Bembo’s Zoo
My friend, Al, told me about this wonderful website which has apparently been running for years and years and years but I never knew about it. Bembo’s Zoo actually started life as a book, designed by world renowned graphic designer, Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich (I know, fabulous name!). The concept used the letters of the alphabet to create animals (using type font, Bembo). It was turned into a flash-animated website and is utterly mesmerising — you can spend hours just clicking through the alphabet and watching the animals unfold. My children love it and it is a great way to start familiarising them with the letters. Enjoy!
-Mo
They Might be Geniuses
Do you remember the band “They Might be Giants”? The quirky two-man band who turned out some of the most creative and wacked-out music in the ’80s and ’90s? Well they have recently channeled their intellectual energies into making kid’s music and I must say, they have churned out some of the most engaging music I have heard in a long time. Right now they have three CD/DVDs out and I am working my way through the set. So far we are obsessed with Here Comes Science
Here Comes Science is available from the Babyccino Kids Bookshop (US and UK).
-Dina
Kiki’s delivery service
We have a pretty regular Friday Film Night at our house. My youngest girl is almost two and gets completely enthralled by a movie, not moving an inch until the end titles roll. I am a movie addict so I am pretty excited that my kids have inherited my movie genes. So on a Friday night, we make popcorn, get into our pyjamas, bring out the blankets and the cushions and snuggle down…
One of our favourites is Kiki’s Delivery Service by Hayao Myasaki — for me one of the most enchanting animated movies ever made. It is really hard to explain the story to do this film justice: a little witch goes out and makes it on her own, meeting lots of friends on the way. It sounds banal, but the story is wonderfully told. It is a nice step away from the fast moving, action based animation that has become the norm for kids.
If you enjoy Kiki, do also check out “My Neighbour Totoro” which I wrote about a while back…
- Emilie
Balzac Cinema
My kids love going to the cinema. The crowd, the sounds, the visual experience — a promise to go to the cinema makes them get so excited they have difficulty sleeping the night before!
Luckily enough, here in Paris, the children’s cinema scene is huge, between the Forum des Images and several yearly children’s film festivals. Cinema is so much a part of the culture over here that the city organises screenings for school classes at least once a semester.
A great cinema event here on a Sunday is the monthly ‘Pochette Surprise’ event at the Balzac, an art house cinema off the Champs Elysees. On show are a series of short classic films, some of them over 100 years old, mixed in with some classic Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy and some old-school Tex Avery animation shorts. Every short is silent and the whole programme is accompanied by a musician, so even if you are completely anglophone, you will not miss out on anything… and to make it even better everyone gets a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
- Emilie
The only show I will watch with my kids
Whoever is behind this show is a complete and total genius (and clearly on major drugs!) Yo Gabba Gabba is the most bizarre and entertaining thing that I have seen on TV in a long long time. I am hooked! I know most have you have probably seen the show at some point but have you ever sat down to really watch it??? It’s bananas!!! I love the songs — all of which sound like they are made up as they go along, the strange characters, and the total weirdness of it. The show also has great guest appearances –- like Jack Black, MGMT, and Biz Markie and they have a recurring segment that features excellent dance moves (which by the way serve as my cardio routine). Oh yeah, my kids really like it too. Guess that’s important to note.
-Dina
The Little Mole
I think children’s television can be beautiful and inspiring — it’s just that sadly most of it isn’t. As with most children (I’m guessing /hoping), my 3-year-old loves ‘The Box’. I try to limit viewing but I have to admit it can sometimes come in handy to have him be still for half an hour whilst the younger one needs some attention. So if we must, then lets at least find something we both can love — and boy oh boy have we struck gold!
A bit of background …. my sister-in-law asked for some present ideas for my son, and so I suggested a German DVD so he didn’t just hear English stuff. She bought me Der Maulwurf und seine Abenteuer als Gaertner (The Mole and his Adventure as a Gardener). As she handed over the present she apologised profusely saying that when she bought it she had totally forgotten that there was actually no speaking in the short films and that the title was the only German in it. But, she was sure we would love it. And we do!
The Little Mole films are the work of Czech animator Zdenek Miler, who made 50 of these 5-minute films in the ’60s and ’70s. For my husband the films are nostalgic and remind him of growing up, and for me they are wonderful pieces of art — the illustration is imaginative and beautiful (with a subtle but fantastic nod to the psychedelic fashions of the time), and the Mole is by far my favourite cartoon character (his squeal and laugh are adorable). Miler decided not to include voices in the animations so they would be universally enjoyed (clever man!), so his daughter recorded the sounds of the Mole.
See for yourself on YouTube. And if you want to buy a DVD there are many to choose from available from Amazon.de (and they ship internationally).
-Mo. x
Dan Zanes and Friends
I love this man. I love his hair. I love his music. My husband should seriously watch his back.
Dan Zanes sings quintessential, feel good, “family” music — each song more unique and catchy than the next. He used to be the front man for a band called the Del Fuegos and what I love is that his music is diverse, international and really appeals to parents and kids alike. My girls are obsessed with him.
