Ballet Cat © Disney Hyperion

The early reader aisles in the library can be daunting—and not just for the budding reader. Inconsistent reading levels, a large number of titles, and stories with the difficult task of being both short and sweet fill the shelves, making it hard at times to find just the right book that won’t frustrate a new reader.

But don’t worry, here’s a cheat sheet just for you! Here are some fun early reader series for kindergarteners and first graders that are short but interesting, entertaining, and sure to inspire confidence in those cute budding readers.

New Early Reader Series

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea (Disney Hyperion)

If you’ve read any of Bob Shea’s Dinosaur Vs. books, you know what you can expect from Ballet Cat: bold art, characters bursting with personality, and humor that both kids and grownups will enjoy.

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret isn’t marked as an “early reader” or “ready to read” book, but the simple sentences and vocabulary make it perfect for kids getting the hang of reading. Combined with an adorable message about friendship and a story ideal for reading aloud, Ballet Cat will leap off the bookshelf time and time again.

Inch and Roly Make a Wish by Melissa Wiley and Ag Jatkowska (Simon Spotlight)

Inch and Roly and their friends are cute critters that star in their own series of Ready-to-Read books written by GeekMom contributor Melissa Wiley. The soft colors make every pretty page just right for bedtime reading, and the sweet story about wishes coming true is a great way to end a quiet day.

Katie Fry, Private Eye: The Lost Kitten by Katherine Cox and Vanessa Brantley Newton (Scholastic)

Katie Fry, Private Eye © Scholastic

If your budding reader is still too young for most mystery stories, Katie Fry is on the case. First and second graders will feel like they’re investigating alongside Katie thanks to simple clues and memorable characters.

Marvel World of Reading

Books that feature some of your kids’ favorite superheroes might just be the enticement they need to pick up a book on their own. Sophie Brown recommends the Marvel World of Reading Series, starring the Avengers, X-Men, and Spider-Man.

Tried-and-True Early Reader Series

There are some early reader series that have been around for years, and have staying power thanks to their memorable characters and sweet stories. GeekMom writers also recommend:

• Frog and Toad (Arnold Lobel)
• Little Critter (Mercer Mayer)
• Elephant and Piggy (Mo Willems)

GeekMom received a promotional copy of Ballet Cat for review purposes. Sophie Brown, Sarah Pinault, Kay Moore, and Lisa Tate also contributed to this list.

The post 7 Super Series to Grow Budding Readers appeared first on GeekMom.

© Disney / Lucasfilm

Star Wars Rebels is kicking off its second season in a big way with the premiere of “The Siege of Lothal” on June 20. The 1-hour movie is the action-packed introduction to the new season, which returns later with new episodes in the fall.

It’s a pivotal moment for the crew of the Ghost. The Rebellion as we know it is still in its infancy, but is becoming a force strong enough to be noticed by the Empire. It’s time for Kanan, Hera, Ezra, and the others to decide what role they’re going to take next. Should they remain unnoticed and assist in their own small ways, or become part of a bigger mission? One particular figure of the Empire has already taken an interest in their efforts, however: Darth Vader.

If you have ever wanted to see the Sith Lord live up to the reputation we always hear about in the original trilogy, tune in for “The Siege of Lothal,” even if you’ve never seen a single episode of Star Wars Rebels. (This is an ideal jumping in point for the series.)

© Disney / Lucasfilm

Forget the stiff, lumbering armored figure half-heartedly fighting Obi-Wan Kenobi in A New Hope. This is the Vader you’ve always wanted to see in action, a dark, menacing, and brilliant tactician. I literally had goosebumps as Darth Vader emerged from the shadows in an unforgettable scene. James Earl Jones returns to voice the character in a significant role for the first time since the films, so you never lose the feeling that this is Darth Vader.

Star Wars Rebels continues to get better with every single episode. “The Siege of Lothal” premieres on the Disney XD network on June 20, 2015, at 9:00 PM ET/PT.

GeekMom was provided with a promotional screener for preview purposes.

The post There’s No Better Time to Join the ‘Rebels’ Than “The Siege of Lothal” appeared first on GeekMom.

© Nintendo

Kids and grownups who have daydreamed of becoming a game designer can make that wish come true in Super Mario Maker, coming exclusively to Wii U. Turn the Gamepad into your level designer as you place pipes, power-ups, Koopas, Goombas, and more into your dream Super Mario level, and invite players worldwide to take on your one-of-a-kind challenge!

