’s (Carter Young) mishaps.” See their full reviews below.

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

If you thought the PAW Patrol pups couldn’t get any more adventurous, think again! Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie delivers an action packed journey filled with dinosaurs, laughs, heart, and plenty of heroic moments that had me cheering from beginning to end. From the moment the pups arrive on a mysterious dinosaur island, the movie keeps the excitement going with thrilling rescues, funny moments, and lovable characters. As a longtime fan of the franchise, I loved seeing the pups tackle a brand new adventure while introducing an exciting new member of the team.

The story follows Ryder and the Paw Patrol pups after a powerful storm strands them on a hidden island where dinosaurs still roam. There, they meet Rex, a dino obsessed Bernese Mountain Dog who knows everything there is to know about the prehistoric creatures and helps guide the team through the island. Meanwhile, their longtime rival, Mayor Humdinger, creates chaos by mining for diamonds, accidentally awakening a volcano and putting everyone, including the dinosaurs, in danger. It’s up to Ryder, the pups, and Rex to work together, save the island, and prove once again that no rescue is too big and no pup is too small.

The animation is vibrant, colorful, and absolutely stunning, bringing the lush dinosaur island to life with beautiful landscapes and exciting action sequences. Every dinosaur is full of personality, while the pups remain just as lovable as ever. The talented voice cast helps every character feel fun, relatable, and memorable. One of the biggest highlights is meeting Rex (Hayden Chamberlen), who gives the courageous pup so much heart and humor. Rex uses a high-tech wheeled harness for his hind legs, and it’s especially meaningful that Hayden, who uses a wheelchair in real life, brings authentic representation to the role. McKenna Grace once again shines as the voice of Skye, bringing warmth, confidence, and bravery to one of the franchise’s most beloved pups.

The film’s message is about teamwork, courage, kindness, and believing in yourself. It reminds us that everyone has unique strengths and that differences can become superpowers when we work together. The film also celebrates inclusion through Rex’s character, showing that heroes come in many forms. With positive messages, exciting adventure, plenty of laughs, and no inappropriate content, this is a cute, safe, and family-friendly movie that Paw Patrol fans will resonate with and it might create a lot of new Paw Patrol fans.

I give Paw Patrol The Dino Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. It releases in theaters Friday, August 14, 2026.

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie                                                                                                                                                                         By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I was surprised by Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie! The storyline is much more intense and action- packed than the previous Paw Patrol movies while keeping some of the recurring themes such as the corrupt Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) and Marshall’s (Carter Young) mishaps.

In Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, a huge storm causes the PAW Patrol ship to crash on an unknown island where dinosaurs exist. The squad teams up with a local pup named Rex (Hayden Chamberlen) and a baby dinosaur to save the island from Humdinger’s greedy diamond mining which causes a dormant volcano to erupt.

This adventurous film has some suspenseful scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. One stressful scene, resulting from one of Humdinger’s disasters, involves a giant dino getting stuck between two rock cliffs and it’s up to the Paw Patrol’s teamwork to save him. I like how the screenplay, written by Bob Barlen, Cal Brunker, Keith Chapman, incorporates nature into the scenes in creative ways. One example is how they use giant tree leaves to make hang gliders showing that, if you take the time to look for it, nature gives you everything you need. Given that the story takes place on an island, it’s fun to see the Patrol get cool new jungle survival suits for their latest mission. I really like it when movies carry over common themes from a previous film in the franchise. In this case, it’s Marshall’s classic catchphrase, “I’m okay,” which always makes me laugh. The graphics are very cutting edge, less cartoon-like, and more realistic than the previous two Paw Patrol films. But honestly, I like the old school graphics better. The official soundtrack has energetic music by the Backstreet Boys that keeps the theater vibe exciting throughout the movie.

This film’s message is about teamwork, never giving up and learning from your mistakes.  Ryder (Henry Bolan) consistently coaches the Paw Patrol to work together during their missions. He encourages Marshall when he gets down on himself for making mistakes by saying, “I didn’t pick you because you don’t make mistakes, I picked you because you are the Pup that NEVER gives up!”

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. The film releases in theaters on August 14, 2026.

Trailer:

When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible in this heartwarming and funny young adult novel.
Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.
But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him human?!
Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.

This is truly a book to read and is definitely a book for dog lovers of all ages!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.J. Symon was born and raised in the South where he was instilled with a love of football, dogs, and any food that’s been breaded and deep-fried. He got the idea for GOLDEN BOY when what he assumed was a game of fetch with his golden retriever turned into a game of keep-away. If that dog were human, he thought, he’d be an amazing running back. Symon lives with his family in Barnesville, Georgia, where the proceeds from this book will help keep several golden retrievers in the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed.

