Wednesday season 2 is officially underway 

Netflix’s creative take on the Addams Family has been a runaway success. Wednesday, a coming-of-age tale directed by Tim Burton following the angsty teen, is one of the most-watched series ever to stream on Netflix. In January 2023, the streamer announced the show was getting a second season and has just released a new video in which members of the cast discuss (and confirm) top fan theories.

The video features Jenna Ortega, Emma Meyers (Enid), Joy Sunday (Bianca), and Hunter Doohan (Tyler) discussing potential plotline theories for season 2, like Crackstone’s ring and whether or not someone will inherit its power, what Eugene might have in store, and whether or not Professor Weems met her end in Episode 8. While the actors admit that most of season two is so top secret that even they don’t know for sure what’s coming, they did confirm one theory about the new season that revolves around the Addams family itself.

“We can’t wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky, spooky world of Nevermore,” said Wednesday Season 1 co-showrunners Miles Millar and Alfred Gough. “We just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first.”

Will Christina Ricci reprise her role in Season 2?

In March 2023, when asked whether her character, Marilyn Thornhill, would be returning for a second season, Ricci told Entertainment Tonight, “I don’t think I’m allowed to say… on my end, the door is open. She was so fun to play! It’s always so fun to play a villain.”

Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 Release Date

While there’s no news on a release date, fans can still learn about the plot theories and maybe rewatch season one to get more ideas before the second season arrives.

In season one, as Wednesday attempted to master her budding psychic powers, the iconic character also aims to “thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago—all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships of the strange and diverse student body,” per Netflix.

The HBO Max series will be an adult animated comedy

Scooby and Shaggy usually steal the show when it comes to any Scooby-Doo episode, but that’s about the change thanks to a new HBO series. Together with Warner Bros. Animation, the show is all about the “unsung and under appreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang, Velma Dinkley.”

Velma is slated to be a ten-episode series for the first season and the leading lady will be voiced by executive producer, Mindy Kaling. Before the kiddos get too excited, parents should know this is styled as an adult animated comedy series and likely won’t be appropriate for young viewers.

Related: Netflix Releases Trailer for Jason Momoa’s New ‘Slumberland’

Velma Trailer

The first teaser trailer shows an outrage Velma sending an email to HBO Max about a new Judy Jetson show, a “genre bending comedic origin story.” It quickly transitions to a scene reminiscent of cult classic horror film, Scream, in which Velma engages in a serial killer who is inside her house about how classics should never be changed. Cue the knife!

Velma Plot

HBO Max’s logline for the show states it is an “original and humorous spin unmasks the complex and colorful past of one of America’s most beloved mystery solvers.” Viewers will notice that Scooby will actually not be a part of the series.

“It felt like what made it a kids’ show was Scooby-Doo. That coincided with Warner Bros. Animation saying, ‘Hey, you can’t use the dog,’” showrunner Charlie Grandy revealed at Comic Con. “So we were like, ‘Great, this works out well.’”

Related: David Harbour Turns Santa into a Vengeful Action Hero in ‘Violent Night’

hbo max velma
Warner Media

Velma Cast

According to Variety, Kaling revealed the cast of Velma at New York Comic Con. Leads will include features Sam Richardson as Shaggy, Constance Wu as Daphne and Glenn Howerton as Fred.

Additional voices incljude Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Russell Peters, Melissa Fumero, Stephen Root, Gary Cole, Ming-Na Wen, Ken Leung, Cherry Jones, Frank Welker, Fortune Feimster, Yvonne Orji, Sarayu Blue, Nicole Byer, Shay Mitchell, Debby Ryan, Kulap Vilaysak, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Velma Release Date

HBO Max’s Velma series will debut sometime in 2023.

Forget YouTube. For kids who need all the answers (and need them now), try a podcast! Whatever piques their curiosity, you’ll be able to find a program that will not only educate but will also entertain your precocious humans. From NPR’s popular podcast to story-telling programs, here are our top picks for podcasts that are perfect for curious kids.

Wow in the World

Wow in the World is a popular podcast for kids

NPR’s popular show, hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, will have you following along on adventures throughout the world and tackling topics like animals, science and technology. Throw in hilarious voices and silly humor, and you’ll be begging for the next episode as much as your littles. 

