January 1, 2018 | Daddy Mojo

Netflix and some streaming options for the flu and cold season

We’re part of the Stream Team for Netflix and received goods or compensation for this post. All thoughts are our own. In our house we’ve had three out of four people down, to some degree, with the flu or otherwise germy funk that is usually associated with children. The youngest one had his hand on the tablet and the adults were splitting time between the televisions. Here’s a rundown of some things that you might want to watch if you, or your kids are stuck in bed with the flu or some Petri dish of infection.

Captain Underpants/Boss Baby

These two movies are great for different reasons. When our 6YO had the flu he must have seen Boss Baby at least eight times. Captain Underpants was watched by him and I twice. Personally I prefer Captain Underpants, it’s a better film, with more depth, but kids will certainly enjoy both. Continue reading Netflix and some streaming options for the flu and cold season

Hammy and Gerbee, Mummies at the Museum, a kids 1st graphic novel

A kid’s first graphic novel is a cool thing. Hammy and Gerbee, Mummies at the Museum by Wong Herbert Yee is an original graphic novel that knows exactly how early elementary school kids behave. This is a book that our second grader can read with ease, our kindergarten student laughs at-and both of them can relate to the friendships and adventures the two friends have.

Hammy and Gerbee are best friends, one’s a hamster and one’s a gerbil. The school year has just started and they’re relieved to find out that they’re in the same class. Unfortunately for them, Hanna and Anna, the twin girls who live in their neighborhood are too. They tease each other, make up stories, have spelling competitions and generally antagonize each other.

Continue reading Hammy and Gerbee, Mummies at the Museum, a kids 1st graphic novel

Paddington 2 is the real, bear deal and goes Empire Strikes Back on us

I’m crying during the talking bear film-I hope the kids don’t notice. That was my thought about ¾ of the way through Paddington2. Paddington 2 goes all Empire Strikes Back, Lethal Weapon 2 or The Godfather 2 and manages to accomplish the rare act of improving upon the original film. What’s even more impressive is that Paddington 2 does this while being a family friendly film.

Continue reading Paddington 2 is the real, bear deal and goes Empire Strikes Back on us

Norman, The Slug with the Silly Shell review

The fish out of water concept is relatively standard in children’s book and Norman, The Slug With the Silly Shell wears that badge firmly on its back. From the sparkly bits on the doughnut that’s tied to Norman’s back whilst he’s looking back and grinning kids immediately know this is silly fun. To that end, it’s a testament to author Sue Hendra that she could make an entertaining children’s book about such a mysterious and disgusting creature.

Norman is a slug. I haven’t seen a slug since I was a child. The only thing I remember about slugs is that they’re soft, leave a trail of ooze and birds apparently like to eat them. All of these things are addressed in the book.

Continue reading Norman, The Slug with the Silly Shell review

Win a family 4-pack of tickets to a sneak of Peter Rabbit in Atlanta

One of the most anticipated family films of the year is Peter Rabbit. The books from Beatrix Potter are timeless classics about the playful; some might even say rebellious rabbit who just wants to get into the farmer’s garden. Peter Rabbit has the voices of Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, Rose Byrne, Sam Neil and James Corden as the main rabbit himself.

We’ll review the film in full once we’ve seen it. The trailer looks like the kind of stuff that elementary kids will go ape over. It has lots of animals goofing around and a cartoonish villain. I’m interested to see it for Domhall Gleeson also. He plays a young Mr. McGregor in this film and he absolutely stole every scene in the last film he was in, The Last Jedi. In Peter Rabbit you’ve got General Hux and Rey, reuniting, all be it in rabbit and human form.

The sneak preview for this showing of Peter Rabbit happens February 3 at 10:00AM in Atlanta. We’re giving away two 4-packs of tickets so that you can bring all of the kids, or invite a young friend or two. To enter just leave a comment below and you’re in it to win it.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, Tales of Hope & Courage review

At the intersection of Wimpy Kid and Star Wars lies Forces of Destiny, Tales of Hope & Courage. It’s a hardback graphic novel, with six original stories that are presented in a journal format. Moreover, the book’s narrator is Maz Kanata and has more vocabulary than illustrations, but still easily qualifies as a graphic novel.

