Book Review “Disney Learning: Reading Adventures – Sofia the First – Level Pre-1 Boxed Set”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Reading Adventures
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: November 4, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I simply love “Disney Learning: Reading Adventures” series. Want your kids to not only have fun but also learn this is it. Talk about getting your money’s work…this book includes ten, 16-page books, 86 stickers, parent letter, and achievement certificate. Plus what little girl doesn’t love “Sofia the First”?! The topic of the books include “Numbers are Everywhere”, “How Do You Feel”, “What Does Sofia Know” and “Sofia Feelings”. These are great learning topics. Throw in some fun stickers to play with and you have a great mix of learning with the ability to have fun.

Official Premise: Disney Reading Adventures is a curriculum-based, leveled reading program that offers children the support and guidance they need as they progress on the reading continuum from emergent readers to independent readers who read for meaning. Thoughtfully crafted and engaging stories contain key features that develop children’s reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. The stories are highly predictable with repetitive sentence structures and easy-to-read sight words designed to inspire a sense of mastery and confidence.

 

Related Content

Book Review “Disney Frozen Let It Go”

Age Range: 2 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Disney Frozen
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: October 14, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Disney Frozen Let It Go” is a very simple and neat book. If your kids love the song “Let it Go” from “Frozen” (I mean who doesn’t?) They will love this book. This story is based around the song but it is not just a boring story book, since it features a spinning Elsa that transforms from her Queen’s attire into her icy gown. Small but very effective

Official Premise: Relive the enchanting moment when Queen Elsa finally accepts who she is and transforms herself — and then the world around her. Turn the spinner and watch as she creates her ice castle, makes a snow cloud for Olaf and skates with her friends.

So if you want to hear something cute, when my two year old daughter plays with this book, she has to open it page and when she spins Elsa, she sings out let “Let it Go…Let it GO!” So I think that this is a very effective book. She looks the characters and the interactive ability to read the book along with playing with Elsa as well.

 

Related Content

Book Review “Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo”

Author: Chris McDonnell
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Release Date: October 14, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Adventure Time” is a show like no other. I remember when I was a kid and “The Simpsons” used to be the show to watch. Now “Adventure Time” has taken that place with today’s kids/teens. This show is such a trip. That is really the only way to describe it. It is colorful, funky and totally out there…but I love it and I also love it’s animation. “Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo” is a beast of a book running over 350 pages. This page is no joke at all. If you are a fan of this show and want an inside look behind-the-scenes, this is the book you are going to want! FIST PUMP!

Official Premise: Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo is the first book to take fans behind the scenes of Finn the Human’s and Jake the Dog’s adventures in the post-apocalyptic, magical land of Ooo. Packed to the seams with concept art and storyboards, this lavishly illustrated tome offers an all-access pass into the Emmy Award–winning show team’s creative process. The Art of Ooo traces series creator Pendleton Ward’s early influences and work, then reveals how the writers, storyboarders, animators, and voice actors work in tandem to bring this wildly inventive series to life.

When I heard that “Adenture Time” was goign to be getting a companion book from Abrams, I knew that we were going to be in for a real treat. This book includes some great early character sketches, back­ground paintings and rare glimpses into the series’ show bible. It is a real visual guide to this show along with commentary from all the show’s key creative talent throughout. If you are just getting into this show or a fan from day 1, you will not be disappointed by this book, no question.

If you are going to get an author to do a book about a weird animated series, you have to get someone that understand’s weird and strange animation. Chris McDonnell has designed books on amazing and very unique animators like Ralph Bakshi and Bill Plympton and to me that sums up the definition of what is needed here. Plus too this book off with an outstanding introduction by Guillermo del Toro (“Hellboy”) and you have a guaranteed hit. I hope Abrams have future books planned for this series!