Ages 5+ 

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

But Why, A Podcast for Curious Kids

It might just be the most dreaded question a kid can ask a parent, and this bi-weekly show could be your saving grace. The hosts take questions that have complex answers (think “Why is the sky blue?”) and break them down in a kid-friendly way. There are also kid-submitted questions, and experts explain with interesting, uncomplicated answers. 

Ages: All ages

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Brains On

Brains On is a good podcast for kids who are curious.

This is a similar show to But Why, but this one tends to skew a bit older and has a different kid co-host every week. The experts still answer the kid-submitted science questions, but there’s a nice combo of silliness and insight, too.

Ages: 8 & up.

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Greeking Out

Greeking Out is a podcast for kids

Is your kiddo interesting in Greek mythology? National Geographic's podcast for kids "Greeking Out" tells some of the greatest tales of heroes, Gods, and humans in this engaging series of stories adapted for little ears. Think Prometheus, Heracles, the Muses, and many more. 

Ages: 6 & up

Cost: Free

Find out more here, and subscribe here

Newsy Pooloozi

Newsy Paloozi is a fun podcast for kids

This podcast covers everything from tech and culture to arts, current events and science. And the correspondents are kids from all over the world, so listeners get information that's created just for them, presented by kids just like them. 

Ages: 7 & up

Cost: Free 

Learn more here and subscribe on your favorite platform including Apple, Spotify, Pandora and more. 

The Past & the Curious

It’ll remind you of Drunk History (minus the alcohol), as this podcast tells little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. We love the fact that there’s also a quiz, so your curious kids will learn something new, too. 

Ages: 7 & up

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Purple Rocket Audio Adventures

This show tells a new story every episode, and there are nuggets of knowledge sprinkled throughout each one. Discover exactly how tricky it is to hatch a dinosaur egg, find out how far you can get into the universe on a Space Train and what happens when your grandpa's magic globe can transport you to other countries all over the world.

Ages: 5 & up

Cost: Free

Find out more here and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

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*This information is based on the work of the Children’s Community School in Philadelphia and was written by Katrina Michie, who gave us permission to republish this on our website. Please help support their efforts by sharing and tagging the school as the source, and if you can, donate to their efforts and to any related causes.

“So you’ve realized your kids aren’t too young to talk about race, so now what? We’ve rounded up some resources for you to start. The Children’s Community School in Philidelphia did all the research and legwork on this information. We adapted it. Check out their amazing resource page.

Here is a short podcast, put together by NPR and the Sesame Street Workshop, that is a great primer as well as offers an understanding on how to talk to young children about race:”

Talking Race with Young Children (Podcast Episode)

Articles for Parents & Caregivers about Talking about Race:

Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Starting to Talk about Race

Here’s How W. Kamau Bell Talks about Race with His Kids

100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice

Raising Race-Conscious Children

4 Things We Should All Teach Kids about Racism Right Now

Great Educational Podcast for Adults on the History of Race in America:

Seeing White Series on Scene On Radio

Resource for Teachers & Educators for Discussing Race with Children:

Teaching Tolerance: Race & Ethnicity

Books for Adults Who Want to Learn More about Race & Racism in America:

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Toys that Embrace Diversity:

People Colors Crayon Pack

Sugarfoot Rag Dolls

Pattycake Doll Company

Books for Children That Explore Diversity, Black History & Acceptance:

The Ultimate 2018 List of Diverse Books for Children (Here Wee Read is a great resource for books! Follow her Instagram!)

No White Saviors: Kids Books about Black Women in US History (Books For Littles)

Children’s Books by Brilliant Black Women: #OwnVoices Authors & Illustrators (Books for Littles)

Whose Toes Are Those? by Jabari Asim

Let’s Talk about Race by Julius Lester

Lovely by Jess Hong

Sugarplum Ballerinas by Whoopi Goldberg

A Roundup of Studies & Articles Cited above:

Three-Month-Olds, but Not Newborns, Prefer Own-Race Faces

Handbook of Race, Racism and the Developing Child

Developmental Psychopathology: Perspectives on Adjustment, Risk, and Disorder

The Development of Implicit Intergroup Cognition

How Kids Learn Prejudice

Even Babies Discriminate: A Natureshock Excerpt

This article was republished with permission from Katrina Michie.

A lifest‌yle writer whose work can be seen in Red Tricycle, Money.com, Livestrong.com and Redbook. When she’s not checking out new events, museums, and restaurants to keep her and her kids entertained, she can be found wandering around flea markets and thrift stores looking for cool vintage finds.

