How to Watch “Canticos,” a Mom-Created Bilingual TV Series for Preschoolers

by Erica LoopApril 1, 2019

When one mom saw a gap in children’s edutainment, she decided to do something about it. The now-Emmy nominated bilingual series, Canticos on Nickelodeon, is the brainchild of mom Susan Jaramillo. This is a show your tot totally needs.

With brightly-colored bilingual animals that sing traditional Spanish-language lullabies, Canticos is something that didn’t exist in the children’s programming arena prior to Jaramillo. The cute characters first appeared in a set of bilingual board books, published by Jaramillo, her friend Nuria Santamaria-Wolfe and Santamaria-Wolfe’s husband Steven Wolfe-Pereira. Soon after, the trio used Jaramillo’s connections as a top marketing exec to pitch and eventually seal a deal with Nickelodeon.

Jaramillo told NBC News, “Nuria and I shared a frustration over the lack of available bilingual books and media available for children. It really became a shared passion and mission.” The mama, marketing maven and entrepreneur also added, “We wanted to bring all these wonderful stories and songs that were so popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world to new audiences, so Americans would also appreciate all these wonderful songs.”

Canticos debuted on Nick Jr.’s digital platforms in 2018. Your kiddo can meet the lovable bilingual animated animals on NickJr.com, Nick’s YouTube channel, the NOGGIN app and Nickelodeon’s paid subscription app. Nickelodeon is also reportedly working on a consumer products line featuring the Canticos characters for infants and toddlers, set to launch later this year.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Nickelodeon

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You’re Stuck on a Deserted Island with a Sesame Street Muppet: Who Do You Choose?

by Erica LoopMarch 28, 2019

Your fave kids’ show just got some serious social media attention. When the Sesame Street Twitter account recently asked which of their “friends” you’d want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island, the internet had feelings on the matter.

So which fave friend did the Twitter-verse choose? The picks were mixed. One eager answer-er nominated Oscar for his trashcan of “useful junk.” But then took it back and picked Grover for his can-do attitude.

This is the kind of thoughtful explanation we're here for. https://t.co/eynzffU3Po

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) March 18, 2019

Another Twitter user also chose Grover, noting the Muppet’s ability to tie knots, build wooden structures and lay bricks.

I agree! If you've ever read "There's a Monster at the End of This Book," you know that Grover can tie all kinds of knots, build wooden structures, lay bricks, etc. He'd be a super useful survival partner.

— Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD (@NicolePapaPhD) March 18, 2019

Of course, food would turn into an issue. And this Twitter user had a solution by picking Cookie Monster.

https://twitter.com/VKStinson/status/1107819687075680256

Even though Oscar is a grouch, this Twitter user shows it’s possible to look past the grumpiness and see his resourceful side.

Oscar knows how to make trash useful….On a deserted island, he would be resourceful…. grumpy but resourceful! pic.twitter.com/yBJqQGPOj9

— Kay Tee (@Quadrant4change) March 18, 2019

Some comments took to the darker side of things. Director Joss Whedon choose Super Grover for his ability to “get stuff done,” but also noted that the Muppet would provide plenty of food—in that “stranded on a deserted island with nothing to eat” sense. (Oh Joss, could we please go one plot without killing a beloved character? Please?)

Ever heard of Super Grover, you idiots? He’s gonna get stuff DONE. Planes will see him in his cape and Roman helmet or whatever it was. He’s ENTHUSED. He’d do all the cooking for sure. Also will provide a good amount of food when you kill/eat, not like scrawny #Elmo https://t.co/bEutULhpoe

— Joss Whedon (@joss) March 18, 2019

While there’s no total yet, judging by the tweets it seems like your kiddo’s favorite red monster, Elmo, is in last place. But that could change at any time! Check out all the hilarious answers here on Twitter.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sesame Street via Instagram

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This 16-Year-Old Just Became the Youngest Nobel Peace Prize Nominee

by Erica LoopMarch 15, 2019

Sixteen-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was just nominated for an honor that most high school kids can’t even imagine winning—the Nobel Peace Prize. The awesomely inspirational teen most recently organized a mass youth protest across 100 countries, demanding action on climate change now.

If Thunberg is any indication of what Gen Z feels, her efforts to mobilize her peers are commanding some pretty important attention, namely from the Nobel Prize committee.

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A post shared by Greta Thunberg (@gretathunberg)

Thunberg’s recently-announced nomination comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed her brief, but bright, activist career. Starting the #FridaysForFuture movement, Thunberg is credited with inspiring regular walkouts for climate change activism among school children across the globe.

The teen activist told CBS News, “More people are starting to become aware of the situation and that we are facing a crisis.” She also added, “And I think it is amazing to see that hundreds of thousands of children from all around the world are realizing this and are making their voices heard. Why should we go and study for a future that may not exist anymore?”

