Tag Archive | PBS

September’s DVD and Book Product #Roundup 2019

Sep4

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a September’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2019 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

Paw Patrol: Ready Race Rescue (Walmart Exclusive) (DVD + Digital Copy) It’s the Adventure Bay 500 and legendary race car driver, The Whoosh, can’t compete! The pups speed into action to help Marshall take the wheel against cheating rival, The Cheetah, for the championship trophy in this ALL-NEW PAW PATROL MOVIE! Paw Patrol: Ready Race Rescue (Walmart Exclusive) (DVD + Digital Copy)

Remember that time you passed gas in that super crowded elevator? Or when you lost your sock in the dryer? That was just bad luck, right? Wrong! That was the work of Yo-kai; the invisible Yo-kai all around us that are the cause of our daily annoyances!!

Nate is a just a regular boy struggling to be above average at school. One day when he receives the Yo-kai Watch, he gets the chance to see and communicate with these mischievous Yo-kai. With the Yo-kai Watch on his wrist, Nate starts to form friendships with them and learn of the things that make life so complicated.

There s just one problem: they re everywhere and they love to cause mischief!

Includes 13 Action-Packed Episodes!

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! follows the adventures of 6-year-old best friends, Sally and Nick, as they are whisked off on extraordinary voyages of scientific discovery with the Cat in the Hat. Â Thanks to the Thinga-ma-jigger and our friends, exploring has never been more exciting!

JoJo embarks on the most epic 24 hours of her life filled with special guests and big surprises leading up to a birthday party she’ll never forget. The DVD also includes six episodes from JoJo’s animated YouTube series “The JoJo & BowBow Show Show,” which follows the adventures of JoJo and her dog BowBow.

JoJo Siwa: Sweet Celebrations episodes:
  • JoJo’s Dream Birthday!
  • The JoJo & BowBow Show Show
    • BowBow Steals the Spotlight?!
    • JoJo’s CRAZIEST Flight Ever
    • BowBow’s SECRET Fashion Show
    • JoJo Makes BowBow’s DIY Dreams Come True
    • BowBow vs. Beans: Battle of the Dog Bosses
    • BowBow’s SECRET Hideout

Brought to you by the letters B, I, R, T, H, D, A, and Y!

Sesame Street is celebrating 50 years and this special 2-DISC COLLECTION is packed with the most beloved moments from the show.

Joining the furry festivities are a host of special guests, including classic clips of Madeline Kahn, REM, and Patti LaBelle; songs from Solange, Sara Bareilles, Janelle Monáe, and Josh Groban; and belly laughs courtesy of Amy Poehler, Jeff Goldblum, and Ricky Gervais.

DISC ONE: Over three hours of fan favorites both old and new, including: Kermit, Alastair Cookie, the Frazzles, Forgetful Jones, the Amazing Mumford, Sherlock Hemlock, Don Music, and Lefty the Salesman.

DISC TWO: The most beloved moments from the show, including: Maria and Luis getting married, the passing of Mr. Hooper, Snuffleupagus becoming “real,” and Big Bird (and Snuffy!) running the New York City Matathon.

Did you ever walk out of class having even more questions than when you walked in? You may feel that way about history or math, but what about your sexual health class (if you even had one)? If you’re anything like most of the youth in America today, your head is probably spinning with a swirling, high-speed hurricane of questions. It is totally normal to be curious and to have questions about relationships, bodies, consent . . . you name it!

But where can your average teen go to get all the reliable and accurate answers they need? In Case You’re Curious, a text-and-answer program conceived by Planned Parenthood, has been pr

oviding this educational service for teens for years. And now In Case You’re Curious is a big book of answers―with funny and educational illustrations―to the most popular and most interesting questions young people have about birth control, development, sexually transmitted diseases, and so much more.

Within these pages you will find nonjudgmental (and fun!) answers meant to educate teens without the uncomfortable silence or weird eye contact often associated with “The Talk.” In Case You’re Curious isn’t afraid to tackle the nitty-gritty questions, such as “Does masturbating give you a disease?” and “Is the pineapple thing true?” that you may think twice about raising your hand to ask in your sexual health class or at home.

Learn all about dinosaurs of different shapes and sizes! First, Mikey Microraptor is visiting Tiny at the family nest when next-door neighbor Larry Lambeosaurus tells Mikey he is too small to be a dinosaur. Then, Buddy and Tank Triceratops are best friends who share a love for comparing features. Buddy, Tank, and the kids go on a quest to track down Ceratopsians with horns numbering 1-15!

It s time for Bear Country adventures with Brother and Sister Bear! Tree House Tales contains 26 stories from the beloved animated series. Sister visits the dentist for the first time where she learns there is nothing to be afraid of; Brother and Sister both try out for the last spot on Bear Country s baseball team; Papa and the bear scouts find themselves lost when exploring a cave; and more!

Every parent wants their child to be okay–to have friends, to be successful, to feel comfortable in his or her own skin. But many children lack important social and executive functioning skills that allow them to navigate through the world with ease.

In-demand parenting expert and former Hallowell Center coach Caroline Maguire has worked with thousands of families dealing with chronic social dilemmas, ranging from shyness to aggression to ADHD, and more. In this groundbreaking book, she shares her decade-in-the-making protocol–The Play Better Plan– to help parents coach children to connect with others and make friends. Children of all ages–truly, from Kindergarten to college age– will gain the confidence to make friends and get along with others, using tools such as:
*Social Sleuthing: learn to pay attention to social cues
*Post-Play Date Huddles: help kids figure out what to look for in a friendship
*Reflective Listening: improve your child’s relationship with their peers
With compassion and ease, this program gives parents a tangible, easy-to-follow guide for helping kids develop the executive function and social skills they need to thrive.

Discover all about how your amazing feline friend thinks, moves, drinks, stays warm, gets clean, cools off, and more, with dozens of fun science-based activities and experiments.

Unleash the power of science! Have fun with 22 safe and cat-friendly activities that let you work alongside your cat to discover what makes her tick. Learn how catnip affects your kitty and how she can see so well in the dark. Find out what kind of toys your cat loves by making a feather flyer. How does your cat balance so well and always land on all fours? Each activity is paired with step-by-step instructions, clear and interesting scientific explanations, and cool photographs shot specifically for this book. Hands-on activities and fun information for budding scientists prompt further learning and offer a behind-the-scenes look at current feline research. When you are finished with the book you’ll have a vet-worthy profile of the best kitty companion on the planet–yours!

This book is part of the National Geographic Kids Hands-on Science line which makes science fun and accessible.

Calling Paw Patrol fans and all dog lovers! Follow the real-life adventures of dogs with jobs as they help their communities and save the day.

In this endearing read-aloud picture book, meet courageous canine Stella and follow along as she spends an exciting day at work with the police department. Gorgeous photography brings to life the true stories of brave Stella’s role as a search dog in Virginia. Simple, lyrical text lets readers journey along as Stella trains to track scent trails, rides in a helicopter, and saves a lost hiker. Young readers will fall for this witty and daring tale of heroism, along with aww-some photographs. Good dog, Stella!


In this endearing read-aloud picture book, readers meet courageous canine Dolley, and follow her as she spends an exciting day at work with the fire department. Gorgeous photography brings to life Dolley’s role as a fire dog in Loudoun County, Virginia, U.S.A. Simple, lyrical text lets readers journey along as Dolley visits the site of a fire, trains to sniff out flammable items, and teaches kids about fire safety. Young readers will fall for this witty and daring tale of heroism, along with aww-worthy photographs. Good dog, Dolley!
In this endearing read-aloud picture book, readers meet courageous canine Tiger and follow him as he spends an exciting day with the police in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Gorgeous photography depicts brave Tiger’s role as a police dog, and simple, lyrical text lets readers journey along as Tiger visits a police academy, trains to sniff out important items, patrols famous landmarks, and keeps us all safe. Young readers will fall in love with the witty tale, daring story of heroism, and aww-worthy photographs. Good dog, Tiger!
In this endearing read-aloud picture book, readers meet helping hound Willow, and follow her as she spends an exciting day at work. Gorgeous photography brings to life the true stories of sweet Willow’s role as a therapy dog in Washington, D.C. Simple, lyrical text lets readers journey along as Willow visits patients at a hospital, helps children read at a library pajama party, and brings smiles to people who need them. Young readers will fall for this witty and daring tale of heroism, along with aww-worthy photographs. Good dog, Willow!
From cats to dogs to guinea pigs to birds to fish to snakes and more, this adorable reference book introduces kids to a wide variety of family-friendly pets. Readers learn which kinds of animals make good pets and which ones are better off staying in the wild, along with how each type of pet eats, sleeps, and plays. Packed with more than 200 colorful photos, the book also provides information on animal breeds, characteristics, and behavior and includes tips for training pets. Filled with fun facts and designed for interactive learning, this book will quickly become a favorite at storytime, bedtime, and any time.
From dachshunds to Dalmatians and poodles to pugs, this comprehensive guide gives an overview of more than 400 different dog breeds. Each profile includes the breed’s “dog stats”: country of origin, size, coat color and pattern, grooming difficulty, exercise needs, and “K-9 qualities.” With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman and dog behaviorist Amanda Kowalski, kids will also learn how to choose the right dog for them, how to take care of their new furry friend, and how to understand their behavior. Fantastic feature spreads cover dogs in popular culture, dog ancestry, how to prepare for your perfect pooch, dogs with jobs, and so much more. This comprehensive guide is perfect for dog-loving kids, and an excellent reference for families who are who are bringing home their first four-legged family member.
From Russian Blues and Munchkins to Maine Coons and Persians, this comprehensive guide gives an overview of 71 different cat breeds. Each profile includes the breed’s “cat stats”: country of origin, size, coat color and pattern, grooming difficulty, and cat-titude. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman and cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider, kids will also learn how to choose the right cat for them, how to take care of their new feline friend, and how to understand its behavior. Fun feature spreads cover cats in popular culture, prehistoric cats, and the house cat’s wild cousins. This comprehensive guide is perfect for the cat-crazy kid, and is an excellent reference for families who are bringing home their first four-legged family member.

August’s DVD, Book and Game Product #Roundup 2019

Aug4

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a August’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2019 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

The Wild Kratts aren t sure what to do for Halloween. Should they go trick-or-treating, or just enjoy a Halloween party? The Kratt Brothers decide that the best thing to do is to discover some new creepy cool creatures. But when they set off to find these new animal friends, Martin and Chris discover that Zach and the other villains have come up with a plan to ruin Halloween.

Princess Odette is hosting a music competition to celebrate Princess Alise’s birthday – the winner will sing at her grand birthday ball! Prince Li of Cathay has entered, but his sister Princess Mei Li has stowed away on his ship to seek help from Odette and Derek for Chen, who has been cursed to live as a dragon. Lucas and Alise are reunited but Prince Li’s arrival makes Alise doubt her feelings. While Li and Lucas fight for Alise’s heart, Derek and Odette try to help Mei Li and Chen break the curse. Who will win the music festival and will Chen ever be free from his curse?

Welcome back Gumby and Pokey in this wild, wacky and inventive collection of 80 s episodes! Featuring 49 clay-animated episodes, fully re-mastered from their original camera rolls and soundtracks. Also making appearances are Prickle, Goo, the Blockheads, Professor Kapp, Dr. Zveegee, the Moon Boggles, and Gumby s parents Gumbo and Gumba. New characters include Gumby s sister Minga, Denali the Mastodon and Tilly the chicken!

The Octonauts are a team of adventurers who explore the world s oceans, rescue aquatic creatures and protect their habitats – from the bustling eco-system along the Amazon River to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench. Deploying a set of aquatic vehicles, Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii, medic Peso and the rest of the crew embark on missions around the globe before returning safely to their home base, the Octopod.

