ML Interest Tag: sword

10 ’80s Movies That Your Kids Need to See

By Common Sense Media

Ahhhh, the classics

In order to help you set up quality at-home screen time, we got Common Sense Media to curate a list of the top ‘80s movies perfect for family movie nights. Kids are sure to fall for these timeless classics, which include everything from underground comedies to groundbreaking action franchises, and we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy reminiscing about (or reveling in!) the pre-cell phone era. And when you’re done with these, check out our favorite ‘90s TV shows that kids will still love. 

The Secret of Nimh is one of the best 80s movies for kids

The Secret of Nimh (1982)
This classic '80s animated film about a group of intelligent rats who escape from an animal laboratory is suspenseful and rather dark. Several scenes include animal children in peril and a sword fight between rats ending in one death with a little blood. The worst part for sensitive viewers is a flashback shows the animated animals being imprisoned and injected with a needle.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

Rated G.

 

Ghostbusters (1984)

Parents need to know that Ghostbusters is an iconic '80s movie that mixes a ton of humor (some of it fairly racy) with the plotline about catching scary ghosts (a few are skeletal and scary) and the possible end of the world. The scariest part is probably the large dogs with glowing eyes that attack and possess two characters, though the now-dated special effects may not faze older kids. 

Recommended for ages 11 & up

Rated PG

E.T. is one of the best 80s movies to watch with kids

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
E.T. is an outstanding family movie—one of the all-time best. Its themes of loyalty, trust, and caring are both affecting and easy to understand, and Elliott and E.T.'s extraordinary friendship is one of cinema's most enduring. After more than 25 years, E.T. continues to tug at heartstrings and prove Spielberg is a master storyteller.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

Rated PG

A Christmas Story is one of the best 80s movies of all time

A Christmas Story (1983)
Part of the appeal of this must-see holiday classic, based on the memoirs of humorist Jean Shepard (who narrates), is the authenticity of the 1940s period detail, much of which will seem bizarre to kids today. But what is really engaging is his feel for the timeless details of childhood. 

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

Rated PG 

The Neverending Story is one of the best 80s movies to watch with kids

The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Both children and adults will enjoy this film for its special effects, beautiful scenery, and colorful characters. Most of all, The NeverEnding Story's message of daring to dream and soaring to new heights through books is a powerful one that kids of any age can relate to.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

Rated PG 

The Princess Bride is one of the best 80s movies of all time

The Princess Bride (1987)
Simply put, The Princess Bride is stuffed full of every thrilling element of a classic romantic adventure—princes, villains, evil geniuses, giants and giant creatures, sword fights, revenge, kidnapping, and a rescue on white horses—and it coats them all in delicious humor.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

Rated PG 

Willow is one of the best 80s movies of all time

Willow (1988)
For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles, and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

Rated PG 

Back to the Future (1985) 
Brimming with lighthearted energy, Back to the Future mixes science fiction with romantic comedy for a classic 1980s blockbuster. It should come as little surprise that Steven Spielberg executive-produced it. Like so many of his films, it manages to blend heady science fiction, humor, adventure, and romance while retaining an exuberance and a sense of wonder familiar to anyone under the age of 12.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

Rated PG 

Flight of the Navigator (1986)
In Flight of the Navigator, a 12-year-old Miami boy is abducted by an alien in 1978 and ends up eight years into the future. It's all very well done, with clever shots that make everyday objects look like they just might be from a spacecraft and very affecting scenes between David and his new, older family. This is a charming film, with enough drama and humor to please almost any viewer.

Recommended for ages 10 & up. 

Rated PG 

Chariots of Fire (1981)
This film is wonderfully evocative of the time and place, with superb performances. Chariots of Fire shows us the source of two runners' determination: for one, a need to prove his worth to himself and the society that discriminates against him; for the other, a way of connecting to God. The film deservedly won the Oscars for best picture, screenplay, costume design, and music.

Recommended for ages 11 & up.

Rated PG 

Check out the entire list of radical ’80s movies for kids and teens of all ages at Common Sense Media. 

Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

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The Day the Tables Turned

By Jordan Lamping

Five years ago I became a teacher; five years ago I also became the mother to a son in heaven. On August 12th, 2016, I came home from my first new teacher workday. It was exhilarating and exciting, and for the first time in a long time, I knew I was exactly where I should be. I had no idea that a few short hours later, I’d find myself in the hospital in preterm labor with our first child. That same day, we lost our son Jaxon at only 21 weeks.