Looking for an opportunity to snuggle up, sip some hot cocoa (with marshmallows, of course!) and catch up on Netflix with your tiny tot? All aboard Mighty Express, the hit Netflix preschool series from the creators of PAW Patrol. Head to Tracksville, where, in a playful, quirky world crisscrossed by railways tracks, a team of trains and their kid best-buddies keep things moving and get the delivery through no matter what the trouble—one thrilling adventure after another. 

Watch the special, Mighty Express: Train Trouble, January 18, exclusively on Netflix! 

 

Why You'll Love Might Express: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Mighty Express takes young kids on a thrilling ride with action-packed missions, cool tools and trains that deliver fun and accomplishment in every episode. With relatable and easy-to-follow storylines, these Mighty trains use teamwork to problem solve because working together is the best way to overcome obstacles. 

 

Hot Off the Tracks—New Special!

Premiering on Netflix January 18, 2022, Train Trouble, a new 22-minute special, introduces a new train and kid in town, Tricky Ricky and Sneaky Stella, who trap the trains and take over Mission Station, leaving only the “smallest train,” Flicker to save the day!

 

Bring the Action to Life with the Mighty Express Toy Collection

When an episode ends, the fun and adventures are just beginning! Let their imaginations go full steam ahead with an assortment of push-along and motorized trains, figures and mighty track sets modeled after the locations and characters seen in the show. Available in February exclusively at Target, the Mighty Express toy line ignites creativity through play with the Mission Station Playset that brings the headquarters from the show to life complete with a flipping Busy Board, a spinning cargo car selector and exclusive Freight Nate push-along train, cargo car and Max figure.

Connect the different tracks sets using a universal track system to mix and match and create your very own Mega Missions. Expand your mighty world with motorized and push-and-go trains of favorite characters, including Farmer Faye, Build-It Brock, Mechanic Milo, Freight Nate, and Rescue Red.

Stay tuned for new Mighty toys rolling into Target soon!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Milestone blankets make a great backdrop for chronicling your newborn’s growth over the first year. Now there’s a fun way to incorporate your favorite show into your baby’s monthly pictures. BATZkids sells two limited-edition customizable blankets inspired by the hit TV show, Friends

The soft fleece blanket features the iconic yellow frame from Rachel and Monica’s door along with the quote, “Can I be any cuter?” Make sure you say that with Chandler’s inflection. 


Milestone Blanket

$44 BUY NOW

You can customize the blanket with your baby’s name displayed as part of a phrase inspired by the episode titles, “The One Where (Name) Turns….”


Twins Milestone Themed Blanket

$68 BUY NOW

Choose from medium or large sizes in this super soft fleece blanket that is pill free.


Firsts Holiday Milestone blanket

$44 BUY NOW

The blankets are available in two colors, white and purple. They're available in 3 different sizes - small 40" by 30," medium 60" x 50," and large 80" x 60" and vary in price from $44 to $80.


Swaddle Blanket

$44 BUY NOW

Start them off from the get-go with this swaddle blanket made from soft microfiber fleece that comes in small, medium and large sizes.

 

 

If Friends isn’t your thing, they’ve also got other adorable options such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.

—Karly Wood

All photos: BATZkids

 

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If you grew up in the ’80’s and ’90’s, chances are you tuned in to Reading Rainbow with LeVar Burton. Unfortunately, it’s been off the air for 15 years now, so our kids have missed out on the magic that was this educational show: until now.

Reading Rainbow Live is getting ready to launch to encourage a whole new generation of kids who love to read. A modern take on the classic show that inspired children over the course of 150 episodes and 20 years, it will incorporate original music, field trips, dance parties, culture, exploration of the natural world and a book of the day on each 25-minute themed episode.

photo: Courtesy of Reading Rainbow

Utilizing the technology of the day, Reading Rainbow Live will take place on the  interactive virtual platform Looped. Kids will be able to engage by asking questions, get rewarded to answering questions correctly, play games get featured “on stage” during each episode! Once the episodes have concluded, you’ll be able to tune into the episode by streaming as often as you like.

While the new show don’t be hosted by the OG LeVar Burton, it will be led by The Rainbows: a group of young performers who will inspire young viewers.

Stay tuned: in the next few weeks more Reading Rainbow Live details are expected to drop.

––Karly Wood

 

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Marie Kondo has been an organizing guru for years, but when Netflix debuted not one, but two shows based on her methods, everyone binged watched. Moms everywhere purged their homes as if their life depended on it and took the KonMari method to heart.