Players choose one of four styles for their custom levels: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. The style can be changed on the fly at any time when designing, and whichever style you choose isn’t limited to items or enemies from that game only. In fact, there are few rules at all when it comes to designing your level.

Instead of tucking away a mushroom power-up in a question block, hide a Koopa Troopa inside! Forget Bullet Bill; why not have your Bill Blaster fire invincible stars? Kids can pick up the intuitive UI within minutes to drag and drop enemies, platforms, coins, blocks, and more. Your imagination can be unleashed on your level almost without limit.

© Nintendo

One of the few rules is that your level must be beatable in order to be shared worldwide. You have to be able to reach the goal pole yourself before the level can be uploaded. Uploaded levels will be moderated, and inappropriate content can be reported and removed, so you don’t have to worry about your kids accidentally seeing something they shouldn’t (as in certain words spelled out in coins).

You’ll also get the chance to try out other levels that have been designed by fellow Super Mario Maker players around the world. Find a favorite designer whose levels you can’t get enough of? Subscribe to him or her and you’ll know when they share a new challenge. You can even see the top-rated levels and search by difficulty to find a new favorite easily.

© Nintendo

Like many of Nintendo’s new games, Super Mario Maker will take advantage of the amiibo functionality to put those figures to good use. Tap your favorite amiibo to the GamePad, and take the reins of that character for an amusing run through your level.

Super Mario Maker accomplishes the difficult task of appealing to both the nostalgia of parents who grew up on Super Mario Bros. along with the Minecraft generation of kids who love to build as much as they do play. The game is currently slated for release September 11, 2015.

GeekMom attended a preview event courtesy of Nintendo.

The post E3: Hands On With ‘Super Mario Maker’ appeared first on GeekMom.

© Nintendo

Fans of the Animal Crossing series will be ecstatic to get their hands on Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. Instead of playing the role of Mayor in the latest game in the series, this time get ready for an entirely new experience as a home designer happily working at Nook’s Homes.

Lottie, a new character with the quirky personality you’d expect from Animal Crossing, is your guide to your new career as a home designer. You’re tasked with fulfilling your client’s decorating wishes, and thanks to the usability improvements to the game, it’s never been more fun to design a home in Animal Crossing.

© Nintendo

You don’t only take control of the look of the inside of a villager’s house; you get to decorate the exterior as well. The UI has been streamlined by taking full advantage of the touchscreen. Use the stylus to place a house, trees, plants, and items outside, and then further customize the color and look of the walls, roof, and more with just a few taps.

© Nintendo

Next, go inside to place furniture and decorate to your heart’s content. The leaf icons that made the items in your Animal Crossing inventory a mystery have been replaced with full-color icons, so it’s much easier to find the item you’re looking for. And there’s no need to stand in the exact right spot to place furniture: Just select it and drag it in place with the stylus. You can even rotate the object quickly with the stylus as well.

Add to that a search function that immediately finds all items related to your customer’s requested theme, and you’ll be decorating the house like a pro in no time.

© Nintendo

As you take jobs requested by the same 300+ villagers who populated Animal Crossing: New Leaf, you’ll unlock facilities in your town. You can even give your favorite villagers their own jobs in town at the school, hospital, and more.

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer also introduces new amiibo card functionality. (A New Nintendo 3DS is not required to use this feature; an accessory to use the cards is also planned for release soon.) Pick up the card for your favorite villagers and special characters, like Isabelle or K.K. Slider, hold it to the screen, and you can fulfill their design requests as well. Cards have unlimited use and are sure to be another hot collector’s item from Nintendo.

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer features many exciting UI improvements and fun new ways to experience the eccentric, familiar characters of Animal Crossing. The game is planned for release September 25, 2015.

GeekMom attended a preview event courtesy of Nintendo.

The post E3: First Look at ‘Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer’ appeared first on GeekMom.

Recess Monkey, Photo by Adam Cohn

The kindie rock trio Recess Monkey has been one of our family’s favorite bands for years. This week the Seattle-based band released Hot Air, another fantastic, high energy album that gets kids dancing and laughing.

