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.

Full of Paddington’s signature blend of wit, charm, and laugh-out-loud humor, Paddington in Peru finds the beloved, marmalade-loving bear on an exciting, high-stakes adventure. When Paddington discovers his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the wilds of Peru to look for her, the only clue to her whereabouts a spot marked on an enigmatic map. Determined to solve the mystery, Paddington embarks on a thrilling quest through the rainforests of the Amazon to find his aunt…and may also uncover one of the world’s most legendary treasures.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “While sequels are often a letdown, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline – making it the best of the Paddington series to date!” Kyla C. adds, “This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.” Tiana S. adds, “Paddington in Peru is a bear-y new and interesting film to the Paddington Franchise. It is full of action, adventure, and the sights of Peru. This film gives a sense of family, trust, and finding your tribe.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages.” See their full reviews below.

Paddington in Peru

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Paddington in Peru is the third Paddington movie based on the classic children’s books written by Michael Bond. While sequels are often a letdown, Paddington in Peru is beautifully executed with great characters and acting, hilarious timing, and a heart-warming storyline – making it the best of the Paddington series to date!

Paddington in Peru is a story about Paddington (Ben Whishaw) going back to his homeland of Peru to see with his Aunt Lucy. Once he arrives, he finds out that she has disappeared. From there, Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, go into the Amazonian jungle to save her. They encounter many interesting animals and people along the way.

Along with the Aunt Lucy adventure, this movie also shows us Paddington’s origin story – taking us back to when he was a cute baby bear who first finds Aunt Lucy. The animation used for the bears is so adorable and fun, especially when they mix it with the live action aspects. It blends in seamlessly and makes the movie fun for kids and adults. I enjoyed the various animation and filming effects, like early in the movie when Mrs. Brown makes a painting that comes to life to help tell the story of how the Brown family is changing as the kids become teenagers. Paddington in Peru has some beautiful scenes of the Peruvian landscape and cool scenes in London that made me want to book trips to both places! Paddington in Peru has great characters who are expertly acted, including some new faces like Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) and favorites from the movies series Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) and Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville). The amazing star power makes Paddington in Peru a surefire hit.

The main themes of Paddington in Peru are to embrace who you are and that it’s okay to have many places you call home and many people you call family. This movie includes positive messages around the dangers of greed and the importance of teamwork and putting family first. Parents should note that this movie includes some scenes of peril for Paddington and his family and some mildly scary scenes in the forest.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Paddington in Peru releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.

Paddington in Peru

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the brand new Paddington in Peru! This is an engaging, hilarious family-friendly film that easily lives up to its expectations. With relatable characters, colorful scenery, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way, Paddington in Peru is a must-see for kids and families.

This film picks up where the second one left off, with Paddington (Ben Whishaw) living with his adoptive family in London. However, an opportunity for adventure strikes when Paddington receives a letter saying that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), from Peru, is missing him. The family decides to take a trip to visit, but are surprised to find Aunt Lucy gone when they arrive at her house. One thing leads to another, and Paddington is soon meeting many new characters whilst experiencing one of the wonders of the world firsthand, all in an attempt to find his aunt and reunite with her.

First off, Paddington in Peru has a very engaging storyline. I constantly wondered what would happen next and was excited to discover answers to the many mysteries. There are many newly introduced characters that add even more mystery and curiosity. It’s unclear who could be working for the other side, which keeps intensity and suspense throughout the film. It’s very exciting to use details and clues to determine which characters are suspicious. Similar to Paddington’s first movies, this one has plenty of humor to keep up laughs and smiles in the midst of the adventure. The Brown family’s banter, random jokes and sarcasm add a comical side to the film, which captivated me even further. The characters are relatable and entertaining, making this movie an even more pleasurable experience. This aspect of authenticity allowed me to connect with the characters and care about what happens to them. Paddington in Peru has a beautiful appearance as a film. Taking place primarily in the jungle of Peru, the camera shots are magnificent and add so much to the viewing experience. Paddington visits Machu Picchu, which is a stunning location. The combination of Paddington’s animation along with the live action actors and scenery is seamless. They appear to clearly be there together and living in the same world, making the film even funnier and more engaging.