In this season set, encounter all types of creatures from Barracudas and Sea Pigs to Humpback Whales and Hammerhead Sharks! The adventures don t end there! Embark on a mission in the Deep Sea Octo-Lab as the Octonauts explore the deepest, darkest reaches of the ocean! Come aboard and join the Octonauts on 23 exciting adventures!

Fly along with six dragon-y tales, including two double-length adventures with Dragon Rider Farnaz and the dragons of Zahramay Skies. Plus, see how Nazboo and Zeta first met in Dragon Land, get together with Nazboo’s funny family, and more!

Bikini Bottom is bursting at the seams with the first 200 (and 4) episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants! Soak in every moment of nautical nonsense from the past two glorious decades, including fan-favorite episodes “Pickles,” “Rock Bottom,” “Chocolate with Nuts,” and “Ripped Pants.” Come along for a Krusty Krab pizza delivery, be ugly and proud, prove you’re tough enough for the Salty Spitoon, and ride the Fiery Fist O’ Pain at Glove World. Plus, rock the Bubble Bowl, show Plankton that things are just more F.U.N. with friends, fight EVIIIL with Mermaidman and Barnacleboy, stop on your right foot (DON’T FORGET IT), and more! This nine-season collection of SpongeBob SquarePants will make every day the best day ever!

Nickelodeon’s 10-year-old master hairstylist Sunny will add furry new friends to her clientele in the new DVD Sunny Day: Welcome to the Pet Parlor. Available on September 3, the four-episode collection will follow Sunny and her friends as they open the doors to their fabulous brand-new Pet Parlor. Whether they are rescuing Dame Tralada’s dog, creating an on-the-go pet styling vehicle or saving a royal pet wedding, there will be no shortage of adorable animals. Sunny Day: Welcome to the Pet Parlor is available on September 3, 2019 from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment for $10.99.

Sunny Day: Welcome to the Pet Parlor episodes:

  • Pet Parlor – Doodle dreams up a Pet Parlor to serve all their pet customers, but before it can open, the team needs to find and save Dame Tralada’s dog.
  • Parlor Problems – When Lacey and KC lose Hannah’s dog, Tutu, Sunny and her friends need to work together and fix up all the mix-ups before Tutu’s big show.
  • Sunny and the Groom and Vroom – To get to a dog grooming competition, Sunny and the team create the ultimate, on-the-go pet styling vehicle – the Groom & Vroom.
  • The Royal Wedding – Princess Annabella’s pup, George, is marrying a stray named Ginger, but when dogcatcher Scratch interferes, Sunny and her friends must save the royal pet wedding.

When Boston finds herself in a shelter, Hunter becomes her friend in the neighboring crate and offers to help her make a very special list. Enjoy reading how these two adorable rescue dogs figure out who they want to live with and why! What does your family list look like?

Miss Olive Finds Her “Furever” Home is the first book in the heartwarming and inspirational series The Doggy Diva Diaries. When we first meet Miss Olive, she is a sad and lonely little pup hoping to find a loving family and her “furever” home. With the help of her magical fairy dog-mother, “Sophia the Doggy Diva,” Miss Olive learns a valuable life lesson: It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. It’s the kindness and love you have on the inside that counts. Your dreams really can come true!

The root beer float challenge is a get-off-your-couch family party game where players take turns competing in various solo, cooperative, and head-to-head challenges. Complete the challenge successfully and get an ingredient card, blow it and end up empty handed. The first player to build their root beer float is crowned the root beer float challenge champion! Compete: players take turns competing in challenges based on the roll of the die. Solo challenges, cooperative challenges and head-to-head challenges. Build: players collect and ingredient card when they successfully complete a challenge which uses that ingredient. Win!: the player who builds their root beer float by collecting all 4 ingredient cards first wins the root beer float challenge!

April’s DVD and Book Product #Roundup 2019

Apr6

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a April’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2019 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

PAW Patrol: Ultimate Rescue DVD includes the following episodes:

  • Pups Save the Royal Kitties – After the Royal Kitties are kidnapped on their way to Adventure Bay, Ryder needs all the pups to help Chase investigate this case in an Ultimate Police Rescue.
  • Pups Save the Tigers – When searching for the elusive rumble top tigers, the Turbots fall into a cave deep inside a volcano. The PAW Patrol complete a paratrooper style rescue from Skye’s Ultimate copter in this Ultimate Aviator Rescue.
  • Pups Save the Movie Monster! – After the envious Mayor Humdinger tries to commandeer Adventure Bay’s mechanical movie monster, the pups must join Marshall for an Ultimate Fire Rescue to stop the fireball breathing robot.
  • Pups Save a Swamp Creature – When something goes wrong on the swamp tour, it’s Zuma and his Ultimate Swamp Vehicle to the rescue!
  • Pups and the Hidden Golden Bones – Everything is shaking and breaking beneath Adventure Bay, so Ryder needs Rocky to lead the pups on an Ultimate Fix-it Rescue.

In the first episode, Caillou Visits the Doctor, Caillou is reluctant to let the doctor check his ear infection because his last trip to the doctor didn’t go well. This time, Caillou takes his trusty dinosaur to the doctor to protect him. In the episode Caillou’s Check Up, it’s time for Caillou’s first trip to visit the dentist. Caillou is excited for the adventure until his cousin Leo tells him some terrible stories about dentists. Will Caillou keep his appointment? Other episodes featured on this DVD include Calling Dr. Caillou, Caillou is Sick, Caillou Hurts Himself and Get Well Mr. Hinkle.

Enjoy this Easter special adventure based on the classic picture book that has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, written by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram and published by Walker Books. When Little Nutbrown Hare sees a pure white fawn shining and dancing in the moonlight his friends think he’s making it up. They venture through the woody woods in the next valley, down the streamy stream and pass the rocky rocks to find her but as their doubt grows, she is right there hiding on the patches of white snow, thinking it’s a big game of hide and seek. She promises to visit them on Easter Day making Easter that much more special for all.

Each day, Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo, and Junior Boomer encounter something that sparks their curiosity, setting in motion the day’s research “project” and triggering an exciting adventure! In Project Egg Hunt, the Floogals mistakenly think Mom and Dad Hooman have accidentally dropped candy eggs in the garden when in fact they have placed them there on purpose to create an egg hunt for their kids. The Floogals think they are being helpful and tidy up the eggs! Once the Floogals realize their mistake, they must get all the eggs back on the ground before the kids arrive so their fun day won’t be ruined. Adventure is everywhere they go. They’re the Floogals! 3, 2, 1, let’s go!

Munki and Trunk: Ain’t no mountain high enough, river wide enough, or banana big enough to tear these two apart! Our brave, curious monkey and big-hearted elephant live together in the jungle, as children imagine it: a playground with vines to swing on, trampoline mushrooms to bounce on, and a crew of jungle buddies to share endless adventures. Munki and Trunk explore their world together, facing fears, having fun and helping friends in a comedy adventure that’s brim-full of heart, and built on a bedrock of friendship.

Includes 8 tree-crashing, rock-smashing, water-splashing, fruit-mashing episodes!
In this thrilling family adventure, a teen boy adopts and hatches a baby T. rex, but then must rescue the creature from a mad scientist who wants to clone a whole new breed of dinosaurs.

~ Check out my VIDEO ~

It’s time for A to Z with Sesame! Little ones will love to learn their ABCs with classics such as “The Beetles Perform Letter B”, and “C is for Cookie”, plus animation, parodies, and the best from recent seasons covering all 26 letters.
Celebrating the alphabet alongside their furry friends are Norah Jones duetting with the letter Y, Tori Kelly trying a little kindness, and Pharrell Williams belting it out for the letter B. Maya Angelou stops by to talk hugs, Sheryl Crow helps “I”, soak up some sun, and Ricky Gervais attempts a lullaby.
Did you ever hear the joke about the doctor, accountant, and lawyer going in a bar to discuss their estate plans? The reason you ve never heard the joke is because people don t discuss their wills, trusts and legacies. Until now. Becoming One of the Grateful Dead: Where there s a will, there s a way shares a baker s dozen of stories about how people give away their dough. Think Chicken Soup for the Fate of One s Soul, children, money, possessions and hopes for the future. This book is for people who believe that the state they live in will not make better choices about what happens to their worldly good and children than they will. After every story, there is a section for fundraisers and a section for donors. Why fundraisers? Two reasons: A planned gift is approximately two hundred times an annual gift and according to Giving USA, 5% of all donations are from corporations, 9% from planned gifts. Bottom line: Dead people give more than corporations, yet who do nonprofits approach? The most over-fished pond: corporations Weisman believes that whether you are uber rich or drive for Uber, you can make a difference in this life and the next. Hence the lessons learned section for donors. The people range from the great granddaughter of a slave who works as a cleaning lady to a multi-millionaire oil man. Some of the stories are Oscar Wilde-witty, some are poignant, and some are laugh out loud funny. Almost everyone who has read this book has made changes to their estate plan. It is a fresh look at what you can do now to leave a legacy that makes you proud.

Let’s face it: no one ever knows what sort of present to get their dad, whether it’s his birthday, Chanukah, Christmas, Father’s Day, or even just a little nudge to remind him you care. And you’ll probably just get him a book anyway. So what to do?

Well the one solution to this perennial problem is here. This Is the Book You Give Your Dad is the fitting purchase for Dad, no matter the occasion. This paper-over-board little illustrated gift book is brimming with wit and wisdom—just like dad!—including how to give a toast for any occasion and a quick history of the polo shirt and the periodic table of beer and even ideal lawn mowing patterns. There’s even a customizable dedication page where you can add a personal touch. While the advice, tips, and how-to’s in the book range from practical to humorous the information is sure to please Dad’s aesthetic taste.

Before the inspired nonsense of Monty Python, David Letterman and the Far Side, there were Droodles. With a few squiggles in a simple square, these clever drawings created absurd scenes like “Ship arriving too late to save a drowning witch” (used by Frank Zappa as an album cover), “Octopus signaling for a left turn” and “Clam with buck teeth.” And they were all the creation of one brilliant and unpredictable man: Roger Price.

At the height of their popularity in the mid-1950s, fans enjoyed the Droodles TV show, a Droodles daily newspaper column, Droodles magazine features, Droodles cocktail napkins, even Droodles in ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes. Like hula hoops, drive-in movies and UFOs, Droodles were one of the biggest fads of the 1950s.

Now Droodles make their triumphant return to delight a new generation that can use some laughs. The Ultimate Droodles Compendium includes every one of Roger Price’s 352 most famous Droodles in delightful new full-quality reproductions, with Price’s inspired text and quirky footnotes. There’s more: a Roger Price/Droodles reminiscence by beloved media critic Leonard Maltin, a full history of Roger Price and Droodles by Emmy-winning writer Fritz Holznagel, and comments from comedy legend Carl Reiner, Boing Boing’s Mark Frauenfelder and Carla Sinclair, and others.

Our culture makes it so that even the most organized and efficient among us feels the pressure of the ticking clock and the possibility and regret of missing out. Modern life has evolved in a way that sets us up for stress, pressure, and overload. New norms and attitudes tap into deeply-wired psychological impulses that make it harder than ever to take control of your time. Many of us also have innate personality traits that make the struggle even worse.

No wonder time can become a tyrant that leaves us chronically stressed and discontented. Unlock an approach to life that bestselling author Valorie Burton calls “living timelessly.” You will come to understand

1) the gradual changes that have led us to a place where having too much to do and too little time to do it is the norm,

2) the vision for what it could look like if you were free from the stress of time and how to blast through the obstacles to those possibilities, and

3) the practical steps to choosing the meaningful over the urgent so that your life is unhurried yet purposeful and reflects the values and impact that are unique to you.

