KIDS FIRST! News

Just in time for your last minute holiday shopping, KIDS FIRST! proudly announces a freshly endorsed collection of audio recordings – music and the spoken word – by some of the most outstanding talents in children’s entertainment. With the assistance of respected music judge John Wood, we offer no hesitation in recommending these recordings by well-known recording artists such as Peter Apel, Bob McGrath, Tom Chapin, Phil Galdston, Marla Lewis, Beth Nielsen Chapman and more. Check them out, they are perfect little stocking stuffers or something to spend your I-tunes gift card on after Christmas.

AUDIO CD FOR AGES 2-5
I’VE GOT A DINOSAUR ON MY HEAD – This CD features singable original songs like “Sometimes I Have Oatmeal for Breakfast” and “I Love Bananas.” Movement and counting songs and educational lessons are sprinkled throughout along with colorful illustrations, liner notes and lyrics are included with the CD. Juror Comment: The title song “I’ve Got a Dinosaur On My Head” gives a big hint that this album is not going to chart new musical waters but it sure is fun, filled with whimsy and lots of sing-alongs and dance-alongs. The vocals are upbeat and engaging and the production values are unobtrusive and supportive. If you don’t laugh during “The Laughing Song,” I’m sorry, you have issues. Everybody loves “Train Whistles” and “Locomotives” so get on board and put a dinosaur on your head! This CD knows its audience and is fun, silly and filled with participation activities. It flows well, is simply structured but effective. There is vocal energy to the songs that will engage the listeners long beyond its 30 minutes. 30 min.; $14.98; Age: 2-6. PETER APEL. http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213143.html

The Ohmies: MORNING WISH GARDEN – The Ohmies first full-length musical album for preschoolers features cast members from the hit New York stage show. This album features ten original songs for playtime or anytime. Juror comments: “Morning Wish Garden” is a colorful, upbeat musical foray that introduces and encourages young children to dance, move and sing along with a talented cast of brightly, sprightly performers who lead the audience on a quest to find Mr. Sun and wake him up so their garden of wishes may grow. The performances and production values are strong and the songs inviting and engaging. Hopefully this will motivate the child to stay active and not vegetate with TV and video-related games. It speaks directly to its intended audience with the use of colorful costumes and upbeat songs to entertain. I’m not crazy about characters in costume, and any clown named after a fruit or vegetable are suspect. But, I still like it! 34 min., ages 2-5, $12.99, Artsong Music http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213166.html

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TODAY – This second children’s music CD by Francie Kelley showcases her clear and lovely singing voice and a multinational theme binds the joyous songs together with a sense of exploration and wonder. Different tunes draw upon the rhythms and traditions of lands ranging from Jamaican drumming to Irish fiddle playing to Argentinean tango and much more. Juror Comments: This is a fine album filled with sounds and white rabbits that draw you into a world of predominantly world rhythms enticing the listener to become an amateur explorer of other cultures. The vocals are endearing and the production value, with an absolute nod to cultural instrumentation, is spot on. I must give a nod to the child performance at the beginning of “This Land Is Your Land.” The song is seminal as we hand it over to future generations. This album is in touch with its audience and respectful. In addition, it lasers in on its target audience. I love the World Music component of this album. Five thumbs up if I had five thumbs. 34 min.; Ages 2-5. $12.99; Artsong Music http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213165.html

AGES 4-8

BOB’S FAVORITE SING-ALONG SONGS – Bright new versions of 15 favorite children’s songs with first class musicianship and vocals. Bob encourages children to join the fun with him and sing without him as each song is repeated with an instrumental-only track. Juror Comments: Bob’s Favorite Sing-Along Songs are just that with a little added punch. Bob McGrath, a familiar face and voice on Sesame Street has put together 15 fun tracks (in addition to instrumental versions of each) of traditional endearing songs like “When You’re Happy and You Know It,” “When the Saints,” and “Hokey Pokey” to name a few. It encourages lots of participation and love ensues. Bob’s accessible endearing tenor and likability drives the bus but the destination is a safe and magical place. After listening to it, you simply want to listen to it again and again and again. The added instrumental tracks are a plus. I think that Bob McGrath is a positive pied piper who is so endearing and respected and trusted, like Mister Rogers. 51 min., ages 4-8, $12.99; Bob’s Kids Music http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213162.html

