disney – Kids' Blog

Disney Pixar Revolution at Wellington City Libraries!

Katie28 June, 2019

The Pixar revolution has arrived at Wellington City Libraries and just in time for the wintery-est of school holidays. It is an exciting time with the release of Toy Story 4, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures,

Check out the teaser trailer reaction below! …. Even the toys can’t wait for the movie to be released!

So to celebrate the release of the forth instalment of the lovable classic where toys come to life, why not go down to your local library and check out some other DVDs released by the same companies, such as:

image courtesy of amazon.com Brave.

Be brave and grab life by the horns with Merida, the feisty, Scottish princess and skilled archer who dreams of following her own path living her own life, even if it mean defying the traditions and expectations of her family and people. However when her pride gets in the way and a spell is cast upon her mother, Merida must use her wits and skills to “mend the bond caused by pride” and save the day “highlander” style.

Cars Trilogy.

Take a ride on the wild side with Lightening McQueen and the gang in Cars 1, 2 and 3, that chronicles the secret life of race car driving, from the race car’s point of view. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

Finding Nemo.

Go back to where it all began where Marlin goes on an epic quest from the great barrier reef to Sydney in order to find and save his son, Nemo, while meeting and encountering new friends on the way such as surfer turtles that live to 150 years old, vegetarian sharks who have regular meetings and of course, Dory herself!, a good-hearted and optimistic regal blue tang with short-term memory loss.

Finding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo.

The Incredibles 1 and 2.

The secret life of superheroes comes to life with the Parrs aka The Incredibles, where you watch them balance secret identities, families and saving the day. Overall, both films are funny, action packed and will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Inside Out.

What happens when your emotions go into overdrive? They manifest in the form of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. This film is set in the mind of a young girl, Riley Andersen, where the five personified emotions try to lead her through life as her parents move the family to a new city. Some very funny moments in the film, especially when Anger loses his temper, Disgust’s sarcastic and cynical behaviour and finding what role Sadness plays in our lives (Spoiler: Very important role).

Also check out the amazing books, ranging from official movie/character guides, stories and comics adapted from the Pixar movies such as:

Disney Pixar storybook collection.

This audiobook features retellings of all seventeen Disney-Pixar feature films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and much more!

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia.

Dive into the wonderful world of Disney.Pixar with this colourful, fact-filled guide to your favourite Pixar characters. Find out more about the greatest and funniest heroes, villains, sidekicks and oddballs from across all 21 movies- including the newest characters from Toy Story 4. For ages 7- 9.

Cars 3 : the essential guide.

Describes the memorable and ever-popular characters, including race car Lightning McQueen, plus key locations, themes, and iconic moments from the movie.

Incredibles 2 : heroes at home.

“Trying to help… Violet and Dash are part of a Super family, and they try to help out at home in two adventures! Can they pick up groceries and secretly stop some bad guys? And can they clean up the house while Jack-Jack is ‘sleeping?’ Find out in these Super stories! Also included in this volume are a variety of activities, and a special feature on how comic books come to life!” — From publisher’s description.

Incredibles 2 : the official guide.

“Discover everything you wanted to know about brave superheroes, dastardly villains and cool vehicles from Incredibles 2, the awesome new sequel to Disney-Pixar’s smash hit movie, The Incredibles. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the Parr family and their old friend Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. This book covers all the memorable and ever-popular characters, plus key locations, themes and iconic moments from the movie.” — Amazon.com.

Coco : the essential guide.

Explore the art of the Disney movie Coco! Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector. Follow along with word-for-word narration as, together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Toy Story: Woody‘s Augmented Reality Adventures.

Bring the world of Toy Story, one of the most beloved animated films of all time, off the pages of the book and into your room with Augmented Reality! Since it was first released, Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story has been a global phenomenon. For ages 6+

Keep warm this winter with Disney movies.

Katie8 June, 2019

Hey Kids! Winter is around the corner and there will be more days spending indoors. To curb the winter’s blues… and boredom, why not head on down to your local library and rent some Disney movies to keep you entertained. Featured in this post are recommendations on classic and some what recent Disney movies, with some movie trailers of latest Disney releases coming to theaters later this year!

