BLUES BIG CITY ADVENTURE

Coming to DVD on March 28th is the first feature-length film focused on the character's from Nickelodeon's popular preschool series Blue's Clues & You. Like the television show, the movie BLUE'S BIG CITY ADVENTURE combines live action and animation featuring real life actor Josh Dela Cruz in the role of Joe and his cartoon dog Blue (voiced by Traci Paige Johnson). Join Josh and Blue in the Big Apple for a sing and dance-along musical spectacular for the whole family by enjoying Blue’s Big City Adventure on DVD!

BLUE'S BIG CITY ADVENTURE features all-new songs and choreography with the show’s beloved hosts--past and present--and fan-favorite animated characters, the feature-length movie also includes special star appearances by BD Wong, Ali Stroker, Taboo, Alex Winter, Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale. This movie is sure to delight children who love Blue's Clues & You so if you have one of them at home here is a giveaway for parents to be geeked about. Courtesy of Nickelodeon, this Geek Daddy has a DVD of BLUE'S BIG CITY ADVENTURE for a blog giveaway.

To toss your name in the hat for a chance to get a free DVD of BLUE'S BIG CITY ADVENTURE simply complete the rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm on March 28, 2023. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible for this promotion. Sorry, can't deliver to P.O. Boxes. Nickelodeon will be responsible for fulfillment of the prize; I just pick one randomly selected winner. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLUE'S BIG CITY ADVENTURE follows Josh, who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to audition for Rainbow Puppy’s Broadway musical, and Blue as they skidoo to New York City where they meet new friends and discover the magic of music, dance and following one’s dreams. The entire Blue’s Clues crew is reunited for this special movie, with the beloved animated friends and all three hosts–Josh, Steve (Steve Burns) and Joe (Donovan Patton)–together for the first time in the Big Apple.

The DVD release of the film also includes the special feature of sing-along music videos of the following songs from the movie:

• Brand New Day 
• We're On Our Way 
• How to Play Blue's Clues! 
• That's My Song 
• Happiness is Magic 
• The Happy Puppy Dance

HALLOWEEN TRAIN MUSIC VIDEO

Parents of preschoolers can have some Halloween fun with their children enjoying kindie rock artist Laurie Berkner's new music video HALLOWEEN TRAIN. Laurie is known for her tunes that combine educational elements within entertaining music for young audiences. Business Insider dubbed Laurie “the gold standard of the children’s music world.” As a leader and innovator in children’s music and entertainment for more than 25 years, Laurie has released 14 bestselling, award-winning albums (with a 15th album, Another Laurie Berkner Christmas, set for release on October 28), was the first recording artist to ever appear in music videos on Nick Jr., appeared regularly on the network’s Jack’s Big Music Show, and helped develop the short form animated musical preschool series Sing It, Laurie! on Sprout TV.

In her YouTube video, kids can help Laurie count spooky creatures as they ride into October on this very special train. The Halloween Train is a place where bats, cats, spiders, and ghosts ride, where kids get to be the conductor ("All aboard!"), pull the train whistle (choo-choo!), and move their bodies, all while celebrating one of their favorite holidays with a song they can't help but sing along with. As the song says, "Let's get on the Halloween Train!"

For more information about her albums, concerts and videos head over to laurieberkner.com

ROBOTS DON'T TELL JOKES

The first single and music video from Kelli Welli's upcoming album Robots Don't Tell Jokes was just released. I love the title of the album and "Rainbow Love Song" is a catchy kindie rock tune that will surely delight kids toddler aged through elementary school but also have parents enjoying the song's harmony as well. The upbeat “Rainbow Love Song” is an empowering anthem about all the colors of love and joy that come with living a life filled with abundant variety, acceptance, and gratitude.

Robots Don't Tell Jokes is being released on April 15, 2022 on amazon.com, bandcamp and kelliwelli.com

SUNNY DAY: A Brand New Nickelodeon Animated Series

Nickelodeon always sends the most creative media kits.  One of the best ones yet arrived the other day promoting the cable network's newest animated series, SUNNY DAY.  A few of the series' first episodes along with information about its cast and production team were wrapped inside a sweet cardboard replica of the gadget-filled Glam Van featured in the show.  My eight year old daughter enthusiastically watched the episodes provided to us then confiscated the Glam Van for herself which I've noticed she's been playing with in her room.

