ML Interest Tag: imagery

The Harry Potter Limited Collection from aden + anais Is Muslin Magic

by Erica Loop

Now you’re littlest of littles can enjoy the magic of the Wizarding World. Baby care brand aden + anais recently launched a new Harry Potter Limited Collection—and it features everything from burpy bibs to full-sized blankets.

The collab between aden + anais and Warner Bros. Consumer Products includes four print designs, each with a distinct Potter theme. Look for Snitch Dot, Invisibility Cloak, Hedwig and Hogwarts Grounds patterns in the brand’s muslin collection.

Christina Campisi, Director of Integrated Marketing for aden + anais said in a press release, “Many first generation Wizarding World fans are now having families of their own, and we want to inspire them to continue passing down the Harry Potter fandom to their own children through this collection.”

Collection designer Lauren Hauck, Associate Textile Designer for aden + anais added, “What I loved about reading Harry Potter stories growing up is that they evoked visuals that sprung to life before my eyes.”

Hauck continued, “I wanted to do the same with the designs we created for the aden + anais Harry Potter Limited Edition Collection. Majority of the collection artwork is hand drawn or hand painted, including everybody’s favorite imagery. In the ‘Snitch dot’ design, we etched the Snitch as it darts through the sky, the sketchy circles imitating the shadowy glimpse you catch as it quickly escapes your eye through painted clouds. For the ‘invisibility cloak’ design, we portray the famous lightning bolt, and the six-point stars that imprint the pages of every Harry Potter book.”

The collection includes swaddle three-packs and singles, burpy bibs, dream blankets, light sleeping bags and oversized muslin blankets. You can find the Harry Potter Limited Edition Collection ($22.95-$174.95) in select retail stores and online at www.adenandanais.com until it sells out. Hint, hint: We think that might be soon!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of PR Newswire

 

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Boy, Wonder Is Changing Boys Clothing in the Best Way

by Karly Wood

Make a stop in any boys clothing section and you’ll find the norm: trains, planes and superheroes in traditional primary colors. And while none of those things are wrong, the ability to find non-societally “normal” imagery and colors for boys has been near impossible thus far. Enter, Boy Wonder.

From the founders of Princess Awesome, comes a brand new line for boys that honors a full range of boys likes and interests. From diggers to unicorns and cats, Boy, Wonder celebrates all that is wonderful about little boys.

The goal of Boy, Wonder is “to take topics and colors that have been gendered by the world around us and return those topics to neutral by applying them to places where they have been absent in children’s clothing.” The boy-specific line is seeking to counteract “toxic masculinity” sentiments, where typically feminine-themed colors and objects are deemed weak and inferior and instead allow boys to embrace their interests and become holistic and well-rounded.

Currently, the company is running a 30-day pre-order crowdfunding campaign for its Debut Collection from Apr, 2 to May 1, 2019, that is raising funds to bring Boy, Wonder to life. And good news––they’ve already been fully funded!

That means that the production of five shirts and two pairs of pants with cats, unicorns, rainbows, pink, flamingoes, purple, and sparkles is not far away. With the active kiddo in mind, Boy, Wonder’s products are made with reinforced knees in the pants, deep pockets and soft fabrics to keep your littles happy and moving.

Because of the overwhelming support, its since launched a Stretch Goal Collection for three additional products. If fully funded, you’ll soon be able to add raglan T-shirts that include dragons, penguins and moon landings to your son’s wardrobe!

Funded products will begin shipping this October and if you decide to support fundraising efforts, there are some perks. When you pre-order through the campaign you can save anywhere from 10-25% on your items. Even more important, you’ll be supporting a movement to get rid of toxic masculinity for good.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Boy, Wonder

 

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Netflix to Bring Back “She-Ra” (for the Honor of Grayscull, Obvs!)

by Karly Wood

Check off another retro comeback because Netflix just announced it’s doing a She-Ra reboot. Princess Adora and her powerful gal pals will be returning to the screen later this year under the DreamWorks and Netflix title, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.

The classic show that debuted in 1985 is getting a complete makeover, thanks to modern animation. There’s no word yet if Prince Adam (a.k.a He-Man) will be joining twin sis on the new adventures.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is coming packed with notable voices. You can expect to hear the likes of Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy), A.J. Michalka (The Goldbergs), and Lorraine Toussaint (Orange is the New Black), just to name a few.