 

Related Content

Book Review “The Art of Big Hero 6”

Author: Jessica Julius
Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: October 28, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If there is one movie that I am excited to see this fall it is easily “Big Hero 6”. Walt Disney Animation Studio has been delivering some of the best product recently including “Tangled”, “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen” and even wiping the floors with Pixar’s lackluster recent films. “Big Hero 6” looks like yet another winner for Disney. The animation in the film is so colorful and vibrant. The book is a little heavy in character designs and less in the high-tech city of San Fransokyo the film is based in. If you are looking for a great behind-the-scenes look into this film, Chronicle Books has done it again!

Official Premise: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Big Hero 6 is the story of Hiro Hamada, a brilliant robotics prodigy who must foil a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. This new title in our popular The Art of series, published to coincide with the movie’s U.S. release, features concept art from the film’s creation—including sketches, storyboards, maquette sculpts, colorscripts, and much more—illuminated by quotes and interviews with the film’s creators. Fans will love the behind-the-scenes insights into Disney’s newest action comedy adventure.

The author of the book Jessica Julius is also a creative executive at Walt Disney Animation Studios. She has worked on such films as “Frozen”, “Tangled”, “Wreck-It Ralph”, “The Princess and the Frog”, and “Bolt” aka all of my favorites in the last decade. So if you looking for a good inside look, she is definitely a trusted source for the topic at hand.  John Lasseter gives a great preface to the book. Co-directors of “Big Hero 6”, Chris Williams and Don Hall serve up a fantastic foreword as well. I really enjoyed reading this book and I have a feeling that I am going to enjoy it even more getting to revisit once I have seen the film.

 

Related Content

Book Review “I’m the Man: The Story of That Guy from Anthrax”

“I’m the Man: The Story of That Guy from Anthrax”
Author: Scott Ian w/ Jon Wiederhorn
Hardcover: 316 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Just another Jewish latchkey kid living in a cramped apartment in Queens with his mother and brother. After hearing “Rock and Roll All Nite” and seeing Kiss perform at Madison Square Garden in the late seventies the fire was lit. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian’s “I’m the Man” recounts the trials and tribulations of being in a band that was at the fore front of the early 80’s thrash scene. “I’m the Man” is much more than a collection of road stories as Ian delves deep in to his personal experience with love, life and all things Dimebag Darrell.

Lately it seems harder and harder to sift through the endless tell all biographies that are being released from all sorts of celebrity and public figures. Usually you spend countless chapters sifting through stories that have no real rhythm or reason other than just to fill pages. I won’t say that there isn’t a little of that with this book however in the end all of the stories Ian shares intersect.

Ian even recounts the events which led up to Lars Ulrich almost being fired from Metallica. Over the books 316 pages Ian is candid and unabashed with his experiences making this book a solid read. The book includes a forward by Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, 32 pages of rare photos and a 16 page graphic novella which alone is worth the price of admission. For newer fans and for those who have followed Scott “Not” Ian from the early days this book is for you.

 

Related Content

Book Review “Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Sofia the First
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

What little girl doesn’t love Sofia the First. This show started when my daughter was about 6 months old and I knew that Disney Junior was going to make a nice mark on the Disney Princess market with this character. Fast forward about two years and this show is easily one of Disney Junior’s biggest entities, especially with the girls. The books are just as amazing as the show itself. They showcase some of the series’ biggest episodes usually featuring a classic Disney Princess.

“Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy” Official Premise: Sofia faces grave danger when she faces Princess Ivy, a once exiled princess who is determined to take over Enchancia and turn the whole kingdom black and white. Sofia and Amber must work together to save their family and their kingdom!

Like I mentioned, this story is eventually going to make it to the small screen as a Disney Junior movie event airing Fall 2014. It features the now classic Disney Princess Rapunzel from “Tangled”. This book like previous Sofia books feature some really beautifully illustrated artwork within this hardcover jacketed picture book. The book like past in the series also includes a downloadable Disney eBook of the story for your iPad/iPhone. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next. There are plenty of great Disney Princess still left!

