Join Olaf as he retells some of the classic Disney stories in his own way.
Olaf recreates moments from Disney Animation classics The Little Mermaid, Moana, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Tangled. Check out the trailer, poster and stills, and feel free to share with your readers. Olaf Presents launches exclusively on Disney+ Day – a global celebration that will come to life across The Walt Disney Company on Friday, November 12, with new content releases, fan experiences, exclusive offers and more.
Young audiences can now watch and play alongside their favorite dino ranchers and dino friends with Jazwares’ assortment of consumer products, which will ride onto Amazon, Walmart.com and Target.com.
Dino Ranch Blitz Plush (MSRP: $12.99): A soft cuddly plush inspired by Jon’s dino companion Blitz
Dino Action Pack Assortment (MSRP: $12.99): An assortment of dinos and their enclosures
Clubhouse Playset (MSRP: $39.99): A large playset, featuring 9 built-in features, as well as one dino rancher figure, two small dinosaurs and one free wheel vehicle
Dino Ranch 6 Figure Pack (MSRP: $24.99): All three dino ranchers with their best dino friends
Feature Vehicle Assortment (MSRP: $12.99): Each 5” Dino vehicle has a unique feature and includes a Dino Rancher Figure sidekick!
In 1959 The Disneyland Monorail debuted in Disneyland. Back then it was an amazing attraction and a look into the future. It took guests around Tomorrowland for a bird’s eye view of the attractions.
Later the monorail also became a transportation system to and from the Disneyland Hotel. Next the monorail added stops in Downtown Disney.
In the beginning, The Disneyland Monorail was simply another great attraction that folks hoped would be the transportation of the future. Imagine this taking people around Los Angeles or another major city.
The monorail is actually a transportation system in Walt Disney World in Florida. It is one of the several ways guests access the many parks and resorts.
For more information about the history of The Disneyland Monorail, check out the great documentary Behind the Attractions on Disney+.
“The Highway in the Sky” as it is often called, is now back in Disneyland after a long hiatus during the pandemic. And it is definitely a welcome site for all guests. After all, what is Disneyland without the monorail?
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.
Pooh is officially 95 years old but he doesn’t look like he has aged at all during his 9 plus decades. He is still the tubby little cubby generations of kids and adults have adored. Along with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh has entertained families with his antics and good intentions, even though sometimes he gets in a sticky situation, literally.
Everyone has their favorite character from the Hundred Acre Wood: Pooh, Eeyore, Owl, Tigger, Piglet, Kanga, Roo, Christopher Robin, or even Lumpy, the newest member of the gang. And each of the characters is unique. Yet they are all adorable and loveable in their own right.
A.A. Milne, along with illustrator E. H. Shepard, published their first book in October 1926. And from there the legends of The Hundred Acre Wood grew with all the fun and fantasy of the characters. The center of the stories is always Pooh. Whether he’s trying to fly up (via a balloon) to get honey from a high branch, or overeating (honey, of course) and getting stuck, this little bear always has good intentions and is a good friend to everyone.
The stories of Pooh and his friends have transcended generations. In 1971 Kenny Loggins wrote his popular song “House at Pooh Corner.” And singer/songwriter Carly Simon wrote many of the songs for the recent films.
Who doesn’t know about Winnie the Pooh? This chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff was the childhood friend of the author’s son, which is how these stories began. The magical tales of the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood always put a smile on viewers’ faces, whether they are one or one hundred. There is no doubt the spirit of love, friendship, and family shines through every branch and twig in that place. With all of these delightful characters, we all have a place to go when we need a smile, a giggle, or a pick-me-up. Forget the Xanax, just pop in a DVD of any of the Pooh movies and before the intro song is over your spirits are already soaring, much like Pooh when he takes off with the balloon.
The Disney Company has not let this birthday go by without a commemorative plush Pooh. And with this soft, cuddly, limited edition Pooh they know he will be a “must-have” for fans of the little bear.
Who knows if Owl is really as wise as he professes to be, Piglet is really as timid as he thinks he is, Eeyore is really as sad as he tries to be, Tigger is really as bouncy as he is, Rabbit is a little grumpy as he is at times, or Kanga and Roo have the best mother/son relationship? There is a character within this group that reflects our own personalities and inner demons. At times we all feel like Eeyore, “oh woe is me,” or like a frightened Piglet, or a frustrated Rabbit, or a devoted mother or son (or daughter). But we all have a little Pooh in us. This is the part of us that is friendly to others, means well even if we mess up, and makes the best of situations, even on “blustery days.”
Happy birthday, old pal. You have been my friend for my entire life.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.
Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!
D.J. Steinberg, humorous poet for kids and author of many award-winning children’s books, is back with two new installments in his bestselling Here I Come series: Christmas, Here I Come (PRH/Grosset & Dunlap; 10/12/21; ISBN: 978-0593094242; Paperback $5.99; Ages 4-6; 32 pages) and Hanukkah, Here I Come (11/9/21; ISBN: 978-0593094266).
Christmas, Here I Come
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit! From writing letters to Santa to picking the perfect tree, these heartwarming poems — plus a page of stickers! — from author D. J. Steinberg are sure to delight even the most sullen Scrooge.
with pictures of Saint Nicholas.
My sweater’s just ridiculous
with pictures of Saint Nicholas.
