Comic Book Mom

Will Your Design Be On The Bikini Bottom Runway? #SpongeBob #Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:32:00 +0000

Do you ever watch designer challenge shows and wish someone would come up with something you would actually wear... like a SpongeBob and Patrick t-shirt to take you from day time coffee stops to night-time beach parties? Yeh, me too.

Well, now you can get your design cap on and craft your own kick your own Bikini Bottom duds out for the change to win some cool prizes, recognition, and admiration from Spongy fans everywhere.

Community-based design company Threadless.com and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, have geared up for a brand-new design challenge featuring global pop culture icon SpongeBob SquarePants.

The challenge calls on artists from around the world to re-imagine and design their best interpretation of SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends. Designs can be submitted electronically at Threadless.com/SpongeBob

The best part? One grand prize winner will receive a $2500 cash prize, a $500 Threadless.com gift certificate, a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood including a stipend for flights and hotel, a limited-edition signed SpongeBob animation cell and vinyl figures, and an invitation to participate in the SpongeBob Art Tribute Show.

Get your entry in asap, though - entries will only be accepted until May 30; and submissions will be voted on by Threadless’ active global community of 2.5 million members through June 6.

Say hello to Big Hero 6... and really, who are they?

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:43:00 +0000

The folks at Disney Animation Studios are beginning to leak footage and concept art for the CG-animated “Big Hero 6” which hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.

But, unless you are a hard core comic book fan, it's likely you are not familiar with the 6 and may be a little mystified about the hula-ba-loo over this anticipated film.

Digging deep into the Marvel Comics universe, you'll find Big Hero 6, a motley team of superhuman operatives for the Japanese government. A rather obscure team that debuted in 1998 (Sunfire & Big Hero 6) but may be more well-known for their appearance in the 2012 The Amazing Spider-Man "Ends of the Earth" series when Spidey calls on them to help defeat Dr. Octopus's attempts to destroy the world.

The film will mark the first Disney animation adaptation of a Marvel-based story line. While it may be an interesting choice to begin with, it certainly leaves a lot of room for character development and creativity in story plots. We're certainly curious to see how this play out.

Official Logline: From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Big Hero 6,” an action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.

Website: http://www.disney.com/BigHero6

What's Your Shmoozees Inspiration? Video Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:46:00 +0000

There's a new cuddly on the block and they are hosting a creative contest with some cool prizes (details below.)

Shmoozees are a brand new line of adorable plush characters with glowing ears and eyes. They also have fashionable and fun earrings with a array of funky fun shapes like gingerbread men, butterflies, frogs and ice cream cones. There are six different Shmoozee colors and patterns to choose from.

Right now the Shmoozees are running a video contest. All you need to do is use your creativity to create a video inspired by Shmoozees and you'll be in the running for a $500 grand prize and loads of other goodies including your very own Shmoozees!

So get your video recorder out, your zany thinking cap on and head on over to the Shmoozees Facebook page for full details and entry form: https://www.facebook.com/shmoozees

As a Jay@Play Squad Ambassador, Comic Book Mom will be helping to judge the video competition, and I'm super excited to see what you come up with!

Comic Book Mom Mother's Day #Free Printable Gift Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

As mommies, we certainly wield a bit of our power around the home, but isn't it always a lot sweeter when our children give freely of their time and attention? It's certainly the gift I'd love to receive on Mother's Day.

A little help with the chores... a fun family game night... a ten second lead in Mario Cart (not that it will do me any good, they'll still win, but)... an all expense paid trip to the next comic book convention (out of dad's wallet, of course, but hey honey, it's from the kids...)

Whatever you are dreaming of getting or gifting to your comic book mom, use these printable Mother's Day coupons to inspire you or to gift the greatest gift of all, some love, time and attention.

ComicBookMom.com Mother's Day Printable Coupons by barb_webb_1

Iron Man 3, May the 4th, #Free Comic Book Day... ComicBookPalooza Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:41:00 +0000

Looks like just thinking about all the comic book goodness this weekend wore the Crimson Dynamo out...

In case you've had your head stuck in your iPad... there's a lot going on this weekend that you should have already set alarms for on your calendar.