CELESTE SINGS, KIDS DANCE – “Happy beats for little feets.” Juror Comments: “Celeste Sings, Kids Dance” is a nice collection of upbeat tunes from an amalgam of writers including John Denver (For Baby), Tom Paxton (The Marvelous Toy) and Richard Starkey (Octopus’s Garden), to name a few, and a couple of instrumentals, Music Box Dancer and Pachelbel’s Canon, to round out the set. The vocals are strong and secure, the musicianship is stellar and the production quality is solid. I really enjoyed the performances – both vocal and instrumental. The recording quality is very good. It uplifts and embraces its intended age group. This project constantly supports love and happiness through a variety of song choices by a variant of artists. The music is quite appealing due to terrific production values from the vocals to the instrumental performances. There is a lot for young ears to like. 41 min., ages 4-8, $14.98, Romantic Realistic Records http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213153.html

COCOA! – Six tunes of diverse styles: Back to School, Cocoa!, Feet, Feet!, Jammin’, Kalico Kat’s Jug Band and Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Juror Comment: This 6-song extended play CD (EP) is pure magic and available for download. Marla Lewis’s vocals and songwriting abilities are off the charts. These are brilliant songs that educate and entertain seamlessly. The tracks are divinely produced, the musicianship is top of the line, and the message transcends cultural divides. Marla’s voice is pure honey that would confuse a bee. Her songwriting is a master’s class and the songs deliver like a guided musical missile. We can’t say enough so, enuff said! Buy this CD and do your bit to help the debt crisis! 16 min. ages 4-12; $4.99. Plumjuice Records http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213151.html

FRED’S BACK – Thirteen original songs including “Lipstick Blah Blah,” “I Love Sopaipillas” and “Bombones (Marshmallows)” come together in a catchy collection that entertains kids and parents alike. Engaging digi-pack contains an eight page mini-booklet with colorful illustrations, liner notes and song lyrics. Juror Comment: You just can’t go wrong with an album filled with witty tunes about loving moms and dads, squirting grapefruits that nearly blind you, marshmallows, Spanish sopaipillas, donuts, dinosaurs, leprechauns and…you get my point: a little something for the child in us all. The humor is engaging, the musicianship is sound and the characters’ voices and the child performances are terrific. And, if this review is not enough to whet your appetite then my bad! This is a fun album! Check it out. The songs are upbeat and will hold any child’s attention. It is well paced, has a great variety of musical styles and instrumentation. It is very enjoyable. 38 min.; $14.98; Age: 4-8. PETER APEL. http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213142.html

THE INCREDIBLE FLEXIBLE YOU – Catch, fun songs from the three-time GRAMMY-winning pioneer of children’s music (created in tandem w/the groundbreaking book of the same title) has special appeal to young listeners navigating the tricky waters of social interaction. Juror comments: This is a quality produced and performed album by a celebrity of family music, Tom Chapin, and a gifted co-writer and producer/performer Phil Galdston. The energy and foresight in this project is palpable. Lovely! This album is multi-leveled: engaging music and fun songs on one level and wait, what, on another level – food for thought. The songs that keep on giving. I feel a tightrope successfully crossed that, in other hands, could have come across preachy or pushy are the antithesis of that. Intelligent lyrics. Really! Tom’s vocals ride effortless atop Phil Galdstons terrific production and arrangement with a lovely mix of folk meets Beatles that I love. Recording quality is beautiful. This album addresses socialization issues and promotes cognitive thinking more so than any album that’s crossed my desk in a while. 35 min. ages 5-8. $14.98; Sundance Music http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213164.html