 

Related Content

Book Review “Frozen Sing-Along Storybook”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 14, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If there is a young girl in your house…why are you still reading this review?! You need to immediately go out and pick up this book, order it on Amazon with Prime shipping, I don’t care just get it. It is a must have for any “Frozen” fan. This deluxe picture book features the retelling of film “Frozen” through beautiful artwork. Of course if you are a “Frozen” fan you aren’t going to need this but if you so happy to be just discovering the film (were you living under a rock), also included are the full lyrics to each of the film songs! Wait, there is still more, what use is having the lyrics if there is no music? There is another added bonus, since this book also includes a CD featuring three instrumental tracks!

I am still shocked at the amazing fan response to this film but I am very happy that it did. When I saw the film in theaters, I was just blown away. It is rare that a such a brave film with such wonderful music and songs gets good play. I am sure all you parents are very tired of listening to “Let It Go” over and over…but do me a favor and next time your daughter is singing it look at their face and tell me that they aren’t happy. This film brings happiness to people and I am behind that. This book will continue that trend for sure!

 

Related Content

Book Review “Disney’s 5-Minute Minnie Tales”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: 5-Minute Stories
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you have kids, you know how important bedtime is for your kids and most importantly you (to get a break). My daughter is at the stage now, at the age of two, that she loves reading books before she goes to bed. We have been sure to supply her with some great books to enjoy before slipping off into her slumber for the evening.

About 95% of the books that she chooses each night are usually Disney books (and now I can say even “Star Wars”, which she does choose, is also included). But her all-time favorite has always been Minnie Mouse. She is the queen of Disney and is always first choice when it comes to bedtime. I don’t know how but Disney must be reading my daughters mind because they just brought out the perfect bedtime book for any little girl.

“5-Minute Minnie Tales” is exactly what it describes itself as. You can join Minnie through 12 themed stories including joining Minnie as she goes for a sail, plans a picnic, has a sleepover, and more! With Each of these stories simply can be read in just 5 short minutes, which makes this a must have for any parent looking for a quick turnaround when it gets time for bed. Trust me it works!

 

Related Content

Book Reviews “Star Wars Art: Illustration & Posters” and “Star Wars Visions”

With “Star Wars Episode VII” in the making and the new animated series “Star Wars Rebels” having just premiered everyone in hyper drive for more “Star Wars”. Personally, I am eat, sleep and drink “Star Wars” and I wouldn’t be happier. Thanks to the amazing people at Abrams, they have been releasing amazing “Star Wars” books for their fans for years. I have a two year old daughter and she already knows all of the characters by name because we would spend time looking through the books and identifying all the characters.

I wanted to go through a few of them and showcase what is out there for fans. The first book, I received was “Star Wars Art: Illustration”, which was originally released in October of 2012. This was the third book in the “Star Wars Art” series. “Illustration” is a collection of the best of artwork from various books, trading cards, magazines, video games, and merchandise. The art in this film is everywhere you turn even still today.

This artwork was also curated by the man himself, George Lucas. It also includes previously unpublished, rarely seen, and fan-favorite art from Mark Chiarello, Dave Dorman, Hugh Fleming, Tim and Greg Hildebrandt, Ralph McQuarrie, Jon J. Muth, Tsuneo Sanda, Drew Struzan, Jerry Vanderstelt, Christian Waggoner, and many others. If you are a fan looking to see “Star Wars” from a wide variety of different styles from many illustrators than this book is definitely for you. Abrams really showcases this art so well and in such an amazing book.

The next one is also the latest “Star Wars Art: Posters”, in fact at the time of this writing it is technically not even released yet as it streets on October 14, 2014. The fifth book in the series is a another great book from Abrams, which simply focuses on that wonderful artwork from the posters in the world of “Star Wars”. Ranging from Tom Jung’s iconic one-sheet for Episode IV to Roger Kastel’s Gone with the Wind–inspired painting for Episode V and beyond, “Star Wars” has delivered some of the best posters in movie history over the last four decades.

This book also not able includes showcases the best artwork from all six Star Wars films’ posters but also the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated television series, and limited-edition prints. Again, George Lucas–curated “Star Wars Art” series, impresses. What I really can’t wait to see is what Disney and LucasFilm are planning for the new Episode VII poster. There have already been tons of outstanding fan posters.