I found myself wondering how on earth I was going to go back into that classroom and teach a room full of 28 kids when I had just lost my own. Nevertheless, I did it only four short days later. And now, looking back, I know that that choice completely changed my life. I knew that was exactly where I was meant to be.

Fast forward to April 2, 2017, I found myself in the same space. In preterm labor, this time with twin boys. That day, we lost our boys Everett and Bryant. Again, nearly immediately after, I threw myself back into my work. Now here we were, struggling with what to do next. We wanted to be parents more than anything, and we knew we had so much love to give. So in January 2018, after 7 long months of bed rest, we welcomed our angel on earth, Maddox. And we were smitten.

Being a teacher is often a double-edged sword. You’re educated on child development just enough to be hypercritical of not only your work but also the work within your own home, with your own kids. Maddox was a spitfire from the day he was born. So independent, but so kind-hearted and eager to explore the world. I can also tell you down to the minute when I realized that something wasn’t right.

I was sitting in the viewing area at his very first swim lesson. I had convinced my husband to get in the pool with him (more like I lost at rock, paper, scissors), so I struck up a conversation with the mom sitting next to me. Her daughter was in Maddox’s class, and we had discovered that they were only a few days apart. Maddox nearly doubled her in size, but she had something Maddox didn’t; eye contact, pointing, talking to her mom, waving, blowing kisses. She had effortless interaction, and meaningful engagement. There we sat behind the glass, her receiving waves and kisses, and me desperately trying to have Maddox even look at me.

That’s when I knew.

We are blessed with the most incredible pediatrician, turned family friend, and within minutes of this realization, I had sent her a text message.

“I think Maddox has autism.”

Although no one around me was on board at the time, they supported me, and they listened, and I could never put into words how grateful I am for that.

The following month, Maddox turned 18 months old. We had speech evaluations, occupational therapy evaluations, and physical therapy evaluations. It was determined that my 18-month-old was currently communicating at the level of a 3-to-6-month-old. His repetition had also worried them to the point of needing weekly occupational therapy sessions, as well as speech.

The next few months were a blur, I never stopped. I googled, I tried finding Facebook groups, anything I could do to find even a glimmer of hope. And that’s where this journey of autism becomes lonely. Before this, I had no idea how broad this spectrum truly is. No two journeys are the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all description.

This past winter, we had Maddox’s first preschool evaluation to have his IEP written. Even though I had gone through the diagnosis and all the therapies, and all of the sleepless nights I spent worrying, this was the hardest for me.

For the first time, I was on the other side of the table.

I suddenly found myself trying to flip the switch from teacher to mom. I wasn’t advocating for accommodations for my students anymore, I was doing it for my own child. And although I had always had the greatest empathy for the parents of my IEP students, this was different. Now, we had something even greater in common. In that moment, I came to understand them better than ever. I understood why they were so passionate, sometimes to a fault, about making their child’s educational experience the best it could possibly be.

I can’t tell you how scary it is to send your 3-year old into a building with adults that you don’t know and who don’t know you. But I can tell you that it’s even scarier when your child can’t talk to you about their day, and they can’t communicate with you in the same way that typically occurs at their age.

Maddox’s diagnosis may have turned our world upside down, but now we fight every single day to turn the world right-side-up for him.

And although I had grown used to being the teacher at that table, I was now fighting to become comfortable and aware of my new place, on the other side of the table.

 

This post originally appeared on Finding Cooper’s Voice.

My name is Jordan Lamping and I am the mother of an amazing three year old son named Maddox, who was diagnosed with autism just over a year ago. I'm also a teacher, and the creator of The Other Side of the Table blog. 

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11 Reasons a Family Vacation Can Change Your Child’s Life

by Wendy Altschuler

Going on a family vacation is an event children look forward to, one that will light up their brains up with new discoveries and help them uncoil and enjoy life. If you’re still not sure it’s worth the cost of a plane ticket to take your family on a trip, consider these 11 reasons for why you should take a family vacation below. 

photo: Muhammad Rahmat via Pexels 

1. Your kids will learn to be flexible.
Sometimes, you just have to muscle through the whining at restaurants, the schlepping of diaper bags, time changes and everything else that goes along with wayfaring with young kids in tow. Why? Because, eventually, you’ll have well-traveled, flexible children who can behave at a nice restaurant, make eye contact with adults and enjoy pleasant conversations. The more you expose your children to the outside world, full of different cultures, foods and ways of life, the more your children will become adaptable and amenable.