The world Annette Hines knew exploded when her infant daughter Elizabeth was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease–a degenerative, life-limiting illness. Annette’s joy quickly turned to apprehension and she knew nothing would ever be the same again.

Butterflies and Second Chances is the inspiring true story of a mother’s special needs journey, and her struggle to secure the best possible life for her child in the face of bureaucratic resistance and marital crisis. It is a story of sacrifice, dedication, and the life-altering adjustments a special needs parent has to make when confronted with the unthinkable. But most of all, it’s about love and an extraordinary mother-daughter relationship that flourished without words in the darkest shadows of adversity.

March’s DVD and Book Product #Roundup 2019

Mar3

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a March’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2019 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

Nickelodeon’s all-new reinvention of the iconic, global franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes to DVD in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, available on March 12, 2019. In the reimagined 2D-animated series, Raph, Leo, Donnie and Mikey are ninjas-in-training and must master new powers as they battle bizarre new villains and discover a mystical world beneath the streets of New York City. Don’t miss a moment of this exciting new series on DVD as these iconic characters fight crime like never before. Produced by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be available on DVD March 12, 2019 for the suggested retail price of $10.99.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles includes the following episodes:
  • Mystic Mayhem                      
  • Origami Tsunami                    
  • Donnie’s Gifts
  • War and Pizza
  • Mascot Melee                            
  • Shell in a Cell                            
  • Minotaur Maze   

The cushy Hollywood life of Latte the dog is turned upside down when her owner, superstar actress London Bridges, heads to the boonies to make a new film. The pampered pooch tries to stop thieves from stealing London’s diamond necklace from a farmhouse, but they escape with the jewels. With the help of hunky farmer Tom, can London track down the priceless stones before a scandal breaks out? This wild family adventure also stars Jay Mohr.

Based on the beloved children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Highway Rat tells the tale of a ravenous rat who craves buns, cookies, and all sweet things. Tearing along the highway, he searches for sugary treats to steal. But will his sweet tooth lead him to a sticky end? This swashbuckling tale is an animated film the whole family will enjoy.

It’s a Sonic you haven’t seen before – an ensemble comedy that pokes fun at action-adventure storytelling, but still manages to deliver plenty of adrenaline! Wherever he goes and whatever he’s up against, Sonic is aided by his sidekick, Tails, and his friends Knuckles, Amy, and Sticks and, of course, attacked by his arch nemesis, Dr. Eggman.

The series is set in a wide-open world, where most of the characters live in and around an unnamed village. Just over the horizon is a vast landscape filled with beaches, jungles, mountains, undersea civilizations, cloud cities, frozen lakes, and more! Includes 8 action-packed adventures!
Kim Possible and her friend Ron attempt to balance their school duties with their attempts to save the world from a recently released villain.
It’s time to dive into the ocean and have some underwater adventures with Chris and Martin Kratt in the action-packed DVD “WILD KRATTS: THE BRINY BLUE SEA.” In the episode Osprey, Jimmy accidentally drops the keys to the Tortuga into the ocean. Chris, Martin and Aviva are on a race to develop osprey creature powers to find the keys before they disappear forever! Then in the episode Sea Otter Swim, the Wild Kratts take time out for a swim but Jimmy reveals that he’s not a strong swimmer. Martin and Chris take Jimmy to meet his own personal swimming tutor – a sea otter named Coach! Will Coach help Jimmy master the art of swimming? Other episodes included on the DVD are Puffin Rescue and Aye Aye.
Kids will love learning about the Sun as Jet and friends discover that the Sun is actually a star in the episode Our Sun is a Star. Then Jet and his friends turn their tree house into their own observatory in Tree-house Observatory. They even build their own telescope to observe the nighttime sky. In Galileo, Galileo! Mindy tells Jet she can see the Sun move across the sky. Jet has to explain to her that the Sun isn’t moving, it’s the earth moving around the Sun. Other episodes on this DVD include: Just the Right Distance From the Sun, Solar Power Rover, Mindy’s Bedtime, Sunspot’s Sunspot and How We Found Your Sun.
Join your favorite WordWorld friends for eight exciting outdoor adventures filled with Fun and Games! First, watch as Duck and Shark play in the sand on the beach where learn all about sand castles and why the waves wash them away. Then, watch as Dog tries to play ball with his friends! Along the way, he learns all about how to communicate with others. Finally, when Frog sails away on a big kite he’s built, it’s up to Duck and Shark to save him! The WordFriends also play spies to uncover a mystery, play a game of cowboy, and lots more!

A Thousand Lifetimes provides untapped insight into the psyche of animals from their own quirky points of view. It’s an emotional roller coaster that anyone who has ever loved an animal needs to ride. The book helps open people’s minds and hearts to the rich emotional and thought-filled lives of their animals, offers possibilities of reasons why their animals behave the way they do, gives insight into the shelter dog experience, and shows how dogs communicate with each other. Exposing all sides, this can lead owners to more harmonious relationships with pets who are viewed as “stubborn” or difficult. Above all, the book provides peace of mind that our pets who have passed on still exist in spirit form and their love prevails.

After the loss of her husband, CIA agent Isabella Bendel accepts a promotion to Chief Supervisor—a much less dangerous position than what she’s accustomed to—so she can raise her two children without fear of leaving her children without any parents. But any illusions of safety are shattered when, while on her Sunday morning jog in a Washington, DC park, Isabella survives a brutal assassination attempt. She hauls her assailant into CIA headquarters, confident she can get to the bottom of why he was after her. Her blood runs cold when she learns the truth… as he was trying to take her out, armed terrorists abducted her children and mother right out of her home. Pushed to the brink of what any mother can endure, Isabella calls on all of her training and deadly skills to get her family back. During this mission, she fights her way through assassins, cyber-terrorists, and duplicitous fellow agents, leading her to uncover a Russian threat that is hell-bent on destroying the United States

October’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017

Oct19

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a October’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

VAMPIRINA is the new ghoul in town, and she’s ready to show everyone how to dance to the beat of their own drum! Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley and her family — which includes a friendly ghost and transforming pet werewolf — just moved from Transylvania to Pennsylvania. When she’s not helping her family host Transylvanian guests in their Scare B&B, she’s busy showing her new human friends how to live life the spook-tacular way, every day! Whether they’re making their own “Spine-Chiller” music video, planning a party or throwing a sleepover filled with surprises, Vee and her friends always figure out how to have fang-tastic fun!

Actors: Isabella Cramp, Lauren Graham, James van der Beek, Patti Lupone, Brian Stokes Mitchell
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 17, 2017
Run Time: 92 minutes

Download Cars 3 Halloween Activities

A new spooky adventure this DVD brings, with The Cat, Nick and Sally, Fish and the Things. Meet the eeriest critters you have ever seen, arrived just in time for this Halloween! There will be lots of tricks and, of course lots of treats, to share with the animal friends you will meet! There’s a coconut crab, spider monkeys and bats, and plenty more fun with The Cat in the Hat!

Directors: Various
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Shout! Factory

Join Pocoyo and his friends on seven playful adventures. Whether it’s playing a new game called Boo!, enjoying a monster mash party or pretending to be Godzilla & King Kong, every day is fun & engaging with Pocoyo and his friends!

Actors: Stephen Fry
Directors: Pocoyo
Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 45 minutes

It’s Halloween! Join Sid and his friends as they discover how bats catch mosquitoes, why spiders are expert engineer web builders, and how skeletons make up the foundation of our bodies. The kids dress up to celebrate Halloween at school, and Teacher Suzie leads them in a special Halloween parade song to show off their costumes! With Sid the Science Kid, Halloween can be spooky and scientific!

Format: Multiple Formats, Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Dubbed: Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: Ncircle
DVD Release Date: August 21, 2012

Welcome to Doozer Creek where the Doozers live! They re green. They re cute. They re three inches tall and they re full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm! It’s Spookypalooza! The time of year when all Doozers get together to spook each other. The Pod Squad makes the spookiest pumpkin ever a cool Pumpkin Doozer made by stacking three pumpkins together. But when their new invention starts rolling all around town, the Doozers have to find a way to reign in their spooky creation! Enjoy four STEM-based adventures with the Doozers!

Actors: Doozers
Directors: Jim Henson Company
Format: Multiple Formats, Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 1, 2015
Run Time: 60 minutes

“Twenty six cuddly ABC Monsters live within the walls of Capital Castle. Each monster represents a letter of the alphabet, but should any of the monsters go missing for longer than a day, all the letters will be wiped clean from every book in Capital Town! In this DVD, embark on adventures with Alice, Brian, and Cherry Berry to search high and low for the letters V, W, X, Y, and Z. It’s a very windy day in Capital Town. After checking the ABC Monsters, it seems that one of them is missing – W-Monster! So Alice, Brian and Cherry Berry head into town in hopes of finding their missing friend, W-Monster. Along the way they meet, Wanda the Weaver, Wendy the Window Cleaner and then Willie Webster. Hopefully, one of them will be able to help Alice, Brian and Cherry Berry find W-Monster during this windy day. Get set for a spellbinding series of magical adventures that engages preschool children’s imaginations, while making learning exciting and entertaining.”

Actors: Collin Chang
Directors: Ah Loong
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 3, 2017
Run Time: 125 minutes

The Cat in the Hat takes Nick and Sally on a Halloween ride filled with howlers and shockers and scary fandangles, big laughs and music and fun from all angles! Their fright-filled adventure takes them deep into the Oooky-ma-kooky Closet where Nick and Sally discover the very best Halloween costumes ever.

Actors: Martin Short
Directors: NCircle Entertainment
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 16, 2017
Run Time: 60 minutes

Twelve year old Harry has lived and breathed magic since his early childhood. The problem is that his hometown, Appletown, is not the best place for his natural talent to blossom. Although he rehearses endlessly in his parents’ barn he realizes that his dream is just that a dream. One day Harry catches the glimpse of a chance: the New York mayor has announced a magic competition due to the official opening of the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, there is a slight problem with this competition, in order to try out one must be trained by a real magician. Poor Harry doesn’t know a single one. Until Harry s father runs into the magician, the Great Tesla, in town and Tesla promises to see Harry. Despite the young boy s lack of knowledge Tesla spots talent, creativity and boldness in Harry. He decides to give him a chance and invites him to his own home, accompanied by his niece, Beth, and his assistant, Amrold. Tesla will teach Harry the basics of magic, his tricks but will also test him. Will Harry be strong enough to become a true magician?

Actors: Houdini
Directors: NCircle Entertainment
Format: Multiple Formats, Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 8, 2015
Run Time: 60 minutes

Gather Around For Six Hearth-Warming Holiday Tales!

Tis the season to celebrate with family and your very best friends. But you know that no holiday in Equestria is complete without a little adventure. Join Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy as they embark on six exciting adventures sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Actors: Ashleigh Ball
Directors: Various
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: October 3, 2017
Run Time: 132 minutes

Prayer Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

Do you find yourself saying the same things to God over and over again? Does a thriving prayer life feel completely out of reach?

Maybe all it takes to open up to God is five little words. Each entry in this forty-day devotional will provide you with a simple five-word prayer, a corresponding Bible verse, and thoughts to encourage you in your communications with your heavenly Father. The short prayers in this book include…

I need You desperately today.
Set my burdened heart free.
Help me to forgive myself.

The strength of your prayers lies in your heart intent, not your word count. Discover a new joy in your conversations with God!

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (October 3, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736970711
ISBN-13: 978-0736970716
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 7 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces

It’s not just about the money…

Arguments about money are by far the top predictor of divorce, says Sonya Britt, a professor at Kansas State University. “It’s not children, sex, in-laws, or anything else. It’s money—for both men and women.”

Satan seeks every means possible to destroy marriages, and creating conflict around finances is one of his favorite tactics. But there is more to money problems than not sticking to the budget. Chuck and Ann Bentley reveal the underlying issues of financial and relational discord—and show how it robs couples of joy, intimacy, and marital satisfaction.

