American Girl’s 2022 Doll of the Year Has a Little Sis!

by Karly WoodJanuary 3, 2022

New year, new American Girl doll time! If your little is looking for an inspiring new girl (or two!) to turn playtime into something even more meaningful, the 2022 Girl of the Year fits the bill.

Say hello to Corinne Tan, a Chinese American doll and her companion, little sister Gwynn. Together, the pair hail from Aspen, Colorado and celebrate their Chinese heritage as they navigate their new family life. Alongside Wendy Wan-Long Shang’s coordinating American Girl Doll books, Corinne and Corinne to the Rescue, young fans will get to know the sisters and how they can become their own trailblazers.

In addition to the new launch of Corinne ($110) and her sister Gwynn ($65), American Girl gurus will be able to shop tons of accessories like ski accessories, a bedroom set, plenty of outfits and even a ski and snack shop!

Even more important, American Girl has partnered with AAPI Youth Rising, a student-led organization whose mission is to “turn small actions into positive change.” So far, the company has donated $25,000 to support AAPI Youth Rising’s ONE/180 pledge, where schools and teachers across the country are asked teach at least one day of Asian American and Pacific Islander history and culture during the school year.

If you’d like to help support the pledge, you can donate online, by calling toll free at 1-800-845-0005 or donate at an American Girl store.

––Karly Wood

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Steve from “Blues Clues” is Back with a Special Video: “I Never Forgot You…Ever”

by Sarah ShebekSeptember 8, 2021

Remember Steve, the OG host of Blue’s Clues? Well, he still remembers you, even if it’s been quite a while since he starred on the animated show. 25 years after the show first appeared and 19 years after Steve left, he re-emerged with a touching message to celebrate the big anniversary.

“You remember how when we were younger we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues…and then one day I was like ‘oh hey, guess what? Big news, I’m leaving,” Steve starts the video. He goes on to let viewers know that he’s been able to pursue his dreams, even if the departure was sad and unexpected for young fans.

So about that time Steve went off to college… #BluesClues25 pic.twitter.com/O8NOM2eRjy

— Nick Jr. (@nickjr) September 7, 2021

But that’s not all. Steve has a special shout out for his now grown up fans and it might be a bit of a tear jerker! He ends the video with one last heartfelt (and humorous) message. “I’m super glad we’re still friends. You look great, by the way. Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s working.”

Since Steve exited the show in 2002, he’s pursued various musical and acting opportunities, including starting his own band and releasing a children’s album. But it’s safe to say Blues Clues, where he appeared in 100 episodes over six years, will always be his biggest hit. With 20.8 million views at the time of this publication, it’s obvious the show (and Steve) will never be forgotten.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nickelodeon

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Want to Sing with Kristen Bell? Now You Can with This New Series

by Karly WoodAugust 19, 2021

Kristen Bell is staying busy! The actress, singer and mom of two is sharing her newest project, Do, Re & Mi with young fans everywhere through a brand new trailer!

Amazon Prime Video has just dropped the new trailer for the Amazon Original animated series starting Kristen Bell, Jackie Tohn, and Luke Youngblood. Perfect for preschool-aged children, the show will debut i more than 240 countries worldwide. Keep scrolling to catch the first glimpe at the adorable new characters.

The series will follow three birdie friends, Do, Re and Mi as they head out on musical adventures. Each episode will feature new sounds, melodies and show how music can solve every problem!

Do, Re & Mi will debut on Sept. 17 on Amazon Prime and will be followed by toys, a book, teacher and family guide as well as a mobile game.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

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Stock Your Bookshelves with These 12 Kids Books about Boston

by Kate LowethMay 25, 2021

There’s nothing like the gift of a good book and what’s better than a book about our beloved city? We checked with our favorite booksellers and gathered up all their recs for the best books for kids about Boston from classic like Make Way for Ducklings to contemporary favorites. Read your way through books about Fenway and the Tea Party, and find inspiration in the story of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Which one will be your little one’s new favorite?