Hot Air features rockin’ songs with a bit of a Beatles feel, especially “Lighter Than Air,” which pleasantly reminds me of “A Day in the Life.” “Penguinese” has been on repeat on my car stereo by my six-year-old’s request, but there’s a track that I often turn to, even when she’s not in the car: a hilarious, catchy ode to Lando Calrissian.

“Oh, Lando” is a song about that lovable scoundrel from Han Solo’s point of view. Chock full of Star Wars references (and one of my new favorite renditions of “The Imperial March”), “Oh, Lando” is a geeky mom’s dream come true for kids’ music.

Listen to a sample below, and be sure to pick up Hot Air, out now from Recess Monkey!

GeekMom received a promotional copy for review purposes.

The post Recess Monkey’s Ode to That Ol’ Smoothie Lando Calrissian appeared first on GeekMom.

Batman Science (Classroom Edition) © DC Comics / Capstone

Your kids might be in the middle of their summer reading challenge or program and wondering, “What should I read next?” I recently happened upon the perfect book to add to the book pile this summer, aimed at kids who love science and/or comic books: Batman Science from Capstone Publishing and DC Comics.

© DC Comics / Capstone

Have you ever seen a batarang fly through the air or Batman fly up the side of a building with his grappling gun and wonder, “Could that really happen?” Batman Science tackles that question for all of the Dark Knight’s signature moves and equipment with clear, concise information. Although the title touts science, most of the topics are overviews of engineering topics worded for late elementary age kids.

Topics range from the Batsuit and utility belt to the various Bat vehicles. You and your kids might be surprised at how much of Batman’s fictional weapons and equipment have a basis in real-world science and engineering. There’s a heavy emphasis on real-world law enforcement and military equipment and tactics, as most of Batman’s arsenal is based on the same type of technology and methods.

Authors Tammy Enz and Agnieszka Biskup did a fantastic job of splitting up engineering topics into bite-sized chunks of information ideal for kids’ attention spans. You’ll find yourself picking up the easy-to-read book from time to time to skim over interesting topics, from how Kevlar is made to concept cars like BMW’s GINA that can change its shape like the Batmobile.

Batman Science is available now in paperback, a fantastic way to get kids who love superheroes interested in the amazing engineering in the real world.

The post Add ‘Batman Science’ to Your Kid’s Summer Reading Pile appeared first on GeekMom.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Seattle residents have known and loved the most unique building in the city, the Experience Music Project Museum, for a long time. Neighbors with the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center in the heart of Seattle, the EMP is celebrating its 15th birthday this week, and there’s never been a better time to visit.

This is a place that should go on any geek’s bucket list. Where else can you be a rock star, play a great collection of indie video games, and see the original costumes worn by the actors in Star Wars, a Dalek used on Doctor Who, Inigo Montoya’s sword, and many, many more memorable items from pop culture?

EMP Museum also highlights the Seattle music scene, with exhibits featuring Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, and a continued emphasis on up and coming artists in the city.

Local band Bleachbear at the EMP Birthday Bash. Photo: Kelly Knox

Local band Bleachbear kicked off this week’s EMP Birthday Bash, an open house celebrating 15 years by inviting all Seattle residents in for free. Seattle Seahawks’ SeaGals, Harry Potter, a Dalek, the TARDIS, Darth Vader, and more were also in attendance, highlighting the museum’s dedication to the culture of Seattle. “You have no idea what a big Star Wars fan I am,” I overheard one of the SeaGals say, proving that even Seattle’s pro football cheerleaders are nerds at heart.

A new exhibit opened recently as well, “The Animation of Chuck Jones,” with original artwork from animated favorites like “Duck Amuck,” Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The Animation of Chuck Jones. Photo: Kelly Knox

If your kids have ever wondered how cartoons are made, be sure to spend time in this exhibit to show them the brilliance and influence of Chuck Jones.

If you ever find yourself in Seattle, make time to visit the EMP Museum. You won’t find a better place to share some of your favorite characters from fantasy and science fiction with your kids, and feel like a kid again yourself.

The unforgettable shape of the EMP. Photo: Kelly Knox

GeekMom was invited to attend the EMP Birthday Bash.

The post Happy Birthday to the Geekiest Place on Earth! appeared first on GeekMom.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Long, lazy summer days call for laid back science experiments! Whether you’re watching ice melt or keeping an eye on a leaf, there are plenty of entertaining experiments that don’t call for Bunsen burners or big explosions. Making a sundial over the course of a day or two is a fun way to take advantage of all that summer sunshine.