Iron Man 3 hit the big screen today. Did you even doubt that it's amazing? Well, of course it is and if you didn't catch a ticket tonight, just squeak it in somehow this weekend.

May 4 is like a really wildly full day for fans of all walks of comic book like. You need to put your best Jedi face forward as you sip bourbon, bet on the horses, and pick up your free comic book reads (not necessarily in that order...)

May the Fourth is a mega-big highly recognized day of celebration for all Star Wars fans and coincidentally is also Free Comic Book Day and the Kentucky Derby.

May 5 is a great day to settle in with Mexican dish in honor of Cinco de Mayo... and scope out your area to see if there are any mini-cons continuing the Star Wars or Comic Book celebrations.

Of course, you can also go see Iron Man 3 again, too. Because you totally know you want to.

Happy ComicBookPalooza Weekend All!

Will You Send Your Name To Mars? #NASA Wants You!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:49:00 +0000

Fourth rock from the son, the big red planet named after the Roman god of war has certainly gotten a plethora of attention in science fiction novels and films.

Now, Mars will have its due day in poetic form as The University of Colorado and NASA have invited the general public to submit their names and a personal message, preferably in haiku form (three-line poem,) to be carried on the next Mars probe voyage. A DVD of names and messages will be carried about NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft (MAVEN.)

The poems will never quite land on Mars, but will burn up in the atmosphere, but that's irrelevant because:

a) it's simply cool

b) if you submit your name to the "Going to Mars" campaign, you'll get a spiffy certificate commemorating your trip.

So get to it! You'll find full deets here: http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/goingtomars/

Civilization's Going to Pieces... But We Can Head To See #Gatsby

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:13:00 +0000

My first comic book hero crush was (and still is) Thor, but my first crush in literature is a toss up between Shane and Jay Gatsby, both mysterious, brooding characters who seem to constantly defy logic, standing a head above the mere mortals around them... aka literary superheroes.

Now, some of the most artfully crafted characters and the tempestuous grandeur of the "Roaring 20's" are about to hit the big screen May 10, compliments of Warner Brother's cinematic adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can" Particularly when you have an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Toby Maguire.

For those who did not read the book in high school:

The Great Gatsby follows would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks.

Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Such is the attraction... though judging by the screeners and pictures released to-date, appears to be a well-crafted and entertaining stunning visual piece, as well.

For more information, visit http://thegreatgatsby.warnerbros.com/

I'm checking this one out Mother's Day weekend ~ will I see you in the theater?

(c) Photos provided by Warner Brother's.

Cool Stuff to Watch: #Free Full Episodes of Voltron Force

noreply@blogger.com (Comic Book Mom) — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:41:00 +0000

Want to keep the kiddos entertained at home or on-the-go? Or maybe you just want to catch up on all things Voltron... (if you're a child of the 80's like I am, you totally know you do!)

Well, you can now watch free and full episodes of the new animated series Voltron Force on the official Voltron You Tube channel. Woot!

Voltron Force features three new cadets who train alongside the original Voltron Force to battle King Lotor and his Robeast Monster creations. New powers will be unlocked and the secrets to Voltron's origins will be revealed... watch the 3-part premiere special of Voltron Force at http://www.youtube.com/user/WEP

Penguins Assemble! Club Penguin Marvel Super Hero Takeover

noreply@blogger.com (Comic Book Mom) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:01:00 +0000

Disney’s Club Penguin, the mega-popular virtual world for kids, is getting a super make-over. Members everywhere are suiting up as Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains and an all-new epic event.

Penguin players will be called to defend the city of Penguintropolis and bring members dressed as Marvel Super Villains to justice before they take over with their destructive robots. After choosing sides, members can suit up in 27 Marvel Super Hero or Super Villain costumes like Iron Man, She-Hulk, Captain America, Sif, the Mandarin and Loki.

Special features like the new super igloos like the Secret Base, an impenetrable HQ perfect for Super Heroes, and Creepy Cavern for the Super Villains enhance place time, allowing for immersion into this spectacular event.