Money Problems, Marriage Solutions presents seven keys to peace in marriage and helps couples unite and conquer to resolve financial issues together. Through real-life stories, a solid foundation from Scripture, and practical steps for application, this book gives a plan for getting back on the same team. Here is a clear and lasting way forward for couples struggling with money problems.

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers (September 5, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802415873
ISBN-13: 978-0802415875
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

If the viral Buzzfeed-style personality quizzes are any indication, we are collectively obsessed with the idea of defining and knowing ourselves and our unique place in the world. But what we’re finding is this: knowing which Harry Potter character you are is easy, but actually knowing yourself isn’t as simple as just checking a few boxes on an online quiz.

For readers who long to dig deeper into what makes them uniquely them (and why that matters), popular blogger Anne Bogel has done the hard part–collecting, exploring, and explaining the most popular personality frameworks, such as Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, and others. She explains to readers the life-changing insights that can be gained from each and shares specific, practical real-life applications across all facets of life, including love and marriage, productivity, parenting, the workplace, and spiritual life. In her friendly, relatable style, Bogel shares engaging personal stories that show firsthand how understanding personality can revolutionize the way we live, love, work, and pray.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Baker Books (September 19, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0801072913
ISBN-13: 978-0801072918
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

“I appreciate Tom writing this book and sharing his love of his dog.”

–Randy Boyd, founder, CEO, and Chairman of PetSafe

“As a true dog lover, this book really touched my heart. This is a great example of how God teaches us to love and that is, unconditionally.”
–Louise Mandrell, country music legend and dog lover

“Will resonate with dog lovers and show the family pooch in a totally new light.”

–Craig Miller, VP of Original Programming, INSP Network

“Dog lovers of almost any age will love this! What a fun way to talk about faith.”

–Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, Holston Conference of the UMC

“Tom’s story is one that needs to be read and shared. It is an awakening.”

–Hallerin Hilton Hill, radio & TV host, teacher, trainer, author

“You will be encouraged, inspired, and delighted as you read about Mango.”

–Dave Gorden, motivational speaker and former president, NSA

“Don’t miss the blessing that is right before you, wagging its tail.”

–Rev. Larry Trotter, Senior Pastor, Concord United Methodist

“Tom and his dog, Mango, teach us to keep the faith through good times and bad.”

–Thyra Walker, DVM, Forest Park Clinic for Cats and Dogs

About the Author

Tom Baker has worked in entertainment, radio, and television for over 35 years and is owner of Cobblestone Entertainment, a television production company in Knoxville, TN. He has a degree in marketing from UT and is an executive producer, writer, video editor, and public speaker. He has worked on shows for A&E, Discovery, Oxygen, HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY, and GAC among others.Tom and his wife, Michelle, of 19 years have four children.

Book Details:
Paperback
Publisher: Evergreen Press (AL) (October 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1581696337
ISBN-13: 978-1581696332
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

Synopsis:

To explain the important elements of exterior ballistics. Point mass ballistics solver PC CD included.

Book Details:

Title: Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting
1st Edition
Author: Bryan Litz
Publisher: Applied Ballistics
Publication Date: 2009
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 536
Book Condition: New
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds

Summer vacation is a time for adventure, and Jacob and Sierra have something amazing planned. Unable to forget their incredible journey last spring, Jacob and Sierra take a trip to Grandma Addy’s and invite Brent to go along. A short story from their beloved Grandma is all it takes to set the kids off in search of the secret entrance to the attic and the old traveler’s trunk. The trunk doesn’t look like anything special with its cracked brown leather and tarnished brass fittings, but the kids know the magic it holds. This time they are whisked away to a medieval kingdom plagued by a giant problem. Their adventure takes a turn for the worse when Sierra is kidnapped, leaving Jacob and Brent to embark on a dangerous mission to save her before it’s too late.

Series: The Traveler’s Trunk (Book 2)
Paperback: 88 pages
Publisher: Traveler’s Trunk Publishing (2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984149651
ISBN-13: 978-0984149650
Package Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces

In Pantry and Palate, journalist Simon Thibault explores his Acadian roots by scouring old family recipes, ladies’ auxiliary cookbooks, and folk wisdom for 50 of the best-loved recipes of Acadians past and present. Recipes run the gamut, from the art of pickling beets to old-fashioned foodways such as rendering lard and cooking with head cheese, to Acadian staples like Classic French Canadian Tourtière and Seafood Chowder, and a delicious roster of desserts from Rhubarb Custard Pie to Acadian Panna Cotta.

Including essays celebrating the stories behind the recipes, a foreword by bestselling author Naomi Duguid (Taste of Persia), and photos by noted food photographer Noah Fecks (The Up South Cookbook), Pantry and Palate is magnifique from page to plate.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Nimbus Publishing; 1 edition (November 13, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1771084901
ISBN-13: 978-1771084901
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

Inspired by Chelsea Crockett’s popular YouTube channel, Your Own Beautiful is a life, faith, and beauty guide, filled with her trademark tips on makeup and style alongside full-color photos, how-tos, and more to help young women with all the big issues they face—from self-confidence and friendship to following your dreams. With her signature grace and wit, Chelsea tackles tough questions through uplifting messages influenced by her faith and life experiences in Your Own Beautiful.

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (October 24, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310762367
ISBN-13: 978-0310762362
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pound

Polly and Her Duck Costume tells the true story of Polly, a little blind goat who was rescued by Leanne Lauricella, rescuer of farmyard animals and founder of the immensely popular Instagram account The Goats of Anarchy. Polly has some trouble adapting to her new life until her new mom gives her a warm and fuzzy duck costume, which turns out to be the perfect fit! Follow along with Polly as she finds love with her new family, gains confidence, and makes new friends. The perfect tale to inspire and delight animal lovers, Polly and Her Duck Costume pairs beautiful illustrations with a truly heartwarming tale readers of all ages will adore.

Age Range: 5 – 6 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 1
Series: GOA Kids – Goats of Anarchy
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Walter Foster Jr (September 12, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 163322418X
ISBN-13: 978-1633224186
Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.5 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

If any of us learned we were going to move to a foreign country, we’d do everything we could to learn about that place so that we’d be prepared when moving day arrived. As Christians, we know some day we will leave our familiar country and be united with God in heaven. And yet many of us know very little about this place called heaven.

In this enlightening book, bestselling author Dr. Robert Jeffress opens the Scriptures to unpack ten surprising truths about heaven and explain who we will see there and how we can prepare to go there someday. Perfect for believers or skeptics who are curious about heaven.

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Baker Books (September 5, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0801018943
ISBN-13: 978-0801018947
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

May’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017

May16

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a May’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

DVDIn this fun-filled, two-part movie, the president of the United States (voiced by actress Sandra Oh) summons Peg and Cat to the White House to solve a problem of national importance! The president needs Peg and Cat to identify a mysterious object floating in space.

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: May 23, 2017
Run Time: 60 minutes

DVDThe pack is back in a pawsitively thrilling adventure the whole family will love! All the animals in the Eastern Forest are excited because Queen Bear and Princess Canue are coming to visit. But when evil Rogue Wolves threaten the royal bears, wolf pups Stinky, Runt, and Claudette leap into action. With courage, wits, and plenty of help from their wild and wonderful friends, the alpha and omega wolves rise to protect the queen and princess and save their forest home.

Actors: Kate Higgins, Ben Diskin, Hunter Swan, Lindsay Torrance, Chris Smith
Directors: Tim Maltby
Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: LIONSGATE
DVD Release Date: May 9, 2017
Run Time: 44 minutes

DVDIn this contemporary remake, “Beaches” follows the serendipitous meeting of two young girls on the Venice Boardwalk, who, though worlds apart in lifestyle, embark on unexpected and lifelong friendship. CC (Menzel) is an aspiring singer trying to make it in Los Angeles until she is discovered by a director who gives her her first big shot. Hillary (Long) is the daughter of a prominent civil rights lawyer who struggles to find her own destiny. Their friendship—even with its ups and downs—sustains them for decades.

DVDIt’s been six years since that summer adventure when Taichi and the rest of the DigiDestined crossed over to the Digital World and nearly three years since the final battle between Hikari’s group and BelialVamdemon. And, at some point, while the peaceful days went by, the gate to the Digital World mysteriously closed.

But when a Kuwagamon suddenly appears in Odaiba, its rampage leaves the town in ruins, and the people there in turmoil. Taichi chases after it, in an effort to halt its rampage. But there’s nothing he can do against a Kuwagamon. Not by himself.

And that’s where a new adventure begins…

Actors: Joshua Seth, Colleen O’Shaughnessey
Directors: Keitaro Motonaga
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0), English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated Not Rated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: May 16, 2017
Run Time: 96 minutes

DVDThe Bubble Guppies are back with an all-new DVD collection featuring five heroic “tails” in Bubble Guppies: Super Guppies. Whether they’re diving into a comic book, going on a treasure hunt or helping to keep the streets safe, the Bubble Guppies prove that being a hero is a lot more than just fighting crime.

Bubble Guppies: Super Guppies contains the following episodes:
* Super Guppies!
* X Marks the Spot!
* Haunted House Party!
* The Unidentified Flying Orchestra!
* Police Cop-etition!

Format: Animated, Color, Dubbed, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Dubbed: French, Spanish
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: Nickelodeon
DVD Release Date: May 16, 2017
Run Time: 114 minutes

Welcome to the Loud House DVDMeet the Loud family – a family full of love, chaos, and craziness, and with all of that under one roof, one thing is always for sure: there is never a dull moment in the Loud house! The brand new DVD, Welcome to The Loud House: Season 1, Volume 1, introduces Lincoln Loud, an 11-year old boy who is the middle child of 10 sisters. The Loud House follows Lincoln and his sisters for an inside look at what it takes to survive growing up in a huge family. Lincoln remains the man with the plan to stay one step ahead of the chaos, but whether or not it works is where the adventures begin.

This 2-disc release of Welcome to The Loud House: Season 1, Volume 1 contains the first 13 episodes of the first season and is full of family fun and laughter. Produced by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Welcome to The Loud House: Season 1, Volume 1will be available on DVD May 23, 2017 for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

Inspired by creator and executive producer Chris Savino’s (Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls) life growing up in a family of 10 kids, The Loud House is the first series to be greenlit out of Nickelodeon’s annual Animated Shorts Program. Season two is currently premiering on Nickelodeon, home to TV’s top two animated kids’ shows with Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11, SpongeBob SquarePantsand The Loud House.

Welcome to The Loud House: Season 1, Volume 1 contains the following episodes:
DISC 1:
Left in the Dark
Get the Message
Heavy Meddle
Making the Case
Driving Miss Hazy
No Guts, No Glori
The Sweet Spot
A Tale of Two Tables
Project Loud House
In Tents Debate
Sound of Silence
Space Invader
Picture Perfect
Undie Pressure

DISC 2:
Linc or Swim
Changing the Baby
Overnight Success
Ties the Bind
Hand-Me-Downer
Sleuth or Consequences
Butterfly Effect
The Green House
Along Came a Sister
Chore and Peace
For Bros About to Rock
It’s a Loud, Loud, Loud, Loud, House

It's Always Sharkest DVDUnknown to the world, Thomas Edison built a secret lab where he invented a virtual version of himself and a steampunk robot named Von Bolt. Years later, Angie, a twelve-year-old science prodigy, discovers the lab. Join Angie and friends as they learn and explore a variety of science topics from a shark s sense of smell to plants and pollinator s roles to radioactive decay to DNA and more! While visiting one of Kent s relatives, the kids come up with a great idea for attracting more tourists to his restaurant – the only catch is that it also attracts a very big shark with very big teeth! What will the Secret Lab Kids do? Guided by fun-loving Edison, Angie and friends will show just how fun science can be!”