All you need are a stick, colorful stones (or stones marked with hours), a notepad, a pencil, and a sunny day.

Start by setting your little scientist on a hunt for a thick, long stick that will form a shadow that’s easy to see in the grass. Push the stick into the dirt in a spot that should get sunshine all day long.

Note where the shadow falls on the grass and place a marker stone on that spot. We used my daughter’s polished rock collection (along with a shell), gathered from various science centers and zoos we’ve visited. We picked a different color for each stone. You can also paint stones with the time marked, or ask your child to select other kinds of markers.

Next, we noted the time each marker would be placed (or was placed).

Photo: Kelly Knox

Run out into the yard every hour to mark the shadow until your sundial is complete.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Use this experiment to talk about the Earth’s rotation and why the shadow appears longer and shorter at different times of the day.

The post Summer Science Fun: Simple Sundial appeared first on GeekMom.

Cover by Dario Brizuela. Courtesy © DC Comics.

I’ve been a fan of the all-ages book Scooby-Doo Team-Up for a while now, thanks to their fun and funny adventures with the likes of Wonder Woman and Batman.

On July 1, the next issue hits comic book store shelves, and we have your exclusive first look here at the gang’s team up with Secret Squirrel, thanks to DC Comics!

Scooby-Doo Team Up #11

When peace talks between two rival nations are threatened, the call goes out to the ultra-top-secret International Sneaky Service’s number one agent: Secret Squirrel! And since the thing threatening the talks is a medieval ghost, the call also goes out to the not-so-secret Scooby gang! 

Art by: Dario Brizuela
Cover by: Dario Brizuela
Written by: Sholly Fisch

© DC Comics

© DC Comics

© DC Comics

© DC Comics

© DC Comics

© DC Comics

The post Exclusive Preview: ‘Scooby-Doo Team-Up #11′ appeared first on GeekMom.

Photo: Kelly Knox

The moment my daughter was able to move about on her own, two words have continually escaped my lips, sometimes without me even thinking before saying them.

“Be careful!”

Everything seemed like a potential place to fall or collide into something. Running on the sidewalk in flip-flops, walking on top of a tall concrete wall along the sidewalk, or sprinting downhill, I’d call out my warning even if she was being perfectly safe about it. “Honey! Be careful!”

One day as she tottered along the wall, I stopped to ask her, “Do you know what it means when I tell you to be careful?”

My daughter looked at me and shrugged. “Don’t fall?”

It had no meaning for her. So I adjusted my tactic, thinking that somehow if I said the right thing, I could prevent anything bad from happening to her. After all, “be careful” was practically useless—of course she still wiped out and toppled over no matter if I yelled it or not. I aimed to be specific instead. “Don’t touch that, it might be sharp!” “Look at where you’re running!” “Go slow and watch where you place your feet!”

I succeeded in avoiding the phrase, but the message was still the same. Use caution. Don’t get hurt. Don’t take risks.

Recently, I came across an article on exposing kids to risk and “anxiety-based” parenting, and realized injury-prevention expert Mariana Brussoni was describing me:

We have this growing movement to what I call anxiety-based caregiving—caregiving where decisions about childhood and what children need are made based on anxiety, rather than stepping back a bit and thinking about what might be best for child development. You’re in a playground and you hear, “Be careful!” “Get down!” “Watch out!” Those are things that are based on anxiety, not on stepping back and thinking: What does the child hear when you’re saying those things? What the child hears is: “The world is a dangerous place. You don’t trust me to navigate that world. I need you to take care of me; I can’t be independent myself.”

And so I’ve resolved to make another effort to adjust my over-cautioning, this time to eliminate the warnings unless they’re absolutely necessary. I’ve got to trust her to find her own footing, even if she falls. She’ll pick herself back up again.

The post The Most Useless Phrase in a Parent’s Vocabulary appeared first on GeekMom.

Photo: Kelly Knox

When I spotted this ingenious coaster DIY on the Sharpie blog, I just had to make it for myself—with a geeky twist, of course! Sharpies and alcohol turn the ink into a gorgeous, galactic mix. Pick up a few inexpensive tiles from the home improvement store, grab some Sharpies, and you’re ready to get started on your one-of-a-kind Doctor Who tile coaster.