The theme of Paddington in Peru is that putting family and those you care about should always come first. Paddington drops everything to help Aunt Lucy in a time of need, showing true dedication and loyalty for someone he cares about. The film also highlights the importance of kindness and having a home. Be aware that there is some mild violence, including use of a gun. There is also a frightening large spider that appears on screen briefly.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. You can view Paddington in Peru in theaters beginning February 14, 2025. Be sure to stay for the credits – there’s a fun surprise at the end!

Paddington in Peru

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Paddington in Peru is a bear-y new and interesting film to the Paddington Franchise. It is full of action, adventure, and the sights of Peru. This film gives a sense of family, trust, and finding your tribe.

Paddington in Peru follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the Browns on their journey to Peru. Paddington receives a letter that says Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the retired Bears’ home. So, he and the Browns travel to Peru trying to find her. After figuring out their travels, they go to El Dorado where they are faced with the gold-hungry Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) who is also looking for the rich city. It’s up to Paddington to reach El Dorado and save Aunt Lucy before anyone can stop him.

The main characters are Paddington, the Browns, Hunter Cabot, and Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman). I like all the references to the past two films such as, Paddington doing the hard stare or referencing the Prison scene of Paddington 2. This movie is certainly different from the other Paddington films. Besides the film taking place in Peru, they definitely made this more of a grown hero film for Paddington. Paddington’s character has changed to where he is more mature and adventurous than in the past. With that in mine, it is lacking in action and has mostly soft or filler moments. I like that we get to explore Peru and see where Paddington lived before going to London, but action movies need action. Still, this is a cute film that sheds new light on Paddington and builds his character. Plus, it answers some questions fans have been curious about since the first two movies.

The message of this movie is about family. Paddington is looking to find Aunt Lucy and more about the place where he grew up and came from. But along the journey with the Browns, Paddington looks back and realizes that, while Peru is part of his roots and who he is, the Browns are now his home and family.

I give Paddington in Peru 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Paddington in Peru in theaters on February 14, 2025.

Paddington in Peru
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20

Paddington in Peru is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that delivers all the charm, humor, and warmth that fans of the franchise have come to love. This delightful sequel takes audiences on an exciting journey filled with mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic, all wrapped in stunning visuals and engaging storytelling.

The story follows Paddington (Ben Whishaw) as he sets off on a thrilling adventure to the jungles of Peru after discovering that his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family by his side, Paddington embarks on a journey through the Amazon rainforest, uncovering hidden secrets and stumbling upon a legendary treasure along the way.

As the Paddington and his entourage navigate the lush landscapes and face unexpected challenges, Paddington’s signature kindness and optimism shine through. Ben Whishaw once again brings Paddington to life with his endearing voice performance, capturing the bear’s innocence and unwavering spirit. The Brown family, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, Samuel Joslin, Emily Mortimer, and Madeleine Harris and the rest of the talented cast add warmth and humor to the story. The breathtaking cinematography showcases the vibrant and lush beauty of Peru, making the film visually captivating. The use of practical effects and CGI seamlessly blend to create a world that feels both whimsical and immersive. My favorite part of the film is Paddington’s heartfelt reunion with Aunt Lucy. The emotional depth in this moment is beautifully handled, reinforcing the film’s central themes of love and family. The adventure sequences, infused with humor and thrilling moments, kept me engaged, while the touching relationships make the story deeply resonant.

At its core, Paddington in Peru carries a powerful message about perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose. The film encourages viewers to embrace curiosity and compassion, making it a positive and uplifting experience for all ages. There is no inappropriate language or concerning behavior, making it a perfect choice for young audiences.

I give Paddington in Peru 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, with adults sure to enjoy it as well. This film will be out in theaters on Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2025.

The Collective Book Studio is thrilled to announce the release of Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest by Alexandra Claire, (The Collective Book Studio / January 2025 / Hardcover: $7.99 / ISBN: 9781685550530) a delightful board book that brings the magic of the forest to life for young readers. Designed for early learners and nature enthusiasts aged 0-4, this charming book combines vibrant imagery with sweet, rhythmic rhymes to captivate little adventurers.

From the first light of dawn to the calm of evening, children will follow playful woodland critters—including foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and bears—as they explore their forest home. Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest offers a heartwarming glimpse into the daily lives of these adorable creatures, making it an ideal addition to bedtime routines.

This beautifully crafted board book engages young children with gentle rhymes and vivid, authentic illustrations that bring the forest and its baby animals to life. Its premium design—featuring durable matte lamination and eye-catching spot gloss varnish on the cover—ensures it will be treasured for years.

Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest is the perfect gift for baby showers and birthdays, a keepsake book that is a thoughtful way to introduce children to the wonders of nature.

“This book is a joyful tribute to the wonders of the great outdoors and the incredible creatures that call it home,” says Angela Engel, owner and publisher at The Collective Book Studio. “With its vivid illustrations and captivating, lyrical storytelling, Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest sparks curiosity and inspires young readers to connect with the beauty of the natural world. We’re thrilled to bring this enchanting book to life.”

Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy bedtime moment, Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest is sure to become a family favorite. The book’s stunning photography and playful rhymes make it a must-have for every young nature lover’s library.

About the Author:

Alexandra Claire attended UCLA, earning a degree in English Literature. She has a deep love of learning and teaching and created a series of books to gently introduce young children to their very first letters and numbers in a fun and interactive manner. She is also the author of Baby Animals First 123 Book; Animal Adventures: Day at the Farm; and Little Chunkies: Animals in the Forest: With Adorable Animals to Touch and Discover. She lives in Bonita, California, with her two young children, who are both avid readers and artists.

Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest is available now at retail and online outlets.

About The Collective Book Studio

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned independent publisher dedicated to producing high-quality books that inspire, entertain, and educate. Known for their beautifully designed and curated titles, The Collective Book Studio connects readers with stories that matter, making their books ideal for gifts and personal collections alike.

The Collective Book Studio’s books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com.

Kids will love the all-new chapter book series from Good Dog author Cam Higgins called Ratnip! This series follows a loveable rat on his adventures and hijinks through the city he calls home. The series is launching with TWO illustrated books on February 4^th, called, Ratnip Lost and Found in the City and Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True. Both of which come out just in time for National Pizza Day on February 9^th, because nothing goes together quite like Pizza and Rats especially since the viral Pizza Rat video is celebrating its 10^th anniversary in 2025!

Follow Ratnip as he goes dumpster diving to return lost items to their rightful owners in book #1, and as he makes a mess while sneaking into an abandon pizza parlor to make pizza in book #2.

Both books are so much fun to read! Ratnip is just a really fun character that children will love!

In the illustrated chapter book, Ratnip Lost and Found in the City, by Cam Higgins (out: 02/04/25) readers will get to meet Ratnip the rat, and see how he lives in the City. Where Ratnip lives there’s always plenty of food to eat if you know the right places to find them. Dumpster diving isn’t just for finding food, though, it’s also for discovering knick-knacks and adventure! And tonight, Ratnip is on a very special mission to return treasure to its rightful owner. But will he make it home before sunrise? Readers will have to find out more in the first book of this heartwarming series.

The second illustrated chapter book, which is perfect for National Pizza Day on 2/9, Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True by Cam Higgins (out:02/04/25). Readers will join Ratnip inside his home in an abandoned pizza parlor, where one night he has a massive craving for pizza. Ratnip can’t seem to find so much as a single leftover crust in the trash. There’s only one thing to do- make your own pizzas! This book offers a well-crafted and imaginative story, all while maintaining the fun of an enjoyable delicious adventure.

Perfect for young children ages 5-9.

James Ponti’s highly anticipated CITY SPIES #6: LONDON CALLING (on sale February 4, 2025). This thrilling addition to the New York Times bestselling City Spies series is perfect for fans of action-packed mysteries and smart, heartfelt storytelling!

Coming in hot off the launch of James Ponti’s newest series, The Sherlock Society (9/3/24), LONDON CALLING takes the City Spies team on a dramatic mission across Rome, Istanbul, and their new home base in London. Brimming with high-stakes intrigue, humor, and heart, this fast-paced adventure is packed with edge-of-your-seat suspense and fun contemporary references that will resonate with readers of all ages.

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cairo, the newest member of the City Spies, takes the lead when his sister disappears in Istanbul. Determined to save the family of one of their own, the team risks discovery as their search leads them to Rome. Meanwhile, there’s been intel that seems to threaten the royal wedding about to take place in Westminster, bringing the team back to the UK on an official case for MI6. With so much security all over the city, it’s harder than ever for the City Spies to go unnoticed. Will their skills be up to the task?

ABOUT JAMES PONTI:

James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists, and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy–nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. Find out more at JamesPonti.com.