Socialist MP Freddy André Ovstegard and two other Norwegian lawmakers nominated the 16-year-old for the honor. Ovstegard told AFP News Agency, “We have proposed Greta Thunberg because if we do nothing to halt climate change, it will be the cause of wars, conflict, and refugees.” The lawmaker also said, “Greta Thunberg has launched a mass movement which I see as a major contribution to peace.”

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A post shared by Greta Thunberg (@gretathunberg)

There are 301 nominated candidates for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, including 223 individuals and 78 organizations. The Nobel Committee will announce who they have decided to honor this October. If Thunberg wins in October, she’ll be the youngest Nobel Peace Prizer winner to date, just a year younger than children’s education activist Malala Yousafzai was when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Min An via Pexels

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“Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse” Makes History at the Oscars

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 26, 2019

When it comes to the best animated films, Disney and Pixar have led the pack with Oscar gold—but this year that reign came to an end when Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse took home the Oscar for best animated feature on Sunday night.

The Best Animated Film category was established in 2001 with the first award being given to Shrek in 2002. Since then, Disney has dominated the category with 12 films taking home the Oscar over the last 17 years. Now Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse has made history by breaking Disney’s six-year winning streak. The win also marks the first for Sony Pictures Animation.

photo: Courtesy Sony Pictures Animation

The film centers around Miles Morales, a half-black, half-Hispanic boy from Brooklyn—and it also made history for being the first animated film directed by a Black director to be nominated for and win in this category. Peter Ramsey shared the win with his co-directors, Bob Persichetti and Rodney Rothman.

“We wanted to put our best foot forward and create something that people would be able to relate to and love,” Ramsey said in an interview with NPR. “It means a lot for young black and Latino kids to see themselves up on screen in these iconic, heroic, mythic stories. It’s a need being fulfilled.”

To my brilliant co-director brothers @rodneyrothman and @bob_persichetti…my friends who get it pic.twitter.com/UYFAdyRQh2

— Peter (or is it?) Ramsey (@pramsey342) February 25, 2019

Ramsey continued, “There’s so many exciting black creators and creators of color and all genders, and the realization that this kind of diversity really does give rise to more interesting movies,” he says. “It just feels like it’s going to help unlock a key, creatively, for a lot of people in a lot of different ways that we don’t even realize yet.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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“Pachamama” Is Netflix’s Gorgeous New Global Movie for Kids

by Erica LoopFebruary 12, 2019

Are you looking for more Netflix movies for kids? (Of course you are.) The streaming service recently announced the debut of Cesar Award-nominated Pachamama and we’ve got the details!

If you haven’t heard of Pachamama, get ready for something your littles won’t stop talking about. The hybrid animation adventure film tells the tale of a 10-year-old boy who has dreams of becoming his village’s shaman. When a villainous Incan overload takes off with a ceremonial golden statue, the little boy (along with his BFF and her smart-talking llama) sets out on a journey to find it.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Writer-director Juan Antin said, of the film, “Pachamama has been, for me, a very long journey, guided by a message that came like an echo from ancient times—a message of love, respect and gratitude to our cherished Earth.” Antin added, “Thanks to Netflix, I am thrilled to share this awe-inspiring story with a global audience.”

So when can you expect to see this international awesomeness on Netflix? The animated film will begin streaming June 2019. But if you’re in the NYC area, you can catch a glimpse of it before this summer: Pachamama will be shown at the 22nd annual New York International Children’s Film Festival on Feb. 24.

—Erica Loop

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7 Animated Movies That Just Scored Oscar Noms to Add to Your Watch List

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 25, 2019

Hollywood’s biggest night is just around the corner, but it’s not just adults that will be rooting on their favorite nominees to win. Your pint-sized movie buffs will appreciate all the 2019 Oscar Animated Feature Film nominees.

Besides the stacked list fantastic features, there are also some short animated films up for awards that mini film fans will love. Here are the nominated films and where you can watch them.

Feature Films

Incredibles 2

The Parr family is back in action as Elastigirl takes the driver's seat in fighting bad guys, while Mr. Incredible takes a new role as Mr. Mom. The film is available to stream on Netflix or for purchase on DVD/ Blu-ray or digital download.

Ralph Breaks the Internet

The heart-warming sequel to Wreck It Ralph finds Ralph and his bestie Vanellope on an epic adventure through the internet. The movie is still available to watch in some theaters.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse

New York teen, Mike Moralles develops superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He is joined by other Spidey heroes from alternate universes to battle villains. The movie is still in theaters.

Mirai

In order to cope with the jealous feelings that arise from welcoming new baby sister, Mirai, four-year-old Kun creates an imaginary world that includes a teenage version of his new sibling. The film is currently available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.

Isle of Dogs

This is the only nominee on the listed rated PG-13, so this one is definitely for the older kids. The film, directed by Wes Anderson, follows the story of 12-year-old Atari on the journey to find his dog who has been exiled along with all of the other dogs in Megasaki City to a garbage-dump called Trash Island. The movie is currently available to watch on HBO or for rent or purchase on HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes and YouTube.