What You Need

• Ceramic tiles
• Rubbing alcohol
• Black, blue, and purple Sharpies
• White acrylic paint
• Painter’s tape
• Eye dropper
• Clear acrylic paint / varnish
• Felt (optional)
• Paint brush
• Scissors
• Glue (optional)

Get Started!

Begin by cutting and sticking the blue painter’s tape to make a TARDIS shape anywhere on the tile.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Next, use the black, blue, and purple Sharpies to draw outer space all over the tile. Be sure to cover the edges of the painter’s tape for a clear TARDIS shape.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Next, use the eye dropper to drip the rubbing alcohol on the Sharpie ink. The ink will run, blend, and form interesting patterns. You can move the tile slightly to help it mix together.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Allow the tile to dry completely.

Next, use the paint brush to splatter stars on the tile. Allow the paint to dry completely. (If there is still wet rubbing alcohol on the tile, it can create a glow effect with the white paint splatter.)

Photo: Kelly Knox

When the ink and paint are completely dry, remove the painter’s tape.

Next, spray the tile with clear acrylic paint or varnish to seal the ink.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Allow the clear acrylic paint to dry completely, and your coaster is complete! Feel free to add a felt backing to protect your coffee table from accidental scratches.

Photo: Kelly Knox

The post DIY ‘Doctor Who’ Tile Coaster appeared first on GeekMom.

© Reading Rainbow

A new Reading Rainbow DVD is out now, ready to give parents all the nostalgia of sitting in front of the TV and singing along with the theme song. While the show itself may be outdated, Reading Rainbow is moving ahead into the age of the internet with the robust online app Skybrary. Skybrary puts a library of hundreds of books and educational videos new and old at children’s fingertips, making for another great way to get in some invaluable reading time this summer.

© PBS Kids

Reading Rainbow: Animal Café

This affordable new collection features four classic Reading Rainbow episodes from the 1980s and 1990s. As time has passed, “Animal Café,” the titular episode, has turned into a historical look at the New York City of the 1980s, complete with a synth electronic soundtrack and glimpses of parts of the city that aren’t there any longer. The always entertaining Martin Short reads the picture book of the same name. The one-of-a-kind Gilda Radner narrates the book on the second episode of the DVD.

Classic Reading Rainbow episodes may be too slow and quiet for most kids of this generation, who are accustomed to the frenetic pace of current cartoons and the bite-sized entertainment of viral videos. But if you’re looking for some quiet time with a healthy dose of nostalgia, Reading Rainbow: Animal Café is a great reminder of life in the 80s along with all the enthusiasm about literacy you’d expect from the show.

Skybrary

Skybrary, the app for Reading Rainbow, also includes classic clips from episodes of the past along with new, current educational videos starring LeVar Burton. I came across a gem of a clip, a behind-the-scenes look at Star Trek: The Next Generation.

I would also make this face if I saw the model of the Enterprise up close. © Reading Rainbow

More importantly, Skybrary features hundreds of quality picture books, which kids can read to themselves or hear narrated. True to Reading Rainbow‘s style, the narration is slow and clear and some illustrations move with simple animations. Kids can turn the pages at their own pace, giving them time to work through words on their own or look longer at the pictures. Some books even include a discussion question for reading comprehension and a glossary for more difficult words.

There is definitely a varied, robust collection of books, with new content added weekly. Use of the site does require a subscription, starting at $9.99 for one month, but you can check out the site for 14 days at no cost. You’re also not limited to the computer screen to use Skybrary; you can even download the app to your tablet or smartphone and access the content on the go.

If a digital library at your kids’ fingertips appeals to you, or you’d love to share the magic of Reading Rainbow you experienced as a kid, give the Skybrary trial a try.

GeekMom received a promotional copy of the DVD and access to Skybrary for review purposes.

The post ‘Reading Rainbow’ For The Next Generation appeared first on GeekMom.

Interstellar Cinderella © Chronicle Books

Books about princesses and ballerinas are always fun reads, but it’s also great to find books starring heroines who also enjoy getting their hands dirty and figuring out how things work. Here are three charming and notable picture book picks featuring girls who love to tinker, fix, build, and make.