AUDIO CD FOR AGES 5-12

BANQUET ON THE GROUND – Narrated by Cheryl Rhoads (Mother Goose), the story is told from the perspective of animals in a small yard world who have always taken care of themselves until a generous “seed woman” moves into the house and starts giving them delightful edibles replacing their efforts with the expected daily delights. Juror Comment: The music is classical and supports the narrative extremely well without being intrusive. It is very appealing. It’s difficult to recommend this CD to a child because the concepts are a bit lofty and younger children might lose interest. This CD is an allegory using animal characters to demonstrate universal attributes of working for one’s food, not taking hand-outs and working in chorus with your neighbor to achieve goals. All good but, the question begs: are these moral messages communicating to the intended audience of elementary school children? The presentation is well conceived, the orchestration beautifully supportive, the narration is solid but this CD may just fall in the cracks between its intended audience and the message. 53 min. Ages 5-12. $10.00. Renaissance Women Productions http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213129.html

THE MIGHTY SKY – Children can musically explore the mysteries and wonders of the universe with this beautifully crafted album focusing on the science of astronomy and featuring a variety of musical styles presenting important celestial facts and fun. Juror Comment: I cannot emphasize enough how important the combination of terrific musicianship, production value and lyrics are to a concept album like “The Mighty Sky.” Now granted, Beth Nielsen Chapman has written world class songs and has access to a musical palette of top-flight talent, which is value added for the parent who is looking for a stimulating concept that will pique their child’s interest and lead them to learn more. I wish this had been around when I was a kid but, guitars weren’t invented then. Children are going to be jazzed to learn more about the universe, which in and of itself is a fascinating mystery for young minds. This traditional music CD comes with a gorgeous fold-out of the solar system in the liner notes. 32 min., $14.98; Age 5-12, BNC RECORDS http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213130.html

AGES 8-12
THE BEST IN ME – Celebrating the best in all of us! Kickin’ pop tunes spotlight helping children make good character choices even when faced with difficult situations. Musicians, vocals and songs are all first-rate and reach out rather than lecture. Juror comments: First of all, “The Best Of Me” rocks!” Second, if you enjoy great music, musicians, songwriting and performances wrapped in lovely messages of positive character choices and love, then you’ve come to the right place. Sit down and listen a spell or insert it into the car CD player and listen a bit. Parents will enjoy and appreciate the content as well as the kids which will hopefully lead to family discourse on the topics. Good Stuff! I think this album is a banner for motivational action. This is a socially interactive, educational album that hits its target audience. The music is top rate. It comes with a booklet. The album is true, first of all to itself, and second to its intended audience. This is a respectful address to the age group for which it is intended. The quality is excellent; the production value draws the listener into a safe place to receive the message. 78 min, ages 8-12, price 14.98 Song Wizards Records http://www.kidsfirst.org/detail/213163.html

Most of us have our favorite holiday films that we enjoy from year to year. Here is a new film that you might want to check out that puts a new spin on holiday movies. One of our youth reporters, Brianna B has this comment on the film, “I like how the writers, Lou Berney and Turk Pipkin, basically take a holiday scrooge and make him into a person that loves and enjoys the holidays with real life messages.” See her full review below.

Angels Sing
Reviewed by Brianna Hope B., age 14, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Video Review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCPGQHWbeto

This is a wonderful Holiday film that I really enjoyed watching.

Michael Walker (Harry Connick, Jr.) loved Christmas when he was a kid. Then, an accident crushed his holiday spirit. Years pass and he is married to Susan Walker (Connie Britton) and he still cannot enjoy the holidays. His family tries to help him. When his son David (Chandler Canterbury), faces his own tragedy, Michael needs to make amends with his past so he can help his son through his tough time. A stranger named Nick (Willie Nelson), gives Michael an amazing gift that helps him find the joyfulness that he lost.

“Angels Sing” is a great family film. The story line is original and unique. The acting, I feel, is very truthful and believable. I also like the singing by the cast, because it is very harmonious. I like how the writers Lou Berney and Turk Pipkin basically take a holiday scrooge and make him into a person that loves and enjoys the holidays with real life messages. This film is entertaining, and funny at times with some great comedy in lots of the scenes.