Short Films

Bao

If you saw last summer’s Incredibles 2, then you’re already familiar with this short film nominee about a Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome who is overjoyed when one of her homemade dumplings comes to life. If you missed the film in theaters you can check it out on YouTube for $1.99.

One Small Step

This inspiring little film is about a Chinese American girl who follows her dream to become an astronaut despite all the obstacles in her way. The film is currently available to view for free on YouTube.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

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“Big Bang Theory” Actress Mayim Bialik: “I Feel Mom Guilt All the Time”

by Shahrzad WarkentinDecember 11, 2018

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or an Emmy-nominated actress, at one point or another, every mom has felt that aching feeling that can only be described as mom guilt. The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik shared her own thoughts on dealing with mom guilt and we can all relate.

Bialik revealed her thoughts on balancing motherhood with a career in a recent interview with US Weekly. “I feel mom guilt all the time,” she said. “Especially with the societal emphasis on women being able to do it all. I would love to be able to do it all, but I can’t physically be in more than one place at once.”

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A post shared by mayim bialik (@missmayim)

The actress, who shares two sons Miles, 13, and Frederick, 10, with ex-husband Michael Stone, revealed that having a mom tribe to lean on is a big help in getting through the tough moments. “Talking to others moms who are in similar situations is really helpful,” she explained. “Sometimes it may just mean that you need to be hugged.”

Bialik also shared how she tries to make the time she spends with her kids more meaningful. “I’ve been making more and more of an effort to put my phone down, so that they can have concentrated time with me, and honestly that helps,” she said. “I’m not just saying it helps me cope, but it helps me feel more connected when I’m with them, so that when I’m not with them, I’m not feeling like I’m never present.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Mayim Bialik via Instagram

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The 2016 Oscar Nominated Films, As Told By Kids

by Red TricycleJanuary 24, 2016

Have you seen all the critically acclaimed 2016 Oscar nominated films yet? If you’re like us, the answer is no. With what time, right? Don’t worry though; these funny youngsters will tell you what the favored flicks are all about.

Photo and Video courtesy of Movieclips Comedy via YouTube

What was the last movie you’ve seen in the theaters? Tell us in the comments below!

10 Moms Who Know the Power of Healthy Living

by Gabby CullenOctober 7, 2015

When it comes to a clean, green, healthy lifestyle, who better than mom to set the standard? After all, she’s got pint-sized fans watching her every move. From holistic celebrity chefs to moms who fight for clean air, these 10 amazing women work hard, play hard, and are powerhouses when it comes to the eco-tastic life. Flip through the album below to meet our Green Living Power Moms of 2016.

Afya Ibomu – Co-Founder, RGB Fit Club, Certified Holistic Nutritionist

Afya is the author of four successful books (two crocheting books,The Vegan Remix—named one of the best cookbooks of the year by Vegetarian Times Magazine, and The Vegan Soulfood Guide to the a Galaxy——nominated for an African American Literary Award). She’s a celebrity chef and recently, she and her her husband (Stic.man of hip-hop music group Dead Prez) founded RBGfitclub, a business that offers cool courses, merchandise, and music to encourage and equip people in their transition to a holistic lifestyle. Their strong partnership goes way beyond the professional realm; they’ve been together for 23 years and are the proud parents of two wonderful boys: teenager Itwela and 16-month-old Nkosua.

Afya lives and breathes a green, holistic lifestyle. She's been eating a plant-based diet since 1990, had two home-birth pregnancies and is a breastfeeding advocate. Afya continues to share her knowledge and expertise through cooking classes, workshops, being a mentor to teen girls and much more. She’s also a huge believer in scheduling self time. She says, “be ok with everything not getting done. As moms we try to do it all! But I had to realize if I really tried that I would kill myself-literally! Accept the help, it’s OK!”

Find out more: rbgfitclub.com

Do you know a Green Power Mom? Tell us about her in a Comment below!

—Gabby Cullen

We’re Not Squiding About These Octopus Videos

by Christal Y.June 5, 2015

Save this for your kids because it’s a trick question: what has six arms and two legs? An octopus! These tentacled creatures appear as characters of an Oscar nominated short film, turn up in funny moments in the movie, Finding Nemo and are stars of the coolest videos out there. Scroll on to see 8 octopus videos that’ll have you ten-tickling with amusement.

This little octopus went to the market and brought a coconut home. Octopuses are known to use shells as a hiding place.

Octopuses can fit through unbelievably small holes, kind of like our little escape artists during naptime.

A love story greater than Romeo and Juliet.

Octo-proof?

The friendliest octopus ever gifts a tiny crab to his new friends.

The mimic octopus is like the magician of the ocean.

The “Kleptopus” is magnificently unique. It walks on its two legs and builds forts out of shells.

And you octopi kidding us if you didn’t laugh during this scene:

Want to learn more about these fascinating animals? Head to National Geographic for facts about their speed, home, life span and more!

— Christal Yuen

ML Interest Tag: nominate

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Feature Films

Incredibles 2

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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse

Mirai

Isle of Dogs

Short Films

Bao

One Small Step

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