If that was you and you’re still hooked on keeping only those things that spark joy, then keep reading to see some of our fave storage solutions that are totally KonMari-compatible.

Kitchen Drawer Organizer

If you've watched Tidying Up, you've probably seen Marie show up with her own box of...boxes. The organizer swears by the technique of using boxes within drawers to help keep items alongside like items for that perfect tidy look. This 8-piece set ($8) of kitchen organizers comes in varying sizes to accommodate all sorts of baubles, but more importantly to keep everything organized. Perfect for your bathroom drawers, too!

Foldable Drawer Boxes

Once you've mastered the KonMari folding method, you're going to need to plenty of space to keep those beautifully folded clothes. If your drawer system is lacking, then these foldable drawer boxes ($27) can keep you on track. They're great for organizing baby and kid clothes since they're too small to stand up in large drawers, and to keep undergarments tidy, too.

Delta Children MySize 9 Bin Plastic Toy Organizer

If this storage solution looks familiar, it's because it actually made an appearance on the first episode of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo! The toy organizer ($58) comes with nine bins and is available in six different colors to match your decor, while also providing some major functionality. 

Boxbox Plastic Storage

Drawers can quickly become a haven for mess, especially when you have a junk drawer––wait, isn't that a "bad word" in Marie Kondo's world? Instead of tossing pens, keys and random objects into the abyss, stock up on simple clear boxes like these. For $14 you'll get a pack of 10 that can wrangle all types of clutter.

Battery Organizer

Is it us, or does this battery organizer ($18) spark some major joy? With room to store 82 batteries in all shapes and sizes, this holder not only keeps them from accidentally de-charging, but you can also use the detachable battery tester to make sure you're only keeping the ones that actually work.

Sterilite Stacking Drawers

Whether you use them to organize shoes, small toys or garage essentials, this six-pack of stacking drawers ($45) will keep your home looking clutter-free. The stacking features means you'll have ample floor space, while the clear plastic keeps everything within eyesight.

Flex Totes

Whether you're storing away sweaters for the summer or just trying to organize the linen closet, flex totes ($20) like these will get it done. The clear plastic panels are Marie Kondo-approved and makes finding what you need a cinch! The top zipper makes for easy access and the huge size means these little bags can pack it all in.

Air-Tight Food Storage Containers

Tired of never knowing what you have in the pantry? Make grocery shopping more enjoyable and cost-effective by keeping snacks and other foods in clear containers in your pantry. This airtight version ($30) not only looks sharp, but it's also clear and will keep your food fresh longer than a toddler who doesn't know how to close a bag to save their life!

Clear 70 Quart Ultra Latch Box

Even if you follow Kondo's method to a T, we all still have items that call for storage throughout the year. These four-pack of clear latch boxes ($89) make great garage storage because they are large, clear and all match. Nothing says tidy like matchy-matchy boxes!

Sterilite 6-Quart Boxes (Pack of 12)

This basic 6-quart size clear box is a must when it comes to organizing. There are so many uses that you won't have a hard time using the entire 12-pack ($31) for things like shoes, craft supplies, toys and pretty much anything.

 

––Karly Wood

Featured photo: Canva

 

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It’s official: Blippi is coming to a treehouse near you! Amazon Kids+ is excited to share the first trailer for the brand new series, Blippi’s Treehouse.

The YouTube sensation has been racking up views for several years now (more than a billion views a month!) and is now starring in his first live-action original series. Blippi will be joined by his best friend  Meekah and critters, Scratch and Patch. Keep scrolling to catch the colorful new sneak peak!


Young viewers can visit Blippi’s magical treehouse and see special guests, sing, dance, play and learn on each episode. The acclaimed guests so far include Jordin Sparks, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Joan Barton, Blake Leeper and Evelyn Taft.

Geared towards kids three to six, the show will take everyone on adventurous field trips, meet new friends and more. Blippi’s Treehouse will stream exclusively on Amazon Kids+ in the US, Canada, UK and Germany beginning Dec. 1.

––Karly Wood

 

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When we are asked if audiobooks are a good choice for our young readers, our reply is a resounding, “Yes!” Listening to good books read aloud has established benefits—both cognitive and in terms of convenience. The variety, overall quality, and availability of children’s audiobooks have skyrocketed over the past several years. There are wonderful audiobooks for children of all ages, narrated by high-quality storytellers, including, occasionally, a book’s author.