Enjoy!

Fr… Fr… Frrr…. Frozen

Frozen

You can never go wrong with Frozen. Relive the magic and musical renditions of “Let it go” in this amazing classic about family, friendship and diversity.

Brace yourself, kids! The gang – Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven are back for a chilly instalment of Frozen 2. Judging from this trailer, looks like the sequel is going to be better than the first movie!

New trailer of The Lion King released!

Katie2 May, 2019

The countdown begins to the release of the live action film, The Lion King!

Released in theatres on July 18^th and 25 years since the release of the original and animated film. Just in time for the school holidays!

A new trailer has been released and overall, it is amazing!

You will get to see all the beloved characters of the film, including Mufusa, Rafiki, Scar and Simba, (as a baby, child -EEEKK! Prepare for an overload of cuteness- and an adult), and of course, lovable duo: Timon and Pumbaa!

It shows promise that this film will be even better than the original, as well as the most anticipated movie of the year.

The Lion King boasts an all-star cast featuring Beyoncé as Nala, Donald Glover as Simba, Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogan as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and James Earl Jones returning to his role as Mufasa.

So what are you waiting, check out the trailer!

Enjoy!

In the mean time…

Why not watch the original movie and relive the magic of a timeless Disney classic of all time. DVDs are available at various Wellington City Library branches.

I cannot recommend The Lion King enough! You will laugh. You will cry. You will be guaranteed to sign along to songs such as Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and Can you feel the love tonight.

Also check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack: Circle of Life and Can you feel the love tonight? by Elton John.

Children’s DVD Reviews and Recommendations.

Katie26 April, 2019

The school holidays have begun! There will be days during the Easter break where the library will be closed. So if are looking for some entertainments, why not have a read of my latest reviews of new DVDs: Mary Poppins Returns and The Nutcracker and the four realms.

And some oldies but goodies, Maleficent, (which aired on TV 2 last weekend), and Despicable Me 3, (which aired on TV 3 last weekend).

But you better get your hands on these DVDs quick … before someone else does!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetics Despicable me. 3.

They saved the best for last! Gru, the reluctant antihero of the previous films has come a long way from being a supervillian. He is married to his Anti-Villain league partner, Lucy, an involved father to Margo, Edith and Agnes and is working for the good guys bringing in the bad of the bad. However things go pear-shaped when Gru is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy, Balthazar Bratt, a character completely stuck in the 80s with his music and his dance moves and armed with expanding bubble gum as his weapon of choice. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother-a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps-one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad. Will Gru complete his path back to the dark side?, you have to watch the film to find out.

Overall, a hilarious film! The minions are funnier than before! Agnes’ obsession with unicorns intensifies where she embarks on a quest to find a long lost legendary unicorn… only to end up with a one horned goat, (spoiler) and the showdown or “dance fight” between Gru and Balthazar Bratt, is funny and cheesy.

I rate this movie: 7/10!

The Nutcracker and the four realms.

This it The Nutcracker as you have never seen it before!

Based on the original story and ballet of The Nutcracker, Clara finds her way into a mysterious parallel world. She teams up with a soldier named Philip aka The Nutcracker in search of a key to unlock a box from her late mother. However things take a turn when it is up to Clara to brave the Fourth Realm to find the key and return harmony to the unstable world. Throughout this film, things aren’t always what they seem. You will find yourself wondering what lies is the mystery box, at times second guessing who the true heroes and villains are throughout this film and whether Clara will find what she is truly looking for.

This film is very entertaining and a fresh retelling of the original story and ballet of The Nutcracker.

I rate this movie: 7/10!

Maleficent.

This is Sleeping Beauty as you have never seen it! The bad fairy was once a good fairy.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful, pure-hearted young woman called Maleficent, who had anidyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land and she is betrayed by her childhood friend, King Stefan. Bent on revenge, Maleficent places a curse upon Stefan’s newborn infant Aurora. However things take a turn while acting as an unofficial fairy godmother, Maleficent becomes fond of Aurora.