© Chronicle Books

Interstellar Cinderella, written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Meg Hunt

The classic fairy tale meets sci-fi in this lovely and welcome twist on the story of Cinderella. Cinderella doesn’t dream of living in a castle or meeting her prince, but of getting her own ship to fix and tinker with.

All of the familiar elements are there: the unpleasant stepmother and stepsisters, the prince, and the ball, and Underwood’s take on other parts of the tale are both clever and obviously well thought out. Cinderella’s mouse friend is a robot, she comes to the Prince’s rescue, and her response to his marriage proposal makes picking up this book worth it alone. And I’m not certain, but I like to think there’s an intentional nod to Doctor Who in there as well.

© Harry N. Abrams

Rosie Revere, Engineer, written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

Rosie loves to build and tinker, but when one of her inventions goes haywire, can she find the courage to keep trying? Not only does Rosie Revere, Engineer include both colorful characters and a great jumping off point to talk about history, the story gives the rare message that it’s okay to fail. In fact, failure can be celebrated, as long as you keep trying.

This important theme and the wonderfully detailed illustrations of wacky gizmos make this a book that we revisit time and time again.

© Dial Books

Violet the Pilot, written and illustrated by Steve Breen

Violet is a mechanical genius who loves disassembling and reassembling things to see how they work. When she turns eight years old, her dreams turn to the sky. She works hard to make her own airplane, even as the other kids avoid her or tease her. Her parents support her, which I loved to see in the story, and she and her best friend Orville never give up in their work to reach the clouds.

Violet the Pilot has a vintage feel with soft illustrations, and can even begin conversations about life before selfies and social media.

The post Tinker, Pilot, Maker, Oh My! 3 Picture Books Starring Girls Who Love to Build appeared first on GeekMom.

© Capstone / DC Comics

There have been a number of fantastic DC Comics books for kids published recently—if you know where to find them! After enjoying Batman Science so much, I wanted to look at some of Capstone’s other new offerings featuring our favorite DC super heroes. How to Draw Batman, Superman, and Other DC Super Heroes and Villains is a step-by-step art book with characters drawn in Bruce Timm’s wonderful style of the animated series. This isn’t a how-to-draw book for young kids or beginners, but the facts included about each superhero and villain make it worthy of being added to a young comic fans’ collection.

As you might expect from a book with this title, How to Draw Batman, Superman, and Other DC Super Heroes and Villains focuses mostly on poses of the first two heroes in the list. Batman and Superman are given the how-tos for their civilian clothes, head and shoulders, fighting in various poses, and even their vehicles and lairs. Having never taken a drawing class and possessing no talent, I was grateful for the head shots, as those simpler drawings are just about the best I could manage.

Photo: Kelly Knox

Wonder Woman is featured on the cover of the book, even if she’s not named in the title, but I was disappointed there was only one full-body action pose included in the book. I would have loved to see the up-close head and shoulders how-to for both Wonder Woman and Batgirl. With the focus on Batman and Superman, it is still nice to see them at least included in the book, along with other heroines like Black Canary, Supergirl, and Lois Lane.

© Capstone

The descriptions and backgrounds of each character, item, and locale make fun reading themselves. This is one of those books that you’ll see your kid curled up with under the covers when they’re supposed to be asleep, memorizing every little fact about the heroes and villains within. With over 50 characters inside, there’s a lot to look through again and again.

How to Draw Batman, Superman, and Other DC Super Heroes and Villains may be best suited for kids age 10 and up who won’t get frustrated when their drawings don’t look exactly like Batman: The Animated Series. But even if your child has never taken an art class, it’s fun to try to draw a favorite character. My 6-year-old and I had a blast drawing a wobbly Wonder Woman and a blobby Batgirl. The drawings may not have been perfect, but we loved laughing and trying together.

GeekMom received a promotional copy for review purposes.

The post Cure Summer Boredom: Draw Your Favorites from DC Comics! appeared first on GeekMom.

© ABC

San Diego Comic-Con has been a whirlwind of information this week. The Force Awakens takes Hall H to a private concert! The debut of the new Batman v Superman trailer!

But perhaps the greatest thing to come out of SDCC 2015 is… the Agent Carter vs. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. dubsmash war. Enjoy.

