Summer Reading Lists

I have been giving a lot of thought to creating summer reading lists for different age groups, or at least the age groups I am most familiar with and then posting them here. Sometimes parents, or even kids, just need some ideas to get going.

I know a lot of kids don't like to read, but sometimes it is just a matter of finding the right book to interest them. I think it is a good idea to keep up reading over the summer holiday, if only to offset video games, television, etc.

I would be happy to take suggestions for great books, along with which age and gender you think would be most appropriate.

I think we’ve since the Harry Potter blew onto the children’s lit scene, that the right book can capture the imagination of many kids and bolster reading and literacy among kids.

Even if I don’t create summer reading lists, I am going to try to do some more book reviews to add to this site.

Katniss Everdeen Costume for Kids for Halloween

A few months ago I made a Katniss Everdeen costume guide that has been really popular. It focuses on teens and women since Katniss was 16 in the book. I've noticed from some of the search terms that younger girls are interested in dressing up as Katniss for Halloween also. I don't know if there are any plans for an official costume, but it should be pretty easy to make one, possibly using items you already have at home.

I think Katniss is a good role model for girls. She is strong, independent, and courageous, but she does have a caring and compassionate side. She is also portrayed as very human and believable.

There are a couple of ready made outfits you can purchase as well as individual costume accessories. Click the links below to check out pricing and available sizes. Buying a ready made costume is the quickest and easiest way to get the costume your daughter wants for Halloween.

You do have the option of building your own outfit. I strongly recommend Amazon for that. Depending which movie character version you want to do there are all kinds of options. Check out the short list below to get your creative juices flowing.

Columbia Big Girls' Benton II Hoodie
Scotch Duct Tape, Tangerine Orange, 1.88-Inch by 20-Yard

Add some khaki (HG movie) or tan (HG book) and the cute bow and arrow set below and you have a great DIY costume.

Click on the photo or link to check out the Katniss costume for girls.

Check out this Hunger Games costume look as well.

This prop bow from Disney's Princess Merida is the perfect for Katniss role play or dress up. It is safe to use. No worries about real arrows!

Purchase Mockingjay Pin

Mike the Knight Episodes

After my last post a lot of people seem to be looking for Mike the Knight episodes. The best place to become familiar with the show is on the NickJr website. They offer a bunch of clips of the show so that you can learn the basic storyline, see how issues are resolved, and become familiar with the characters. Click on Mike the Knight to view.

You can also purchase Mike the Knight episodes directly from Amazon.com. You can buy a single episode, or an entire season. The shows are also available in HD!


Mike the Knight and the Mission Mess/Mike the Knight and the Trollee in Trouble [HD]

Also on the NickJr site are Mike the Knight games. These are fun, interactive games that kids can play. Kids will most likely need some help, at least the first few times that they play. The games feature Mike the Knight and the rest of the cast of the show. Check them out here Mike the Knight Games. If coloring is what your little one likes, there are also coloring pages and other printables available. You can find those here Mike the Knight Coloring Pages.

Arrietty DVD Now on Sale

The Arrietty DVD is finally on sale. It is available for pre-order right now from Amazon, but it ships May 22, 2012. This movie was a big hit and the DVD and BluRay release have been eagerly anticipated.

The Secret World of Arrietty is based on The Borrowers, a classic kids' story about little people that live under the floorboards of a home. The Borrowers take what they need to live, always careful to not arouse suspicion.

This movie is brought to us by Studio Ghibli, started by famed filmmaker Hayao Miyasaki. Studio Ghibli is the company behind such hits as Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, and Spirited Away.

To learn more about The Secret World of Arrietty film, click here to watch the Arrietty trailer.

There is also information on Arrietty cosplay costumes, links to photos, merchandise such as books, etc.

If you would like to purchase the Arrietty DVD from Amazon.com click on the above photo. 

Mike the Knight Toys

Mike the Knight has invaded my house. My 2 year old stands right in front of the television and yells "Miiiiike" whenever the show comes on.

If you have never heard of Mike the Knight, let me tell you a little bit about the show. It takes place in the land of Glendragon. The King is away on a quest or mission of some kind. At home in the castle is the Queen, her son Mike, and daughter Evie. Mike is trying to be a knight and Evie is training to be a magician.

Typically in the show there is some conflict and Mike tries to solve it in his own way, which is often quite selfish. His dragon friends try to steer him right, as does his sister Evie, but he usually has to come to the understanding himself. At that point he says, "It is time to be a knight, and do it right!". Then, he does everything the correct, or good way. For a complete synopsis of the show, check out the Mike the Knight site on NickJr.

As a parent it can get a little tedious, but no more than animal rescues or having to consult a map every time you want to find your own home. The important thing is that my kid loves it, it is free of violence, and there is a moral/lesson to each show. If you are going to let your toddler watch some television, it might as well be something that is positive.