Like the original series, She-Ra and her lady friends are expected to bring vivid imagery of powerful women and strong friendships as they defend the Crystal Castle. One of the first female heroes in cartoon form, She-Ra has the opportunity to inspire an entirely new generation of young girls. Say it with me now: “We are She-Ra!”

Netflix hasn’t yet announced the official release date for She-Ra, but we do know it will be sometime in 2018. The last lingering question we have is: will we get to see a new and improved Skeletor?

––Karly Wood

Feature Photo: Youtube

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Before You Click That Weird Video on Facebook Messenger, Read This

by Keiko Zoll

Photo: LoboStudioHamburg via Pixabay 

If you’ve received any unusual messages, particularly those with video, on Facebook Messenger, you may want to think twice before clicking on the video to watch it—especially if it’s from someone you don’t know. In the age of phishing scams and malware that hacks your secure info, this video is far worse: this viral Facebook Messenger video depicts child pornography.

The video first began circulating on Facebook Messenger late last week. Both local police and news stations throughout the country were alerted by innocent Facebook users who came upon the disturbing video.

By early Tuesday morning, two men had been arrested in connection with the creation and distribution of the video in the cities of Millbrook and Montgomery, Alabama. The victim was also identified, found and is now safe, according to authorities as reported by The Montgomery Advertiser.

What’s particularly diabolical about the distribution of the video is that it was included with a plea for viewers to help identify and track down both the perpetrator and his victim. Essentially, the ploy was to get Facebook users to actually watch child porn as the video itself was a recording of the crime.

A spokesperson for Facebook told BuzzFeed News on Monday that the company was “aware of this issue.” The spokesperson continued:

“We reported the video to the appropriate authorities, and we have used PhotoDNA technology to automatically prevent future uploads and shares. Sharing any kind of child exploitative imagery using Facebook or Messenger is not acceptable—even to express outrage. We are and will continue to be aggressive in preventing and removing such content from our community.”

Parents worried about whether or not their kids could be exposed to this viral Facebook Messenger video can take comfort that Facebook has not only removed the video, but deleted the alleged perpetrator’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in an effort to stop the circulation of a video-recorded crime.

On Tuesday, the company followed up with BuzzFeed News to report that once Facebook was notified about the video, “It was immediately added to our Photo DNA bank, which has prevented thousands of attempted uploads/shares since.”

Even so, I wouldn’t put it past some shady individuals to find ways to around Facebook’s safeguards to keep spreading this horrible video, further victimizing the minor shown in the video, despite being found and made safe.

It’s a good rule of thumb to be wary of Facebook requests from people you don’t know, or links that look… off, especially if it’s coming from a Facebook friend, but seems unusual or uncharacteristic of them to share such links or messages.

If you or your Facebook-using tween or teen encounters questionable content on Facebook, be it on someone’s post, a private Facebook group or even in Messenger, they can report the content directly to Facebook by clicking the “Report” button or link. The Facebook Help Center has a comprehensive guide on how to report anything you come across on Facebook.

Have you been affected by a phishing scam or other type of malicious content on Facebook? Share your story in the comments.

—Keiko Zoll

 

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The New Book LA Babies All Need

by Jennifer O'Brien

We’ve found the perfect gift for LA littles just in time for the hectic holiday season. Los Angeles 1 to 10, by Silverlake mom Sara Beth Greene, debuted this November and is one the most adorable board books we’ve seen in quite some time. It introduces numbers and counting to kiddos using pleasing rhymes and iconic imagery of our beloved City of Angels.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Filled with a lifelong passion for writing, Los Angeles 1 to 10 author, Sara Beth Greene, never attempted it professionally until now. While her family was temporarily living in Toronto, Canada after the birth of her daughter, friends gifted Greene with cute Canadian themed baby books. Excited to buy similar LA versions when her family returned to their hometown of Los Angeles, she surprisingly found very few children’s books that felt like anything more than auto-generated tourist guides.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Muscle Beach, yada, yada, yada—all the things tourists do, not the people who actually live here. She quickly realized nothing captured the true charm and diversity of LA and decided to create something herself.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