Children’s first experiences with written text is in the form of narration—parents and teachers reading aloud to infants and toddlers. At some point in their progression, and even before formal introduction to phonics and decoding, children quite naturally begin to recognize certain words on the page. At all points in their “learning to read” journey, children benefit from listening to books that stretch their capacity to read, books that are at a higher level than what they can read on their own.

Regular exposure to new vocabulary and more complex sentence structure is beneficial whether a child is reading from a page or listening to a narration. Audiobook narrators, who are often actors or other speaking professionals, model fluent reading, with pacing and emphases that enhance the story and impact readers’ own oral reading fluency, listening comprehension skills, and ability to visualize. Audiobooks can be a unique motivational tool for reluctant or struggling readers, especially if they can simultaneously read and listen to a book.

Finally, listening to an excellent book (or podcast) read by an expressive narrator is great fun! It is a wonderful family activity, and with earbuds and mobile devices readily available, it is a pleasurable personal activity. Listening to an audiobook can enliven the most mundane of activities—household chores or car commutes, for example. In fact, we decided to finally publish our list of favorite audiobooks in time for the winter holidays. With a second nod to the holiday season, our selections lean toward stories that honor kindness, generosity, and gratitude. We hope there’s something here for each of you.

Preschool

Little Stories for Tiny People  Written and performed by Rhea Petcher
Bear’s Big Sleep: A Thanksgivingish Story for Kids is one of the many short tales on this ten season long podcast site for small children. Stories can be sorted by topic, such as: Friendship, Big Feelings, Growing Up, and Life Changes. Each story features characters like Sophie the Sloth and Strumbly Bear who learn life lessons as applicable to kids as they are to imaginary animals. Children love the recurring characters as well as Rhea’s soothing voice.

The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends by Sesame Workshop, narrated by a full cast
Foley, the soundmaker monster, is the host of this high-energy podcast that will captivate young children. Foley, along with all of the regulars from Sesame Street talk about subjects such as the importance of family, making friends, feelings, and understanding what it means to share. Elmo and Foley chat in episode two about being sad, feeling scared, and how having friends that make you feel happy makes a difference. Songs about emotions, attitudes and friendship are sprinkled throughout this incredibly meaningful children’s podcast.

Kindergarten

Winnie The Pooh: The House at Pooh Corner written by A.A. Milne, narrated by Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and others
This amazing collection of short stories which take place in the 100 acre wood are just about to become the same age as the forest in which they occur. The incredibly diverse group of characters take children through so many whimsical situations, all the while teaching them important lessons about childhood. Perhaps the finest in all is the lesson that little Piglet, Pooh’s constant friend, has in one of his many heartfelt thoughts, “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” You and your children will never want this treasure to end.

Grades One & Two

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids Hosted by Jane Lindholm
This Vermont Public Radio podcast takes actual questions that kids have asked parents over and over and again, and takes the time to really answer them. Some of the questions may seem silly, such as, “Why are Cactuses Spiky?” or, “Why Can’t Kids Vote?” But to a child, these are very important. There are also entire episodes dedicated to emotional or ethical issues, such as, “Is It OK to Break a Rule?” and, “Why do Things Seem Scary in the Dark?” Each episode comes with resources and a learning guide to deepen a child’s understanding of the lesson.

Third-to-Fifth Grade

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, narrated by Kirby Heyborn
Newberry Medalist Katherine Applegate conveys a magical story about friendship, forgiveness, empathy, and resilience. As a family deals with a stressful circumstance, young Jackson copes by spending time with his friend Crenshaw, an imaginary cat. This audiobook has a serious tone and enlightens readers to the fact that some kids lead a not-so-perfect life. The narrator brings the imaginary Crenshaw to life in a way that is relatable to children and provokes thoughts of gratefulness.

Middle School

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
This Peabody award winning podcast that is performed by a cast of middle schoolers begins with an eleven-year-old Mars and his friends awaiting the end of 7th grade. They hope to gain their entrance to the exclusive Pruitt Prep High School, founded by tech guru genius Oliver Pruitt. Then one of them suddenly goes missing.  Mars listens to Pruitt’s podcast daily, and finds clues and discovers that kids are disappearing all over the world. Mars and his friends are seemingly normal, but they all have certain abilities or talents that get amplified as the story goes on. Listeners gain a sense that anyone could be a sort of superhero, and that friends who help each other are priceless.

—via Stratford Schools

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.