Poor Maleficent experiences conflict, similar to iconic Star Wars villain, Darth Vader, whether being trapped in the dark side is permanent or whether there is still good in her… and she will save the day.

Overall a great (alternative) retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.

I rate this movie: 7/10.

Have a look at the trailer to the upcoming sequel: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which is scheduled to be released late October 2019.

Mary Poppins Returns.

After Mary Poppins departed London, Jane and Michael Banks grew up into loving and responsible adults. When Michael becomes a single father of three children: John, Annabel and George, (named after and is a polar opposite of George Banks), after the death of his wife, Mary Poppins revisits the Cherry Tree Lane home again to try to help Michael and his family cope and move beyond their grief. Time passes quickly for most normal mortals. Mary Poppins has never been normal. Although it’s now the 1930s, she looks exactly the same. Her message to Michael, Annabel, John, George and Ellen, the family’s housekeeper, about enjoying life and loved ones is also still the same, even during hard and uncertain times..

This film is Mary Poppins at its best! With a fresh cast, new songs and additional characters, Mary Poppins Returns is fresh story and promising sequel that also stays true to the original film.

I rate this movie: 7/10.

Happy Easter from Wellington City Libraries!

Katie17 April, 2019

Happy Easter from Wellington City Libraries!

We hope you enjoy the long, and hopefully sunny weekend with your friends and family – and enjoy all the yummy Easter eggs and hot cross buns!!

Libraries in Wellington are closed on Good Friday, (Friday 19th April), Easter Day, (Sunday 21st April) and Easter Monday, (Monday 22nd April).

We are open usual hours on Saturday 20th April and after the Easter break. However all libraries will be closed again on ANZAC Day, (Thursday 25th April.)

We have an amazing collection of books on Easter – both a mixture of craft books and stories that will keep you amazed, entertained and give you ideas for Easter goodies!

Also check out another round of top 5 DVDs to watch over the Easter break!

Enjoy!

Easter.

This book explores the festival of Easter and the story behind it and features six simple origami projects for your own festive fun!

Easter stories by Enid Blyton.

Head off on an adventure this Easter with the world’s best-loved storyteller. From the boy who helps a lamb in trouble to the fairies hidden inside Easter Eggs, excitement and magic are never far away in this collection of stories to read and share.

image courtesy of syndetics Pete the cat : big Easter adventure.

Pete the Cat is appointed as an unwitting helper to a troubled Easter Bunny and races to deliver eggs before time runs out.

image courtesy of syndetics Santa Claus vs the Easter Bunny.

Santa has it so easy: a workforce of elves to make the presents, a team of reindeer to deliver them, even a hi-spec factory! The Easter Bunny has to make and wrap all the chocolate eggs in his garden shed, and deliver them himself on foot. No wonder you often find them thrown all over the place in your garden! Now Bunny has had enough – he hatches a genius, chocolately plan with unexpected results.

10 minute Easter crafts.

Using readily available, seasonally related materials, this series is packed full of fun crafts for special occasions. The projects are explained in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, and are perfect for teachers looking for original ideas as well as time-poor parents. In 10 Minute Crafts: Easter, children can learn how to make an Easter bonnet, fluffy Easter chicks, a sparkling shower hanging and cute bunny egg cups for their Easter eggs, along with lots of other great Easter crafts for kids.

image courtesy of syndetics

A room full of chocolate.

Grace’s fun-loving Mum has found a lump. Her north London world of sleepovers, tap dancing and playing the clarinet fall apart when she is sent to live with her grumpy old granddad on his farm in Yorkshire while her mother goes into hospital to get better. Grace misses her mother so much it hurts, and doesn’t quite understand what is happening to her. And things go from bad to worse when she starts school and becomes the bullies’ latest target. But Grace is no longer alone when she meets Rainbow Girl Megan and her pig, Claude – when she’s with them she feels as if she can confront anything. At Easter time when Grace misses her mum the most, she knows she must find a way to get to London. With Megan’s help, she hatches a plan to run away that involves Claude, chocolate Easter eggs and a risky ID swap. But it’s all worth it if it means that she finally gets to see her mum.

Easter.