A Note From the Author:

“Golden Boy is a love letter to all the dogs we’ve loved during our lifetime that we wish could have lived forever. It was my way of transforming the grief of losing my own golden retriever into joy and sharing that joy with the world. And transforming myself in the process with an entirely new career as a novelist at sixty-years-old. I guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks.” – A.J. Symon

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

In this modern supernatural middle grade retelling of the beloved classic Little Women, the March sisters have a monstrous secret Meg will do anything to protect—especially with another beast lurking in the woods threatening to expose them.

Meg March and her three sisters are monsters. No, really. Meg has teeth that are a little too sharp. Jo gets furry under the full moon. Beth goes night flying on wings that are impossible to hide under her sweaters. And Amy? Well, don’t let her near a body of water or she’ll start sprouting her mermaid’s tail.

Meg is sure their foster mom, Marmee, wouldn’t like any of this if she knew. And Jo’s best friend Laurie, the nice boy next door, would run screaming. To make matters worse, Meg’s small town outside of Salem is on edge. A vicious beast has been spotted in the forest, and Farmer Bhaer believes it’s responsible for his missing chickens. Meg is sure to be blamed if anyone realizes she’s a monster in disguise. And the closer it gets to Halloween, the surer the town is that something evil is hiding in the forest.

Meg doesn’t always remember what she gets up to at night, and sometimes, she wakes alone in a mossy part of the forest and has to find her way back. With John Brooke determined to find out just what Meg is hiding and locals working to uncover the monsters in their midst, Meg must find the culprit herself—or risk losing the little home she’s found with her sisters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Máire Roche is a former elementary and pre-k teacher who now writes stories full of magic, mystery, and wonder. When she isn’t teaching or imagining fictional worlds, Máire enjoys running, teaching martial arts, and baking too many cookies. She lives in the Midwest with her spouse and their very disagreeable cat, Lulu.

Babies: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen 
On sale 8/11/26, ISBN: 9781523532094 
Calling all animal lovers! Babies: A Photicular Book spotlights an adorable selection of baby animals, from a litter of puppies to a sea lion pup lounging in the sun to a playful little chimpanzee. Through immersive 3D images and fun facts about each animal, learn how these lovable creatures grow and survive in the wild.  This is such a beautiful book!

America: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen 
On sale 6/2/26, ISBN: 9781523536207 
America: A Photicular Book celebrates the unique beauty of the USA with immersive 3D images that move as you turn the page. From the bright lights of Time Square to a roaring river in Yosemite National Park to the majestic aurora over Alaskan skies, this book is a stirring ode to the beauty of America on its 250^th anniversary (and beyond).  

The Little Frog Sticker Book by Maybell Eequay  
On sale 8/11/26, ISBN: 9781523536078 
Maybell Eequay’s beloved Little Frog is now spreading joy in sticker form! Get ready to bedeck your items with “hoppiness” as you move the mushroom-wearing, fabulous-shoed dancing and prancing amphibian from 72 pages of landscapes of fabulous stiletto boots, lily pads, and friendly gerbils to any item for a reminder of the encouragement and compassion that Little Frog has come to represent.   

The Eclectic World of Julia Rothman Wrapping Paper Book by Julia Rothman 
On sale 8/4/26, ISBN: 9781523535293 
This curated collection of wrapping paper sheets and matching gift tags features a wide variety of Rothman’s charming designs, from ballerinas to bakeware to the beach. I can’t wait to use this one!

Paint by Sticker: Portraits by Workman Publishing 
On sale 8/25/26, ISBN: 9781523533442 
Re-create 12 historic paintings one sticker at a time. Featuring select pieces from the renowned collection at London’s National Portrait Gallery, re-create historically significant British figures of Shakespeare, Ira Alridge, the Brontë sisters, Mary Seacole, and more. Plus the card-stock pages are perforated, so every finished picture can easily be removed for framing. This is great for both older kids and even adults!

The Little Frog Wrapping Paper Book by Maybell Eequay 
On sale 8/11/26, ISBN: 9781523536085 
The Little Frog is here to help you gift in style! Nature-inspired patterns and accessorized amphibians hop around gleefully on 12 perforated wrapping paper sheets that detach and unfold.  Perfect for wrapping up The Little Frog sticker book!