The women of Star Wars take the lead in Tales of Hope & Courage. Princess Leia, Jyn Erso, Ahsoka Tano, Rey, Sabine Wren and Padme Amidala each have their own story. Young readers, especially Star Wars fans will enjoy the storytelling pattern that Maz Kanata. They’re presented in a home spun, folky way that young readers won’t realize, but holds their hand as they maneuver their way through the book. Older readers might equate Maz’ style to The Storyteller from Jim Henson or some other relaxed, trusted soul who’s telling tales.

Continue reading Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, Tales of Hope & Courage review

New all ages comics for January 24

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The new all ages comics this are back on track with lots of classic titles that will appeal to a wide range of readers. In the podcast and YouTube version we’ll talk about the DC duo, an anime rooted return of MegaMan and a comic book that will really speak to girls, ages 8 and up that want sci-fi action. For now, let’s look at three all ages comics that ages 6 and up will want to read.

Ducktales

Ducktales is an all new comic book from IDW Publishing with stories from Uncle Scrooge, Donald and more ducks. This is madcap fun that has its roots in the original show, as well as the reboot on Disney XD. The content in Ducktales is fine for ages 6 and up, but they’ll need help reading it as the comic books has lots of vocabulary.

Star Wars Adventures, Forces of Destiny: Ahsoko and Padme

Star Wars Adventures is an ongoing monthly series from IDW Publishing. Star Wars Adventures, Forces of Destiny is a mini-series that highlights some of the girls in the Star Wars universe in their own adventures. The way that Star Wars Adventures blends content and age appropriateness is a great example of one of the all ages comics that appeal to kids, without dumbing down the content. This is loaded with action, humor and stories that kids aged 6 and up will want to read.

Steven Universe

Steven Universe is a smart show, and its comic book from Boom! Studios follows suit. The show, as well as the comic book is intended for children aged 8 and up. Think of a less manic Adventure Time, but keep in place some of the abstract characters, add practical relationships, friendship and adventure. Steven Universe #12 retails for $3.99, fans of the show will enjoy it, as will those looking for a grounded comic book, with just enough spacey edge.

Humor

Superhero

Action/Science-fiction

New all ages comics for January 17

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Hello new comic book day and the new all ages comics that come with it. This week in the podcast and YouTube version we’ll talk about one of the most anticipated books of the year, a 90’s classic from Nick that’s on its second issue and go-to comic strip about everyone’s favorite dog. If you’re headed to you local comic book store be sure to check out these three all ages comics that will entertain young readers from ages 5 and up.

Miraculous #19

Miraculous is one of those fun all ages comics that follows the exploits of a television show. In this case Miraculous is cut from the exact pages of the show that it’s known for and beyond. Ladybug and Cat Noir are the alter superhero ego’s for Marinette and Adrien. They’re two French teens and Marinette seriously has a crush on Adrien, but he doesn’t know-despite the fact that they fight super villains together. This is a fun monthly comic from Action Lab Entertainment that readers 6 and up will enjoy, especially if they like the show.

Jim Henson The Storyteller Fairies, #2

Jim Henson The Storyteller Fairies is the kind of comic book that will attract those art kids. They’re the ones who concentrate on the story and art, regardless of what subject matter happens in the comic. In The Storyteller Fairies we see stories about different fairies all over the world. Issue #2 looks at Menehune the fairies of Hawaiian folklore. I can see some of your eyes glossing over from here…however, just look at the comic and those that want a treat will recognize it when they see it.

Star Wars Adventures, #6

With all the hoopla surrounding The Last Jedi issue #6 from Star Wars Adventures is highly appropriate. Rose Tico, the dedicated mechanic from that film takes center stage in this one-shot story. This is one of the best all ages comics from 2017 with art and story that are appropriate and entertaining for ages 5 and up.

What all ages comics are you or your child reading? Please let us know in the comments and pass along any suggestions.

Humor
Adventure Time

Archie

Rugrats

Simpsons

Superhero
Batman

Miraculous

Miraculous

Super

Action/Science-fiction
Chronicles of Claudete

Doctor Who

Jim Henson

Kong

Sky

Star