Learn about the diverse and vibrant festivals that are celebrated around the world. This series encourages children to consider religious beliefs and cultural practices via easy to read text and informative, full colour images.

Top 5 DVDs to watch over the Easter Break!

The Nutcracker and the four realms.

In search of a key to unlock a box from her late mother, Clara finds her way into a mysterious parallel world. She teams up with a soldier named Philip in order to brave the Fourth Realm to find the key and return harmony to the unstable world.

Hotel Transylvania. A monster vacation.

The monster family embarks on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monster kind.

A wrinkle in time.

Although he has been missing for several years and the entire town thinks her father has abandoned her family, Meg steadfastly believes the best and protects her younger brother, Charles Wallace, from the brunt of the rumors and taunting. It is he, however, who convinces her to join him, the school sports star Calvin, and three unusual women on an interplanetary voyage to rescue their father from a vast evil.

Christopher Robin.

The young boy, who loved taking adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a gang of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into that world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Coco.

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Top 5 movies to watch over Easter… and a couple of surprises!

Katie15 April, 2019

Easter is just around the corner and Wellington City Libraries is chocablock of DVDs for your viewing pleasure and night of “scoffing chocolate”. Wellington City Libraries will be closed on Friday 19th April, (Good Friday), Sunday 21st April (Easter Day) and Monday 22nd April, (Easter Monday), so now would be an excellent time to stock up on DVDs (…and chocolate!) so you can be entertained over the Easter Break.

Check out my top 5 movie recommendations to watch over Easter.

Also, as an added bonus, this post features a couple of surprises that shows why you must go down to your local movie theatre and see Dumbo, which is now showing, and… Artemis Fowl!

Enjoy!… and Happy Easter.

Rise of the Guardians.

When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs, and imagination of children all over the world.

Willy Wonka & the chocolate factory.

The one-and-only Willy Wonka makes the world taste good for a whole new generation in this magical family classic sparkling with brilliantly restored picture and sound! Also included is the all-new documentary Pure Imagination, featuring interviews with Gene Wilder and the Wonka kids and revealing production secrets from the movie!nWhen they find prized Golden Tickets inside their Wonka candy bars, five lucky children win a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the legendary candy factory run by the mysterious Willy Wonka. Now, on a whirlwind tour of Willys incredible, edible realm of milk chocolate waterfalls, elfish Ooompa-Loompas and industrial-sized sugar-coated creations, one very special boy will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart.

Storks.

Storks used to deliver babies, they now deliver packages for a global internet store. Junior, top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine which produces an unauthorized baby girl! Desperately Junior must deliver the bundle of joy before his boss finds out. Get ready for this wild revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.

Trolls.

When their village is invaded by the grumpy Bergens, two mismatched friends must work together in perfect harmony to save the day. Featuring hit songs performed by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and more.

Incredibles. 2.

Bob Parr, Mr. Incredible, has unwittingly demonstrated repeated that Supers can cause as much damage as villains while protecting the world, which causes his wife — Elastigirl — to be chosen as the face of a movement to make Supers legal again. Still, it will take the entire gang to take down a new supervillain bent on mind-controlling the entire world!

Surprise #1: Movie Review: Dumbo.

Last weekend I went to see Dumbo at the Roxy Cinema and it is in a word, FANTASTIC!

Tim Burton, (director of the 2005 movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1941 Disney classic. Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children, Milly and Joe, to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When Milly and Joe discover that Dumbo can fly, with the help of feathers as a good luck charm, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus. The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of villain, V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, however with less than honorable, and perhaps sinister intentions. And it’s up to Milly, Joe and the circus performers to save the day by rescuing Dumbo, and his Mum from the evil clutches of Vandevere.

Overall I feel Tim Burton did an amazing job with this live action retelling of Dumbo.

Dumbo steals the show with his cuteness, baby blue eyes, inquisitive nature and flying antics. I enjoyed the moments where Dumbo was able to confront and give his tormentors their just deserts by hosed down, the tender moments he had with his mother and the love and kindness he received from the children and circus performers.

All the other characters, even the villain, brings the film to life, gives it depth and will keep you entertained from start to finish, and eager for the long awaited and well deserved happy ending for Dumbo.