Bus Route to Boston

By Maryann Cocca-Leffler

The everyday sights, sounds and smells of a colorful and bustling city come alive in this book - a child's view of Boston. Maryann Cocca-Leffler remembers frequent bus trips she took into the city as a girl with her mother and little sister. Together they shopped for delicious treats in the Italian North End - warm pizza and creamy cannoli - or stopped for ice cream sundaes at Bailey's after a day of bargain hunting at Filene's Basement.

Get yours here, $9.95.

F is for Fenway: America's Oldest Major League Ballpark

By Jerry Pallotta

Baseball fans learn about the ballpark's history, features, and momentous events, including famous home runs from luminaries such as Ted Williams.

Get yours here, $16.95.

Girl Running

By Annette Bay Pimentel

Because Bobbi Gibb is a girl, she's not allowed to run on her school's track team. But after school, no one can stop her--and she's free to run endless miles to her heart's content. She is told no yet again when she tries to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, because the officials claim that it's a man's race and that women are just not capable of running such a long distance. So what does Bobbi do? She bravely sets out to prove the naysayers wrong and show the world just what a girl can do.

Get yours here, $14.39.

Good Night Boston

By Adam Gamble

Boston is waiting for your family to explore. Watch as your toddler discovers everything the city of Boston as to offer, such as Fenway Park, Old Ironsides, the Boston Tea Party Ships, and so much more. Show them what makes our nation’s most historic city so iconic.

Get yours here, $9.95.

Good Night, Red Sox

By Brad M. Epstein

Good Night, Red Sox follows in the long tradition of good night stories loved by children everywhere. The bedtime story takes children through the day of the big game good morning Boston as everyone wakes up in anticipation, good afternoon Red Sox Nation as everyone heads to Fenway Park, good evening Red Sox as the team take the field and game begins, and of course good night everyone as we say good night to Fenway Park, the players and young fans dreaming of their major league debut.

Get yours here, $11.70.

Hello, Boston!

By Martha Zschock

Follow a parent and child duck as they explore the state capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city. From Beacon Hill to the Old North Church, they learn about the city's history.

Get yours here, $9.69.

Journey Around Boston From A to Z

By Martha Zschock

This vivid, enchanting alphabet book for all ages is packed with fascinating information about historic sites in Boston, Cambridge, and environs. Colorful, detailed watercolor paintings from author and illustrator Martha Day Zschock enliven the pages, which include: Brahmins on Beacon Hill, Fans at Fenway, and Tea Taxes!

Get yours here, $13.89.

Larry Gets Lost in Boston

By John Skewes

Join Larry the pup and his owner Pete as they explore Boston, MA. From Fenway Park's Green Monster to the swan boats in Boston Public Garden, locals and visitors learn about Boston's history and cultural landmarks when Larry gets lost chasing after a tasty treat.

Get yours here, $11.79.

Larry Loves Boston!

By John Skewes

Just like the locals and visitors, Larry the pup loves the Freedom Trail, the Public Garden, Fenway Park, Bunker Hill Monument, Faneuil Hall, and many of the other sites and sounds of Boston. Based on the popular children's picture book Larry Gets Lost in Boston, families who love Boston will want this charming board book for their little readers.

Get yours here, $9.99.

Make Way for Ducklings

By Robert McCloskey

In this timeless tale of family life, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard find the perfect spot to raise their young in Boston's Public Garden.

Get yours here, $15.95.

Night-Night Boston

By Katherine Sully

It's bedtime in Boston! Say goodnight to all your favorite locations, including the Franklin Park Zoo, Old North Church, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Fenway Park and more.

Get yours here, $9.93.

On the Loose in Boston

By Sage Stossel

With simple rhymes and colorful, highly detailed painting, the prize-winning Atlantic Online cartoonist creates a "Where's Waldo?"-type hit, setting animals free from Franklin Park Zoo and challenging children to find them in settings from Faneuil Hall to Fenway Park.

