This Must-Read is a “Spooky” Story with a Sweet Lesson

by Kenzie KramerSeptember 27, 2021

All kids find themselves in a bad mood sometimes. (Siblings, green vegetables, and being told what to do are some of the usual culprits.) But what happens when an frustrated ‘tude gets mixed in with a Halloween costume conundrum? Find out in The Bad Seed: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky.

Based on the New York Times bestselling picture book The Bad Seed, creators Jory John and Pete Oswald bring back a favorite foodie character in this must-read seasonal tale. With Halloween on the horizon, The Bad Seed is psyched about his favorite holiday. But he’s having trouble finding a show-stopping costume. His plan: postpone trick-or-treating for everyone until he finds his perfect ensemble.

Any child who’s looked far and wide for a “just right” Halloween costume will identify with the Bad Seed’s predicament. This book is charming and thought-provoking—using humor to teach children a valuable lesson. Great for bedtime snuggles or independent quiet reading time, your kiddo will read it over and over again. You’ll also appreciate the clever illustrations and silly puns. Better yet, the two included sticker sheets are perfect décor for a DIY jack-o’-lantern.

Be sure to check out the other books in the beloved Food Group Series, including The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, and The Couch Potato.

Joanna & Chip Gaines Just Launched the Magnolia Network, Including New “Fixer Upper”

by Sarah ShebekJuly 17, 2021

Chip and Jo fans, your time has come! After months of waiting, the Magnolia Network officially kicked off today. You can stream the Gaines’ curated collection of original series and inspiring content through the Magnolia app or on discovery+.

Fixer Upper fans will be stoked to find that the show is back! Fixer Upper: Welcome Home has all new renovations with the Gaines and it’s one of the cornerstones of the new network. Re-runs of previous seasons will also be readily available. You’ll also get to watch Magnolia Table, Joanna Gaines’ cooking show that features her signature humor and Southern classics.

Today’s the day! We are Magnolia Network, and we can’t wait for you to see these stories come to life. Stream on the Magnolia app or on @discoveryplus with your discovery+ subscription. #MagnoliaNetwork pic.twitter.com/S69VTGpm6o

— Magnolia Network (@magnolianetwork) July 15, 2021

Beyond the Gaines, you’ll be treated to a lineup of entirely new shows focused on home improvement and cooking. Restoration Road features Clint Harp, one of the carpenters on Fixer Upper, who’s traveling the country to renovate historical structures. On Homegrown, Jamila Norman helps turn family backyards into functional farms. And there’s a whole “Stories Worth Telling” section that tells true stories about remarkable humans.

All of the content is currently only available to stream for discovery+ subscribers. However, Magnolia Network is coming to cable TV! It’s slated to replace the old DIY Network in January 2022. No matter how you plan to watch, we can all agree that the Gaines make screentime that much better.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of the Magnolia Network

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Miss Your Friends? This New Wine Set is the Best Excuse for an IRL Reunion

by Sarah ShebekJune 7, 2021

Sometimes, all you need in this world are good friends and a good bottle of wine. With National Best Friends Day coming up, Zulily just released a three-bottle set perfect for celebrating what you love most about your BFFs: humor, honesty and trust. But you’ll only be able to buy it through June 15!

Vintage Wine Estates created this limited-edition set, featuring a 2019 Rose, a 2020 Sauvignon Blanc and a 2018 Cabernet. It’s $49 for the set of three and ships to most states in the U.S. Buy it for yourself for your next wine night or book club with friends, or buy it for your bestie and surprise them.

As in-person reunions ramp up this year, a new survey from Zulily and Pollfish found that almost half (49%) of moms said they’d only seen their friends two times or less in the past year. And more than half of moms (51%) said they proactively look for other mom friends for support once they’ve had a child of their own. Even if getting together is impossible, 30% of moms said they speak to their friends twice or more a day.

The survey featured 1,000 U.S. based moms, ages 18+. What will IRL meetups look like? 40% said they’d do a girls night out and 25% said they’d host a happy hour at home. Whatever you’re planning for that long-awaited get together, this wine set will definitely hit the spot!

––Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Zulily

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Get Real about Parenting With This Hilarious New Card Game

by Erica LoopApril 21, 2021

What would happen if Cards Against Humanity and your parenting life met, teamed up and decided to created a brand-new game? Now you don’t have to imagine that what if’s!

Little Spoon recently announced the upcoming release of Is This Normal: The Game—and this is a can’t-miss for moms and dads in need of some giggly fun. The online parenting platform that launched three years ago is giving mamas and papas the chance to talk about the realities of their everyday lives in a totally supportive and unfiltered way.

photo courtesy of Little Spoon

Co-written by comedian Simon Holland, Is This Normal: The Game includes memes and images from some of the best-known influencers. The game also features IRL scenarios from real things the Little Spoon community members have faced as parents.

Holland said of the game, in a press release, “This was a no brainer collaboration with Little Spoon for me—my humor is rooted in all these insane realities parenting puts you through, and this game brings to light all of those never-prepared-for-this experiences we deal with and laugh about every day.”

Is This Normal: The Game ($24.99) goes on sale Thursday, Apr. 29. You can sign up for the waitlist at Little Spoon right here!

—Erica Loop

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Turning My Worry into Wonder

By Kim Mcisaac

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 31, 2021

Photo: Amy Humphries on Unsplash

Worry could be my middle name.

I suffer from severe anxiety.

I don’t know where normal worry begins or ends because the anxiety takes of over like an uncontrollable monster that steals every ounce of rational thought.

All parents worry and parents with special needs children, or medically complex children even more so.

Our children are so vulnerable and that makes us vulnerable too.

I worry about what will happen to my daughter if I die. If anyone will love her, understand her, and connect with her the way I do.

I know she will be cared for and I know she will be loved but she needs so much more.

I worry about her getting sick or hurt as she is unable to communicate this with us. When she is sick I have to fight the panic that can consume me.

I worry about someone mistreating her or worse—how will I know?

The worry can eat away at you.

I wonder why this happened to her and what she would be like if she wasn’t affected by this.

Would she be as happy, as sweet and lovable? Would she bring light and joy to everyone the way she does now?

I wonder why I was blessed with this beautiful soul to take care of, this sweet and sassy, smart and silly girl, who is full of innocence and love.

I wonder what kind of person I would be without her.

I wonder what she thinks, how she feels, what it’s like to be her—is she truly happy?

I wonder if she knows how much I love her, deep in my soul, a connection like no other.

I wonder if she knows how proud I am for every single accomplishment, no matter how small because I know how much work it is for her and how hard she had to dig for them. That my heart could burst with every new word that I thought I would never hear, every hug or kiss that I didn’t think I would ever receive.

I wonder if she knows I would take all her struggles, confusion, and pain as my own and carry them for her if I could.

I wonder what she will surprise me with next because she never ceases to amaze me. The worry as a special needs mom, a mom in general, and for me as a person will never stop. I have learned however to find happiness and peace in the here and now. To find the humor in every situation and to appreciate the beauty this life has bought me.

This post originally appeared on https://www.facebook.com/443842102762009/posts/1089780081501538/?d=n.

Kim Mcisaac

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kim McIsaac , is a blogger at autism adventures with Alyssa . She resides in Massachusetts with her husband and four children . She advocates and passionate about spreading autism awareness and educating and inspiring others . She likes to write , spend time with her family and loves the beach .

The “Rugrats” Are Back with an All-Star Cast of Famous Voices

by Erica LoopMarch 19, 2021

Nostalgia alert! The Rugrats are coming to Paramount+ and the new series features some very familiar voices.

Your fave toddlers from the ’90s and early 2000s are back. Paramount+ and Nickelodeon recently announced the upcoming release of a brand-new series—and it stars the OG voices plus a cast of famous faves.

photo: Courtesy of Nickelodeon

The new series’ cast includes Ashley Rae Spillers (Vice Principals) and Tommy Dewey (The Mindy Project) as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale (Arrested Development) as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales (Dead to Me) as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky (Veep) and Timothy Simons (Veep), as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer (Nailed It!) and Omar Miller (Ballers) as Susie’s parents and Michael McKean (Better Call Saul) as Grandpa Lou Pickles.