The right sleeve sports a massive hole.
It smells like green bean casserole.
It’s so big, it’s preposterous.
It might fit a rhinoceros.
But my sweater’s still the snuggliest—
who cares if it’s the ugliest?!
Hanukkah, Here I Come
The candles are lit and the latkes are frying — Hanukkah is here! Welcome in the holiday with poems — and a sheet of stickers! — from author D. J. Steinberg that highlight the family fun, dizzying dreidels, and mighty Maccabee stories that Hanukkah is sure to bring.
Gelt are special Hanukkah coins,
and no other coins can beat ’em,
’cause they’re the only kind in the world
that you can unwrap and eat ’em!
PJ Library, known for sending free books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to children worldwide, will launch PJ Library Presents, a podcast network featuring two new free podcasts for kids this fall. “Afternoons with Mimi” and “Beyond the Bookcase” both bring well-known stories of all types to life in a fun new way that connects them to Jewish traditions, culture, holidays, and values. On the go or at home, families can now listen to Jewish stories everywhere with PJ Library Presents podcasts.
First up from the storytellers at PJ Library comes an afternoon with the ultimate storyteller: everyone’s favorite warm and spunky grandmother, Mimi. Kids 2 to 5 and their families are invited to listen to the “Afternoons with Mimi” podcast and join Mimi for an afternoon of snacks and stories ranging from favorite PJ Library books to Jewish folktales and new original fables that will capture the imaginations of young and old alike. “PJ Library Presents: Afternoons with Mimi” premieres on October 4, 2021 on pjlibrary.org/podcast and your favorite podcast streaming platforms.
Next, PJ Library Presents “Beyond the Bookcase.” Developed for kids ages 6 to 12, “Beyond the Bookcase” features the serialized adventures of intrepid siblings Micah and Miri and their friends as they explore the magical land of Mashal, where familiar fairy tales come to life in unexpected and hilarious ways – weaving Jewish holidays and traditions with an exciting mystery that unravels week after week, “PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase” premieres October 18, 2021 also on pjlibrary.org/podcast and your favorite podcast streaming platforms.
The newest collection from the folks at shopDisney is the Designer Collection. Kicking off this limited series is Jasmine.
The Disney Designer Collection is proud to introduce the Ultimate Princess Celebration, a limited edition series of dolls carefully crafted by artists across The Walt Disney Company. As inspiration for our Jasmine doll, Mark Monterroso uses the rich scenery of the Sultan’s Palace to present her as a modern, radiant jewel of a collector’s wish come true!
This 14” doll features amazing intricate detailing and bold colors from head to toe. The doll will be available for $129.99 and comes in a collector’s box fit for royalty. Keep an eye out for a new doll launching each month as part of the Disney Designer collection which will include 15 beloved heroines dressed in the most elegant and fashionable designs.
Ron’s Gone Wrong is the story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler, and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally connected device, which is supposed to be his “Best Friend out of the Box.” Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship.
Ron’s Gone Wrong opens in theaters October 22, 2021
Julia tells the story of the legendary cookbook author and television superstar who changed the way Americans think about food, television, and even about women. Using never-before-seen archival footage, personal photos, first-person narratives, and cutting-edge, mouth-watering food cinematography, the film traces Julia Child’s surprising path, from her struggles to create and publish the revolutionary Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) which has sold more than 2.5 million copies to date, to her empowering story of a woman who found fame in her 50s, and her calling as an unlikely television sensation.
Julia opens November 12, 2021.
She’s back! Maya the Bee returns with her best friend Willy for their third feature film. Maya the Bee 3: The Golden Orb is a fun adventure for the entire family.
Maya is an energetic, good-hearted little bee but sometimes she manages to cause havoc. That’s exactly what happens when she excitedly tries to wake up the hive for the first day of spring. But Maya and Willy accidentally cause a disaster in the hive and the Queen decides they should be separated. This disastrous duo can only stay together if they do something very special, so Maya and Willy set out to find something they can do that will endear them to the Queen.
They come across a green ant that entrusts them with a sacred regal orb. They are tasked to deliver it safely to a specific location. So Maya immediately and eagerly takes on this adventure unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Willy, on the other hand, is a little apprehensive. After all, he doesn’t have the courage that Maya has, but he does have a big heart.
They quickly discover the beetles that have moved into the area want the orb. The beetles and the ants do not get along, although the ants insist they can live together in peace. The beetles, on the other hand, disagree and want to vanquish the ants from their territory.
The orb turns out to be an egg and it hatches along the way. This adorable little baby is the ant princess and Maya names her Smooshy. Smooshy bonds immediately with Willy who at first dismissed the little ant, but soon falls under her spell. She is an innocent little baby and it’s up to Willy and Maya to get her safely to her family.
Along the way they face one obstacle after another, with the beetles hot on their tail. But knowing Maya, she will never give up until she delivers little Smooshy safely to her home. In the end, they all discover that the ants and beetles can work together and live together in harmony. This is all thanks to Maya and Willy.
Maya is absolutely adorable. She’s full of energy, love, compassion, and optimism. This third film in the franchise lives up to the others. It is fun, full of music, and entertaining for the whole family.
Maya the Bee 3: The Golden Orb is not rated however it is suitable for everyone. It is available on DVD.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.