In honor of National Share Your Care Day, A Geek Daddy wanted to share with our readers some information on a KICKSTARTER campaign by a dynamic mom & pop duo who are looking to make their vision of a super hero comic book and line of toys that is age appropriate for young children a reality. Doesn't it seem like many of the comic books, movies, television shows and toys for our kids are just rehashing and recycling characters and stories from past generations? Wouldn't it be nice to see some new original and fresh content that today's generation of kids can embrace and call its own with less violent themes and more of an emphasis on addressing life lessons and promoting values? Do a good deed today and support this Kickstarter campaign that brings an action figure and comic book that celebrates children's sense of adventure, imaginations, and limitless potential to life.
Like many parents today, Crissi and Ed Boland struggled when they went shopping to find toys that their little boys both wanted to play with and that were useful with promoting the positive development of their young children in the years when they are so very impressionable. So these entrepreneurial parents created the concept of the HeroBoys - a group of "ordinary" boys brought together to do good through super powers that have been bestowed upon them by a mysterious benefactor and mentor called The Gentleman. The comic book will be a monthly serial which begins with the HeroBoys having to overcome the challenges facing a city that has been overcome by selfishness. Each issue will feature a story that emphasizes positive messaging regarding life lessons and provide teachable moments for parents to discuss with their children. The Boland's also plan for a unique 18" plush/plastic combination action figure to go along with the comic books so that kids can play out the adventures of their favorite HeroBoys characters.
The HeroBoys character traits were designed from the Boland's parenting experiences dealing with their sons and the children they interact with at school and play. From my own experiences as a parent, these HeroBoys really do seem to be relatable characters for the preschool and elementary school aged kids they are meant for. I also appreciate that these HeroBoys toys combine the comforting elements of plush doll with the articulation features of an action figure for children to play with. From reading a preview of the first issue of the comic book it appeared to be well suited to be enjoyable for both early readers and young children who may need mom or dad to read it to them.
"We wanted these comics and toys to teach honesty, loyalty, humility, compassion, and diligence," Ed Boland communicated to A Geek Daddy. "That concept may seem a little old-fashioned in today's culture that celebrates violence, narcissism, and a win-at-all-cost approach, but we think our kids could use a good, healthy dose of old-fashioned in their lives. With your support, we can bring a meaningful, thoughtful alternative into the unimaginative world of toys for boys."
Rewards for participating in the HeroBoys campaign range from a t-shirt/comic book combo for $25 to a Hero Starter Set which includes a one year monthly subscription to the comic book (print & digital editions), a t-shirt, matching cape & mask, and an 18" HeroBoy action figure. Also note that the action figure pictured is a prototype and Ed told us that the final product will have a head sculpt that more accurately reflects the illustrated images of the HeroBoys from the comic book. Hopefully if the initial launch of the comic book and toys is successful they'll be able to add some girl super heroes to the mix as well.
For more information, CLICK HERE to visit the HeroBoys Kickstarter campaign page.
My children and I joined up with more than 100 students along with their parents and teachers to walk a 1 mile route to school this morning to recognize National Walk to School Day. Unfortunately, we live more than 2 miles from their elementary school (and our district doesn't provide bus service) so we normally drive each morning. Our family participated in National Walk to School Day though because we wanted to show our support to community leaders for making the financial decisions that support maintaining a walkable and safe city plus wanted to portray to my kids that regularly walking is a good thing we probably should be doing more often than we actually do to stay active and physically fit.
The walk was led by the school principal, city police and fire chiefs, and Paws (the Detroit Tigers mascot). Our group had a police escort along the entire route with each road crossing blocked off until the entire group passed by which was really nice. Members of the fire department walked along with students. parents and teachers talking to the kids about their jobs and giving some safety tips to the children. The fire department buggy pictured with my kids above followed along on the sidewalk at the end of the procession to close up the ranks. I was impressed that Paws not only greeted kids at the start or the walk, but he joined in and tromped along the whole route with the rest of us. My son was really thrilled that Paws was walking along the route to school with us.
Walk to School Day, which has been a nationwide event since 1997, is meant to encourage families that live close enough to walk or bike to school to do so. It's goals are also to promote the goals of fighting childhood obesity by encouraging kids to be more physically active throughout the rest of the year, provide a teachable moment for pedestrian safety, encourage community stakeholders to support and invest in infrastructure and services that decrease traffic congestion, pollution, and criminal activity. For more information about Walk to School Day or for help in organizing an event for next year if your school did not participate this time visit walkbiketoschool.org
Today is a good day to go over pedestrian safety issues with children. The US Department of Transportation has created a series of safety tip videos that are specifically targeted to certain ages. Here is the one aimed for children ages 5-9:
Additional videos are for tweens aged 10-14 and teens aged 15 to 18. CLICK HERE to see all of the videos. There is also a tip section on the website for parents "Teaching Your Child Safe Walking Skills" and an additional resources reference area for educators.
Several television stations appeared and along with the great crowd of attendees and participation by our local firefighters and police I'm sure the message got out we support a safe and walkable community. As we approached my kids classrooms they were so excited to have participated and were chatting about what a great and fun time they had walking to school. Mission Accomplished!