Liz Paulson, Senior Vice President, Talent and Casting, Nickelodeon, said in a press release, “This incredibly talented group of actors provides a fresh and very funny take on these iconic roles, combining humor with heart to bring the characters to life in a whole new way.”

Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation, added, “The all-new Rugrats is packed with comedy, music and adventures that only babies can embark upon, and the role of the grown-ups is an essential piece of the series.”

Along with new cast members, original voice actors featured in the new Rugrats series include E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil).

Look for the new Rugrats series in Paramount+ this spring!

—Erica Loop

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These New Bluey Toys Bring the Excitement Home

by Leah R. SingerMarch 5, 2021

A kid’s show that’s modern, heartwarming and just so darn delightful that even parents will enjoy it? It does exist. Episodes of this original series are short, sweet, and much like chips; you can’t stop at just one. Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler pup is full of personality with a loveable, curious spirit—dare we say, she’s our spirit animal?! We realize this is an animated show about a family of dogs living down-under, but its realness and relatability draw us in and keep us coming back for more!

Along with adorbs younger sister, Bingo, Bluey loves to turn everyday family life into endless, playful adventures. Dad, Bandit, and mom, Chilli, are like the cool neighbors you want to hang with—they parent with a sense of humor, big heart, and a little self-deprecation every now again, and we can relate. But wait—this is a show for your kids, we swear!

Now your preschooler can bring the fun and imaginative play home with their best Australian buddies! (And if you happen to get in on the action, too, we get it.) Check out these cool new Bluey toys that your little ones will adore just as much as the show!

Bluey Family Home

$39.99

Your kiddos will feel like they're inside the show with this awesome playset! Bluey's family home includes plenty of space to play in the living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. It comes with two beds, two stools, two sofas, two rugs, a bathtub, toilet, dining room counter, a fridge and, of course, one Bluey figure ready for adventures!

BUY NOW

Scooter Fun Figure Set

$12.99

Let’s roll! Bluey and Bingo are ready to explore on their individual scooters included in this figure set. When you press Bluey or Bingo’s paw down, they attach to the scooter and are ready to go. The scooters even have moveable wheels and come with helmets for both Bluey and Bingo.

BUY NOW

Heeler 4WD Family Vehicle

$19.99

Take Bluey and her family on road trips in the Heeler Four Wheel Drive 4WD Family Vehicle! The top opens up to fit the whole family inside, and it features a roof rack that holds two surfboards. Your kiddo can cruise Bluey and the family to the beach so they can ride the waves. The family vehicle also comes with a fun sticker sheet so your preschooler can decorate the outside of the car.

BUY NOW

Bluey & Family 4 Pack

$14.99

Get the whole crew together with this four-pack of figures featuring Bluey, Chilli, Bandit and Bingo! These cute poseable figures are the perfect size for preschooler's hands and are compatible with other Bluey toy sets like the Heeler 4WD Family Vehicle and the Family Home Playset. These little toys are perfect for on-the-go play!

BUY NOW

Unipony

$12.99 BUY NOW

Giddyup! Bluey is ready to ride! This magical set includes a Bluey figure, a Unipony figure, a saddle for riding and a bale of hay for Unipony snacking. Recreate fun moments from the show by helping Bluey hop on her Unipony (which she attaches to thanks to the saddle) and head off to adventure!

Find more adventure-ready Bluey toys!

— Leah R. Singer/ Jamie Aderski

Pinkalicious Is Back with An All-New Book

by Erica LoopFebruary 23, 2021

Pinkalicious fans rejoice! HarperCollins Children’s Books recently announced the newest addition to the beloved series—Rubylicious!

Next fall your literary-loving littles can get their hands on the latest adventure of the iconic Pinkalicious character. Authored by series writer Victoria Kann, this all-new picture book tells the story of Pinkalicious, her brother Peter and Rocky.

photo courtesy of PR Newswire

When Pinkalicious hunts through her rock collection for stones, Rocky pops out to grant the book’s main character her one true wish. What will Pinkalicious wish for? To answer that question, you’ll have to wait for the book’s debut!

