Fantastic Fugitives makes non-fiction reading fun for tweens

As an adult I went through a big phase of reading non-fiction books. However, young readers, specifically children have a much harder time reading non-fiction. They’re perceived as wonky, humorless texts that lame teachers make them read so that they can learn about people they’ll promptly forget about. An added hurdle for young readers is that non-fiction requires context, as well as, a basic knowledge of history to fully comprehend, enjoy and hopefully learn something.

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44 minutes of relaxation on Netflix #StreamTeam

We were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own and these shows really do rock. Relaxation is a prime commodity. There are some weeks where my wife and I don’t get any down time. More often than not we have to schedule the relaxation period. “44 minutes of relaxation?” is our query. I have my shows, she has her shows and we have our shows that we’ll watch on Netflix. It depends on who is able to relax. If I’m solo then it’s Luther, Continuum or other. She’s down with Gilmore Girls (shocker!) and together we really enjoy Person of Interest. There are a couple other shows thought that might just fly below your radar that are worth checking out on Netflix.

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Kung Fu Panda 3, mo Po and flow for families to go

In a way the Kung Fu Panda franchise is the movie series that should not exist. Kung Fu Panda 3 comes out five years after the first sequel which was forgettable and felt perilously close to some of its peers in the direct-to-DVD crowd. I always found that strange because, as a character, Po, the panda who knows kung fu, is great. He has a diverse group of friends that work together; he exceeds expectations and is a character that children genuinely enjoy.

It’s with a sense of relief that Kung Fu Panda 3 finds its franchise footing. The film is certainly geared for the family audience, specifically the kids; but it has enough entertainment in the tank to lock down the adults who might tire of fart jokes or baby pandas eating dumplings. This is the fun, goofy, emotion-free animated movie that kids will laugh themselves silly and parents can watch without worrying that a Pixar-esque ‘lost toy’ character will make them cry.

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New all age comics for January 20, 2016

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What does your young reader want? There are all age comics for any reader and this week marks a lots of books for them (or you…) to dive into head first. The sci-fi fandom can celebrate two Star Wars, one Star Trek, a couple Doctor Who books and Lumberjanes; which falls between categories to an extent, but is one of the best all age comics being printed today. Superheroes can rest easy with Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble Season Two #15 and a classic Batman story featuring Ra’s Al Ghul’s first appearance.

For our purposes, Animation also includes video games. This is a massive category and a chance for kids to read about what they really want to read about. Your kids play Skylanders? If they watch Adventure Time, The Simpsons, Transformers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or others then there is a comic coming out this week that is right up their alley.

The Fables is the stuff of middle Earth and their counterparts. Jim Henson’s Storyteller Dragons #2 and Usagi Yojimbo #151 are out this week. Due to the bigger words and story, Storyteller Dragons is great for kids 10 and up. The art in this book is amazing and is our personal favorite now. Usagi Yojimbo is great for 6 and older; but the younger ages probably won’t want to read it. It’s the story of a anthropomorphic ninja rabbit in Japan and each issue has great action and a really great story. This is one of our go-to comics and kids who like something different, but oh-so excellent, will relish the experience and come back to this title over and over.

Sci-fi

Superhero

Animation

Fables

Little Elliot, Big Family-great reading for 8 and under

When Mike Curato introduced young readers to Elliot in Little Elliot, Big City it felt good. It’s the kind of book that parents could read multiple times to children before bed time, has art with a timeless feel and a story that any age can relate to. The pink and blue polka dot elephant is back in Little Elliot, Big Family with an even more entertaining story and art that fills the pages with diverse, classic art.

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Norm of the North review-familiar to adults but kids will like it

On the surface there isn’t much going for Norm of the North. Its theatrical release date is the middle of January, the traditional dumping ground for sub-par family films. The film was originally supposed to go straight to video and the plot goes over grounds that are fodder for animated films. I was prepared to hate it. At the end I was both surprised at the fact that I didn’t hate it and that my wife liked it and the kids loved it.

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Raffi is back with Owl Singalong! Alert the 7 and under set

Raffi is not Zamfir. Before becoming a parent I confused the two. Having been a dad for several years now we know Raffi, still don’t know the master of the pan flute-but there’s still time for that. Both individuals have a specific niche that they cater to with a steadfast focus that makes Navy SEALS envious. For kids 7 and under there’s reason to gently celebrate, in a peaceful and mild mannered way, because the new CD from Raffi, Owl Singalong is available for young listeners.

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New all age comics for January 13, 2016

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Happy new comic book day and this week is packed, jammed I say with fabulous books for the all age comics reader. There are two Adventure Time comics, #48 and a special graphic novel Sugary Shorts, Volume 2. Back to the Future #4, the ongoing series, three Doctor Who’s, two Walt Disney Comics (Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse) and two My Little Pony titles hit this week.

We decided to add Doctor Who to our list of all age comics. It’s the sci-fi element that finally made us accept it as a book that any age can get behind. Younger readers may not want to read it as the title is darker than some, but its content is good for ages 9 and up.

Our 6 year olds current favorite comic, Skylanders Supchargers #4 from IDW is better than you expect it. This is a great title if your kids play the video game because there is already built in interest. They’ll want to read it to follow along with the character that they already like. That’s what’s great about your kids reading comics-and there is almost certainly something that will register with them.

Spongebob Comics #52 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Amazing Adventures are two go-to titles for young readers. Both of these comics track closely to their comic counterpart in an all age appropriate way.

Where is your closest comic book store? Just dig into the comic shop locator and type in your zip code. The affiliate links will take you to TFAW, where you’ll save up to 20% on your books. Comics, good. Saving money on comics, great.