2. Kids can express themselves.
When traveling with their children, parents are dialed into the child’s experience. They are asking questions, listening to answers and teaching their kids how to think deeper about what they are experiencing. Getting out of the ordinary routine allows parents to interact with their kids in a way that they can’t do as readily at home. 

photo: Josh Willink via Pexels

3. Learning is more fun on vacation.
Can you learn about architecture, art, geography, culture and history from a book? Of course. But, wouldn’t the information stick better if you actually saw it, could feel it drip through your fingers, smell it, walk up the stone steps, taste the spicy seasoning, press your nose to the glass and see the thick brush strokes on the canvas? When kids use all five senses, they’re more engaged and present. Travel affords us the opportunity to see, think and feel deeper.

4. Everyone will have a different takeaway to share. 
Traveling with your family is like investing in different stories—everyone will come away with their own perspective from the same experience. Your son might say the best part of the trip was the Mallard ducks in the pond that he got to feed, while you might recall the surrey bike that got stuck in the mud, forcing you to get your white sneakers dirty (there were ducks in that pond?). Retelling these stories year after year will bring your family great joy, especially if you can laugh at any unfortunate happenings.

photo: vitaliy-m via Pixabay

5. They’ll learn how to be more social.
Kids learn how to interact with people of all ages while traveling. They’ll talk to servers at restaurants, hotel staff, hikers on the trail, new kids at the pool, elderly folks at the airport—traveling creates wonderful opportunities to interact with the world around us. Your children will learn that they are not invisible, that people can actually hear and see them, and that they have to respect other people’s space and property. Talking too loudly in a museum, stepping on someone’s beach towel with dirty feet or taking up too much space in the elevator all become lessons on how to be mindful and kind to others.

6. Travel teaches patience.
When out and about, the hurry-up-and-wait game is often the M.O. Kids will have to wait in lines, be strapped into a stroller, sit on a curb to wait for a cab, run with gear to make a flight or train connection, walk longer than expected, and be patient while parents are talking to other adults. These experiences help teach kids how to be tolerant, resilient and easy-going.

photo: Biova Nakou via Pexels

7. It also kindles the power of passion.
Traveling can spark passion in your child, and it encourages them to want to learn. A trip to the Kennedy Space Center might ignite a love of space; visiting the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida, might create an interest in sea life and diving; and exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns and Missions in San Antonio might generate a craving for adventure. No matter where you go or what you do, traveling somewhere together will give your family opportunities to delve into different enriched environments, full of various sights, sounds and smells.

8. They’ll learn that experiences are more valuable than stuff.
Many parents feel like their homes are overrun with toys scattered everywhere, and according to this study, an excess of toys may obstruct a child’s growth, behavior and ability to use their imagination during creative play. Perhaps a better option is to donate some of the toys to encourage giving and focus on finding ways to provide your kids more meaningful experiences. Children will value the time spent with their family while on a vacation long after the trip is over, which means it’s money well spent.

photo: Pixabay via Pexels

9. Vacations usually include the great outdoors.
Whether you’re sticking your toes in warm sand, swimming in a choppy lake, hiking through a forest of oak trees, or skiing down the slopes, getting outside will provide enriching experiences for your kids. Kids have no problem keeping themselves busy exploring the outdoors. A stick becomes a sword, the sand becomes a castle, water becomes an antagonist to punch and jump over—creative play is instant and intrinsic.

10. Everyone will be faced with challenges…which is a good thing.
There’s always a risk that travel will not go smoothly: Planes get delayed, flights get canceled, drivers get lost. You may have forgotten to pack an essential lovey or pair of socks. All of these challenges provide opportunities to teach your kids about problem-solving and working together toward a common goal. You might find that your older child steps up and comforts your younger child or that your middle kid is flexible beyond what you thought was possible.

photo: Markus Spiske via Pexels

11. You’ll be able to fill up the family happiness bank.
The emotional, social, and psychological perks of family vacations extend long after the trip is over. If you were to ask the adults in your life what their happiest childhood memories were, they’d likely recount a family trip. Your uncle might say it was the time his parents rented an RV and drove to a national park; your mom might say she loved swimming in the hotel pool with her siblings. Thinking back to their own happiest vacation memories can be a powerful tool for your children when they are going through a tough time—reflecting on magical excursions experienced as a family may bring them a sense of comfort.