#AgentsofSHIELD @ChloeBennet4 dubsmash war….calling you out @HayleyAtwell #JamesDarcy #AgentCarter #DJEZClark pic.twitter.com/I9kvDS8CqY

— Clark Gregg (@clarkgregg) July 11, 2015

You’re on @ChloeBennet4 @clarkgregg pic.twitter.com/Dm41ZFwzSu

— Hayley Atwell (@HayleyAtwell) July 11, 2015

The killer blow. Thank you @ChloeBennet4 BOOM @clarkgregg https://t.co/SilK383hFf pic.twitter.com/SyQ60i6nd5

— Hayley Atwell (@HayleyAtwell) July 11, 2015

A little early to call a win, ms. @HayleyAtwell and Mr.JamesDarcy #NoTimeforLosuhs #secretdubsmashwarriors pic.twitter.com/vXDnnGCQ9X

— Clark Gregg (@clarkgregg) July 12, 2015

It took ten of you to try and bring down one agent. But Peggy Carter NEVER gives up @clarkgregg @ChloeBennet4

— Hayley Atwell (@HayleyAtwell) July 12, 2015

The post SDCC: ‘Agent Carter’ vs. ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ … In a Dubsmash War appeared first on GeekMom.

Vixen premieres August 25. © CW Seed

A new heroine is coming to the universe of The CW’s The Flash and Arrow: Vixen. At San Diego Comic-Con, CW Seed debuted a new trailer for the online series, featuring some familiar voices.

That’s right, that’s Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell, who lend their voice talents to the animated version of their characters. And, just to make us feel like we’re really in their universe, you can hear Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes) give the new “external metahuman” her name.

Fingers crossed that Vixen (Megalyn Echikunwoke) makes her way to their shows on The CW as well.

The online animated series Vixen premieres August 25 on CW Seed, and looks like the perfect way to bide our time before The Flash and Arrow return in the fall.

The post Love ‘The Flash?’ Mark the Calendar for the Premiere of ‘Vixen’ appeared first on GeekMom.

Image Courtesy © Disney XD

All it took was the promise of seeing Stampy Cat on Disney XD’s newest TV show, Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything, and my 6-year-old begged for the free episode currently offered on iTunes. We’re a family that loves to play video games and watches the Disney Channel regularly, so it seemed like a match made in heaven… until we got a sneak peek at the pilot.

Stampy Cat kicks off the episode, as promised, gamely playing the part of an announcer (no pun intended) at the finals of a world gaming championship. No girl gamer shown in the finals, I noticed immediately, but knowing that there was a girl in the regular cast, I was willing to let it slide. But it turned out to be the portrayal of that girl that sealed my opinion: If the pilot is any indication, this is a show that plays on most of the worst stereotypes about gamers.

Image Courtesy © Disney XD

Ashley shushes the others for loudly saying that she plays video games, bemoaning that her volleyball teammates will think less of her if they find out. In an age where almost every kid, girl or boy, plays games either on a smartphone or in the world of Minecraft, it seems like an out-of-date attitude for a character to have.

On top of that, Ashley could have served as a strong counterpart to pro-gamer Conor, with smarts and confidence in both herself and her own skills as a “gamer.” Instead, the character my daughter could have identified with (as an avid game player herself) is an easily-distracted ditz. The other gamers have problems with social skills and lack common sense. Is making fun of people who play video games really still a thing?

Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything premieres on July 22 on Disney XD. The channel is more directed at appealing to a young male audience, so perhaps that explains the stereotypes and depiction of Ashley. And, granted, this is a kids’ comedy show, so my expectations shouldn’t be high to begin with. But knowing that there are wonderful female characters on Disney XD’s shows (I’m looking at you, Star Wars Rebels), I can’t simply excuse it away. We’ll stick to Stampy Cat on YouTube instead.

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Mummy Cat, Art by Lisa Brown © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Kids as young as kindergarteners can easily find an interest in all things Egypt, thanks to the allure of mummies, hieroglyphics, and golden tombs. The reality of mummification and Egyptian rituals can be hard to understand—and a little bit scary—for that age, however. Mummy Cat, written by Marcus Ewert and illustrated by Lisa Brown, is an excellent introduction to ancient Egyptology that appeals to a wide range of kids with a simple story with another tale hidden within.

Courtesy © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the rhyming tale of a mummy cat who longs to be held by his best friend once again. The loyal companion wakes every hundred years to walk through the tomb of his owner, whose fate is revealed in the murals that adorn the walls.