As promised, the film delivered at being amazing, entertaining, heartwarming, and definitely heart breaking where it is recommended to have tissues on standby.

A highly recommended movie that the whole family can enjoy at the weekend and Easter break!

A well deserved 9/10!

Surprise #2: Disney’s Artemis Fowl – Teaser Trailer.

The wonderful world of Artemis Fowl comes to life on the big screen on September 19 2019!

Based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, the film follows 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.

Check out the teaser trailer below!

Upcoming movie releases… in the library and on the big screen!

Katie9 April, 2019

Hey Kids! The school holidays and Easter creeping up.

Wellington City Libraries has a batch of new releases on DVDs that will be available ASAP to borrow from your local library.

Also check out the trailers to upcoming movies that will be released onto the big screen just in time for the holidays!.. and others that will be released later on throughout the year.

Enjoy!

New release Children’s DVDs:

image courtesy of syndetics The Grinch.

Christmas comes early this year… around Easter with the release of the third screen adaptation of the Grinch, made by the film company, Illumination, who also made Sing, The Secret Life of Pets and the Despicable Me film series, and who has epic, and sometimes disastrous plans on running Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. A movie guaranteed to make you laugh and definitely not ruin your Easter break.

Check out the trailer!

You might also like Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me, 2, 3 and Minions.

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of sydnetics

Check out The Secret Life of Pets 2 movie trailer! Release date: 20th June.

image courtesy of syndetics LEGO Jurassic world. The secret exhibit.

With the grand opening of Jurassic World’s new super-secret dinosaur exhibit just days away, only one thing is missing, the dinosaurs! In order to get the job done, Simon Masrani enlists his newly-hired assistant, Claire Dearing, to ensure the new attraction opens on time, or else. Unfortunately, Owen Grady, the animal behaviorist Claire hired to deliver the dinosaurs, is late. Owen’s mission turns out to be far more difficult than anyone could have imagined.

You might also like LEGO Jurassic world. The Indominus escape, The LEGO Movie and The Batman LEGO Movie.
Check out THE LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part movie trailer. Release date: 11th April.

Ralph breaks the internet.

Ralph and Penelope are faced with a new challenge when they begin the search for a spare part to fix a beloved videogame: how to navigate the internet. When trying to fix Sugar Rush the pair become engrossed in the World Wide Web after a router is plugged into the local arcade space, forcing them to find a wheel to replace the router with and get the arcade up and running again. Traversing through this new, technological landscape won’t be easy, with the duo coming across new worlds, cultures, and characters that present difficulties along the way.

Movie Review: Dumbo

admin5 April, 2019

Last weekend I went to see Dumbo at the movies and it is in a word, FANTASTIC!

This movie is a must see and has been worth the long wait.

Tim Burton, (director of the 2005 movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1941 Disney classic.

Struggling circus owner Max Medici, enlists a former star , Holt Farrier and his two children, Milly and Joe, to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When Milly and Joe discover that Dumbo can fly, with the help of feathers as a good luck charm, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus.

The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of villain, V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, however with less than honourable, and perhaps sinister intentions. And it’s up to Milly, Joe and the circus performers to save the day by rescuing Dumbo, and his Mum from the evil clutches of Vandevere.

Overall I feel Tim Burton did an amazing job with this live action retelling of Dumbo.

Dumbo steals the show with his cuteness, baby blue eyes, inquisitive nature and flying antics. I enjoyed the moments where Dumbo was able to confront and give his tormentors their just deserts by hose down, the tender moments he had with his mother, the warm and loving relationships he had with the children and circus performers who become his surrogate family and advocates, and even (spoiler), where he saves the day!

This movie encourages the characters of the film and viewers to look beyond the “oversized ears” and to be compassionate, kind, curious, humble, and generous. To be accepting and appreciating of the unique qualities that all people, animals and creatures possess.

All the other characters, Holt, Milly, Joe, the circus performers, and even the villain, brings the film to life, gives it depth and will keep you entertained from start to finish, and eager for the long awaited, well deserved and surprising happy ending that Dumbo gets.