I Love the South Sticker Book by Workman Publishing, illustrated by Joanna Dee 
On sale 9/1/26, ISBN: 9781523533299 
600 stickers celebrate everything Southern, from magnolias in bloom to natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains to cornbread in a cast iron pan or the twang of country bluegrass. Declare your love for the great American South with stickers featuring phrases like “bless your heart” and “dadgummit” and odes to okra, lightnin’ bugs, fishin’, and sweet tea.  

The Eclectic World of Julia Rothman Sticker Book by Julia Rothman 
On sale 8/4/26, ISBN: 9781523535286 
Take a romp through renowned illustrator Julia Rothman’s eclectic world with over 1,000 stickers! From patterned socks & undies to ornate teacups to handsome dogs to half-finished toothpaste tubes, there’s a sticker for the animal lover, the foodie, the bookworm, and anyone looking to decorate their world in Julia Rothman’s signature charming style. 

Cowgirl Wisdom by Workman Publishing 
On sale 9/1/26, ISBN: 9781523533411 
This collection of quotes by strong women is full of motivating pep talks and reminders to stay grounded. A fitting companion for every girl’s journey, from graduations to bachelorette parties to 90^th birthdays, it’s truly meant for anyone who needs to channel their inner cowgirl. 

About the book:

Whiz Kids: Human Body

Play-Along STEM Concepts for Little Learners

By Ellen Philpott, illustrated by Danielle Mudd

On sale 8/25/26 | $12.99

Workman Kids | ISBN 9781523536382

Ages 3 and up

Get hands on with STEM! Filled with surprises that keep young learners engaged, this interactive novelty board book explores the fascinating world inside the human body.

What’s going on inside our bodies? How do we move, eat, think, and breathe? Curious toddlers will love looking inside the human body to discover the answers with this engaging novelty board book. Seven novelty spreads, plus a novelty element on the cover, help satisfy children’s curiosity about how their bodies work. Lift the flap to explore the digestive system, spin the wheel to move the skeleton, pull the lever to reveal the nervous system, and more!

With bright, colorful illustrations and sturdy moving pieces, this book is a perfect gift and a valuable addition to a child’s library.

About the creators:

Ellen Philpott is a UK-based children’s writer and editor, with over 20 years of experience in educational and early-years publishing. Danielle Mudd, also UK-based, is a children’s book illustrator passionate about the important role of books in early years development.

American Idol meets The Hunger Games in this campy, dystopian satire about a teen betting her life that her singing talent can make her a star from the celebrated author of This Book Is Gay, Juno Dawson. This sapphic, rivals-to-lovers romance also grapples with real-life issues the world is facing now, like climate disasters, rising international tension, and anti-LGBTQ policy.

Recommended for older kids only!

A Kid’s Guide to Backyard Stargazing
By Eliza Berkowitz • Illustrated by Nicole LaRue

Packed with captivating facts about planets, stars, constellations, and other celestial objects—all visible from North America— this brightly illustrated guide is perfect for young nature lovers.

Learn all about the amazing night sky in a handy, easy-to-carry guidebook for explorers ages 6 to 8 that shows you how to identify 28 celestial objects that are commonly visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The book has chapters on the Sun and the Moon (including solar eclipses and lunar eclipses), the planets (including Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), the stars (including the movement of stars, the types of stars, Polaris, Sirius, Arcturus, Vega, Capella, and Rigel), the constellations (including Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Orion, Canis Major, Centaurus, The Northern Cross, and Ursa Minor), and other celestial objects such as the Milky Way, comets, galaxies, meteoroids, and meteorites.

$14.99 U.S. • Paperback
5 x 7 in, 96 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 6 to 8

Mermaid Sleepover

Your little one will count down from 10 to 0, as each little mermaid goes to sleep (and disappears from the page!) at the mermaid sleepover.

Colorful illustrations of mermaids having fun at their sleepover engage toddlers and preschoolers as they learn to count down from ten at bedtime. Mermaids have a dance party, paint seashells, do each other’s hair, and take their seahorses for a walk in this magical, underwater, fairy-tale world. With the clever die-cuts in the book, the mermaids disappear from the page one by one as they swim off to go to bed.

$9.99 U.S. • Board Book
9 x 8 in, 10 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 0 to 3
On Sale: 6/16/2026
9781423669968
Rights: Worldwide

Some Dinos
Illustrated by Lydia Nichols

An ode to the different sizes and unique body-type characteristics of dinosaurs, this colorful, chunky board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out.