My favorite character is David because he is a kid like me and I like how he wants to help his dad with what is bothering him about the holiday season.

My favorite scene is when Michael is teaching David how to fly a remote control toy airplane, because it shows me how much David loves his father and how close he is to his father. I also like this scene because it shows how loose and carefree Michael is with his son and vice versa.

A great message that in this film is that that family love conquers all. If you love your family and your family loves you, the love between you will be more important than all your problems and all your worries.

I recommend “Angels Sing” for ages 10 to 17 and adults will enjoy it as well. It is great for a movie night with the whole family. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. “Angels Sing” is in theaters now and will also be available on Video on Demand and DVD December 10th.

Just in time for the holidays and the winter season comes “Frozen,” based on the Hans Christian Anderson story The Snow Queen but, with a few twists of its own. Two young princesses face the test of their love when one, plagued by icy powers traps the kingdom in eternal winter. This is a wonderfully animated film from Disney’s Animation Studio that delivers a visual extravaganza from beginning to end. It’s one to share with your entire family this holiday season. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. points out that, “What makes this film amazing is the animation. They have created fantastic visuals. The way the ice and snow glisten and dance is spectacular. I also love the music.” Gerry Orz adds, “The movie has so much to love – comedy, romance, adventure, suspense, thrillers, fantasy and so, so much more.” See Keefer and Gerry’s full reviews below.

Frozen
By Keefer B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Video review available here:

This is a beautifully animated, musical, family Disney film. The story is about Princess Elsa (Idina Menzel), who was born with the power to manifest ice and snow, and her sister Anna (Kristen Bell). When Elsa accidentally turns their kingdom into an eternal winter, it is up to Anna to save the day with the help of a reindeer, snowman and a prince or two.

What makes this film amazing is the animation. They have created fantastic visuals. The way the ice and snow glisten and dance is spectacular. I also love the music. The songs that stand out in this film are the beginning song “Frozen Heart,” “Want to Build a Snowman,” and my favorite – “Let it Go.” All of these songs are brilliant. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel do a fantastic job singing and playing these two roles. Voice acting can be tough to pull off because you have to put all your emotion into your voice. Since they succeed, it makes the characters very believable and you can feel for these two sisters.

My favorite character is Elsa. You can feel the pain she’s going through. All she wants is to be with her sister but, because of her uncontrollable powers, she doesn’t want to hurt her. This is a well written role.

My favorite scene is when Elsa is running away and sings “Let it Go.” Where do I begin? First of all, this is the best animation in the film. We see her use the powers she’s been denying. Bravo to the animators in creating this visual enchantment. The song does what songs should do. It tells how the character feels in a musical form and is extraordinary. Add in the wonderful singing from Menzel and you have my favorite scene.

The message of the story is, love conquerors all. Elsa can’t control her powers. Whenever she is sad or mad, she creates a blizzard. She finally learns that the love of her sister is all she needs to gain control of her powers.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this to kids ages 5 to 13. The younger kids will enjoy the princesses, the princes and the comedy reliefs.  This film opens in theaters on Thanksgiving day.

Frozen
Reviewed by Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11
See full video review here:

I expected the movie to be kind of like “Tangled” with a main plot and a long, long quest. Well… I was almost right. “Frozen” is a great movie the whole family should see!

The movie has so much to love – comedy, romance, adventure, suspense, thrillers, fantasy and so, so much more. It also teaches us a valuable lesson of not being afraid to show who we are and put our “powers” to a good use.

The fun starts when two young royal sisters get into an accident. One has a magical power to summon ice. The magical girl hits her little sister, Anna. She lives but, has no memory of the magic and does not see her sister for many years. When Anna finally gets to see her sister, it turns into a tragedy.

The animation is so adorable and fitting for the actors. They play the voices very well. The two sisters, Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) sound so much alike. The other actors, like Josh Gad do fantastic as well. The film flows very nicely too. The graphics and animation look unbelievably real.
My favorite scene is when Elsa (the one with powers) runs away and builds her own ice castle. She is also my favorite character because she tries to protect her sister, but keeps messing up at it. The castle is built very nicely and it shows her true powers of being the “Snow Queen.” I wouldn’t mind living in a castle like that myself, if you know what I mean.

