Book2Movie Alert: The Tale of Despereaux

Kate DeCamillo’s Newberry Award winning book, The Tale of Despereaux, hits the big screen today!

I’m hearing that in some ways it’s actually better than the book (I can’t believe it!) and in others it’s not as good (isn't that what I always say). I had so much fun reading the book, I’ll have to check it out for myself.

For more reading fun, be sure to read my previous post and visit The Tale of Despereaux movie website.



Enjoy the holidays. I'll see ya in January!

Book2Movie Alert: Marley & Me

John Grogan wrote Marley & Me about his real-life experience with a wild-and-crazy Labrador Retriever. Now there are a whole slew of Marley & Me books. One for every age group. You should definitely read at least one for fun!

And on Christmas Day there’ll be a movie too. It looks seriously funny.

And cute.

And wild!

And you’ll love it a lot more if you’ve already read the book.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

Mickey first hit the big screen in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, so I figure that makes today his birthday. He seriously doesn’t look anywhere near 80 years old. Must be the cheese.

Read Mickey’s bio. Check out his website. Find the perfect Mickey books. Have some Mickey fun!

DVD Alert: Kung Fu Panda

The Kung Fu Panda DVD releases on Sunday.

I saw the movie. I think you’ll like it.

But… you should read the books first. For fun!

This is not like having to eat vegetables before you get dessert. Not at all. These books are yummy!

Check out my previous post. It includes the preview and a link to the Official Website.

Movie Alert: Bolt

Bolt, with John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, hits theatres November 21. Bolt believes his life on a television set is real. And that he has superpowers. When he accidentally gets shipped to New York City, the dynamic doggie must decide if he is a superdog or a superdud.

You know I think you should read the book before you see the movie. I’ll bet you know it too. The book is almost always better, plus you get to know what happens before anyone else! That is definitely reading fun!

Find out about Bolt: Junior Novel here.

Visit the Official Website for videos, photos, games, and downloads here.

Movie Alert: Madagascar Escape 2 Africa

Madagascar Escape 2 Africa is in theatres and IMAX on Friday. That still gives you plenty of time to read the book and check out the totally amazing website. There is a serious amount of fun to be had there. Seriously!

DVD Alert: Tinker Bell

Tinker Bell has her own movie! And for the first time ever—she speaks! Travel to her home in Pixie Hollow and peak into her life before Peter Pan.

Check out the movie-related booksTinker Bell Junior Novel, In the Realm of the Never Fairies: Secret World of Pixie Hollow, and Tinker Bell Read-Aloud Storybook.

In the movie Tink discovers her talent for tinkering. The Tinker Bell Find Your Talent Activity Guide shows you how to find your talent, too.

And of course, to round out your reading fun… drop by DisneyFairies.com.

Inkdeath is Out… Inkdeath is Out!!!

An early release, yay!!!

I haven’t finished it yet (darn it), so I can’t say much. But, so far it’s goooo-ood! I took it to my daughter’s soccer game and drew a crowd! See... reading is fun and creates friendships.

I’ll be back with a full Inkdeath report—soon. Just wanted to let you know… run… do not walk… to the nearest book store!

Read a great Q&A With Cornelia Funke here. There is loads of fun info on her site!

The Inkheart movie, starring Brendan Fraser (you know... George of the Jungle), is due out January 23rd. Check out the preview—do you think it’s true to the book?



What! You haven’t read Inkheart?!?!? Aaaaaaaaaaaah! You know how I feel about this!

Get thee a copy. Quickly.

Seriously!

It’s awesome reading fun!!!

Harry Potter Readers Speak

According to the 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report:

74% say of Harry Potter readers say reading Harry has made them “more interested in reading other books.”

69% say they, “Harry Potter books are my favorite books.”

70% say they are “‘very’ interested in re-reading Harry Potter books.”

66% of their parents say, “Reading Harry Potter has helped my child in school.”

Whoa... Harry Potter is like brain food!

Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but they sure make reading fun! I just re-read The Sorcerer’s Stone. It’s the first time I’ve read a book more than once—ever! My plan is to re-read all seven before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes to theatres November 11th.

It’s a good plan. Care to join me?

Here's a sneak peak...

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

Kit is coming to theatres today!



Whew, I can’t keep up with all the movies that are coming out.

I’m still reading Meet Kit. I’d like to finish it before I see the movie, so if anyone wants to give us a review (on the movie or the book), I’d love it!

Just click on Comments below.

And be sure to check out all Kit’s other books. There are lots of fun project books and crafty books too!

The Spiderwick Chronicles

I’m off to snap up a copy of The Spiderwick Chronicles DVD. It’s based on the best-selling fantasy-adventure series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, and it comes out today. I’m kinda worried though, it looks scarier than the books. Does anyone know if it is?

Check out Tony’s is website (which is very cool btw). He’s having a contest. Draw a picture about one of his books… he’s giving away six copies of The Spiderwick Chronicles 2-disc special edition DVD.

I’ve already ordered a copy of Tony’s new book Kenny and the Dragon. It’s not due out until August, but because I think you’re awesome, you can read an excerpt here.

Meet Kit: An American Girl

For the first time ever, an American Girl movie is about to hit the big screen. On July 2nd, you can see Kit Kittredge: An American Girl at a theatre near you.



Set during the Great Depression, 10-year-old Kit Kittredge is a writer—sweet! She’s dying to be a newspaper reporter, and puts her skills to the test. Abigail Breslin (hey… Spencer Breslin is her big brother!) plays Kit, a brave, caring, determined young girl with a mystery to solve.

You still have time to read Kit’s books before the movie comes out. I almost always like the book better, so I’m going to start Meet Kit today!

Jonas Brothers Joy

F-I-N-A-L-L-Y.

The long wait for Camp Rock is over!!! At last, the much-anticipated 2008 Disney Original Movie will air—TONIGHT!

The musical, which stars the Jonas Brothers and introduces Demi Lovato, promises to be a hit.



Of course, you already know all that.

But—do you know…

Brenda Song, the hilarious London Tipton from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, makes a brief appearance in a lake scene.

Yep, I heard it’s true.

There are some great Camp Rock books and Jonas Brothers books available now. AND the first book about the Jonas Brothers, actually written by the Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas, is due out this fall.

And… are you ready for this?!?

There's another Jonas Brother!!!

For reals!

Little brother Frankie Jonas, the family’s seven-year-old rock star, will appear in Camp Rock 2.

That’s right, you heard it here first.

A fourth Jonas Brother and a second Camp Rock.

Just thought you’d want to know.

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda—it’s in theatres everywhere—NOW!

Check out the Official Website (which has totally fun games!) here.

Check out cool Kung Fu Panda books here.

Gotta go…

I gotta get me to the movies!!!

After you check this stuff out, post a review below.

I’ll see ya at the movies…

Win a visit from WALL-E…

Wow, another contest!

Check this out… you can enter an essay contest for a chance to bring WALL-E (from the new Disney-Pixar movie) to your school.



Be sure to read the Official Rules. May 28, 2008 is the deadline. Enter here.

500 words or less. FUN!!! You can do this. I’m hoping you win!!!

Check out all the cool WALL-E books too!