Actors: Phillipa Alexander
Directors: Various
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 9, 2017
Run Time: 90 minutes

The Cat in the Hat DVD“It s the first day of Summer Vacation and The Cat in the Hat whisks Nick, Sally and Fish off on the greatest great outdoor camping adventure ever! Our gang gets back to nature as they hike through the Fickle Fern Forest, camp out overnight, trek over Mt. Weewobble and canoe down the Tickle Drop River….just in time for Fish to meet up with his family for a grand reunion. Along for the ride are Little Cats A, B and C, who discover there s wonder in nature once their electronic devices are powered off! Nick and Sally help keep the Little Cats out of trouble, while Fish tries to keep his jacket pressed and the mud out of his fancy fishbowl…all while getting up close to some of nature s most awesome sights, and learning how best to respect them. After being lulled to sleep under the stars by a chorus of animals, the morning brings fresh adventure with a spectacular race up Mt. Weewobble, complete with a cliffhanger ending! It s a slippery ride down the slope and into the Tickle Drop River, where a harrowing raft ride finally delivers them to the shores of Fish s family reunion. The Cat in the Hat and his loveable Little Cat cousins, Nick, Sally, Fish and all his family, gather together in a great Suessian-style musical finale… in which Fish and the gang are celebrated as true adventurers. Everyone agrees it really has been the Greatest Great Outdoors Adventure ever!”

Actors: Martin Short
Directors: Paul Hunt
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Dubbed: Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 16, 2017
Run Time: 60 minutes

Octonauts DVDMariana Trench Adventure Tweak has designed a brand-new Deep Sea Station to study the deepest, darkest reaches of the ocean, but the Octonauts face multiple challenges: from getting it down there, to the extreme environment and strange, prehistoric creatures that greet them once they arrive. Barracudas Shellington and the Vegimals mission to replant a mangrove forest is put in peril by a school of toothy barracudas. Artificial Reef When an underwater storm destroys a small reef, which a frogfish and other creatures depend on, Tweak and her crewmates must convert the Gup-F into an artificial reef before another storm strikes! Siphonophore Kwazii and Dashi become entangled in a strange deep-sea creature a siphonophore and when a geyser blasts it toward the surface, the Octonauts must stop its ascent before it bursts. Urchin Invasion The Octonauts head to the kelp forest to visit Shellington s sister, Pearl, and her newborn son, Periwinkle, only to find the forest endangered by an infestation of kelp-eating urchins! Lion’s Mane Jellyfish A lionsmane jellyfish gets its long and stingy tentacles tangled in the bubble engine, unintentionally flooding the Octopod and causing havoc. Pelicans When a floating garbage patch endangers a flock of pelicans and other sea creatures, the Octonauts and the birds work together to clean it up. Red Rock Crabs When Shellington and the crew try to gather some skittish crabs who have drifted away from home, they get help from some old friends. Loggerhead Sea Turtle When an underwater tremor separates the Gup-X and its crew, Barnacles seeks guidance from a mysterious sea turtle. Harbor Seal When Peso s patient, a remora fish, mysteriously disappears, the Octonauts enlist a unique undersea detective: a harbor seal. Yeti Crab As Tweak tests the Gup-X deep down in the Midnight Zone, a yeti crab damages the ship, endangering itself and the Octonauts. Over Under Adventures The Octonauts mission to explore Antarctica becomes a desperate rescue as a group of sea stars and urchins are threatened by a brinicle a rare underwater icicle that can freeze creatures on the sea bed.

Actors: Ross Breen
Directors: Darragh O Connell, Nicky Phelan
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 2, 2017
Run Time: 160 minutes

Guess How Much I Love You DVDBased on the classic picture book that has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, written by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram and published by Walker Books. Keeping love as the major theme, each adventure is set against the backdrop of a season with this collection focusing on summer. On a hot summer day, Little Nutbrown Hare and friends try to have some quiet time by the river but they have trouble staying still. Only when they do manage some quiet time, they experience the variety of life the river has to offer. Then, it s time to celebrate Little Field Mouse s birthday! Little Nutbrown Hare wants to give her the perfect birthday gift. Enjoy these summer adventures and more with Little Nutbrown Hare and friends!

Actors: Ky Baldwin
Directors: Steve Moltzen
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 30, 2017
Run Time: 75 minutes

Hardcover BookBrandED shows school leaders how to move beyond mascots and clever taglines to showcase their school’s assets—and enhance communication with students, parents and all stakeholders. Through smart conversations about the genuine power of branding in education, this book shows how a “BrandED” mindset can improve schools by strengthening relationships, improving communication, telling your story, and increasing resources. Ideas borrowed from the world of business are adjusted for the unique needs of education. Practical tools, templates, and resources allow you to implement the strategies presented quickly and easily, while stories of real-world schools illustrate what BrandED thinking can do for your students, teachers, and community.

Today’s school leaders cannot remain in the ivory tower. This book will help you drive positive transformation as you craft and share the powerful story of your unique school brand.

* Leverage digital tools to become the storyteller-in-chief and build better community relationships
* Strengthen internal and external communications among students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders
* Increase resources by establishing strategic partnerships and strengthening ties to key stakeholders
* Promote connectivity, transparency, and community to build a positive culture that extends beyond the schoolhouse door

Authors Eric Sheninger and Trish Rubin, experts on school branding and change leadership, show you how BrandED thinking captures the focused spirit of the outstanding work taking place in schools every day; work that can be easily recognized, talked about, and valued. Get the word out, and invite the community in to build the positive relationships that benefit everyone.

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (April 24, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1119244560
ISBN-13: 978-1119244561

HardcoverWe humans love our cats and these surprising true stories will prove our cats love us back! This collection of tales of playfulness, friendship, heroism, and inspiration is sure to touch the soul, tickle the funny bone, and inspire animal lovers everywhere to be the best kitty caretakers and companions they can be. There’s Bambi, whose owners taught her to respond to commands in American Sign Language; Millie, who loves exploring the outdoors and goes rock climbing with her owner; Leo, a rescued lion who changed the life of one South African family forever, and more.

Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (April 11, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142632734X
ISBN-13: 978-1426327346

PaperbackThis is a collection of hilarious and heartwarming stories of dogs, cats, and all types of pets given a second chance, and the human animal lovers who rescued them.

From the dog who saved her owner from a fire, to the cat that plays the piano, to the cow that thinks it’s a dog, discover incredible stories of animals in need who went on to become beloved pets.

These uplifting tales are paired with amazing photos and loads of animal facts. Kids learn all about how to be kind to our animals friends and the importance of being a responsible pet owner. There’s tons of furry, fluffy, feathery fun on every page, including tips on how to help save animals in need!

Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Lexile Measure: 0990 (What’s this?)
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (April 25, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426327366
ISBN-13: 978-1426327360

Paperback bookThis full-color art journal for moms and kids to color and draw together in is designed to be a sharing experience. Mom and child can write each other letters, draw what scares them, imagine what they want to be when they are grown up, color a scene using only one favorite color, whatever their imaginations lead them to!

Mom and Me: An Art Journal to Share is filled with fun hand-lettering and artwork from Bethany Robertson along with creative prompts from licensed art therapist Lacy Mucklow.

Mucklow offers up the best ways to communicate with a child through creating together; how to start an open conversation with your child; questions you can ask that will help generate thoughtful responses; and how to tailor the quality time so it’s still fun and engaging for your child.

This art journal has 50 full-color spreads to color, fill in, draw, and more. Each spread has a creative prompt or another exercise for mom and child to fill out together.

Series: A Side-by-Side Book
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Race Point Publishing; Act Clr Cs edition (April 18, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631063340
ISBN-13: 978-1631063343
Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 0.4 x 10.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

paperbackYour hand lettering contains a little bit of you! It expresses what you have to say, and demonstrates your creativity in all your communications. In Hand Lettering A to Z, artist and author Abbey Sy has invited four international artists–Meg Hyland, Joao Neves, Tessa Go, and Lisa Lorek–to join her in designing all new alphabets for you to draw and use in many different languages.

You don’t have to be a trained artist to master the art of hand lettering. These alphabets are for every skill level, and will suits any taste: colorful, or black and white, classic or just plain fun. It’s all about getting creative with the twenty-six letters and a little bit of you.

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Rockport Publishers (April 15, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631592823
ISBN-13: 978-1631592829
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds

PaperbackStick it to ‘Em is your invitation to play as you create customized stickers with sass! With just a hint of silly irreverence, this guide includes a list of colorful art tools in addition to easy drawing and lettering techniques and step-by-step tutorials, all designed to get your cheeky creativity flowing. You’ll then be treated to more than 35 pages of stickers, including a selection of fully designed styles to use any way you like, a variety of stickers to color in, and blank stickers to create your own. Filled with tons of puns, wit, and wisecracks, Stick it to ‘Em is your answer to getting through each day with humor and fun.

Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing; Clr Csm St edition (May 8, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1633222713
ISBN-13: 978-1633222717
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.5 x 11.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

Mother’s Day Giveaway Hop: Dino Dan & Wild Kratts DVDs

Apr18

*This post contains affiliate links that help to support this site*

Mother’s Day Giveaway HopWelcome to the Mother’s Day Giveaway Hop! This hop is being hosted by Savings in Seconds

 What is a giveaway hop? It’s really cool, you can enter our giveaway here and then visit each of the other blogs listed on the giveaway hop list and enter all of their giveaways as well. No limit on how many prizes you can win so the more you enter the more chances you have to win cool prizes! Every blog has their own prize so there are lots to win. So have fun and enjoy hopping from blog to blog.

DVDJoin junior dinosaur expert, Trek Henderson, as he imagines dinosaurs in the real world! During an indoor game of hide and seek with his friends and Grandma, Trek discovers that Microraptors use their natural abilities to hide with the best of them! Enjoy playing dino go seek and more dino game-filled adventures with Trek and friends!

DVDJoin Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt as they learn about some of the amazing creature features of giant pandas, red pandas, and other incredible animals! In four action-packed adventures, the brothers save giant pandas from the evil Zach Varmitech, find an adorable little lost red panda and help to reunite her with her mother, save animals captured in China from the villain Donita Donata, and more!

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win Dino Dan & Wild Kratts DVDs. This is open to US and ends 5/06/17 @ 11:59 pm est. To enter, Simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you’re set to have a chance to win! Remember you can’t win if you don’t enter. It only takes one entry to win!

Good Luck, SaraLee’s Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

April’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017

Apr16

*This post contains affiliate links that help to support this site*

[Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD] From Lucasfilm comes the first of the STAR WARS stand-alone films — ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, an epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the STAR WARS timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Actors: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang
Directors: Gareth Edwards
Writers: Screenplay by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy, Story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta, Based on Characters Created by George Lucas
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (DTS-HD High Res Audio), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Dubbed: French, Spanish
Region: Region A/1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
DVD Release Date: April 4, 2017
Run Time: 133 minutes

DVDWelcome to Hot Dog Hills, where Mickey and his pals run the coolest garage on the planet. Join them for high-octane thrills as they power up their amazing, transforming cars for races through the town… and around the world! Then, team up with Minnie and Daisy, ’cause when they’re not zooming to victory, they’re assisting friends in need at their fabulous “Happy Helpers” headquarters. With friendly competition and fun new inventions, MICKEY AND THE ROADSTER RACERS is a wild ride that’s turbocharged with nonstop laughter and awesome adventures from start to finish!