Check out the full deets now at ClubPenguin.com.

Star Wars Origami Lightsaber #DIY #MayThe4th

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:16:00 +0000

It’s nearly time for one of my favorite holidays...

Star Wars fans of all ages are coming together to celebrate National Star Wars Day—May the 4th!

As a special tribute to this often overlooked holiday, Workman Publishing and Chris Alexander, author of Star Wars Origami have released free, exclusive downloadable origami lightsabers fans can make at home.

With the help of The Force (and step-by-step illustrated instructions), you can safely deflect blaster fire with any one of these extremely powerful special edition models.

Simply print and follow the directions below:

Star Wars Origami by Workman Publishing

Companies Doing Cool Stuff: Special Needs Toy Guide from Melissa & Doug

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:12:00 +0000

Based on my experience with their creative, quality products, I'm already a fan of Melissa & Doug toys. But now I think they are the total bomb-diggity as they've just announced their custom catalog for families of children with special needs.

The Melissa & Doug Special Needs Toy Guide has been developed specifically for use by therapists and families of children with special needs.

It's not just a simple catalog of cool toys, though... nope, the folks at Melissa & Doug went the extra-thoughtful mile when developing by including supplemental materials. Along with products categorized by development need, readers will find play ideas, expert advice, links to helpful web pages, and also have the ability to share information with friends and family.

Double thumbs up for innovation and Melissa & Doug's caring touch in address such important needs.

Check out the new catalog HERE

Fun Finds - Would You Like a Jelly Baby? #DrWho

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:48:00 +0000

Castles and ruins, millions of sheep, 800-foot cliffs rising majestically out of the ocean, a pint of Guinness and chips... all amazing fantastical experiences in Ireland, but what makes me jump up and down and "squee" like a little kid on our vacation?

This:

Now, anyone care to join me for some fish fingers?

Plan a Monsters Inc. Family Movie Night with Monsters U Inspired Mock-tails and #Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:14:00 +0000

With the launch of MONSTERS UNIVERSITY right around the corner (opening in theaters June 21,) now is the perfect time to plan a MONSTERS INC. family movie night.

Up the fun factor after dinner with a MONSTERS UNIVERSITY foam pennant craft. Then pop up some popcorn and serve up a few MONSTERS inspired mock-tails for a truly magical Disney-Pixar movie night experience.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY Foam Pennant Craft

Perfect for waving during movie viewing time or to hang on the wall for a cool room decoration.

Materials: Scissors, 9 x 12 inch foam sheets in royal blue and white (I also used yellow for a "pop" of color,) glue, tape, and (optional) drinking straw.

Cut an 8 inch x 5 inch rectangle shape from the white (or yellow, as pictured) foam sheet. Cut the rectangle in half diagonally to form two right triangles, or pennants.

Cut a 2 inch by 2 inch "M" and a "U" letter shape from the royal blue foam sheet. Note: I generally free-hand cut when I craft, but you can also use a stencil shape for guidance or use a marker to outline the shape of the letters before cutting.

Cut a 1 inch by 1/2 inch eye (football) shape from the white foam sheet. Cut a 1/2 inch circle from the blue foam sheet.

Using the triangle foam shape as a base, arrange the "M" and "U" shapes on the pennant in a straight line, angled up, or to your preference of design. Glue letter to pennant base. Glue the white eyeball shape on top of the center of the "M." Glue the blue circle on top of the white eyeball shape.

When the glue on the pennant has dried, hang on the wall with wall tape or tack with a pin.

Optionally: Tape a straw to the back of the pennant so it can be "waved" around during your MONSTERS INC. viewing.

Mike and Sulley Mock-Tails

The key to making these drinks is color and of course, the eye ball embellishment. You can use the mock-tail ingredients suggested or if you aren't up for serving a sweet drink, a drop of food coloring in water or iced tea (or any number of refreshments) will do the trick, too!

You should be able to find the eyeball gumball embellishments for the "Mike" mock-tail at any party store.

If you are not able to find the pre-printed gumballs, you could use a plain white one, or get creative and use edible ink to draw your eyeball features on.