Get yours here, $12.86.

—Kate Loweth

Images courtesy of publishers. Featured photo courtesy of iStock.

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General Mills Debuts Sesame Street Cereal

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 1, 2020

Giving your little one a nutritious start to their day is now as easy as 1-2-3. General Mills just announced the launch of Sesame Street Cereal. These new varieties are headed to store shelves in January to make breakfast fun, delicious and educational.

Featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby, each box opens up like a book, featuring six dual-language (English and Spanish) short stories with Elmo, and are available in two varieties:

1 2 3 Berry

C is for Cinnamon

Even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy fun letter and number-shaped cereal pieces in every spoonful of cereal. Sesame Street Cereal supports the growing bodies of its young fans, delivering many key nutrients and is a good source of Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and fiber.

Find Sesame Street Cereal at grocery retailers nationwide this January. Boxes will retail for $3.99 (Mid-Size) and $4.99 (Family Size).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of General Mills

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PBS KIDS Presents Trio of Podcasts This Fall

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 20, 2020

Now your kids can tune in to their favorite PBS KIDS series in an exciting new way. Three fun and educational podcasts will take young listeners deeper into the exciting world of their favorite characters from Molly of Denali, Pinkalicious & Peteriffic and Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast. Audiences can listen along on pbskids.org and anywhere you listen to podcasts.

“Our approach at PBS KIDS is to seek learning opportunities in every new technology and medium. As families continue to seek out meaningful entertainment and creative approaches for at-home learning, we are glad to offer them fresh content with engaging storylines through podcasts,” Lesli Rotenberg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Each podcast allows young fans to get closer to their favorite characters, adding another dimension to their story and the chance to join them on more exciting new adventures.”

Molly of Denali Podcast (8 episodes)

Premieres Sept. 30, with two episodes debuting weekly

Fans can join Molly on a brand-new adventure as she and Trini take a train from Denali to Anchorage, Alaska. But, this is no ordinary train – it’s the mystery train! When a jewel necklace goes missing, it’s up to Detective Mabray and her assistant, Dr. Mumford to solve the case. Listeners can follow along as Molly and Trini search for clues with some unexpected guests, decipher some strange bird calls, and even get stuck in a spooky town, all while riding the mystery train.

Pinkalicious & Peteriffic Podcast (10 episodes)

Premieres with two episodes Oct. 28, followed by one new episode per week

This new podcast will take kids on pinkatastic adventures, encouraging them to dance, sing, make-believe, and more. To extend the series-inspired fun from the podcast, families can also sign-up for the Pinkalicious Activity Guide to receive engaging activities, reading list recommendations and other helpful resources tied to each episode’s theme via email.

Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast (7 episodes)

Premieres Nov. 25, with two episodes debuting weekly

The Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast follows The Big O as she hosts a weekly radio address for agents all over the world and tries to stop an odd invasion on headquarters at the same time.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PBS KIDS

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Moose Toys Debuts “Bluey” Toy Collection

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 12, 2020

Season two of the hit Australian series, Bluey is coming to Disney Junior. Now BBC Studios and Moose Toys have announced the eagerly-awaited Bluey toys set to launch this month. The new collection from Moose Toys includes a range of plush, figures, playsets and games designed to spark imagination-fueled fun and invite preschoolers to create their own Bluey-themed adventures at home.

“Bluey has been winning over audiences everywhere, and we’re so excited that kids and families in the U.S. will soon have the chance to ‘play along’ with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli beyond the screen,” said Suzy Raia, VP, Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios. “The new range from Moose Toys perfectly captures the imaginative play and family-centered essence of the show; elements that have helped make it a standout with kids and parents alike.”

