Kids Corner

Shrek the Halls

2007-11-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

SHREK THE HALLS, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28 ON ABC

Here's a great holiday special the entire family can enjoy! Turn to ABC this Wednesday night when Shrek the Halls airs at 8 pm/7 pm CT. Featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas, cozy up with your kids and be treated to a hilarious holiday celebration. Just when Shrek thought he could finally sit back, relax and enjoy his happily ever after with his new family, the most joyous of all holidays arrives. It's Christmas Eve and everyone is filled with holiday cheer - except for Shrek. He isn't exactly the picture of Yuletide joy, but for the sake of Fiona and the kids, he tries to get into the spirit of the holiday as only an ogre can. Join Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Gingerbread Man and Fiona for "Shrek the Halls" - a holiday special that'll have your family in stitches.

The Game Plan

2007-11-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is with big burly tough guys but for some reason, they always make really great movies for kids. From Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop to Vin Diesel in The Pacifer and now we've got The Roc in "The Game Plan" - which has officially become my kids' favorite movie to day. So much so that they've decided we're already going to buy the DVD as soon as it comes out. The plotline is simple - The Roc (of course I forgot the name of his character) is a star quarterback who is the ultimate bachelor until he discovers he's a dad and his long lost daughter moves in for a month when she tells him her mom is out of the country. The daughter is tough, sweet and adorable and eventually, Roc becomes a pile of mush in her grasp. So before the movie goes out of the theaters, take your kids to see The Game Plan - it's fun for the whole family!

Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles DVD Debut!

2007-09-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

This September, a cheeky little pig makes her stateside DVD debut as Lionsgate releases the first ever title starring the popular preschool character in Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles. Featuring 12 episodes from the hit television series that debuted on Cartoon Network’s “Tickle U” programming block for preschoolers, the DVD follows Peppa, a silly little piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, through every day adventures as she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favorite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles! Available on DVD on September 25th, the Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles DVD features two fun games for preschoolers to play along with – “Jumping into Muddy Puddles” and “The Happy Mrs. Chicken.”

Peppa Pig television series is focused on simple life lessons that humorously portray a child’s first steps towards a sense of independence. With a sincere appreciation for the importance of family and friends at their core, each episode ends by teaching a firm but loving lesson to its viewers. Each episode concerns a situation that will be familiar to small children such as bath time, muddy puddles, birthdays and helping mom and dad, and the tone of the series is fun and charming in a way that appeals to both small children and parents watching with them. An international success since its debut in the UK in 2005, Peppa Pig is broadcast in over 90 countries worldwide and has received numerous awards, including Best Pre-school Series and Best European Programme of the Year at the Cartoons on the Bay Awards in May 2005. It was also named Winner of the Cristal for Best TV Production at Annecy 2005 and received a BAFTA Award nomination. At retail, Peppa Pig has enjoyed tremendous international success, with the total franchise DVD sales in the UK having already surpassed the 500,000 mark in just two years. In addition, UK master toy partner Character Options has a highly-successful toy line.

Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles DVD features two fun games for preschoolers to play along with – “Jumping into Muddy Puddles” and “The Happy Mrs. Chicken.”The Peppa Pig television series is focused on simple life lessons that humorously portray a child’s first steps towards a sense of independence. With a sincere appreciation for the importance of family and friends at their core, each episode ends by teaching a firm but loving lesson to its viewers. Each episode concerns a situation that will be familiar to small children such as bath time, muddy puddles, birthdays and helping mom and dad, and the tone of the series is fun and charming in a way that appeals to both small children and parents watching with them.

I HAVE 4 FEET HE HAS 2 by Janis Savage

2007-06-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is an adorable book written by author and illustrator Janis Savage. Perfect for a family that has a dog and is about to introduce a baby to the equation! My five year old son had so much fun reading along with the story and even began memorizing the words.

I Have 4 Feet he has 2 is perfect for first time readers and for little ones who have trouble concentrating but love looking at cute illustrations of dogs and babies...and who doesn't like that? So check out the book today and buy a copy for your little one or for someone you know with pets!