 

— Wendy Altschuler & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

 

RELATED STORIES: 

Family Vacations Can Impact Kids’ Life-Long Happiness, Experts Agree

7 Reasons to Travel with Kids No Matter How Young They Are

6 Creative Ways to Budget for Family Travel You Haven’t Thought Of

10 Money-Saving Tips from the Web’s Savviest Travel Bloggers

 

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We Built the Perfect Port Aransas Vacation Itinerary

by Jamie Aderski
Partner Content

It’s almost Spring Break, and mama needs a getaway! (Okay…I guess I’ll bring the rest of my family, ha!) Seriously though, I feel like we have all been running in different directions and would love to go somewhere as a family to relax and reconnect. When I heard about Port Aransas in Texas, I was immediately sold! “Port A” is known for its small-town island vibe, and it sounds like paradise. We have two kids, ages 2 and 5, so finding a spot that works for all is no easy task—but Port A is it! Between miles of (driveable!) beaches, loads of restaurant options and activities for all, it’s really a no-brainer that this is our dream destination. Need inspo? Here’s what we’ve planned for our four-day getaway to Port A:

Day 1

My crew likes to take it easy when we roll up somewhere new. First thing on our list? EAT FOOD. We chose BlueWater Cowboy for lunch. It has beautiful views of the gulf so that we can soak in our new surroundings, plus enjoy drool-worthy crab cakes and a full kids menu.

Next, we'll hit Bron's Beach Carts & Backyard and grab some famous fruity slushies for the kids to cool off and a frosty beer or two for us, while we listen to live music and play games, like Giant Jenga—and it's so close to the beach!

A beach day is a must in Port A! We hit the beach to snag our spot—but there's actually plenty of room—with 18 of beaches. First things first: We need to travel like a local and rent a beach cart to cruise around in.

On the top of our must-do list is a sandcastle-building lesson with a local celebrity, "Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy."This sounds like a perfect activity for our young kids to try their hands at—and think of the photo ops!

This adventure-filled day will require some carbo-loading, so we made a reservation at Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria. I am a pizza connoisseur, and this place is the real deal with the only coal-burning oven in town—who doesn't love pizza?!

Day 2

This morning, we are gonna fuel up with biscuits and gravy at the Island Cafe—they also have plenty of other offerings for our picky eaters.

Next up: Hit the pool! We are heading to Port A's relaxing Community Pool, which has not one but two pools to enjoy. There are places for us to change, lockers for our gear and it's an excellent way to get some water fun in before dinner. Bonus: There's plenty for our two year old to explore, like a splash pad and shallow waters to play in.

My kids are all about a souvenir or two (or three), so we'll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the local shops, galleries and boutiques. Odds are we'll forget something when packing, but luckily the shops have island-inspired fashions and all of the necessities covered! 

I know we'll be craving seafood after a jam-packed day, so we're heading to Castaways Seafood and Grill for some tasty crustaceans for dinner. They also have a kids menu with chicken fingers, fries and stuff I know my kids will enjoy—winner, winner, seafood dinner!

Plan your family's escape to Port Aransas!

Day 3

First up? Breakfast. We'll swing by The Donut Palace for some sweet doughy treats, savory egg sandwiches and hot coffee for the adults. 

I've heard great things about the Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond, an extensive habitat for birds, butterflies and more. Our kids love animals, so this is sure to be a hit and a beautiful, relaxed stroll through nature.

Next up, we will get our hands dirty and paint some pottery as a family! Fire It! Ceramics is the perfect place for a fun activity that we can all take part in and go home with some cool souvenirs.

Okay, I know my kids will love this one… but we are pretty psyched about it, too: Red Dragon Pirate Cruise! There's exciting cannon fire, dolphin watching, sword fighting and treasure hunting, all on this cool pirate ship on the water.

Since it's our last night here, we plan on an extra-special meal at Black Marlin Bar & Grill. I have to try their award-winning shrimp and grits, and they have mouth-watering steaks and, of course, a kids menu with all their faves. 