Younger kids will likely miss the story hidden in the murals, a tale of jealousy and spite told in hieroglyphics, but older readers will love to uncover it thanks to the guide in the back of the book. The last pages also include a primer to ancient Egyptian history and culture in terms elementary age kids can understand.

If your child is interested in ancient Egypt, but you’re wary of cracking open an Egyptology book to see a real mummified face staring at you from the pages, Mummy Cat might be just the introduction to history you’re looking for. It’s touching, a little sad, and a book that can be revisited time and time again to uncover new details in the illustrations.

GeekMom received a promotional copy for review purposes.

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© Vision Films

If you’ve ever seen the first two seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, you know that something is just a little bit off about them. Sure, the show was trying to find its footing, but there was also a lot happening behind the scenes of those first two seasons unbeknownst to the fans… Until now. William Shatner dives into the real-life drama and conflict behind the beginning of TNG with a new documentary, Chaos on the Bridge, available now on Vimeo.

The hour-long documentary focuses on interviews between Shatner and members of the Next Generation cast and staff. In addition to being the interviewer, William Shatner also is the writer and director of the film, so that may account for the emphasis on his reactions during interviews. Shatner seems amused throughout the documentary with tale after tale about the difficulty of getting the show off the ground.

© Vision Films

Most of that difficulty is focused around the Great Bird of the Galaxy himself, Gene Roddenberry. If you thought that the visionary of the future led a spotless personal and professional life, you’ll be surprised to hear him described by those who worked with him. Opinions ranged widely, but almost every writer agreed that his core belief that there was no interpersonal conflict in his vision of the future made it incredibly difficult to write an interesting story. I’d never realized how little conflict between characters there was in those first two seasons, and this concept continues to fascinate me long after the credits of the documentary rolled.

It doesn’t seem like the documentary was made with the full blessing of Paramount, because there is a disappointing lack of behind the scenes footage, although the illustration style does a lot to highlight the accounts being shared by the writers and producers. It’s a documentary almost entirely comprised of interviews, and the most interesting stories for fans begin when the captain himself makes his appearance.

From the story of his audition to the tales of how seriously he took his role as a starship captain, Chaos on the Bridge answers the perennial fan question of what it was like to work with Patrick Stewart. If you’re a fan of Stewart, this documentary is absolutely worth an hour of your time. The story of his reaction to Good Morning America‘s set visit is worth the price of admission alone.

Chaos on the Bridge is practically required viewing for anyone who grew up believing in the utopian future of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It also gives you insight into the challenges of a television show trying to get off the ground, even one backed by the power of the name Star Trek.

The documentary is available now to rent or buy on Vimeo, and will debut on other digital streaming platforms on August 1. A DVD edition will also be released in September.

GeekMom received a promotional copy for review purposes.

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Photo: Kelly Knox

A rock collection always sounds like a fun collection to start, but most kids invariably stop and ask, “But what do I do with it?” Rock On!, a board game developed by Melissa Weisner, has a new expansion that has the answer: Play with it!

Rock On! is both board game and rock collection in one. There are multiple levels of game play, appealing to kids that are pre-readers all the way through elementary age. The simplest level of game play is a matching game, as kids use the game cards to identify 15 types of rocks. As they play, they learn the rock’s name and properties.

The next levels include answering questions that increase in difficulty about geology. My six-year-old was able to answer the first two levels of questions without much trouble. (The ones with words she didn’t know became an opportunity to chat about science concepts we haven’t talked about before.) With only a relatively small number of questions, she was able to memorize some of the answers the more we played, but she doesn’t consider that a downside to the game. She asks to play time and time again.

Photo: Kelly Knox

I can’t put my finger on the exact reason why, but every time we play Rock On!, my daughter dissolves into giggles. Whether it’s from hearing me trip over some of the rock’s names, or just the joy of playing a fun game together, Rock On! always gets her to smile. She also loves sorting through the 50+ polished rocks that come with the game, and after playing just two or three times, she was able to identify almost all of them.

The newly expanded Rock On! fits the bill of a fun educational game and will spark an interest in geology in every kid that plays it. While $30 may seem like a steep price for a board game, the included rock specimens and accompanying informational cards make it worth it. Pick it up for your next game night and get ready to rock out.

GeekMom received this item for review purposes.

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