While I had my requisite Wiggles phase, just like the rest of the world, I just got so tired of the silly songs and the turtlenecks and that ridiculous “Fruit Salad” song. Dan Zanes songs prove that kid-friendly music doesn’t have to be about gumdrops and unicorns. We sing along to him in the car all the time…. even when it’s not in the CD player (scary!). We also love watching the DVD which is basically the band, playing their instruments and having a good time. I suggest starting with his first DVD
-Dina
My Neighour Totoro
I think that film addiction must be genetic — my kids love movies as much as I do. We have started a tradition of Friday Family Film Night – to celebrate the end of the week – complete with popcorn and a glass of juice.
Now the challenge is finding movies that a 2-year-old and a 30-something-year-old will both enjoy. The greatest success we have had was the Japanese Kids Animated Classic My Neighbour Totoro, a lovely story of two sisters who move to an old country house with their dad while their mum is in hospital. In the countryside the girls encounter friendly spirits, namely the Totoros, the Keeper of the Forests. ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and won him international acclaim all over the world.
The animation and designs are stunning and the Totoro character is just enchanting. I could definitely watch this movie again and again. And if I can, you can bet that my kids can too! They are addicted!
I would love to hear if you have any other suggestions for great family movies. Happy Friday!
- Emilie
ONE YEAR AGO WE WROTE ABOUT:
• Luukie/Xsmall• Fungo Matto
• Elias and Grace
• Sons & Daughters
• Lilli Bulle
The sound of silence
When I flew to London with my three-year-old twins I was in a complete and total panic. For weeks I would lie awake at night picturing nothing but six hours of high pitched screams and death stares. When I asked for advice on how to cope, one friend suggested that I flood the first class cabin with water, freeze it, and hire the escapades to perform. Another friend simply said “M&M’s, Sticker books and Benadryl.”
Like any rational parent with the will to live, I have no shame in busting out the DVD player… so when they grew tired of the doodle pads and pulling apart everything within reach I broke it out and fanned a selection of their most prized Nickelodian shows (cue the sound of angels singing). What made the DVD even more of a hit were the Califone headphones that a friend told us about. Unlike other cumbersome headsets, Califone headphones are made for smaller heads and they fit nice and snug. Choose from a crowd pleasing panda, tiger or bear. The earphones put a smile on the skeptical faces of my surrounding passengers who, like me, were thankful for a peaceful, scream free flight.
-Dina
Vintage children’s music
There’s something about vintage children’s music that is so refreshing. Perhaps it’s the innocence of the songs or the slightly quirky melodies, or even the charming old accents of the artists who sang them. Or maybe, more simply, it’s just nice to get a break from ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ and ‘Old Macdonald’.
We have the Vintage Children’s Favourites CD in our car right now and it is so much fun to listen to and sing along. The songs date from the ’20s to the ’50s, and while some of them I recognized, many of them were new to me. But I have to admit that after only a few days I was singing along to all of them.
Like Emilie mentioned, I’m totally into the retro-revival these days!
-Courtney
Cinema Festival
Sometimes I get fed up of living in the centre of a big city.
The traffic, the pollution the lack of green space, and space in general seems so much more oppressing in the summer time. But then I get reminded of the big advantages of city life: the huge range of cultural events right at my fingertips. From the 2nd to the 14th of July the Paris Film Festival is on and part of the festival is a great children’s program.
This year the focus is on my favourite pet subject, animation. Lots of things are on offer: workshops, lectures and, of course film screenings. The first public screening in France of the new Pixar 3D extravaganza “Up” is on offer, as are modern day classics like Wallace and Gromit and Disney’s 1963 “The Swords in the Stone”. The films are for kids aged 3 and up, and there are so many choices that it should satisfy all tastes. You can check out the program here.
I guess city life is not so bad after all….
Sam Sam
Sam Sam is my son’s favourite cartoon these days. It’s shown on satellite TV here in Italy but it’s originally a French comic book series illustrated by Serge Bloch.
Sam Sam is a 6-year-old superhero who lives a “normal” life with his SamParents, and his friends. They do what any normal child does — they play, go to parties and have little adventures. These adventures are just a tad more exciting because Sam Sam lives on a strange planet and instead of a bicycle he rides a tiny flying saucer.
Sam Sam tries really hard to behave well because he is a “good” superhero in training. The stories are never violent and they tend to pass on a good message of loyalty, friendship and courage. Even the “bad guys” are totally funny, like the Bedwetters who are strange little yellow creatures armed with water guns.
In addition the colours and the images are nice and modern, so I actually don’t mind watching it too!
-Michela
Giggles
How long do you spend on your computer each day? How many times have you told your children to “just wait one minute, I have to check/send/read something”? Well, it has happened to me many, many (probably too many) times. One of the (visible) obvious results is that my children both have developed a strong attraction to computers from a very early age. But given that they (the computers!) are among my most treasured possessions, they (the children!) were never allowed to touch them. This was until we got some software by Giggles.
Giggles has developed a few interactive computer games for babies from 6 to 36 months. They are easy to install and, once you launch one, your hard drives are perfectly safe because the game blocks the rest of the computer off so it doesn’t matter what key the baby presses –no damage can be done! (more…)
Under the Sea in 3D!