The Mike Mock-tail

Lime-aid
Apple Juice
White Grape Juice
Eyeball Imprinted Gumball
Wooden Drink Skewer

In a brandy snifter (or other round-shaped glass,) add 2 ounces of apple juice and 2 ounces of white grape juice. Top with lime-aid.

Skewer eyeball gumball through the center with wooden drink skewer. Drop into center of the drink.

The "Sulley" Mock-tail

Berry Blue KoolAid (prepared as directed)
Lemon-Lime Soda, chilled
Sugar Crystals in blue and purple colors

On a plate, spread 2 tablespoons of blue sugar crystals. Add a 1/2 tablespoon of purple sugar crystals and mix lightly.

Moisten the top of a tall glass with water. Dip the top of the glass into the sugar crystal mix to rim the glass.

Stand glass upright, fill half of the cup with Berry Blue Koolaid. Fill remainder with lemon-lime soda.

Need more ideas or activities? Check out the MONSTERS INC printable activity sheets featured on Comic Book Mom.

DC Comics #Free Comic Book Day Offerings Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:23:00 +0000

Mark the date- Free Comic Book day is just around the bend on May 4, 2013.

DC Comics announced that SUPERMAN: LAST SON OF KRYPTON #1 will be made available in comic book shops across the nation. This title will certainly excites fans who are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated new film "Man of Steel."

For young comic fans, DC is also offering DC NATION SUPER SAMPLER #1, providing a sneak peak at two sensational series from the DC Kids line – BEWARE THE BATMAN and TEEN TITANS GO!.

The DC NATION SUPER SAMPLER includes two exciting, all-new stories for readers of all ages, based on new animated series coming soon to Cartoon Network's Saturday morning DC Nation programming block from Warner Bros. Animation.

For more on Free Comic Book Day, including a list of participating locations, visit www.freecomicbookday.com

Yes, It Certainly Is Another Iron Man 3 Sneak Peek Clip

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Is it really a surprise that Tony Stark is clearly taking over the pages of Comic Book Mom?

22 Days! WHOOP! Enjoy...

Alien Space Pops #Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Looking for a cute and easy recipe to make with the kids? These alien Space pops from my dear friend Pam at Just Like June are out of this world.

Use them for treats, party favors or as the basis for a fun Space themed party. Adults will love these too. Watch out for an alien invasion when you serve them!

Ingredients (to make one dozen pops.)

24 Vanilla Wafers (I substituted 12 vanilla Oreos)
8 ounces white chocolate bark
48 green jelly beans
Green food coloring
12 lollipop sticks

Directions:

Trim edges from the bottom of the cookie to make an angled shape. Melt white chocolate in microwave for 45 seconds, stir. Melt for 45 more seconds. Add green food coloring. Stir until well mixed. Dip Vanilla Wafers into melted chocolate. Quickly position jelly beans in a slant on twelve of the wafers while chocolate is still wet to make eyes. Let this harden until firm. Place a dollop of white chocolate on back of vanilla wafer. Add a popsicle stick and top with one of the vanilla wafers with eyes. Place the pops in the freezer until harden. Eat and enjoy!

Many thanks to Pam at Just Like June for sharing this super fun recipe with us!

Mickey Mouse #Craft Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Mickey Mouse has such classic shapes and colors there are endless possibilities for crafts. Use some of the ideas below (we found on Pinterest) to inspire your next project (click through the picture to find the how-to:)

Source: somedaycrafts.blogspot.com via Tobi on Pinterest

Source: repeatcrafterme.com via Louise on Pinterest

Source: family.go.com via Barb on Pinterest

Source: disney.go.com via Barb on Pinterest

Source: madincrafts.com via Barb on Pinterest

Source: disneycraftblog.com via Barb on Pinterest

You Don't Want to Miss This - Win a Trip for Two to the IRON MAN 3! #Marvel #Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:26:00 +0000

Um, can you say trip of a lifetime?

Can you imagine being at the world premeire of IRON MAN 3 in Los Angeles? Hello... standing on the same red carpet as Robert Downey Jr. and director Shane Black? Hoping that your head didn't explode from soaking in all the comic book goodness overwhelming your senses until your little arc reactor heart can possibly absorb...