Since the movie is so kind, bright and educational, I recommend it to ages 4-18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Eagerly awaited, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” based on the book by Suzanne Collins comes out this weekend and, according to KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jailene A, “is the most intense and amazing film of the year.” See Jailene’s full review below.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Reviewed by Jailene A.
Video Review available here

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is the most intense and amazing film of the year. Catching Fire is the sequel to the amazing “Hunger Games.” This film shows how Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) are, unfortunately, drawn once again to compete in a special 75th Hunger Games and how they are the reason for the rebellion in all the districts. Katniss has given people in the districts hope from her courage and that is brewing up to be a horrible thing for President Snow.

What I love about this amazing film is the amazing wardrobe, hair and makeup. The incredible Trish Summerville, costume designer for the film, captures the vision perfectly in turning the book into a movie. Hair and makeup are bold and extravagant as well.  I also like how well the cast works together and how well the film turns out overall. I’m a huge fan of the Hunger Games series.

My favorite character is Katniss. There are lots of intriguing characters in this movie but what makes Katniss different are her incredible traits – her intelligence and her creativity are just a few. Katniss knows she needs to make alliances to stay alive and she quickly learns skills from them all. Jennifer Lawrence plays an amazing Katniss Everdeen.

My favorite scene is when Katniss is on Caesar’s talk show and reveals the incredible dress by spinning. The dress transforms from a pure white wedding gown to an incredible black fiery mocking jay dress with wings. It is truly stunning.

This movie will make you cry and laugh. You’ll just love it. I definitely cannot wait for the next one to come out. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars.

KIDS FIRST! recommends this movie for ages 12 to 18 because of some of the intense scenes of violence and gore, some suggestive attire and profanity.

If you thought “Cars” was brilliant, then you’ll be sure to love their latest animated adventure, “Planes” which comes out on DVD/Blu-ray November 19. It’s an action-packed comedy about a small plane with big dreams. The only problem is that the plane, Dusty is a crop-duster who’s afraid of heights!  As you can imagine, this makes it very difficult for him to achieve his dreams.  With the help of his best friends Dusty’s future turns a bit brighter. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna Hope B says, “It is a great film. It has hope, adventure and good humor.” Her full review is below.

“Planes” Reviewed by Brianna Hope B.
Video Review available here:

This film is too cute, funny and has great animation.
Dusty, (Dane Cook-Voice) is a basic crop-dusting plane with big dreams of competing in an aerial race. However he is afraid of heights, yes that’s right, heights! In order for him to even get up the nerve to compete and pursue his dreams; he needs the help of his mentor, Skipper, (Stacy Keach-Voice) and his friends.

“Planes” has a good story line and I really like it. It has hope, adventure and good humor with comedians Brad Garrett (Chug-Voice), Sinbad (Roper-Voice) and many more. All the voice actors do a great job portraying their characters. Of course, the 3D animation is spectacular with great detail and lots of lively colors. My favorite scene is when Skipper starts training Dusty and Chug and Dottie (Terri Hatcher-Voice) are talking too loud for Dusty to concentrate. Skipper yells at them to be quiet and they straighten up immediately, but keep talking. This is really funny. My favorite character is Roper, because he says and does the funniest things. He always seems to be rambling about something and is funny.

Writer, Jeffrey M. Howard, writes a comedic script that gives kids something to enjoy and feel good about. Another well known comedian voice cast who I enjoyed in this film is Cedric the Entertainer (Leadbottom-Voice).

As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”  I really like this and believe this message is demonstrated throughout the film.

I recommend this film for ages 7 to 13. Kids who love Disney animation films will love this one as it is similar to other Disney films. It’s also a great film for the family to see although older teens may not be too interested in it.

I give “Planes” 4 out of 5 stars because I would like to see more originality and uniqueness, but overall it is a great film and I really enjoy watching it. I know you will too.