Day 4

One last beach adventure before we go back to reality. The water in Port A is known for being warm, with soft sand to squish your toes in, and we can't leave without one more dip. 

Before we head out, we'll enjoy a leisurely brunch at an outdoor table at Tortuga's Saltwater Grill, enjoying some French toast topped with caramel and crispy bacon (and probably plan our next trip to Port A!).

The experiences your kids have here will become the stuff of future nostalgia—plan your trip today!

 

—Jamie Aderski

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16 Hilarious Tweets That Capture the Truth about Holidays with the Kids

by Karly Wood

The holidays are filled with traditions, joy and tons of hilarious moments when you have kids. Whether you’re already worn out from winter break or if you’re just trying to keep up with that dang Elf on the Shelf, there are plenty of Twitter parents sharing in the same Christmas magic. Keep reading to see some of our fave tweets about surviving the holidays with kids.

 

1. Have kids, they said.

2. Ohh, the stress eating.

3. When all the holiday things break the bank before Christmas morning. 

 

4. What a lovely 30 minutes it is.

5. #parentperks

6. It’ll be much easier.

7. Why, tho?

8. The big man is on speed dial.

9. Not it!

10. They’ll love the center-cut filet.

https://twitter.com/fakeadultmom/status/1204032568821190657?s=20

11. True story.

12. Dasher, Prancer, Rudolph!

13. Double-edged sword.

14. #elffail

15. Same.

16. What is it about squirrels? 

 

––Karly Wood

Feature image: Gratisography

 

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Build-A-Bear Just Added Even More Harry Potter Items to Make Your Day Magical

by Sarah Shebek

What do you get when you combine Build-A-Bear and Harry Potter? Pure magic! Now the collaboration has expanded with new Hogwarts house hoodies, on-point accessories, plus a Hedwig and Buckbeak!

Your bear will have some serious swag with themed hoodies featuring the colors and crests of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. To up the cuteness factor, grab a matching house beanie! And to complete the look, you can buy the sword of Godric Gryffindor, a Slytherin locket or the famous Hufflepuff Cup.

We’re in love with the new plush Hedwig owl. She even carries a personalized Hogwarts acceptance letter in her beak! Or if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, you can buy the Buckbeak, a magical beast that’s half eagle and half horse. Despite its fierce looks, it has soft plush claws and a fuzzy tail.

Prices vary and you can buy the new items online or in stores, some with limited quantities. Head to buildabear.com to get started! And in honor of today’s National Teddy Bear Day, you can enter online to win furry friends for a year. Grab a cup of Butterbeer and happy browsing!

— Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Build a Bear

 

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From the Mouths of Babes: 13 Books by Child Authors to Read This Year

by Christine Lai

“Kids say the darndest things.” How many times have we thought that and wanted to permanently capture our kids’ words? With the help of their adults, these young authors published and captured their best thoughts and words . . . and then some! Find a few of our favorite books by child writers and make sure to check out the options below to self-publish your mini’s best sayings. If the future belongs to our children, it is certain to be a bright and brilliant one with these young writers leading the charge.

Once "a Pun" a Time

At six years of age, Chloe’s world turned upside down with a global pandemic and COVID-19. Feeling sad that so many people were getting sick, Chloe decided to work on something she was good at: bring smiles to faces and thus, the Once a Pun a Time joke book and later, art-ivity book was born. Chloe’s gift for family-friendly jokes and colorful art is delightful and a sure bet to have in every home. 

Recommended for readers ages 5-10
Available on Amazon: Joke Book and Art-ivity Book 

The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons

The origins of dragons through a compilation of short stories is explained by Lazarus Q. Boutwell who, at age seven, wrote The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons. He followed this up with The Monster Survival Guide in a valiant effort to ensure that all who come across shape-shifting goo or giant monsters that freeze kids have the best chance for survival against these ghastly beasts. 

Recommended for readers ages 6-8
Available on Amazon: The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons and The Monster Survival Guide

Swordbird

Becoming a New York Times best-selling author is a distinguished achievement but imagine doing that at age 11! Nancy Yi Fan accomplished that very feat with her debut novel, Swordbird, which was written in response to a world at war then followed it with Sword Quest and Sword Mountain. Young readers will love soaring into Nancy’s fantasy bird world in which avian friends and enemies alike search for peace while displaying loyalty, heroism and courage. 