Well, then why are you still sitting here reading my giddy blither?

Go.

Enter.

Now!

From today forward, fans can enter for a chance to win tickets and unlock two suits in Tony's armor. Visit Facebook.com/ironman or http://awe.sm/q0PyB for details!

IRON MAN 3 releases in theaters on May 3rd!

Dive Into an Adorable Adventure with A Turtles Tale 2: Sammy's Escape from Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

You're just swimming around, thinking things are all hunky-dory in the deep blue and then- bam! Someone turns things topsy-turvy by capturing you and putting you in a tank.

Such is the life of a turtle and when Sammy & Ray find themselves trapped in The Tank, an underwater restaurant/aquarium, they must hatch a plan to escape and reunite with their grandkids Ricky & Ella.

But they'll have to get past Big D and his dopey thugs first. With the help of some unlikely friends. In A Turtles Tale 2: Sammy's Escape from Paradise, Sammy & Ray find that when you work together anything is possible!

In a nutshell, A Turtles Tale 2 is full of super cuteness, action and a surprisingly intriguing story line, including some interesting observations from the "other side" of the fish tank.

My sons and I enjoyed this film and of course, instantly fell in love with the adorable baby turtles that you just want to reach into the television screen and hug the stuffing out of.

Featuring the music of Darius Rucker and some pretty familiar tunes, the soundtrack is a nice touch and very complimentary to the fun-filled adventure.

Overall, a fabulous family movie with a lot of heart, giggle-worthy moments, and adorable critters.

We received a copy of A Turtles Tale for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are that of Comic Book Mom.

Star Wars Duel of the Fates and the Imagination of a Child

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I had a teacher in elementary school that handed out drawing paper and then put on a classical record. She told us to draw what we heard. To draw a picture or scene of what we felt the music was inspiring. It is a lesson that stuck with me and now when I listen to music I let it inspire me in my art as well.

Often we, as parents and grandparents, provide music for our children. We also provide our children with the tools or costumes for role play.

An interesting concept would be to provide both to a child at the same time.

Letting the rhythm inspire a dance within a battle and inspire choreography as well as strategy.

And let imagination and music become the force within.

About our lovely friend, Grace Hodgin

Grace Hodgin is a Grandma Blogger encouraging grand parents to remain active in the lives of their grand children and to inspire imagination and creativity at Blessed Elements.Com/Create

Superhero Scribblers Crayon #Craft and Template

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Yesterday we chatted about superhero inspired crayon disc crafts and now it's time to take things up a notch.... because presentation, after all, is everything. You have to package the superhero discs well if you want truly superhero-iffic power crayon gifts to give!

Superhero scribblers (aka crayon discs inspired by superheroes) make a fab gift idea for the holidays (seriously, what superhero fan wouldn't want to find these in their Easter basket or Christmas stocking?) They also make for great party favors or treat bags for school.

Putting it together is uber simple. Grab a sandwich bag (I prefer the mini snack bag variety,) some double-sided tape and print off a copy of the template below.

Cut out the template (it's already sized for a standard snack bag,) add crayon discs to the bag, then fold the template paper in half and secure to the top of the bag with double-sided tape. Easy-peasy and fit for delivery to your favorite super!

TEMPLATE:

Superhero Scribblers by barb_webb_1

Superhero Crayon Disc #Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Puny little joker...

Not surprisingly, craft time around our house always turns into an adventure filled with cartoons, comics, superheros and any other magnetic attractions or interests my boys are into at the moment.

The nurturing of creativity in our home is something I'm always grateful I aspired to do as my sons continue to amaze me with their clever ideas and imaginative play.

When I introduced the idea to make crayon discs for their niece, my boys were all like "that's cool, mom" but immediately wanted to know if it was okay to make some of their own, too.

What ensued was a crayon disc creation of superhero proportions... as what they decided to do was to create crayons modeled after their favorite superheroes and supervillians, using specific color schemes to represent each. Epic cool!

Out came the books and Legos for inspiration and a few minutes later we had a mini-muffin tray full of superhero-inspired crayon discs ready for melting.