Perfect for dinosaur lovers of all ages, Lydia Nichols’ charming layered artwork with the rhyming story is a celebration of our favorite prehistoric friends. The dinos in this bright, engaging board book come in many different sizes and shapes, and feature special parts that make them recognizable as their unique dinosaur selves. Some are tiny, some are big, some have horns, spikes, flippers, or wings, but to those who love them, every dino is the best of all.

$17.99 U.S. • Board Book
8 1/2 x 8 1/2 in, 12 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 0 to 3
On Sale: 8/4/2026
9781423669920
Rights: Worldwide

It’s Time for Red, White, and Blue
Illustrated by Kathrin Fehrl

An ode to the 4th of July, parades, and celebrating with friends, this colorful, chunky board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out on nursery bookshelves.

Every page turn reveals a new layer to Kathrin Fehrl’s adorable illustrations of kids getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July by having a cookout, attending a parade, and celebrating with family and friends at the big fireworks display, complete with a fun seek-and-find for each scene. Perfect for holiday lovers of all ages, this sweet story is a celebration of one of the best times of the year.

$17.99 U.S. • Board Book
8 x 10 in, 12 Pages
Full-Color Illustrations
Ages 0 to 3
On Sale: 5/5/2026
9781423669722
Rights: Worldwide

 Little People, BIG DREAMS — the internationally bestselling children’s biography series that introduces young readers (and their grown-ups!) to the lives of incredible women and men who changed the world.

              

From trailblazers in science and activism to champions in arts and sports, these beautifully illustrated stories make powerful role models accessible to children while also offering adults a fresh way to talk about resilience, identity, and leadership:

• Trailblazers in Science & Creativity: Sets and individual titles featuring figures like Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn and more showcase women whose curiosity and courage reshaped their fields.
• Voices of Courage & Justice: Biographies of Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks bring to life the journeys of women who stood firm for civil rights and self-expression.
• Modern Icons & Changemakers: Recent and upcoming titles — including Simone Biles, Oprah Winfrey, and Rihanna — reflect a diverse spectrum of achievements in sports, media, activism, business, and beyond.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books and they are highly recommended! Cover images were also provided.

Washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck’s vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, taking away his ability to play tennis, he resorts to the unthinkable in the name of rehab. He not only tries pickleball, but, thanks in part to his enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he finds himself actually enjoying it. Torn between two worlds, Dusty is forced to finally face the ghosts of his past athletic failures, including his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick (Andy Roddick). Ultimately, Dusty is drawn into a desperate battle for the future of the club, his father’s affection and his very identity.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Julie O. comments, “The Dink Is A Hilarious, Action-Packed Movie That Uses Humor To Deal With Heavy Issues Like Self-Identity, Accepting Changes, And Difficult Relationships with parents. I laughed throughout the entire film and found myself constantly rooting for Dusty.” See her full review below

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

The Dink is a hilarious, action-packed movie that uses humor to deal with heavy issues like self-identity, accepting changes, and difficult relationships with parents. I laughed throughout the entire film and found myself constantly rooting for Dusty.

Dusty, aka “The Hammer” (Jake Johnson) grew up as a tennis prodigy. Encouraged by his coach, who is also his father (Ed Harris), Dusty suffers an accident preventing him from playing tennis. After his accident, Dusty becomes a pretty bitter person. Now, as a 40-year-old who still works for his dad, Dusty finds himself having to make a difficult choice and accept new challenges if he wants to make his dad proud. PJ (Aaron Chen) is Dusty’s best friend and number one fan who provides comic relief in every scene. On his journey, Dusty also forges a new friendship with Candace (Mary Steenburgen) who challenges Dusty to try new things.

I really enjoy how the story centers on one character, Dusty, and how he is managing his relationships with family, friends, and himself while using the rivalry between tennis and pickleball as a subplot. The conflict between the two sports is hilarious. I love that the film shows how everyone is good at something, regardless of age and perceived ability. I also like the pacing of the film and how it primarily focuses on the main character over a short period of his life. Most of the scenes are set at the tennis club or the pickleball courts.  My favorite part is all of the celebrity cameos and how Dusty gets his new nickname.

The film’s message is that it is never too late to create the version of yourself that you want to be. The film also focuses on the importance of being open-minded and willing to try new things. Parents should be advised that the film contains profanity and some sexual references.

I give The Dink 4 out 5 stars and recommend the film for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Dink releases on Apple TV July 24, 2026.