Recommended for readers ages 8-12

Available on Amazon: Swordbird, Sword Quest & Sword Mountain

My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope

Seven-year-old Jason offers a glimpse of life with “cansur” and how he coped with the treatments, operations and hospitalizations. Along with the illustration help of his twin brother, My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope is heartwarming and candid and aims to help both those afflicted with cancer and those without (Jason’s tip: don’t laugh at the baldness). Cured of lymphoma, Jason ends the book with his phone number for anyone to call for support and advice. 

Recommended for readers age 6-9
Available on Amazon: My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope

Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship

Enioluwanimi Solaru, also known as Eni, wrote Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship this past year about a girl who moves and deals with making and keeping new friends. From Silver Springs, MD, Eni plans on writing an entire series based on the main character, Lena, so be sure to be on the lookout for future books to complete the series! 

Recommended readers ages 6-11
Available on Amazon: Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship

Heartsongs

Mattie Stepanek lived with a rare, debilitating disease similar to muscular dystrophy that ultimately took his life but not before he wrote five best-selling books of poetry and two books. He regularly appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America and Larry King and lobbied for people with disabilities on Capitol Hill. His first poetry book, Heartsongs, was written at the age of 10 and rings distinctly with a message of hope and peace in words wise beyond his years—indeed, his legacy lives on. 

Recommended for readers ages 8 & up
Available on Amazon: Heartsongs 

Kylo Finds A Friend

10-year-old Juliana Villarreal’s book, Kylo Finds A Friend, is about overcoming shyness and making new friends. Based on her own dog, Kylo Finds A Friend is a lovely rhyming story that aims to encourage reading in reluctant readers like herself. In the book, Kylo stops by a dog park and attempts to make new friends. Who will be his friend? Kids will laugh along with Kylo’s adventures and love the bright illustrations of adorable dogs by Juliana’s mom. Talk about a team! 

Recommended for readers ages 0-8
Available on Amazon: Kylo Finds A Friend 

The Magnificent King of Pasta

An enthralling world of fantasy will sweep readers into 10-year-old Jacob Shaw’s Pastaland, where wizardry and magic reign. In The Magnificent King of Pasta, King William and his son, Prince Daniel fight with valor to save their kingdom from the evil Salastro. Beyond just magic potions and spells, this is a story of integrity and courage when faced with adversity and readers will not be able to put this one down!

Recommended for readers ages 9 & up, perfect for reading aloud 
Available on Amazon: The Magnificent King of Pasta

I Am Not

Inspired by her preacher stating that God can use kids to change the world, eight-year-old Kamille Mohler decided to write a book to address bullying. I Am Not is a 24-page poem form book that addresses who people are and are not—for instance, in an interview, she says, “I’m not my hair. My hair’s not too curly,  my hair’s not too coarse. I am me!” She is currently working on a second book, If You Want to Be My Friend, also centered on anti-bullying.

Recommended for readers ages 8-12
Available on Amazon: I Am Not

How to Talk to Girls

It is not often that an eight-year-old can call himself a New York Times best-selling self-help author but Alec Grevan can! As the youngest author ever to have a book on the distinguished list, How to Talk to Girls is a practical guide for any male, eight to 80, looking to impress and win over their girl of interest. Tips like: comb your hair, don’t wear sweats and control your hyperness (cut down on the sugar if you have to) will almost guarantee successful results according to Alec. His other books are: How to Talk to Moms, How to Talk to Dads and How to Talk to Santa.

Recommended for readers ages 6-10
Available on Amazon: How to Talk to Girls

One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw...

Third-grader Alexandra Maria Proca was only eight years old when she both wrote and illustrated her first book, One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw... Young readers will be drawn to the colorful illustrations and eagerly follow the author along in her unusual day which starts the moment she looks in the mirror and ends with an unexpected surprise. 

Recommended for readers ages 5-8
Available on Amazon: One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw..

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

Why does an autistic kid stand so close? Why won’t he look at me? Why does she talk about the same topic over and over? 14-year-old autistic teen Daniel Stefanski answers these questions and more in his candid book, How to Talk to an Autistic Kid. An insightful look on autism, Daniel uses humor and gives advice on how to understand and befriend autistic kids. Daniel’s book will equip kids of all ages with the tools to confidently include their autistic friends who are not different, just special. 