They did manage to sneak a few "princess" inspired crayons for their niece, but as we have plenty more broken crayons to use up, I'm not worried... they'll eventually run out of superhero and supervillian characters, right?

Hmmm... hopefully, they don't think to move on to cartoon and gaming figures before we create a few more for the little 'un...

Whatever the case, I won't stop until I have created more crayon discs...

Great Neptune! They summoned a crayon just for me...

Want to replicate this craft? Visit Rural Mom for the Crayon Disc Craft Tutorial.

Where is Curious George?

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Curious George was an early favorite of all of my little superheroes. It's hard not to love an adorable mischievous monkey with fun stories and a big smile.

Right now, HMH is holding an exciting contest this spring, to help inspire curiosity. You can enter the Where is Curious George? photo contest for the chance to win a trip for four to Hollywood, CA! There are other prizes, including Curious George books, DVDs, and more.

Simply go to https://apps.facebook.com/curiousgeorgecontest/ to upload your photo and enter.

If you have an iPad, you can also visit the iBookstore to a FREE booklet containing contest information and sample activities from Where Is Curious George, a new Curious George hide-and-seek book.

Secret Millionaires Club - Cool Lessons on Finance for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Plain and simple- equipping children with sound financial knowledge and skills is paramount to their financial success as adults. Though my children's school does an adequate job of offering solid programming to help teach basic financial skills, such as checkbook balancing, I often seek additional ways to supplement their education in this area.

I certainly know from experience how important savvy financial skills are and how easy it is make big mistakes when you aren't equipped with the right knowledge. Like any parent, I'd love to give my children the best foundation possible to start with to help ensure they have less financial worries or woes down the road.

The Secret Millionaires Club aims to help kids learn valuable lessons about money management in a fun and relatable way- which this animated series accomplishes brilliantly!

When I first hear this was a cartoon series featuring Warren Buffet, I admit I balked a little wondering if my children would even want to watch the program. Certainly a financial icon, but not high up on the cartoon scale of attraction for pre-teen boys. I had little to worry about, they absolutely loved the entire series from the catchy theme song to the well-scripted stories to the life skills contained in each episode.

Featuring the voice of financial sage, Warren Buffet, the series offers tips on making investing fun for kids. With Warren as their mentor, friends Radley, Elana, Jones and Lisa apply basic business knowledge to everyday adventures and ultimately learn that the best investment they can make is in themselves.

The Hub television series is now available on DVD. The Secret Millionaires Club Volume One is available March 19, containing 132 minutes of financial fun and savvy.

An excellent choice for use in the classroom or at home. While you will be offering highly-engaging animated entertainment, your children will be building valuable life skills. As such, this DVD gets high marks from Comic Book Mom for being a visionary and rewarding selection!

Thanks to Gaiam Vivendi for providing a review copy to facilitate this conversation. All thoughts and opinions are that of Rural Mom.

Power Rangers: Clash of The Red Rangers The Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Webb) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Two Red Rangers? Well, of course, because two makes for plenty of more fun and mayhem than one!

Power Rangers: Clash of The Red Rangers The Movie has recently arrived on DVD to bring fans everywhere this special feature movie along with great extra features like the "Train Like a Ranger" Video and a "Bloopers" Featurette.

The Samurai Rangers team up with the mysterious RPM Ranger Red to fight off dual threats from Master Xandred's Mooger army and a robotic supervillain from the RPM Ranger's dimension, but when both Red Rangers get struck with hypnobolts they turn against one another, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Though the more modern Power Rangers have a wardrobe update and superior action to the old school Rangers, it's still full of all the campy fun you've come to expect.

My little supers (ages 10 and 12) thoroughly enjoyed the show and all the extras. They each seem to identify with a particular color Power Ranger (as seems to be the common case) and would root for them throughout the show. They were fully enamored with the vehicles and cheesy fight scenes, which really goes to show that imagination is the most powerful special effect.

Overall, thumbs up for the adventurous spirit and engaging comedy and story line of Power Rangers: Clash of The Red Rangers The Movie