Happy Feet

All I can say is FINALLY!!! The 2006 film season is almost over and after I've watched dozens of movies with my kids - some that were downright awful, others so so and a few pretty darn good, HAPPY FEET has come along and is hands down, the best family movie of the year! From the unbelievably cool animation in which the penguins actually appear to look real, to the great music, hilarious voices - who doesn't like Robin Williams with a Spanish accent - and terrific dance numbers, this is a film that you'll want to watch with your kids over and over again. So take them to your local theater or see it on IMAX and definitely buy it when it comes out on DVD. And, if you haven't had your Happy Feet fix filled, then you can bring the brood over to Burger King for collector's penguins, find the movie on various cereal boxes and go online to play Happy Feet games. So come on and Get Happy! Click Here to find a movie theater near you or click here to visit the My Space page for the film.

GROWING UP WITH LOUKOUMI

In Growing Up With Loukoumi by Nick Katsoris, a lamb named Loukoumi (Greek for "sweet") struggles with what she wants to be when she grows up. She considers becoming a firefighter, a judge or a doctor. As she walks along, she encounters several friends including Gus the bear, Fistiki the cat, Dean the dog and Marika the monkey. Each friend explains to Loukoumi that she can be whatever her heart desires. If she wants to be a singing star, a policeman or even an Oscar winning actress, then she can do it! The key is that Loukoumi must always believe in herself, stay positive and work hard because if you believe in yourself your dreams will come true! The CD version of the book features the voices of singing legend Gloria Gaynor, (Grammy Award winner for "I Will Survive") Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, national CBS correspondent Alexis Christoforous, American Idol Heartthrob Constantine Maroulis, and Guiding Light actor Frank Dicopoulos. Each voices a character that encourages Loukoumi to reach for her dreams, which is especially meaningful when being heard from such inspirational and successful adults. The package also includes an original song from Gloria Gaynor called, "Believe."

This is the perfect gift for little ones with big dreams! Read along with them or listen in your car! To find out more about the Loukoumi book series, Click Here or to order Growing Up with Loukoumi, Click Here!

FLUSHED AWAY

It's been a while since we've posted a film review for a kids movie. Not because we haven't seen a few flicks in the last few months. But because we hadn't seen something we all really enjoyed...until now. Flushed Away, is a hilarious new flick that'll have you and your children laughing from the moment it starts. Personally, I always have a soft spot for British humor so I was already pre-disposed to liking it. The film tells the tale of Roddy, a civilized mouse who lives in an upscale London home and is treated as if he were a family pet. When an unexpected guest drops by while the family is out of town, Roddy winds up being flushed down the toilet into a world filled with mice and slugs. Sounds gross, but it's actually really funny. In fact, my favorite part of the film was every time the slugs burst into song. Of course there's a sinister side - an evil frog is after the girl that Roddy depends on to bring him back home and he of course, in James Bond fashion must attempt to save the day. If you haven't seen this film yet, then definitely put it on your list. It's one of the best of the season...except of course for Over the Hedge...which just came out on DVD! Time to add a new entry to your collection! For more fun with Flushed Away, Click Here for games and previews!