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.

 

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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.

 

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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!

 

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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!

 

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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!

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Book Review “The Art of Princess Mononoke”

Series: The Art of Princess Mononoke
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Princess Mononoke” was the first Studio Ghibli film that I saw in theaters and one of my favorites. This film is so epic and just visually outstanding.  Even though, I am a huge fan of this film, I have never checked out “The Art of” this film. Luckily, Viz Media is re-issuing this in their line of Studio Ghibli artbooks. The book includes fantastic interviews, concept sketches, and finished animation cels from this animated classic.

I grew up watching films like “Castle in the Sky” and “My Neighbor Totoro” but “Princess Mononoke” was the first Studio Ghibli film from Hayao Miyazaki to break out with American audiences. This film really exploded by interest in animated kids outside of Disney films. There are literally hundreds of images from preliminary sketches to dynamic animation cels. If you love “Princess Mononoke”, Then I cannot recommend this book any more. Plus kudos to Viz for delivering this gorgeous full color art cover, which is simply gorgeous!

 

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Book Review “Disney Palace Pets: Guess Who Castle Cuties”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Guess Who
Hardcover: 10 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Disney is not dumb at all. They released a free app for kids called “Disney Palace Pets”. Parents probably though…”Hey, it’s free”. But I have spent more money in Disney Palace Pets merchandise in the last few months than any other Disney product. There are not only the app but also action figures and other books as well. But let you tell you I love everything that comes out of this series. When I see my daughters face when you interacts with these characters, there is nothing better in the world.

Official Premise: Young Disney Princess fans will have hours of fun listening to the rhymes and guessing which adorable Disney Palace Pet is hidden behind each flap in this enchanting hardcover book that includes sparkly glitter on the cover. With their hug-me expressions, big eyes, and dainty curls, characters such as Aurora’s darling kitty, Rapunzels’ prancing pony, and Cinderella’s playful pup are sure to win everyone’s heart.

This new book,  “Disney Palace Pets: Guess Who Castle Cuties” features our favorite Disney Princesses and, of course, their pets. The text is simple and rhymes well. It also includes sturdy flaps to lift and find these little cuties. This is a not a flimsy book each. I have seen numerous flap books that rip right away but this one is holding up well. I have no idea how my daughter does it but she not only knows ever Princess but also their corresponding Palace Pets. A must have book

 

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Book Review “Disney Princess: Dazzling Moments”

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2
Series: Disney Princess
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

What little girl doesn’t like Disney Princesses. “Disney Princess: Dazzling Moments” is a real win for any little girl because it is not just a storybook but it also comes with a snow globe…that’s right a snow globe. This book features stories from our favorites princesses Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Jasmine, and Belle. The books also includes seven press-out cards that can be inserted to change the scene inside the snow globe.

The stories focus around Cinderella’s magical transformation, Aurora’s kiss with Prince Phillip, Tiana kissing the frog, the Beast becoming the Prince, Cinderella’s wedding, or Ariel emerging from the water in her beautiful gown to be reunited with Prince Eric. What I also like is that you are able to put in your own photographs of family or friends into the glitter globe. This to me makes the purchase worth it alone.

 

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