Los Angeles 1 to 10 is geared towards newborns through age 5 and uses whimsical rhymes and cheery bright colors to celebrate the city’s immense diversity from the hills of Griffith Park and music of Mariachi Plaza to Watts Towers and the warm ocean breezes of the Pacific Ocean.  It’s perfect as your baby’s first introduction to our vast and varied city, becomes a wonderful bring-along as they get ready for first outings and later is an easy to follow learn to read book that echoes the signs they see on your weekend adventures.

photo: Sara Beth Greene

When she’s not busy penning her first children’s book or tending to her regular career of producing music videos, commercials and films, Greene loves spending time exploring LaLa Land with her 2-year-old daughter, Cleo. As for her own LA faves, Greene says, “We love to have picnics and fly kites in the Silverlake Meadow. The Enchanted Railroad at Descanso Gardens is always a big hit. I can’t get over how cute that little train is! Also LACMA is always excellent since there is so much space to run around. Cleo loves Chris Burden’s ‘Metropolis.’ I love James Turrell. Everyone wins!”

For a list of LA retailers currently carrying Los Angeles 1 to 10 or to purchase a copy online, simply check out the book’s website. As for future kids’ books, Greene currently has two more in the works: one about Los Angeles opposites and a counting book about Portland, Oregon. We can’t wait!

Los Angles 1 to 10 by Sara Beth Greene
Online: losangeles1to10.com

If you’re looking for LA themed books for bigger kids, we’ve got a list of our favorites here.

What other LA themed kids’ books would you like to see in the future? Give us a shout in the comments below!

–Jennifer O’Brien

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Interactive Public Art for the Whole Family

by Amanda Freerksen

If one more museum guard gives you the evil eye because your preschooler is giggling and imitating dance moves in front of a Degas painting, then it’s time to take a new approach to art appreciation. San Diego is brimming with interactive public art — you just need to know where to look. Here’s your guide to installations around the county that invite participants to sit on, play with, touch, look and listen to art.

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle at Kit Carson Park

Expect the unexpected at this little-known gem in Escondido. The sculpture garden, by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, features nine large-scale sculptures inspired by California’s history, including the mythical warrior queen called Califia (also Calafia). Kids will love the colorful mosaics and unusual imagery as well as getting lost in a maze at the entryway of the garden. After being closed for an initial phase of repairs, the garden is now open to the public but only during very limited, supervised viewing hours: every second Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. Please note that maintenance is ongoing and some parts of the garden may be blocked off. Print out this fact sheet to take along with you on your visit to help your family discuss what you see.

Insider’s Tip: When you enter at the corner of Bear Valley Parkway and Mary Lane, follow signs toward the Arboretum and park in the Arboretum lot. 

3333 Bear Valley Pkwy.
Escondido, Ca
Online: www.queencalifia.org

Photo: Julie Rings Photography

Did we miss your favorite interactive public artwork? Tell us about it in the comments below.

— Amanda Freerksen (photos too, unless otherwise noted)

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3 New Art Exhibits Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

by writerredtri

Taking kids to art museums isn’t always enlightening—for anybody. You want them to respond, engage, and get inspired. But too often there’s only whining and getting too close to priceless artwork (and annoyed stares from museum guards). But these three shows, all opening in D.C. in October, offer something even for the littlest and most skeptical art aficionado. To sweeten the deal—literally—we’re also suggesting some nearby treats.

“Van Gogh Repetitions” at the Phillips Collection
Van Gogh has been in the news lately, thanks to the discovery of a previously unknown painting, now confirmed to be one of his. This exhibition (running Oct. 12-Jan. 26) focuses on his artistic process, so observers young and old can see how he worked, step by step. Kids might have already seen The Postman, Starry Night, Bedroom at Arles, and The Road Menders; they’ll enjoy the portraiture, concrete imagery—and sheer beauty.

Post-museum treat: Stroll through the Dupont Circle neighborhood for doughnuts at GBD or ice cream at Larry’s Homemade.

The Phillips Collection
1600 21st St. NW (Kalorama Heights)
202-387-2151
Online: phillipscollection.org

“Overdrive: LA Constructions the Future, 1940-1990” at National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is the only East Coast showing of this survey (running Oct. 20- March 10), put together by the Getty Museum—a quintessential Los Angeles source for the quintessential LA show. It’s an in-depth look at Southern California’s architecture in the second half of the twentieth century. That sounds serious, but kid-friendly multimedia is the key here: models, photos, film, digital displays. And cars!