Imagine how excited I was when I learned Mike the Knight toys will be out later this year (2012). I've tried to figure out exactly when that will be, but I haven't been able to get a date. The toys were released recently in the UK (one shown), so hopefully it will be soon. I am sure they will be out by Christmas, but I hope it doesn't take that long.

Click on Mike the Knight coloring pages to print out official coloring pages from NickJr. Besides that, there are also other printables, crafts, and games on that same website.

Updated November 2012

I finally found some toys available for purchase. Unfortunately they are in limited quantities. I hope they get more in as Christmas shopping is really just beginning. Check out was is offered below. I hope you find something for your little Mike the Knight fan!

 

Disney Princess Merida Costumes

Disney Princess Merida costumes were recently released for sale. They are so cute! For those of you that don't know, Brave the movie is an upcoming Disney/Pixar movie due out this June. The heroine of the movie is Princess Merida.

I've written about the movie and Disney Princess Merida before. Click to learn more about the Pixar movie Brave.

I think this movie is going to be a hit. It is unusual to have a strong female lead in a Disney or Pixar film. The fact that Princess Merida is a skilled archer should appeal to fans of the Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen. I think a lot of little girls are going to want to dress up as Disney Princess Merida this Halloween.

The available costumes are quite beautiful, which appeals to any would be princess. For now, there doesn't seem to be any women's costumes available and I don't have any information on whether they will be. I think the Princess Merida character will mostly appeal to young girls, anyway.

Besides costumes, there is quite a bit of Disney Princess Merida merchandise available such as story books, dolls, coloring books, playsets, etc. Check out my main page on Brave the movie to see what is available.

Also available for purchase are bow and arrow sets inspired by Disney Princess Merida. The first bow shown includes the bow, the quiver, and four suction cup arrows. The second bow and arrow set comes with a bow, fabric quiver and three safety arrows.  This second bow seems like it might be better for smaller children. Both sets are rated for ages 3 and up.

Last, but not least, Princess Merida wigs, tiara, and shoes. The curly red wig is essential to carry off the costume. Merida has very striking hair and replicating it is the perfect touch! Add the tiara and beautiful shoes and your little princess is all set.

Squishables Stuffed Panda Bears

Are you looking for a stuffed panda? A Squishable plush panda is the perfect gift for yourself or someone else crazy about pandas.

If you haven't heard of Squishables, they are adorable, round, and snuggly stuffed animals. They come in three sizes, but currently the plush panda only comes in the regular 15 inch size and the mini 7 inch size.

There is also a stuffed red panda available. I've read that the red panda isn't actually related to giant pandas and that it looks and acts more like a racoon. Still, since it is called a panda bear, here it is!

Any kid would love a Squishable, but so do a lot of adults. If you are an adult shopping for yourself, you are in good company.

Of course, pandas are not the only Squishables available. There is a huge variety, so if pandas aren't what you want check out my other page on Squishables Stuffed Shark, Manatee, and More Ocean Animals, Squishables Stuffed Owl, Penguin, and More Beautiful Birds, or Squishables Plush Polar Bear, Panda, and More.

Thinking About Halloween

It is nearly June and I am already thinking of Halloween sales. I have some costumes I want to feature and some decorations, but beyond that, I don't have any ideas. Planning parties is not my strong point, so that is out. I am on the lookout for something new and exciting coming down the pipeline.

I am also thinking of my kids' Halloween costumes already. My husband and I bought 5 different Cinderella costumes before we found one that fit just right. Then we need "glass slippers" and a crown. My son was too young to care, thank goodness.

I know this is a big deal when you are a kid and I want to help people out any way I can. Halloween can big for adults, too.I actually dressed up last year for the first time since I was about 12. I decided to be a witch at the last minute. It was a lot of fun.

So, my goal for the end of June is to have about 5 different ideas for Halloween, then I want 5 more by the end of August. I think that will be early enough, without being too early. Halloween is such a great time of year, that trying to sell anything is competitive. It seems like it is even worse than Christmas that way. Lots of potential there though!

Lalaloopsy Littles Information

Have you heard of Lalaloopsy Dolls? Now there are Lalaloopsy Littles, their adorable younger siblings. There are 8 younger siblings, all girls except for one little brother.

The Lalaloopsy Littles are 7 inches high and made from the same materials as their older sibling. They each have their own completion birthday date and story.

These adorable dolls have movable legs, arms, and head. They are perfect for kids to play with, especially younger kids that found the original Lalaloopsy Dolls awkward to handle.

These dolls are not only for kids, they are very popular as collectible items. Many people are collecting the whole set and putting them on display. It isn't hard to see why. They are fun, beautifully made, and very unusual.

For a complete list of each older sister with her younger sibling, visit my main Lalaloopsy Littles page.

Each Littles doll is for sale, as well as the older sister!