Rubylicious includes themes of generosity of selflessness that will help your child to learn, grown, and develop. Author Victoria Kann said, in a press release, “It is truly an honor for me to be able to write and illustrate the Pinkalicious book series.” Kann added, “I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to create stories, characters, and art that children connect with. I hope that readers will find joy, humor, comfort, and inspiration with my newest picture book, Rubylicious, which is about overcoming fear, being generous, and discovering a wish that is truly meaningful.”

Antonia Markiet, Editorial Director, HarperCollins Children’s Books, also said, “As the publishers of Victoria Kann’s Pinkalicious series for over fifteen years, we’re delighted to present the latest addition to the series, Rubylicious! Joyous, playful, and as imaginative as ever, it opens a door to a theme that children and parents can explore together—the importance of kindness.”

Rubylicious will make its grand debut Sep. 28, 2021. You can preorder on Amazon for $18.99.

—Erica Loop

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Your Game Night Needs This Cards Against Humanity Family Edition

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 12, 2021

Are the kids getting bored with the same old board games every night? By this point, everyone is running out of new things to do.

Now you don’t have to be afraid to turn to Cards Against Humanity because a family edition has arrived. Released online in beta version last year, you can now purchase a boxed version ($25) to be here in time for weekend fun.

photo: Cards Against Humanity

The great thing about the new CAH Family Edition is it’s not just the regular game, sans inappropriate adult cards. The creators actually rewrote the entire game!

The box includes 600 cards with all the PG-rated potty humor you’ve come to know and love from the brand. Get ready to giggle over phrases like “Filling my butt with spaghetti” and “A cloud that rains diarrhea.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cards Against Humanity (@cardsagainsthumanity)

If you’d rather get your hands on the game NOW you can still download the a free version released last year at cardsagainsthumanityfamilyedition.com. The brand’s website shares that the game had been in the works for over a year before releasing last Spring during the height of the pandemic––and it’s just as fun now as it was then.

—Karly Wood

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This Train-tastic Netflix Series Is Preschooler & Parent Approved!

by Jamie AderskiFebruary 2, 2021

Teamwork and trains? Count us in! Netflix’s original preschool series Mighty Express (from Spin Master Entertainment, the creators of PAW Patrol) is pulling into the station with eight brand new action and friendship-packed episodes available now, including a Valentine’s Day Episode, CHUG-A-LOVE DAY.

New to the Mighty crew? Mighty Express is a series of 11-minute adventures that takes a kid-approved classic (who doesn’t love trains?) and adds adventure, humor and lovable characters that kids can see themselves in! In every episode, personality-packed trains and their kid best friends work together to overcome obstacles and go on heroic adventures. The cast of diverse characters each has their own unique personalities, skill sets and jobs; reflecting the world around us with an inclusive spirit and creating positive role models that kids can laugh and learn with.

Read on to learn more about their extra-special Valentine’s Day episode, bonus content and Valentine’s Day app fun that will have you feeling the love!

Valentine’s Day Episode & Activities

It’s Chug-A-Love day in Tracksville, and Mandy Mail can’t wait to deliver cards to everyone in town! But when her delivery goes off the rails, she must work together with her best pal, Flicker, to save the day and learn the true meaning of friendship.

Bonus! Head to the Mighty Express website for fun and festive activities like a DIY Valentine’s Card, word search game and downloadable backgrounds for video calls with family and friends!

The Mighty Express App

Based on the series, the Mighty Express App is all about the friendship between kids and trains, fun adventures and educational games. Kids can play and explore with their train BFFs: learn shapes, numbers and letters; understand quantity and basic math. With the Mighty Express app, kids will train their logic and improve creative thinking—choo-choo-choose your adventure and have trainloads of fun! The Mighty Express App will be feeling the love for Valentine’s Day, with themed decorations and props, new icons and screenshots so kids can celebrate friendship with Mighty Express!

New Mighty Express episodes are now available with more content arriving throughout the year!

—Jamie Aderski

ML Interest Tag: humor

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