The last book, I am covering today is “Star Wars Visions”, which was originally released November 2010. This book calls out to the fans of “Star Wars” to deliver their inspired art work from the series. It includes over 100 well-known and promising artists artwork devoted to the entire Star Wars galaxy. “Star Wars: Visions” features pieces by renowned artists such as Amano, Allan R. Banks, Harley Brown, Gary Carter, James Christensen, Michael Coleman, Kinuko Craft, Jim Dietz, Phillipe Druillet, Donato Giancola, Ann Hanson, H. R. Giger, Daniel Greene, Ron Kleeman, Arantzazu Martinez, Syd Mead, Moebius, Paul Oxborough, Alex Ross, Anthony J. Ryder, Dolfi Stoki, William Stout, Dan Thompson, Julie Bell and Boris Vallejo, Scott Waddell, and Jamie Wyeth

This book is a real tribute to “Star Wars” and really features some amazing alternate artwork. Some of the art included is Kermit the Frog fishing with Yoda or even the manga Leia, which is a quite different look for the character. Other books in this series include “Star Wars Art: Comics”, which I will try and features later this month along with the upcoming “Star Wars Costumes”, which is being released by Chronicle Books later this month.

 

Related Content

 

Book Review “Disney Fairies: Winter Wonderland Reusable Sticker Book”

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Series: Disney Fairies
Paperback: 12 pages
Publisher: LB Kids
Release Date: October 21, 2014

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

My daughter loves two things…Disney Fairies and stickers. This book should be a win-win! But I have to admit, I was really disappointed with it. She loves the sticker and character portion of it but as a consumer, the book is sold as a “Reusable Sticker Book” and there is nothing reusable about this stickers. Once these suckers are pasted down, they are down for good. Personally if something is called reusable, I would expect it to be reusable. Big let down!

There are still pages and pages of stickers included and my daughter didn’t seem to care much. There are some pages where you have a blank background and you can fill in characters and accessories. Another page includes you matching outlines with stickers. Other pages allow you to change outfits to each character but like I said once you put them down once they are stuck, so if my daughter was a little older and wanted to change something she wouldn’t be too happy here.

 

Related Content

Book Review “Disney Fairies: Bedtime Fairy Stories: A Treasury”

Author: Celeste Sisler
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Series: Disney Fairies
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: LB Kids
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Tinker Bell has always been a favorite character from “Peter Pan” but she has recently developed into one of Disney’s biggest character within the Disney Fairies series. Having a two year old, I have become a big fan myself of the Disney Fairies, especially the movies. “Disney Fairies: Bedtime Fairy Stories: A Treasury” is a great collection of nine bedtime stories for my little tinker Bella (my daughters name). A must have for sure!

Official Premise: The fairies of Pixie Hollow are always busy flittering about. They have mysteries to solve, animals to care for, and a responsibility to help one another. But the fairies also know how to have fun together! They go on great fairy campouts, search for the perfect pumpkin, and paint beautiful pictures. This bedtime treasury includes nine soothing stories sure to put every fairy to sleep.

The illustrations are very colorful and vibrant. I have read some bedtime stories that are a bit too exciting to really be considered bedtime stories since it rallies the kids up. This collection really has some enjoyable stories but my daughter loves to point out each of the characters’ names and what is going on in the stories. So I have really enjoyed reading this to her at night. I hope that LB Kids have future volumes planned.

 

Related Content

Book Reviews “Disney Poster-A-Page – Disney Junior: Let’s Play & Frozen: Magical Moments”

Series: Disney Poster-a-Page
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Disney
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Time Home Entertainment Inc has been behind a great Poster-A-Page series featuring some of the most popular Disney franchise characters recently. They feature not only our favorite character but also key story points, and memorable moments. It is what it says it is, this is literally a poster on every page along with nine supersize pull-out posters. that can function as fantastic door signs, room decorations, or background for their fantasy worlds.

Official Premise: “Disney Frozen Poster-A-Page”: Magical Moments relives the magic of the second highest grossing Disney movie of all time. With wintry scenes and cherished characters, this book follows Anna and Kristoff as they encounter Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman, in their epic journey to find Elsa.