Recommended for readers ages 9 & up but great to read aloud 
Available on Amazon: How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

Raise Your Hand

As we head back to school, 11-year-old Alice Paul Tapper’s Raise Your Hand is the perfect empowering book to read! While in class, Alice noticed that girls were less likely to raise their hands to answer questions and wanted to do something about it. She wrote this book and also created a Girl Scouts badge to encourage and help girls feel more confident in speaking up in class. While geared towards girls, boys will also benefit from the confidence-boosting and empowering message of this book. 

Recommended for readers age 6-9
Available on Amazon: Raise Your Hand

Self-publishing platforms

Kindle Direct Publishing
Offered by Amazon, KDP offers first-time publishers an easy and seamless approach to self-publishing of both eBooks and paperback for free while earning up to 70% in royalty fees.

Online: kdp.amazon.com

BookBaby
Despite its name, BookBaby is a giant in the self-publishing world and also capable of printing small quantities of books, including one single copy of your pint-sized penman’s very best words and thoughts for $49.

Online: bookbaby.com

—Christine Lai

featured photo: Pixabay

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Scooby-Doo Is on the Trail in Newest Film & Here’s Your Exclusive Sneak Peek

by Karly Wood

Scooby-Doo, where are you? Apparently, the gang is headed to Camelot in Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s newest full-length animated family film!

Scooby-Doo The Sword and the Scoob lands the sleuths in England to trace Shaggy’s family roots. In typical fashion, the group finds themselves elsewhere, and in this case, the Middle Ages! Keep scrolling to see an exclusive sneak peek at the brand new film:

While at King Arthur’s court, the teens will have to take on an evil sorceress who wants to steal power in Camelot. Can the gang come to King Arthur’s aid to save his throne?

Scooby-Doo The Sword and the Scoob will launch on DVD and digital on Feb. 23, 2021 for $19.98 and $14.95, respectively.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

 

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Pokémon & Post Malone Are Teaming Up for a Unique Collab

by Erica Loop

Pokémon is turning 25—and fans are the ones getting a very special bday gift! In celebration of the big 2-5, you can join superstar Post Malone for a virtual concert on Feb. 27 (a.k.a. Pokémon Day).

Not only is the concert pure Pokémon fun, it will also launch the P25 Music program. P25 Music features collabs between the Pokémon brand and some of the most notable names in the music industry, including fan fave Katy Perry.

photo: Courtesy of Business Wire

You can review the concert for free on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, Pokémon’s official Twitch channel or on Pokémon’s 25th anniversary website. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. EST/ 4:00 PST.

Of the upcoming 25th anniversary concert, artist Post Malone said in a press statement, “I’ve been a Pokémon fan for a long time, so the opportunity to headline the Pokémon Day concert celebrating 25 years is awesome.”

Even though the concert won’t debut until Feb. 25, you can get in on the Pokémon anniversary excitement before the event. Check out Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto on Feb. 20 or nab a password for the Pokémon video game on Feb. 25. The password gives players a special Pikachu for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games.

—Erica Loop

 

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Review: Ryan’s World Shadow Warrior Ninja Mystery Box

By The Toy Insider

Photo: Bonkers Toys

Get ready to master your martial arts skills with Ryan! With the Ryan’s World Shadow Warrior Ninja Mystery Box, kids can reveal six exclusive mystery figures, a ninja star spinner, stickers, and role-play items, such as a headband, a belt, and a foam ninja sword. There may be a lot of unboxing toys out there, but this one really gives kids a “wow” reveal with the case alone, in addition to all of the blind bags that they get to open. The variety — and amount — of items that kids get inside help to boost its play value and make it worth the price point. So tie on the headband and grab the foam sword — with the Ryan’s World Shadow Warrior Ninja Mystery Box, kids will be martial arts masters in no time!

Read the full review on thetoyinsider.com, and check out the Toy Insider’s full Holiday Gift Guide to see the top picks of the hottest toys this holiday season!

The Toy Insider is the go-to source for product information and the latest news about children's toys, tech, and entertainment. Its team of toy experts publishes two annual gift guides—one for summer and one for holiday—and reviews toys 365 days a year on thetoyinsider.com, a trusted resource for parents. 

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