For older kids, Janis Savage offers another book Charlie's First Day in First Grade, which helps calm all those fears kids have when they're starting a new school.

To return to Role Mommy, Click Here.

The Brady Bunch...The Complete Series!

2007-03-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I live vicariously through my kids so it wasn't a stroke of luck that they are now hooked on "The Brady Bunch" - my all-time favorite show when I was their age. Turns out the complete series is now available on DVD and my kids have been watching episode after episode and loving every minute of it. In fact, as I write this, they're now on season four when Marcia gets her braces and she's totally depressed because she thinks she looks really ugly. Can't wait till she gets bopped in the nose with that football, or the kids start singing those cheesy songs..."I think I'll go for a walk outside now, the summer sun's calling my name" - come on, you know what I'm talking about! And then there's Johnny Bravo and Davy Jones and Joe Namath...and the Grand Canyon and Hawaii and...well all I can say is I'm thrilled I've finally got them away from "Fairly Odd Parents" for a few minutes and while I'm sure "The Brady Bunch" will wear out it's welcome eventually, for now, I'm thrilled to take a walk down memory lane right along with my kids! To get your Brady fix today, Click Here! Or to return to Role Mommy, Click Here.

The Matzo Ball Boy by Lisa Shulman

2007-03-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

As we approach Passover, I'm always on the lookout for great books for my kids that'll keep them entertained because let's face it - the Waldbaum's Haggadah from 1976 that my dad schleps with him every year to our seders really doesn't hold their attention - except when they get to stick their fingers in the wine and start singing about blood and frogs and locusts, but I digress...

I just read The Matzo Ball Boy to my son tonight and thought it was terrific! I loved the fact that I could read it to him with the Jewish inflection my grandmas used to use on me and my son loved hearing the story not once, but twice. Who knew? (shrug shoulders and use inflection for effect).

Based on the tale of the Gingerbread man, our hero, the matzo ball boy tries to escape the Bubbe that created him with love, care and lots of Jewish guilt, the schneider, the yenta and her family, a wolf and a poor man and his wife. I always love a good children's book that's thoroughly entertaining for adults and this one completely fit the bill. So if you're getting ready to get the kids psyched for Pesach, then look no further and buy them a copy of The Matzo Ball Boy! Trust me, if you buy this book, they'll be the toast (oops the matzoh) of Hebrew school!

Dylan Finds a Toy

2007-03-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Dylan is rummaging through my desk drawer while I'm trying to finish up my work.

"Mommy - move out of my way! I'm looking for something."

After a few more minutes, he smiles and exclaims, "I found it!"

I look down to see he's grabbed a tampax and is looking at it as if he's just found a prize out of a cereal box.

Though it takes a few more minutes to convince him it's not a toy disguised in a wrapper, he finally does give it back.

Looks like I need to keep him out of my drawers...

ME MOVIES!

2007-02-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

Destined to be a Best-Seller...Movies Starring Your Own Child!

This falls into the too cute category. I'm sure your kids have been mesmerized by Baby Einstein, Elmo, Barney, the Cheetah Girls and maybe even Hannah Montana. Well, now it's time for your child to be the star with Me Movies!

This adorable DVD enables your child to be a part of an entire mini movie where their face shows up throughout the film - dancing, driving cars, flying through the air, you name it. The little bee in the film even says your kid's name - what child doesn't love that?

When my son and daughter recently received their Me Movies both insisted they watch it over and over again...and my daughter is 7 years old! Neither of them grew tired of watching themselves starring in a movie that really was pretty cute if I do say so myself!

If you'd like to find out more about Me Movies, click here and find out how simple it is to give your child the movie star treatment!

Happy Feet

2006-11-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-11T05:20:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

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!

CHANGE IS STRANGE

2006-09-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

It's not easy for little kids to make big changes in their lives. But a great way to ease them into a transition is to tell them a story that they can relate to. That's why the Change is Strange book series is the perfect gift for a little one who is about to experience something new or unexpected. From moving, to the first day of school, to going on a trip without your child, to the birth of a new sibling, the Change is Strange book series was developed by former film producer and mom Ricki Booker in order to help make life's changes easier for kids and their parents. The books are colorfully illustrated with characters and details that will fascinate and delight your little one and the best part is, you can personalize your own copy of the book by inserting your child's name right into the story! Click Here to visit the Change is Strange website. Or, to read more about creator Ricki Booker, check out her profile on our Moms of Reinvention page. To return to the Role Mommy website, click here.

HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS

2006-09-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have to admit. I had no desire to see this movie. Sure I read the book by Judy Blume a million years ago and from what I can recall, I did like it, but watching kids eat worms on the big screen? Well, it was between that and "Snakes on a Plane," so I opted to go for worms. Boy, was I surprised. This movie was a complete delight! I felt like I was transported back to my days as a fourth grader when the school bully tried to boss everyone around in her wake (yes our school bully was a girl) and eventually, we all got disgusted with her and stopped being her friend. Anyway, enough about my reminiscenses. This film has the makings of a kids classic - like "Bad News Bears" - one of those films that has you smiling and flashing back to childhood from the moment it begins. So if you haven't taken the kids to see "Fried Worms" yet, you don't know what you're missing. It's queasy good fun for the whole family!

THE CHEETAH GIRLS

2006-08-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

If you have a daughter over the age of five, then this is the end of summer television flick for you. We've been hearing about The Cheetah Girls movie coming to the Disney Channel for the last month and a half and we were prepared. We even watched the countdown show Friday night which seemed reminiscent of New Year's Rockin' Eve. Then the movie came on and I have to admit, it was really cute. The music is fantastic and the girls are adorable. Even better, last night, we caught the second "sing along" version of the movie. The songs actually had the words underneath so that kids could dance and sing to their favorite tunes. I have to admit, the folks at Disney are geniuses. First they gave us High School Musical, which has become an overnight phenomenon and now The Cheetah Girls movie is headed for the stratosphere. We're already looking into buying tickets to their concert when they head our way. Long live The Cheetahs!

CARS

2006-07-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

We were really looking forward to seeing this film, but a bunch of boisterous kids spoiled the experience (see our In the News page and click on Dan's Papers) we came up short with this animated flick. While this was an enjoyable film, I was hoping there would be a lot more laughs. Then again, if you're a kid and love racing cars, then this is the perfect film for you.

OVER THE HEDGE

2006-07-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

So far, this film wins our family award for favorite film this summer. It's hilarious, the voices are phenomenal...who doesn't like Wandy Sykes as a skunk or Thomas Hayden Church as an exterminator. We loved this adorable animated flick and my kids sat through it without having to run to the bathroom once! And...as I was walking to the office today, I saw an ad on a bus that said it was from the creators of Shrek...now I know why I liked it so much!

SUPERMAN RETURNS

2006-07-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just saw this with my kids this week and it's definitely a film for older children. There are a bunch of scary scenes...mostly the ones with Lex Luthor and the movie is a bit long for fidgety tykes. But if you've got a die-hard Superman fan in your family, then you won't be disappointed!

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS by Mo Willems

2006-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

This book series is one of my daughter's favorites. The story is hilarious plus, Rebecca loves to draw Pigeon and his friends. Read it to your kids and then have them draw the characters and see how great they'll feel when they show you their very own pigeon! A great read for first graders and for little ones too! Click here to buy now.

LOUKOUMI by Nick Katsouris

2006-07-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

A great read for the whole family about a little lamb who goes on vacation to Greece and gets separated from his family. Read along to find out how little Loukoumi finds his way back home. Great for pre-schoolers and first time readers! Click here to buy the book!

AMERICA IS ME

2006-07-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Share America's Wonderful traditions and landmarks where your child can be the star! Click on the link above for more information! Simply place a photo of your child in the "face space" provided on each page. There are six America-themed pages so up to 6 children can see themselves in the face of the Statue of Liberty, as a baseball player, at the Thanksgiving table, watching the 4th of July Fireworks and more! Written by husband and wife Kimiko & Cleon Scotland, this is a great gift for your little ones and your young readers! Cleon and Kimiko are originally from Bermuda and their first book, BERMUDA IS ME! was a huge hit with kids. To purchase AMERICA IS ME, click here!