This summer we’ve had rain, rain, and more rain! So what do you do when you have whole days indoors because it won’t stop raining. So what have we been doing when it’s too cold and rainy to hit the pool or the park?

Hit the local library, most have summer reading programs for kids with daily or weekly activities. There are also tons of books and magazines to browse through and talk about.
Go bowling! Many bowling alleys have discounted rates during summer weekdays, since it’s their slow time.
Go see a movie, there are several summer blockbusters for kids this year. …read more

Labou is a new children’s adventure film premiering on DVD this spring. The film is about  three 12 year old kids who go on an unexpected adventure together in the swamps of Louisiana, and they’re introducing a loveable little character called Labou.
From the previews Labou looks like a heartwarming children’s tale. The film is geared toward children, and will have a G rating. Among the movies themes there are lessons for children on believing in yourself ,and working together with friends.
The film was started production just before hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana area, they had to evacuate New Orleans …read more

My name is Susan Gunelius, and I’m very happy to be the new author of Play Library.  I have some big shoes to fill, but with 3-year old triplets and 10 neices and nephews ranging in age from 3 to 18, I’ve been around toys, games, children’s books, children’s movies, and more for a long, long time.  Suffice it to say, I’ve tried my fair share of toys and kids’ products, and with 3-year old triplets, I get to try them all again times 3!
I hope I can bring a unique perspective to Play Library, and of course, I’m thrilled to hear from …read more

The release of the Transformers movie is just around the corner, and now there’s an article sharing the anger of many parents over the fact that the movie is being marketed, through toys, to children who are far too young to see the film.
From cbs2.com:
A child advocacy group complained Thursday to the Federal Trade Commission that ads and toys tied to the upcoming “Transformers” movie are aimed at children as young as 2 years old even though the film is rated PG-13.
…and…
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood told the FTC it monitored the Nickelodeon cable channel Monday and …read more

I’ve mentioned here, before, The American Girl Movie Collection that tells the stories of three of the American Girls Dolls.
I was finally able to watch Samantha: An American Girl Holiday with my Samantha. I really liked the movie, and the character of Samantha. I liked the values, the responsibility, and the “I can do it” spirit that is portrayed in the character. It actually made me look forward to seeing the other two, though we haven’t made it to them, yet!
Hsien pointed me to an article that states that HBO Films and American Girl (owned …read more

I was so excited when Michelle Crames, one of the founders of Lean Forward Media, asked if I would like to review their recently released DVD, Choose Your Own Adventure – The Abominable Snowman. I think I started dancing around the kitchen. Cause, hey, I LOVE free stuff. And free stuff that I can use with my kids is even better. And free stuff that I can use with my kids that reminds me of things I used to enjoy as a kid?—EVEN BETTER! So, yeah, I was excited. (There’s my disclaimer that I …read more

The kids love it when we announce that it’s family movie night. Okay, so the oldest loves it, the next in line feeds off the oldest’s excitement, the youngest just stays in for the ride. But it really is a good time.
I’d originally planned to treat them to the new release, Over the Hedge, but the video store was out. You know what one of the fun things about kids is, though? If the movie came out before they were born, they don’t necessarily know that it’s not new. So, over to the $1 section …read more

The DVD release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid is next Tuesday, October 3rd.
I’m really looking forward to it. We have the VHS at grandma’s house, but the tape has been watched so many times that we’re afraid it’s going to break! As a result, my kids have only seen this movie once or twice. I can’t wait for The Little Mermaid to be a part of their world.
Did you know that it won two Oscars and was nominated for another? Not bad for a cartoon.

It seems that, with every new kids’ movie we see, my husband and I spend the first few minutes saying, “I know that voice! Who is that?”
Although it was released in 2004, we just saw Clifford’s Really Big Movie for the first time this summer (and about a hundred times since, because my oldest son’s pick for a movie is always, “Clifford with the cow!”).
The movie features the voices of many famous actors, such as John Ritter, Wayne Brady, Jenna Elfman, John Goodman, and Judge Reinhold. I don’t think we would have guessed all of the voices …read more