As promised, the film delivered at being amazing, entertaining, heart warming, and definitely heart breaking where it is recommended to have tissues on stand by.

A well deserved 9/10… and highly recommended movie that the whole family can enjoy at the weekend and Easter break!

Three Disney Live Action film movie trailers!

Katie27 March, 2019

The wonderful world of Disney comes to life, (literally) with the remake of three classic and entertaining animation movies to the big screen… and in live action. Three movies that I watched during my childhood and still remain favourite of mine to this day.

Warning: This blog post contains three movie trailers filmed in live action sequence, filled with cute baby animals, where there will be lots of “awwwwww’s” in unison, movies trailers filled with singing and dancing and a humanoid genie that grants wishes and at times acts as a surrogate parent.

Dumbo.

Release date: 28th March.

Tim Burton, (director of the 2005 movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1941 Disney classic. Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers that the animal can fly, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus. The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture. So far, looks like it’s going to be amazing, heart warming, and I suspect at times, heart breaking movie for the whole family to enjoy. Dumbo is the epitome of cuteness. The song, “Baby of mine” is eerily beautiful, haunting and makes you want to cry. Maybe best to have tissues on stand by.

Aladdin.

Release Date: 23rd May.

Guy Ritchie directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1992 Disney classic, with Will Smith the wish-granting Genie.

If this film is anything like the original, you will be taken on a journey of wonders, non stop laughs, thrills and magic carpet rides. In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin battle to save (and win the heart of) the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape shifting, humanoid Genie, played by Will Smith, appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery, love and true meaning of friendship. The trailer is in a word… AWESOME! Will Smith owns the role of the genie!

The Lion King.

Release Date: 18th July.

The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau helms this CG-animated re-imagining of the 1994 Walt Disney classic. Stars Donald Glover as Simba.

The Lion King, based on the original animated movie… and one of my favourite films! It is scheduled to be released on July 18th 2019, which marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film. Exciting! While you’re waiting, why not come on down to your local library and rent the original film! As a recap, The Lion King, tells the story of Simba, a delightful lion cub who is heir to the throne of the pride lands. However, when Simba’s father is killed… by Simba’s treacherous uncle, Scar, poor Simba, feeling guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile until the moment where he must confront his uncle and reclaim his identity , as well as destiny as the future King. Another movie trailer filled with (wild) animals and cute baby animals!!! (Spoiler: Simba as a baby in his Mum’s arms and being presented to the entire African animal population)

6 New Non Fiction to read before spring ends.

Katie19 November, 2018

Hey Kids! Here is a selection of new junior non fiction to read in November. Check out new books from the Little People, Big dreams series, books full of Disney inspired ideas, how to cook healthy recipes designed for Kiwi kids and learn new languages.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydnetics Disney ideas Book.

“Let your imagination run wild with Disney arts and crafts, party games, puzzles, and papercraft. With magical projects for every level of ability and clear, step-by-step, illustrated instructions, you will never be bored again! Build Cinderella’s castle, take off with Buzz Lightyear’s wings, dress up in Moana’s flower crown, play Snow White bowling, race Lightning McQueen on your own racetrack, and much, much more.” Ideal for Disney themed parties!

image courtesy of syndetics Jane Goodall.

New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Jane Goodall, the primatologist and anthropologist , in this true story of her life.

image courtesy of syndetics Simone de Beauvoir.

New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Simone de Beauvoir, the great French philosopher, in this true story of her life.

image courtesy of syndetics L.M. Montgomery.

New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the famous writer, in this true story of her life.

Good from scratch : kids cookbook : healthy food for Kiwi kids!

A cookbook for kiwi kids that contains recipes for (healthy) breakfast, lunch, dinner, after school snacks, sweet treats and party food. Definitely a librarians choice all the way!

My first book of Japanese words : an ABC rhyming book of Japanese language and culture.

This delightfully illustrated preschool book introduces the Japanese language in a playful and gentle way. Organized in a familiar ABC structure, everyday words and expressions as well as words that have special significance in Japanese culture offer even very young children an enticing glimpse into Japanese daily life.

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