Actors: Bret Iwan, Russi Taylor, Daniel Ross, Tress MacNeille, Bill Farmer
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), French (Dolby Digital 2.0), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 7, 2017
Run Time: 68 minutes

DVDJoin the Floogals on a mission of discovery as they explore Earth and the funny “hoomans” who live there! Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo, and Junior Boomer are pocket sized alien adventurers on a mission to observe and experience a new and exciting world Planet Earth! Arriving in their spaceship from the distant planet of Floog, the Floogals are on a mission to document everything around them in the peculiar world of the “hoomans”. Each day, Fleeker, Flo, and Boomer encounter something that sparks their curiosity, setting in motion the day’s research “project” and triggering an exciting adventure! First, Boomer becomes very fond of the three stripy caterpillars the kids are keeping in the shed. Then, one day one of the caterpillars disappears and then another and another. It’s up to the Floogals to learn the mystery of the disappearing caterpillars! Then, when the Floogals encounter a balloon that’s intended for the Girl Hooman’s birthday party they think it’s a monster it’s ten times bigger than them with a giant face! Can Fleeker conquer his fear to return the balloon to the little girl in time for her birthday? Find out! Adventure is everywhere they go. They’re the Floogals! 3, 2, 1, let s go!

Actors: Floogals
Directors: NCircle Entertainment
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 1
Rated:NR Not Rated
Studio: Floogals
DVD Release Date: March 7, 2017
Run Time: 95 minutes

DVDJoin junior dinosaur expert, Trek Henderson, as he imagines dinosaurs in the real world! During an indoor game of hide and seek with his friends and Grandma, Trek discovers that Microraptors use their natural abilities to hide with the best of them! Enjoy playing dino go seek and more dino game-filled adventures with Trek and friends!

Actors: Jordyn Negri
Directors: J.J. Johnson
Format: Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 4, 2017
Run Time: 60 minutes

DVD Join Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt as they learn about some of the amazing creature features of giant pandas, red pandas, and other incredible animals! In four action-packed adventures, the brothers save giant pandas from the evil Zach Varmitech, find an adorable little lost red panda and help to reunite her with her mother, save animals captured in China from the villain Donita Donata, and more!

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 120 minutes

DVDOn Mia’s first day at a new boarding school, she receives an amazing gift a book and bracelet that have the power to transport her to the magical world of Centopia! Upon arriving in Centopia, Mia discovers that the once idyllic kingdom is embroiled in conflict.

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 2
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: April 18, 2017
Run Time: 325 minutes

DVDAfter all those years stuck in a tower, everyone’s favorite “barefoot princess” (Mandy Moore) yearns to make up for lost time. With the help of her true love Eugene (Zachary Levi), pals Pascal and Maximus and daring new friend Cassandra, Rapunzel postpones her wedding and royal duties to defy danger and boldly explore life beyond Corona’s walls. Sparkling with fun, adventure and music from the legendary Alan Menken, TANGLED: BEFORE EVER AFTER is a magical movie event!

Actors: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Ashley Judd, Clancy Brown, Sean Hayes
Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 55 minutes

DVDPocoyo, the unforgettable little boy with a very big personality, returns with all of his friends, Elly, Pato, Loula, Sleepy Bird, and more, in this new series! Lets Go Pocoyo offers children a unique approach to learning the English language through simple, basic vocabulary. This new series of Pocoyo continues to embody the core philosophy of learning through laughter. By utilizing a blend of humor and learning, Pocoyo inspires and informs children about the world around them. Embark on eleven playtime adventures with Pocoyo and friends as they learn the importance of playtime is enjoying it with others. Enjoy playing hide and seek to playing dress up as pirates! Ahoy there, Pocoyo! Learning through laughter has never been this fun! Plus, each episode includes a refresher section in which children are reminded of key words that have been covered during Pocoyos adventures such as colors, animals, and shapes. Each episode ends with a catchy music clip reinforcing one last time those important new words. Every day is an adventure with Pocoyo and friends.

Actors: Stephen Hughes
Directors: Alfonso Rodriguez
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 80 minutes

DVDJoin Mack, a blue moose with a heart of gold and two left feet, and Moxy, a perky pink raccoon, on four new exciting adventures! Watch Mack & Moxy rescue another Great Helpee in a far off mystical place called HelpeeLand. In the first adventure, Mack & Moxy start a lively game of foursquare at the HelpeeLand School. When a disagreement develops over who won, Trooper Sydnee suggests Rock, Paper, Scissors to settle the dispute. It works like a charm except for one problem Shelfish Sheldon (played by Hank Azaria) is about to snatch the Great Helpee and keep all its happiness for himself. Guest celebrity, Simone Biles (Olympic Gymnastic Gold Medal winner), helps the Heroes on their mission. Three more adventures introduce kids to subjects like autistm, buckling-up for safety and eating healthy foods. Other guest celebrities featured include Keegan Michael-Key (The Angry Birds Movie, Key & Peele), Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn 99) and Matt Lucas (Little Britain, Alice Through the Looking Glass). In the episode, A Spectrum of Possibilities , Trooper Charlie is a wonderfully talented boy who lives with autism. Mack & Moxy teaches children life-long lessons of charity and compassion while celebrating the joy of helping others.

Actors: Keegan Michael-Key, Melissa Fumero, Matt Lucas
Directors: NCircle Entertainment
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: Mack & Moxy
DVD Release Date: March 14, 2017
Run Time: 75 minutes

DVDThe most Miraculous adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir continue!

When Paris is threatened by supervillains, two amazing heroes are our only hope: Ladybug and Cat Noir! With the help of their magical pets, this incredible duo team up to outwit the forces of evil… but their biggest challenge might be getting through junior high school. In their normal lives, Marinette and Adrien are just a pair of young students, but in reality, this terrific twosome must juggle schoolwork, friends, family and growing up in a world where every day is a high-flying adventure!

Actors: Carrie Keranen, Ben Diskin
Directors: Thomas Astruc
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR Not Rated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 132 minutes

DVDWhen Daniel tries a peach for the first time, he learns he is allergic to the fruit. Dad and Doctor Anna take care of him, and Doctor Anna tells Daniel how he can take care of himself, too.

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: May 9, 2017
Run Time: 70 minutes

DVDIt’s time for a family road trip to see Grandpere! Join the Tiger Family as they sing and play games, enjoy a dinosaur themed playground, and explore a butterfly garden on their way to Grandpere’s house. This grr-ific DVD also includes stories that feature Daniel going to a carnival, watching fireworks, and setting up a lemonade stand with Prince Wednesday.

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: May 16, 2017
Run Time: 112 minutes

Paperback It was going to be the trip of a lifetime. An enchanting trek through the Guatemalan jungle, viewing the mystical Mayan Ruins, a breath-stealing sunset from atop an ancient temple, a magical entourage of a million fireflies. Then suddenly our wonderful adventure became a nightmare. What followed was a roller coaster of hope and despair that would span the longest days of my life. As we frantically fought for my wife’s life, we found ourselves far from the necessities we took for granted at home. Amid the heartbreaking twists and turns, though, were encounters with brave and selfless people who made a lasting impression during a horrific time. Without Explanation is a true story. It’s a story of anticipated adventure and remarkable courage, of heartache and disbelief, and of hope and fear. And at its very core, it’s at once a life-altering tragedy and a story of love and devotion.

Paperback: 310 pages
Publisher: Archean Media Productions, LLC; 1 edition (February 2, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0998148202
ISBN-13: 978-0998148205
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

What On Earth Giveaway Hop:Imagine food that can be made ahead of time for convenience, then mixed and matched to create colorful perfectly portioned meals that are both healthful and flavorful. Switch It Up lets you discover how the concept of compartmentalizing can help you prepare balanced meals for every day of the week. This book includes 50 nutritious and delicious, quick and simple recipes that can be combined in any number of ways. Each recipe is made up of readily available ingredients. Learn how to pair different flavors and textures while developing a palate for healthful food combinations. Healthy eating starts with understanding balance. For instance, in Asian cultures, the majority of the meal is made up of vegetables, with much less animal or seafood protein than we are used to in the West. Indeed, anything with legs or fins is generally considered a flavor enhancer rather than the main course. Additionally, the reader can decide to enjoy “Raw Kale with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad” as a full meal or as a part of a meal, if they want to pair the salad with other foods, for example. Lastly, desserts are largely absent, fresh fruit or a simple cup of hot tea or herbal infusion is encouraged at the end of the meal to aid digestion.

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: American Diabetes Association; 1 edition (February 14, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1580405495
ISBN-13: 978-1580405492
Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.3 x 8.9 inches

HardcoverThe BRAND NEW Ripley’s Believe It or Not! ODDphabet board book makes learning letters uniquely entertaining for the youngest Ripley’s fan.

B is for blobfish, and Z is for zorse.
These are all real animals, of course

The ODDphabet board book features colorful, original illustrations of animal characters based on real “believe it or not” stories and facts. Amusing rhymes make learning your ABC’s so much fun for everyone! Weird, wonderful, and all true… Believe It or Not!

-It’s great to be different and one of a kind.
-These animals are the best that you will ever find!
-Wonder what in the world you just met
-As you turn the pages of this ODDphabet!

Age Range: 3 – 10 years
Hardcover: 26 pages
Publisher: Ripley Publishing; Brdbk edition (March 7, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609911709
ISBN-13: 978-1609911706
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 6 inches

HardcoverThe BRAND NEW Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Wacky 1-2-3 board book makes learning numbers uniquely engaging for our youngest Ripley fans.

Count every hat on the two-headed cow.
So many animals that make you go WOW!

The Wacky 1-2-3 board book features colorful, original illustrations of animal characters based on real “believe it or not” stories and facts. Exciting scenes and simple words make learning your 1-2-3’s so much fun for everyone! Weird, wonderful, and all true… Believe It or Not!

-Count on fingers, count on toes,
-Then count the buttons on all of your clothes!
-With animals as silly as silly can be,
-That make counting as WACKY as 1-2-Ripley!

Age Range: 3 – 10 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Board book: 26 pages
Publisher: Ripley Publishing; Brdbk edition (March 7, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609911814
ISBN-13: 978-1609911812
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 6 inches

PaperbackBring your favorite Vera Bradley paisley patterns to life with a pop of gorgeous color! Create something beautiful every day with this inspiring coloring book. Featuring authentic Vera Bradley designs, each eye-catching illustration is printed on one side only of extra-heavy, acid-free, 200-year paper. On the back of each page is the name of the design, a cheerful quote, and lines for personal notes. Perforated pages detach easily from the book, perfect for sharing with friends. A full-color introduction shows you coloring techniques, craft ideas, and the right color swatches to use for a terrific look. Featuring a foil-embossed cover, this unique book even includes 16 bonus gift tags and 8 ready-to-color note cards. Get ready to color in the language of beauty with Vera Bradley!

Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Design Originals; Clr Csm edition (March 14, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1497203007
ISBN-13: 978-1497203006
Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 8.5 x 10.9 inches

Paperback Bring your favorite Vera Bradley floral patterns to life with a pop of gorgeous color! Create something beautiful every day with this inspiring coloring book. Featuring authentic Vera Bradley designs, each eye-catching illustration is printed on one side only of extra-heavy, acid-free, 200-year paper. On the back of each page is the name of the design, a cheerful quote, and lines for personal notes. Perforated pages detach easily from the book, perfect for sharing with friends. A full-color introduction shows you coloring techniques, craft ideas, and the right color swatches to use for a terrific look. Featuring a foil-embossed cover, this unique book even includes 16 bonus gift tags and 8 ready-to-color note cards. Get ready to color in the language of beauty with Vera Bradley!

Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Design Originals; Clr Csm edition (March 14, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1497203015
ISBN-13: 978-1497203013
Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 8.5 x 10.9 inches

March’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017

Mar27

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a March’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

DVDA Strange Transformation — Open your eye to a new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and see how the filmmakers brought one of comic books’ greatest characters to life|Strange Company — Find out what it’s like for the cast to work on a Marvel film, and how Director Scott Derrickson engineered one of the most ambition, imaginative films ever|The Fabric of Reality — Take a closer look at the movie’s extraordinary sets, meticulously crafted costumes and amazingly detailed production elements|Across Time and Space — Explore the endless hours of dance and fight choreography the actors endured in preparation for their physically demanding roles|The Score-cerer Supreme — Join composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra during live recording sessions, and experience the movie’s mind-bending music|Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look — Get an early peek at Marvel’s spectacular upcoming films, including MARVEL STUDIOS’ GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2, THOR: RAGNAROK, BLACK PANTHER and AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR|Team Thor: Part 2 — See more of the hilarious partnership between Thor and his roommate Darryl in this satirical short|Audio commentary with Scott Derrickson|Deleted Scenes|Gag Reel

Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen
Directors: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Jon Spaihts and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargi
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (DTS-HD High Res Audio), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Dubbed: French, Spanish
Region: Region A/1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 28, 2017
Run Time: 115 minutes

DVDKate and Mim-Mim know a special place filled with great music Mimiloo! After Mim-Mim accidently breaks a recording of the gang’s favorite song, Kate, Mim-Mim, Tack and Gobble head off on an adventure to the Singing Seas to find Callie so they can re-record her wonderful tune. When they arrive and discover that Callie’s Mega Music Maker is broken, Kate leads her friends on a quest to fix the instrument.

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: March 21, 2017
Run Time: 35 minutes

DVDJoin Whyatt and the Super Readers for fun adventures set in some favorite classic fairytales. The fun starts when reading begins and the SUPER WHY gang save the day!

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: March 14, 2017
Run Time: 280 minutes

DVDJoin Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt as they meet amazing animals from around the world. With wild creatures and dastardly villains, WILD KRATTS makes learning about animals and nature a fun-filled adventure!

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: March 14, 2017
Run Time: 205 minutes

DVDJoin Daniel Tiger for some grr-ific farm fun! Daniel rides a horse for the first time with encouragement from Dad Tiger, helps his sister Margaret feed adorable ducks, and plays farm with O the Owl. Have fun with Daniel Tiger as he learns how to help others, conquers his fears, and much more!

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: March 14, 2017
Run Time: 60 minutes

DVDAfter mysterious visitors arrive in the Kingdom, Princess Alise, Lucas and their friends go undercover on a secret spy adventure to see if they can be trusted. They will need all of their superior detective skills as well as some super cool gadgets to solve the royal mystery and save the Kingdom.

Directors: Richard Rich
Producers: Richard Rich, Seldon Young, Jared Brown
Format: AC-3, Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: French, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Thai, Spanish, English
Dubbed: French, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Thai, Spanish
Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English
Region: Region 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 79 minutes

Hardcover BookFollow Me Down is a rare find―a gutsy, visceral, and beautifully crafted psychological thriller that Diane Chamberlain called “an engrossing page turner [that] will keep you guessing right up to the delicious ending” from talented new author Sherri Smith.

Mia Haas has built her life far from the North Dakota town where she grew up, but when she receives word that her twin brother is missing, she is forced to return home. Back to the people she left behind, the person she used to be, and the secrets she thought she’d buried.

Once hailed as the golden boy of their town, and now a popular high school teacher, Lucas Haas disappears the same day the body of one of his students is pulled from the river. Trying to wrap her head around the rumors of Lucas’s affair with the teen, and unable to reconcile the media’s portrayal of Lucas as a murderer with her own memories of him, Mia is desperate to find another suspect.

All the while, she wonders: If he’s innocent, why did he run?

As Mia reevaluates their difficult, shared history and launches her own investigation into the grisly murder, she uncovers secrets that could exonerate Lucas―or seal his fate. In a small town where everyone’s lives are intertwined, Mia must confront her own demons if she wants to get out alive.

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Forge Books (March 21, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765386704
ISBN-13: 978-0765386700
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.5 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces

Hardcover BookBig kids Anna and Oliver give young readers the inside scoop on what to expect when a new baby is expected. In a fresh picture book/comic style, Ready, Set . . . Baby offers up a funny, loving, reassuring peek into life as a big brother or sister—with solid information, kid-friendly humor, and even tips for parents on how to help kids thrive when the new baby arrives.

Age Range: 4 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Lexile Measure: 560 (What’s this?)
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (February 7, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0544472721
ISBN-13: 978-0544472723
Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.4 x 11 inches

Paperback BookGet thousands of facts at your fingertips with this essential resource.

The World Almanac® and Book of Facts is America’s top-selling reference book of all time, with more than 82 million copies sold. Since 1868, this compendium of information has been the authoritative source for all your entertainment, reference, and learning needs. The 2017 edition of The World Almanac® reviews the events of 2016 and will be your go-to source for questions on any topic in the upcoming year. Praised as a “treasure trove of political, economic, scientific and educational statistics and information” by The Wall Street Journal, The World Almanac® and Book of Facts will answer all of your trivia needs—from history and sports to geography, pop culture, and much more.

Features include:
• 2016—Top 10 News Topics: The editors of The World Almanac® list the top stories that held the world’s attention in 2016.
• 2016—Year in Sports: Hundreds of pages of trivia and statistics that are essential for any sports fan, featuring complete coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the 2016 World Series, and much more.
• 2016—Year in Pictures: Striking full-color images from around the world in 2016, covering news, entertainment, science, and sports.
• 2016—Offbeat News Stories: The World Almanac® editors found some of the strangest news stories of the year.
• World Almanac ® Editors’ Picks: Time Capsule: The World Almanac® lists the items that most came to symbolize the year 2016, from news and sports to pop culture.
• 2016 Election Results: The World Almanac® provides a comprehensive look at the entire 2016 election process, from the roller coaster of the early primaries to state and county presidential voting results and coverage of House, Senate, and gubernatorial races.
• The World at a Glance: This annual feature of The World Almanac® provides a quick look at the surprising stats and curious facts that define the changing world.
• World Almanac ® Editors’ Picks: The Best Teams That Never Won It All: In light of Golden State’s unprecedented regular season success and eventual downfall in the NBA Finals, The World Almanac® takes a look back into sports history for the best teams that fell just short of championship glory.
• Statistical Spotlight: A brand-new feature highlights statistics relevant to the biggest stories of the year. These data provide context to give readers a fresh perspective on important issues.
• Other New Highlights: Newly available statistics on sexuality, student loans, overdose deaths, state minimum wages, and much more.

Series: World Almanac and Book of Facts
Paperback: 1008 pages
Publisher: World Almanac; 2017 ed. edition (December 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600572057
ISBN-13: 978-1600572050
Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.7 x 8 inches

Paperback BookFrom the co-founder of the Vera Bradley empire, a practical and inspiring book that shows women how to awaken their full potential, at any age.

“This place could use some color!” That’s what Barbara Bradley said to her friend Pat during an airport layover. It was 1982 and all the women could see was a succession of drab, bulky suitcases. When they returned home to Indiana, Barbara and her business partner got out a few Simplicity patterns and a Singer sewing machine and set to work. And the Vera Bradley Company was born.

A Colorful Way of Living offers practical, inspiring advice to empower women of all ages to navigate life by the values that provide the foundation of the Vera Bradley empire. Women looking for the encouragement to start a new chapter, women balancing career and family, and new graduates entering the workforce will all benefit from the Baekgaard’s learned wisdom has as it applies to career, life, and relationships. Lessons include “Noticing Every Detail,” “Choosing Nice,” and “Remembering Always―there’s enough room for everyone.”

In this highly readable book, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard shares the values that have helped her to thrive in business, health, and relationships–in every aspect of her personal and professional life.

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (April 4, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250121914
ISBN-13: 978-1250121912
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1 x 9.2 inches

PaperbackGrilled cheese is the most perfect food in the world. And paired with the right beer there is nothing finer! In your hands is a masterwork of creative collaboration between a brewer and a chef, combining an extensive knowledge of beer making, food and good humor to create the most amazing cookbook ever!

In these pages you will find one-of-a-kind grilled cheese sandwich recipes, perfectly paired with craft beers designed to draw out the full flavor of each ingredient. Grilled Cheese & Beer is spiced with wit and a passion for all things grilled cheese and beer, with easy-to-follow instructions that make it perfect for any skill level.

Grilled Cheese & Beer has over 50 expertly paired sandwich recipes including:
● Bacon Me Crazy with Stone Brewery’s Arrogant Bastard
● The Nature Boy Ricotta Flair with Moosehead Lager
● The Big Kahuna with Hell or High Watermelon
● Dia de los Quesos with Modelo Especial
● The Ham of La Challah with Briney Melon Gose
● Johnny Apple Cheese with Angry Orchard
● Muenster Mash with Stella Artois
● Funky Bâtard with Unibroue La Fin du Monde
● Turkey in the Rye with Keegan Ales’ Mother’s Milk

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Hatherleigh Press (November 22, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 157826653X
ISBN-13: 978-1578266531
Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.4 x 9 inches

Paperback BookThe life he knew the day before was long gone… Who will protect his mother now? The future of our civilization has always been in the hands of our children. What you may not know is that many years ago, a few of our young ones fought a quest against evil—an evil unlike anything anyone has ever seen under this sun. They didn’t know it, but their sacrifices allowed our forefathers—and us—to maintain our fragile ownership of this world. In Seven & Two, the first book of the Our Young Guardians series, we begin the chronicle of one who was brave enough to leave behind what he knew. His faded handwriting not only captures how they struggled through that war, but how they learned to find themselves as they grew up away from their families. You and I owe them more than we could ever give. And even though there is no word of them ever asking for anything, my heart tells me they would only ask for one thing—to keep them where their friends are. The least we can do for them is honor their story.

Series: Our Young Guardians
Paperback: 364 pages
Publisher: Rodi Szoke; 1 edition (September 30, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0997565918
ISBN-13: 978-0997565911
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches

Paperback BookAppalachian Appetite is a groundbreaking, influential cookbook featuring over 100 recipes that represent an innovative take on tradition, with contributions and stories from this mountain region’s best chefs, restaurants, and citizens. From Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN; Oxford, MS to Millinocket, ME, when asked which cuisine most typifies America, chefs are bound to tell you it stems from the South, the heartbeat of which is Appalachia.

Hailing from the very depths of Appalachia in western North Carolina, author and chef Susi Gott Séguret honed her culinary skills in France earning a diploma in Gastronomy and Taste from the Cordon Bleu and the Université de Reims. This unique combination is highlighted in Appalachian Appetite as (says Fred Sauceman, author of Buttermilk & Bible Burgers) “the loving product of that convergence.”

Appalachian Appetite is filled with recipes straight from the heart of Appalachia. As Dr. Jean Haskell, co-editor of Encyclopedia of Appalachia says, the book brings together “the region’s music, food, stories, and its great chefs and home cooks.”

Recipes featured include:
● Tennessee Corn & Truffle Flan
● Ramp & Nettle Quiche
● Venison Country-Style Steak
● Cast Iron Trout, Smoked Grits, Farm Egg, & Potlikker Jus
● Bourbon-Marinated Flank Steak with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
● Southern Sweet Potato Praline Spoonbread

An inspired collection from chef Susi Gott Séguret, Appalachian Appetite brings together the beloved recipes of the region for, as proclaims Jess McCuan, former Business Editor for The San Francisco Chronicle and Founding Editor of The Asheville Scene “an authoritative and colorful guide.”