“Bluey was a runaway hit in Australia, and as fellow Aussies, Moose Toys is in a unique position to bring the magic of the show directly to U.S. fans with this special collection,” said Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “Through the television series, the loveable pup has already captured the hearts of more than 15 million fans in the U.S. and our toys will help to kids bring Bluey’s adventures into their own homes.”

The new Bluey collection allows young fans to reenact popular Bluey episodes like “Magic Xylophone,” “Grannies,” “Shadowlands” and more.

The toys will be available at Target in late June and all major retailers on Aug.1.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Moose Toys

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Relive the Totally Awesome ’80’s with Monopoly: Garbage Pail Kids

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 25, 2020

Get your Garbage Pail Kids trading cards out. Now, you can play with all of your favorite characters again. In honor of GPK’s 35th anniversary, usaopoly (The Op) is teaming up with Topps to release Monopoly: Garbage Pail Kids.

“As long-time fans of Garbage Pail Kids, we are excited that other fans of this pop-culture classic will be able to immerse themselves in, and enjoy, the iconic tabletop Monopoly game play experience,” says Maggie Matthews (aka Haggy Maggie in Garbage Pail Kids-speak), The Op’s SVP of Licensing.

Players will vie to collect iconic characters such as Adam Bomb and Leaky Lindsay. Navigate the game board with one of six collectible movers such as an Overflowing Garbage Can, Swirly Dog Poop or Zit Goo Tube.

“When Topps first published the Garbage Pail Kids cards and stickers in the 80’s and 90’s, it spawned a worldwide collecting phenomenon,” says Ira Friedman (aka IncrudibleIra), Topps VP of Global Licensing. “Today, many of those young fans are nostalgically reliving childhood memories and reconnecting with the brand. They’re going to get a kick out of this bold mashup between GPK and Monopoly.”

MONOPOLY: Garbage Pail Kids will be available throughout North America in specialty stores this spring, retailing for $39.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: usaopoly

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This Interactive Follow-Me Olaf Toy Is the New Tickle Me Elmo

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 9, 2019

It’s nearly time for the long-awaited sequel Frozen 2 to hit theaters, which means there will be plenty of Frozen-inspired toys hitting store shelves in time for the holiday season. None are guaranteed to delight your young fans quite like the walking, talking Follow-Me Friend Olaf!

What kid didn’t wish they had a magical talking snowman to play with after watching young Elsa and Anna frolicking with Olaf? Now that wish can come true with the new Disney’s Frozen 2 Follow-Me Friend Olaf. This stuffed snowman comes with a snowflake controller that allows kids to conjure up some Elsa-style magic.

The wand can be used to project a blue snowflake image which Olaf will follow. He can also turn from side to side, open and close his eyes and raise his eyebrows. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fully-interactive Disney Frozen toy without a song. Olaf can also belt out a brand new tune from Frozen 2 on your command, as well as slew of quotes and phrases from the new film.

Follow-Me Friend Olaf is priced at $39.99 and is available at Target and Amazon.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Amazon

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Disney World Just Revealed a New Way to Save on Park Tickets

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 18, 2019

Planning an entire day at Disney World with young fans isn’t always feasible, but you don’t want to feel like you haven’t gotten your ticket price’s worth. Now Disney Parks is introducing Mid-Day Magic Tickets that allow you to enter the park later in the day for a much lower price.

The new Mid-Day Magic Tickets are valid for admission into any of the four theme parks at Disney World, including the Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, after 12 p.m.

photo: Thomas Kelley via Unsplash

Mid-Day Magic Tickets are a limited time deal with tickets valid for use through Dec. 15, 2019. Visitors can purchase 2-, 3- and 4-Day Mid-Day Magic Tickets all of which are valid for one theme park per day. Tickets start at $81 per day plus tax ($162 total plus tax) for a 2-Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket for guests ages 10 and up. Prices vary based on the date you select.

To learn more and purchase tickets check out Disneyworld.com/MidDayMagic.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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