Why We Eat Fried Peanuts: A Celebration of Family and Lunar New Year Traditions by Zed Zha, illustrated by Sian James, invites readers to join Mèng, a Chinese American girl, as she prepares for the Lunar New Year with her family. Through Mèng’s conversation with her father, children will learn about the rich significance of ancestral stories, the history of the Mandarin language, and the traditional foods that make the holiday so special. Mèng’s father shares the inspiring tale of Tài Nǎi Nai, Mèng’s great-grandmother, whose act of bravery a century ago left a lasting legacy and offers timeless lessons for today’s generation. As Mèng learns, food plays a vital role in the celebration, with fried peanuts serving as a special snack tied to the family’s traditions. The story concludes with a simple, fun recipe for fried peanuts, offering a hands-on way for readers to bring the spirit of the Lunar New Year into their own homes.

About the author:

Zed Zha is a first-generation immigrant from China and an important voice for change in the AAPI space. Zed’s medical career and patient advocacy for people of color has garnered her a following on social media, but so has her personal writing. As a Chinese American, she is passionate about telling stories about ancestry and traditions. Zed lives in Yakima, WA with her family and you can follow her online at zedzha.com and @DrZedZha.

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

This animated series follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a compelling new series on the early life of Peter Parker. It is created in a classic comic book animation style, making it something old that new fans can enjoy. The music is perfectly in sync with the story at every crazy twist and turn in this fantastic return to form for the Spider-Man Universe.” See his full review below.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

By Jackson N, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a compelling new series on the early life of Peter Parker. It is created in a classic comic book animation style, making it something old that new fans can enjoy. The music is perfectly in sync with the story at every crazy twist and turn in this fantastic return to form for the Spider-Man Universe.

This ten episode series follows Peter Parker as “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” cruising the streets and teaching the villains that he encounters what happens when you mess with his hometown of New York City. However, when teaching these lessons, he gets caught up in some shady business that leads him to come into contact with his first big villain. The show has a legendary finale you don’t want to miss!

The show’s music, by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, is enough on its own to make it a must watch. When you add the great storyline and characters, such as Harry Osborn (Colman Domingo), The Scorpions, and the mysterious inventor (Hugh Dancy), to the mix you get something timeless. The actor who voices Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) is terrific at taking this well-loved character and making it his own. The show incorporates characters from the early comic series in new and interesting ways – which kept me, an avid fan, on my toes. Spider-Man without comedy is unheard of, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is no different. It has great comedic timing and one liners that make it an instant classic.

The main message of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is to always be yourself and push yourself to do your best. The series shows the importance of friendship, standing up for yourself, and working hard. Parents should note that this show has minimal gore and includes infrequent, but noticeable, cursing.

I give Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on January 29, 2025, with the remaining eight episodes being released weekly in groups of two or three until February 19, 2025.

“Eva the Owlet” stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Luna C. comments, “Eva the Owlet is a cute series for younger kids and I am excited to talk about Season 2 because I like this show a lot. It is imaginative and centered towards family which makes it endearing to watch.” See her full review and interview below.

Eva the Owlet: Season 2

By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Eva the Owlet is a cute series for younger kids and I am excited to talk about Season 2 because I like this show a lot. It is imaginative and centered towards family which makes it endearing to watch.

Eva, a little owl with a big family, lives within the woodland world of Treetopinton. She is lucky enough to live next door to her best friend, Lucy and together they go on adventures, take care of her baby brother, and make notes about all of it in her journal, which encourages young viewers to follow along.

The second season follows Eva, the middle child of the Owl family. Eva is voiced by Viviane Rutherford, a young actress whose voice inflection conveys emotion perfectly. This cheeky Owlet reflects on her days by writing in her diary where she contemplates the importance of friendship, happiness, and sharing feelings with someone or something. One of my favorite things about the second series is that there are tiny projects Eva does that are totally doable with your own family – like making superhero acorns or moon wishes for summer solstice.

The show’s message, which comes from the original books, book series, is about how doing good for others makes you happy. There is a lot of focus on helping others, appreciating your family, and being creative with your friends. It inspired me to do those tiny bits of good that make a big difference to someone else. Maybe I will even start to journal!

Eva the Owlet: Season 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 5 or anyone young at heart. Eva the Owlet: Season 2 premieres on Apple TV January 24, 2025. Until then, catch up on the now available season one.