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Hatherleigh Press (November 29, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1578266572
ISBN-13: 978-1578266579
Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.6 x 9 inches

BookHow to Draw Cool Stuff shows simple step-by-step illustrations that make it easy for anyone to draw cool stuff with precision and confidence. These pages will guide you through the basic principles of illustration by concentrating on easy-to-learn shapes that build into complex drawings. With the step-by-step guidelines provided, anything can become easy to draw. This book contains a series of fun, hands-on exercises that will help you see line, shape, space and other elements in everyday objects and turn them into detailed works of art in just a few simple steps. The exercises in this book will help train your brain so you can visualize ordinary objects in a different manner, allowing you to see through the eyes of an artist. From photorealistic faces to holiday themes and tattoo drawings, How to Draw Cool Stuff makes drawing easier than you would think and more fun than you ever imagined! Now is the time to learn how to draw the subjects and scenes you’ve always dreamt of drawing. How to Draw Cool Stuff is suitable for artists of any age benefiting everyone from teachers and students to self-learners and hobbyists. How to Draw Cool Stuff will help you realize your artistic potential and expose you to the pure joy of drawing!

Series: How to Draw Cool Stuff
Paperback: 254 pages
Publisher: Library Tales Publishing, Incorporated (March 17, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615991424
ISBN-13: 978-0615991429
Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.6 x 10 inches

How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events is a step-by-step drawing guide that illustrates popular celebrations, holidays and events for your drawing pleasure. From the Chinese New Year to April Fools’ Day, Father’s Day to Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve – this book covers over 100 fun days, holidays, seasons and events, and offers simple lessons that will teach you how to draw like a pro and get you in the spirit of whichever season it may be! The third book in the How To Draw Cool Stuff series, this exciting new title will teach you how to create simple illustrations using basic shapes and a drawing technique that simplifies the process of drawing, all while helping you construct height, width and depth in your work. It will guide you through the creative thought process and provide plenty of ideas to get you started. The lessons in this book will also teach you how to think like an artist and remind you that you are only limited by your imagination!

Series: How to Draw Cool Stuff
Paperback: 426 pages
Publisher: Library Tales Publishing, Incorporated (May 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692661980
ISBN-13: 978-0692661987
Product Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 10 inches

“How to Draw Cool Stuff: Basics, Shading, Texture, Pattern and Optical Illusions” is the second book in the How to Draw Cool Stuff series. Inside you will find simple illustrations that cover the necessities of drawing cool stuff. Specific exercises are provided that offer step-by-step guidelines for drawing a variety of subjects. Each lesson starts with an easy-to-draw shape that will become the basic structure of the drawing. From there, each step adds elements to that structure, allowing the artist to build on their creation and make a more detailed image. Starting with the basic forms, the artist is provided a guide to help see objects in terms of simplified shapes. Instructions for shading to add depth, contrast, character and movement to a drawing are then covered. The varieties of texture and pattern that can be included in an artwork offer another layer of interest and depth to a design. These elements are necessary to indicate the way something looks like it feels in a work (texture) or creating the repetition of shapes, lines or colors (patterns). Illustrated optical illusions involve images that are sensed and perceived to be different from what they really are, showing examples of how the mind and the eyes can play tricks on each other. All you need is a piece of paper, a pencil and an eraser and you are ready to draw cool stuff. Once the drawing is complete, it can be colored, shaded or designed in any way you like to make it original. Following these exercises is a great way to practice your craft and begin seeing things in terms of simple shapes within a complex object.

Series: How to Draw Cool Stuff
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Library Tales Publishing, Incorporated; 1 edition (March 7, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692382518
ISBN-13: 978-0692382516
Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.6 x 10 inches

January’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017

Jan11

I get products sent to me daily to try out. I unfortunately don’t have time to do a post for each item that I get to review. So I want to make sure these items get seen and learned about. The only other solution I could see to do is to do a January’s DVD and Book Product Roundup 2017 on the products I like and want my readers to know about. I hope you enjoy these as much as I and my other reviewers did.

DVDThe Power Rangers continue their search for the Energems after Sledge’s defeat, but soon learn that his most dangerous prisoner, the evil Heckyl, survived! In light of this new threat, Kendall creates a powerful new Dino Charger that unlocks the Red Ranger’s T-Rex Super Charge mode! It will take every Zord, Megazord, and Dino Charger in the Power Rangers’ arsenal to finally unite all ten Energems and save the universe!

Actors: Brennan Mejia, Camille Hyde, Yoshua Sudarso, Michael Taber, James Davies
Directors: Peter Burger, Karl Zwicky, Michael Duignan
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 2
Rated:NR Not Rated
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2017
Run Time: 132 minutes

DVDWhen a rival agency called Weird Team arrives with a gadget that fixes any odd problem, Odd Squad doesn’t have any cases to solve and goes out of business forcing the agents to go back to their lives as regular kids! After using math and teamwork to uncover that Weird Team’s gadget isn’t actually fixing problems, Olympia and Otis join forces with Olive and Otto to stop Weird Team and save the world from destruction!

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: January 24, 2017
Run Time: 90 minutes

DVDThere’s a dog adoption fair in Storybrook Village and Whyatt has made a new friend named Woofster! When Whyatt discovers that Woofster needs a new home, the Super Readers make it their mission to help out. Before they know it, Woofster has become part of the team! This fun-filled collection of four puppy-packed stories features tons of new furry friends and will have kids begging for more reading adventures!

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G General Audience
Studio: PBS Distribution
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2017
Run Time: 120 minutes

DVDThe Gruffalo tells the magical tale of a mouse who takes a walk through the woods in search of a nut. Encountering three predators who all wish to eat him a fox, an owl and a snake the plucky mouse has to use his wits to survive, creating an imaginary monster who then turns out to be only too real.

dvd*Parents’ Choice Award: Gold Winner 2012* This enchanting film tells the story of a mouse who goes in search of a nut. Along the way, he is confronted by three hungry animals who think that the mouse looks good to eat! Forced to rely on his wits for survival, Mouse invents an imaginary monster to scare them away, but what happens when he comes face to face with his own creation? The Gruffalo is based on the bestselling children’s picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Bonus content includes a photo gallery and the making of The Gruffalo.

DVDRough, tough and roarin’ to go, your favorite heroes are back for more epic adventures based on the legacy of THE LION KING. Join Kion and his fearless friends as they celebrate within the Circle of Life and race to the rescue in five action-packed episodes also featuring King Simba, the spirit of Mufasa and the hilarious antics of Timon and Pumbaa. You’ll go wild for all the ferocious fun, because whether THE LION GUARD team is tracking a rogue leopard, foiling tricky jackals or facing stubborn crocodiles, LIFE IN THE PRIDE LANDS is always “hevi kabisa” — totally intense!

Actors: Max Charles, James Earl Jones, Rob Lowe, Dusan Brown, Sarah Hyland
Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), French (Dolby Digital 2.0), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Dubbed: French, Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2017
Run Time: 110 minutes

dvdLong Way North is set in late-19th century Saint Petersburg. Sacha, a young girl from the Russian aristocracy, has always been fascinated by the exciting life of her grandfather, Oloukine, a renowned scientist and Arctic explorer who has yet to return from his latest expedition to conquer the North Pole. But Sacha’s parents, who have already made arrangements for her marriage, strongly disapprove of her fascination, to say the least. Defying her parents’ wishes, Sacha flees her home and launches an adventure-filled quest toward the Great North in search of Oloukine and his ship.

Actors: Chloe Dunn
Directors: Remi Chaye
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region A/1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: PG Parental Guidance Suggested
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: January 17, 2017
Run Time: 81 minutes

Hardcover BookWhat can six kids from a local neighborhood do when they have a goal in mind? Embark on a quest to Appleville, of course! Join Liu-Liu, Kenan, Tu-Tu, Lizzy, Pedro, and Cassie as they overcome their fears with the help of the Appleville Fairy. Can you help them earn their golden apples?

Publisher: Mascot Books (December 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631778935
ISBN-13: 978-1631778933
Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 0.4 x 8.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces

PaperbackWinner of the Mom’s Choice Award for excellence in family friendly media, Fuzzwippers Find Good Listeners empowers children to practice good listening skills as they become great communicators. The Fuzzwipper series includes tips for children and a parent’s pointer too. The Fuzzwipper series promotes self-esteem, socio-emotional health, and life skills for children through the power of story. In this story our Fuzzwipper friend, Fuzzoola meets Katherine and they both learn how to listen and learn from each other.

Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: 4 Sunflowers Media (October 11, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615678629
ISBN-13: 978-0615678627
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.1 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces

PaperbackWinner of the Mom’s Choice Award, Fuzzwippers are friendly creatures that reach out to anyone who needs to be assured they are wanted and needed. Children of all ages will be fascinated by these new-found friends who whisper to them in the language of Imaginarius and accompany them wherever they go. Introduce your children to their very own Fuzzwippers! Hello, We’re the Fuzzwippers is the first book of the Fuzzwipper series which promotes self-esteem, socio-emotional health, and life skills for children through the power of story.

Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: 4 Sunflowers Media (April 25, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615588131
ISBN-13: 978-0615588131
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.1 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces

PaperbackMaking delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. You can create satisfying dishes using just four ingredients, or even less! In this new and revised edition of the bestselling 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook, author Nancy Hughes has added more than 25 new recipes that can be made in a snap! With more than 175 quick, easy-to-prepare recipes, this one-of-a-kind cookbook now has recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

PaperbackWe all want to be loved. The good news? Everyone falls in love, most of us more than once. Falling in love is innate and inevitable, and the process seems the same for all people in all places in all times. In True Love, the first book on love and the brain written by a neurologist, you’ll learn what actually happens in your brain while seeking love, and well after. Dr. Nour details, in plain English, how our brain chemicals and genes cause love to happen in four distinct phases. He explores the genetic, chemical and behavioral aspects of each phase of love. In this book, you will discover how ‘Falling in Love’ is not ‘True Love’. You will find the answers to many questions, such as: – Why do people who has fallen in love do things that some may deem “crazy”? – What attracts us to certain people and not others? – Why do arranged marriages have a lower divorce rate? – Is falling out of love really “the end?” – Are certain behaviors exhibited by a mate that aren’t actually love, yet appear to be? – What is the difference between love in heterosexuals and homosexuals? – Could love be a disease or an addiction? – Are sex and love really the same? – Is there anything we can do to grow our current love into True Love? – Why do we always marry the wrong mismatching partner? – Can marriage of convenience result in True Love? Is there a biological reason for this? – Has love changed over the centuries? – Why do we need love? – Can understanding “falling out of love” help reduce divorce rates? Dr. Nour hopes that this information, rooted in science, will better inform your future decisions and expectations in relationships, ultimately leading to unions that are more genuine, rewarding, meaningful and permanent. Whether you’re in a relationship, still looking for that special someone, or want insights to make your next relationship last for a lifetime, you’ll find True Love a vital and eye-opening resource.

HardcoverKid Crazy Carlson thirsts for adventure in the far-off and bustling City of Ever. One day he meets a robot that warns him of the grumpy Kilowatt King that rules there―who forces people to sing for him. Despite the robot’s warning, Kid decides to make the voyage to the city and the two travel in a car made of bread through candy bar men, robot travelers, and dancing elephants to reach their destination. Finally, Kid stands before the sour King Kilowatt and teaches him a lesson in manners: the value of the word “please.”

Paperback Go beyond the calm coloring craze: Train your brain and enhance your memory as you copy, complete, and color a series of 90 beautifully complex animal creations–from cats and dogs to elephants and zebras.

Research shows that drawing keeps your mind focused and your memory sharp. DRAW YOUR WAY TO A YOUNGER BRAIN includes 90 intricate line drawings of cats, dogs, and safari animals to boost your brainpower using proven art therapy techniques. Train your brain and enhance your memory as you copy, complete, and color in outlines, doodle in the gaps, and progress to forming your own artistic designs. Line by line, heal your mind, spark your creativity, and improve your cognitive function as you fill in the pages with art and color.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style; Clr Csm edition (January 24, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455543616
ISBN-13: 978-1455543618
Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 0.6 x 9.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds

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