Official Premise: “Disney Junior Poster-A-Page: Let’s Play” features the lovable characters from one of the highest rated children’s TV series. This new book introduces us again to the whole Disney Junior team: six-year-old Doc McStuffins; Mickey Mouse and his lovable clubhouse friends Goofy, Donald, Minnie, Daisy, & Pluto; Jake and his faithful Never Land Pirates crew; and Sofia the First along with her family and friends.

“Frozen” has won over everyone in the world with its lovable characters. These are great posters. My daughter already has asked us to hang up at least five different ones. If your kids love Disney Junior, they will love seeing all their favorite characters as well. We get posters of Doc McStuffins, the gang from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the crew of Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Sofia the First.

 

Related Content

Book Review “Star Wars The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight”

Author: Tony DiTerlizzi jsut him
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Star Wars
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

As a father of a two year old daughter, it is a fathers dream to have my daughter follow in my footsteps with my love of all things “Star Wars“. Ever since she was born, she has had “Star Wars” jumpers and outfits. Since Disney bought LucasFilm they have been doing great things for the series. They have some great new content for kids.

“Star Wars The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight” tells the classic tale of good versus evil set in a galaxy far, far away, quickly became a cultural phenomenon during its time, inspiring a generation of story lovers and storytellers. The story is told through Ralph McQuarrie’s concept art. It is kid friendly and a great way to get your kids interested in the series.

Author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi is the co-creator of the middle-grade series, “The Spiderwick Chronicles”. This book is his first teaming up with Lucasfilm to retell the original Star Wars trilogy in a picture book. I hope that they are planning to do many more of these.

 

Related Content

 

Book Reviews “Disney Minnie: Minnie’s Purse” & “Sofia the First: Sofia’s Purse”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

What little girl doesn’t want to be like Minnie Mouse? Disney’s latest book will help accessorize that dream. “Minnie’s Purse” is a an adorable purse-shaped book! It will allow your kids to easily carry it anywhere they go. It is very glittery, which is a must for any girl 😉 If you like “Minnie’s Bow-Toons”, they you will enjoy this included. It includes some pull-down flaps and also two pages of stickers. The stickers is what sold the deal for my daughter.

“Sofia The First” is a relatively new kids show but already sealed her placed with any young girl. She is a true Disney Princess and just like Minnie, any girl would love to carry this book proud on their arm. My daughter already made it her point to tell me that she has a book for each arm. So she was running around the house with each book. Then after a few minutes we heard silence (which is always scary when you are a parent), we look on the couch and there she is reading the books. So these are great for any little girl. Plus like Minnie’s Purse, this also has two pages of stickers.

 

Related Content

Book Review “My Little Pony: Tricks and Treats”

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Series: My Little Pony
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: LB Kids
Release Date: August 5, 2014

“My Little Pony: Tricks and Treats” is a kids books adaptation of the episode “Luna Eclipsed”. It features full color pictures takes from the episodes with some works on each, so it is easy to read. If you are a fan of the series and Halloween, this is a fun little treat for the kiddies.

Official Premise: It’s Nightmare Night in Ponyville! Join the ponies and their pals as they celebrate their version of Halloween. They dress up in silly costumes, collect lots of candy, and tell spooky stories about the evil Nightmare Moon!

Please the real selling point for my daughter, who is two, is that fact that there is a bunch of cool stickers at the end of the book including Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash and her favorite Pinkie Pie. So we went through this book a few times since and have been placing stickers throughout the story. Added fun for a simple and cute book.

 

Related Content

Copyright: MediaMikes.com © 2014 · Powered by: nGeneYes, Inc. · Login

All logos and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies. All Rights Reserved. Some of the content presented on our sites has been provided by contributors, other unofficial websites or online news sources, and is the sole responsibility of the source from which it was obtained. MediaMikes.com is not liable for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions found herein. For removal of copyrighted images, trademarks, or other issues, Contact Us.