You hardly need to bribe your little ones at NBM: it’s got fantastic kids’ exhibits, like Play Work Build and (for the youngest visitors) the Building Zone. Mini golf is closed for the season, but children can have the run (well behaved and in control, of course) of the huge atrium. And if that’s not enough, pop into the excellent children’s section of the museum shop or snag a sweet from Marvelous Market, right there inside the museum. Still cranky? Pitango Gelato is just a few blocks away.

National Building Museum
401 F St. NW (Downtown)
202-272-2448
Online: nbm.org

“Heaven and Earth: The Art of Byzantium” at the National Gallery of Art
This is the NGA’s first exhibit of Byzantine art (running Oct. 6- March 2), all from Greece, some of it newly excavated. Kids will love its many forms, metallic finishes and bold colors. Sculpture, mosaic, fresco, glass, ceramic, even jewelry will keep them interested. And after you introduce your minis to these possibly challenging works, stroll over to the East Wing. The trip alone—through Leo Villareal’s Multiverse LED show surrounding the moving sidewalk—is a fun art experience. Then check out the mobiles and stabiles in the Calder room (animals casting shadows!) and Matisse’s lovely paper cutouts.

Treat? Gelato in the museum’s Cascade Cafe, where you can relax and watch the waterfall. Or snag a Good Humor from one of the countless trucks on the Mall.

National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave. NW between 3rd and 9th Sts. (National Mall)
202-737-4215
Online: nga.gov

Which art museum is your kids’ favorite? Tell us in the Comments section below. 

—Nadya Sagner

Photos courtesy of The Phillips Collection, Getty Museum, and das_kaninchen via Flickr

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New Kids’ Books by Seattle Authors

by writerredtri

With back-to-school in the air, there’s no better time to stock the shelves with some new books. Here’s a handful of new titles for kiddos of all ages, all written or illustrated by Seattle-area authors. (P.S. Be on the lookout next week for our roundup of new books for parentals!)

Washington Doodles by John Skewes
Best known for Larry Gets Lost in Seattle, John Skewes has now created a super-fun sketch book about Washington withWashington Doodles: Over 200 Doodles to Create Your Own Evergreen State.  It’s filled wth artistic brain teasers, cut outs, connect-the-dots and pictures to complete of familiar sights. Kids can draw climbers on Mount Rainier, or draw boats going through the Ballard Locks.  Our fave is the requisite Pike Place Market scene, where kids sketch the salmon being thrown from one vendor to another.  Doesn’t get more Seattleish than that!

Edsel McFarlan’s New Car by Max Holechek and Darrell Toland
Two Seattle dads are behind this entertaining book geared to the  4 to 8 year old set who are passionate about cars. The story follows young Edsel, who builds a model car and gets his whole neighborhood involved in a wild ride. Toland’s illustrations are action-packed and seem to jump off the page.

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor by Samantha Vamos
Anyone who has had a second child will love Vamos’s bilingual picture book, which shows what a family does to welcome a new babe into the flock. Spanish phrases are woven through the text and it’s especially heart-warming to read about all the members of the large Latina familia, from parents and siblings to aunties, uncles and grandparents. (Note: Look for Vamos’ second children’s book The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred coming out this fall.

Who Hoo Are You? and What is Green?  by Kate Endle
Endle’s two new board books feature playful ,collage-style illustrations in a smorgasbord of color. In Who Hoo Are You?, little ones will love the cheerful gang of animals, including the curious calico kitten, the hugely happy hippo and the pretty prancing pony.  What is Green? helps kids recognize familiar shapes and creatures that come in a rainbow of colors. (A fun little tid-bit: Endle is the wife of Seattle kiddie rocker Chris Ballew, aka Caspar Babypants!)
Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure
Granted, it’s a bit late to be reading this to the kiddos considering we are at summer’s end.  But what a fun way to keep summer on the brain even when the rain starts falling again. Olympia-based McClure’s sweet tale is about a boy and his mother who follow the seasons looking for clues of summer, and is filled with her delightful paper-cut imagery (where each image is made from a single piece of black paper using an x-acto knife).

-Kavita Varma-White

 

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