Taking young kids to the cinema can be risky business. No matter how great the film is, it will probably end up being too long to keep your kids’ attention, they’ll likely spill the popcorn, talk too much and too loudly, and need several trips to the toilet. (Can you tell I’ve learned the hard way?)
Last weekend, however, we risked it all and took the boys to see the Under the Sea 3D film at London’s BFI IMAX theatre, and it was a huge, huge hit!
You put the funny glasses on (which my kids loved), take a seat in front of the UK’s largest cinema screen (taller than 5 double decker buses!), and spend roughly 45 minutes feeling like you’re swimming under the sea, literally face-to-face with exotic sea creatures! My kids thought it was the coolest thing they’ve ever seen!
The IMAX films are short, they’re 3D, and they’re educational. Perfect for kids! I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before now…
-Courtney
Forum des Images
After being completely refurbished, the Forum des Images finally reopened its doors a couple of months ago. Founded about 20 years ago, the Forum is Paris’ premier film library and cultural cinema venue.
The new Forum is fantastic, and a stark contrast to the ugly Forum des Halles shopping centre that houses it. (The Forum des Halles is now also up for a major refurbishment, so hopefully what is known as the eyesore of Paris, will finally disappear). It does mean that the Forum des Images is right in the centre of Paris and very easily accessible.
One of the major attractions are the children’s film screenings. There are screenings every weekend and on Wednesdays. At the moment, during mid-term holidays, there is a very popular children’s film festival on. Films start from 18 months onwards. The choice varies from classic art school films to old classic Disney films. (more…)
‘Lost and Found’ comes to life!
I’m so excited I can hardly stand it!! Oliver Jeffers’ second children’s book (and my absolute favorite of his), ‘Lost and Found‘, has been adapted into a short animated film!! Studio AKA has taken this award-winning book and turned it into what will surely be 25 minutes of brilliance!
If you’re lucky enough to be in the UK at Christmas time, it will be shown on Channel 4 at 2.30pm on Christmas Eve, and again at 12.30pm on Boxing Day. For everyone not in the UK or Ireland (which sadly includes me since I’m away on holiday!), you’ll have to wait a bit longer!
-Courtney
P.S. To view the teaser trailer, click here!
Swan Lake
OK, not only did I spend a couple of days in Paris with my girlfriends and without children (I know, we’ve told you about this already so I won’t rub it in any further), but ALSO my husband came over for my 35th birthday and treated me to a romantic evening out (in Paris), which included seeing Swan Lake in Théâtre du Châtelet, danced by the Australian National Ballet!
Hmmm… I know…
Seeing the ballet was especially nice because a few weeks ago my 3-year-old daughter started ballet lessons, and she’s has been obsessed by everything ballet ever since (we brought her the program of the show back, and she loves it)!
We have been watching her favourite DVD of the moment ‘Swan Lake by Prima Princessa
Pippi!
A couple of weeks ago I bought my children a DVD of one of my childhood favourites: Pippi Longstocking.
Who doesn’t know Pippi (full name Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraimsdaughter Longstocking), the mischievous little girl with two braids in her bright red hair (sticking out 90° from her head), whose dad is the King of Kurrekurredutt Isle and whose mum lives in heaven?
She is immensely rich (she pays for everything in gold), incredibly strong, lives by herself in a huge house (Villa Villekulla) together with her monkey Mr. Nilsson and her horse Little Old Man. She gets in all sorts of trouble and experiences great adventures with her neighbours and best friends, Tommy and Annika.
Originally Astrid Lindgren (the writer) told the stories of Pippi Longstocking to her little girl Karin, but they proved to be such a success that before long the first Pippi Longstocking book was out in print – in 1945!!! (more…)
Cinema Festival
As a hardened Cinemaphile (does that word exist?) I am really looking forward to the annual Paris Cinema Festival which starts on the 1st of July. Within that framework there is a great little mini film festival going on, just for kids.
There will be screenings of new films like Kung Fu Panda, screening of films for little kids from the age of 3 onwards, and cinema workshops for older kids. The workshops look like so much fun — the kids get to remix the sound for a whole film and other cool things like that (the workshops are from 7 years onward).
Also on the programme are screenings of classic films like the Jungle Book, which I am esp. excited to see as it is the first film I remember ever seeing in a cinema! I can’t wait to take my daughter to see it — what a trip down memory lane. After all you can’t beat seeing a movie on a cinema screen as opposed to the TV….
- Emilie
Pimpa!
This super cute dog was invented by Francersco Tullio-Altan in 1975 for his daughter Chicca. In Pimpa’s world (like in every child’s), all the animals, plants or objects talk like human beings. Pimpa has many adventures; she travels very far, meets new animals and sees new countries. What is nice and unique is that these adventures are always very “normal” — there is no drama at all… no bad guy, no witch, no war, no scary wolf. Pimpa is so nice that she makes new friends wherever she goes.
Her adventures were first published in 1977 with weekly stories on the “Corriere dei Piccoli”, a weekly children’s magazine, and they were immediately a big hit. She now has a monthly magazine full of stories, games and colouring inserts. (more…)