This new television show revolves around Sunny (Lilla Crawford), a 10-year-old master hairstylist, creative problem-solver, and entrepreneur who runs her own hair salon in the seaside town of Friendly Falls.  When adventure calls,  Sunny sets out to save the day with her can-do attitude, tricked out Glam Van and best friends Rox (Elan Luz Rivera) and Blair (Taylor Louderman), and her dog Doodle (Rob Morrison) by her side.  The characters featured in Sunny Day celebrate individuality and self-expression while the show, developed and produced by Silvergate Media (Peter Rabbit), focuses on social-emotional curriculum promoting leadership, innovative-thinking and teamwork.  Each episode of Sunny Day also features a unique digital extension on Nickjr.com and the Nick Jr. App where kids and their parents can watch fun, live-action hairstyle tutorials that are tied directly to each storyline and narrated by Sunny.  The first season will also include celebrity guest star appearances including Ashley Parker Angel (O-Town), Lance Bass (NSYNC), Kether Donohue (Grease Live, Pitch Perfect), Christopher Fitzgerald (Waitress), Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Shanice Williams (The Wiz Live!).
 

The show is for preschool audiences so I asked my daughter if Sunny Day was too babyish for her.  She told me that the show was actually really fun to watch and would recommend it to the other girls in her second grade class.  That surprised me because she and her twin brother have aged out of a lot of Nickelodeon's cartoon style programming --> though they still love The Loud House.  I think though that the characters being identified as around her own age and the show having a fashion style theme appealed to her.  Though she told me her favorite part of Sunny Day was Doodle.  My daughter beamed me a smile and said the dog was both adorable and funny and she'd want to watch more episodes to see more of the character's exploits.

Sunny Day will be debuting during the preschool programming blocks on Nickelodeon as well as on Nick Jr. beginning Monday, August 21, 2017.  Leading up to the series' cable premiere, NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App will be rolling out some of the show's full-length episodes plus short-form content online beginning June 5th.  Additionally, a new online game "Smiling and Styling with Sunny" will be debuting on Friday, August 4 on NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App that will let players style and color hair plus paint and decorate nails for the residents in Friendly Falls.

Barbara Eden, Television's Most Iconic Genie, Gets Animated in Nickelodeon's "Shimmer & Shine"

Tune in to Nickelodeon on Friday, November 18 at 11am (ET/PT) to see Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie) revisits her genie roots and gets animated in a brand-new episode of the television series Shimmer and Shine. In “The Crystal Queen,” Eden plays Empress Caliana, a quirky genie empress and mentor to Samira, the genie princess. When power-hungry sorceress Zeta traps Samira in a magical crystal cave, Shimmer, Shine and Leah team up with Empress Caliana to save the day.  

Shimmer and Shine follows the adventures of twin genies-in-training, Shimmer and Shine. The animated series is meant for preschool audiences and features a social-emotional curriculum highlighting the importance of teamwork, resilience and overcoming obstacles.  While the Barbara Eden episode will debut on Nickelodeon, Shimmer and Shine is broadcast on both the Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. cable channels.  Check each channel's schedules for specific times the series is shown. For more information about the series, please visit nickjr.com/shimmer-and-shine
 

KATE & MIM-MIM DVD - "THE MIMILOO ZOO"

I had the chance to goof around with Mim-Mim from the popular Disney Jr. cable network television show KATE & MIM-MIM this summer and have to say that bunny is sure a lot of fun to hang out with.  Of course anyone who has seen this animated show for preschoolers that focuses on the friendship and adventures of a 5 year old girl named Kate and her favorite stuffed animal, a plush bunny named Mim-Mim already knows that.  In the show, Kate and Mim-Mim travel to the land of Mimiloo for imaginary adventures where they are joined by magical friends that live in this land of make believe  named Lily, Tack and Gobble.  If you haven't seen Kate & Mim-Mim yet now is a chance to catch up on some of their past escapades which are being released on a new DVD coming out September 20, 2016.  "THE MIMILOO ZOO" DVD will feature six fun filled tales plus a bonus video called "Mimiloo's Creatures."

In the story "The Mimiloo Zoo," Kate's trip to the zoo gets canceled because it's raining, so it's off to the fantasy world of Mimiloo! In Mimiloo, animals made out of bushes are being created for Gobble and Tack's AMAZING new fruit garden inside their AMAZING new hedge maze.  When Mim-Mim accidently spritzes the animals twice with Gobble's powerful presto potion, they come to life and things quickly get wild.  With the animals creating a bit of havoc, the gang needs to fnd a place for them to live and Kate knows the perfect location.

The DVD also features the story "Lily and the Unicorn."  Lily has always wanted to see a unicorn, and now is the perfect time as beautiful shimmer flowers, which unicorns love to eat, are blooming.  After searching all day, the gang finally locates a whole garden of flowers.  When the garden starts to float away, with Lily, who can save her?

Additional stories included on "The Mimiloo Zoo" DVD include, To Catch a Critter, Follow the Leader, Kate's Turtle Drive, and Kittens & Mittens.  The DVD run time is approximately 65 minutes. You can order the DVD online from Shop PBS or look for it at retail locations across the United States.  For more information about this television series and its characters, visit  kateandmimmim.com

NASCAR DRIVERS MAKE GUEST APPEARANCES ON NICKELODEON'S "BLAZE & THE MONSTER MACHINES"

NASCAR fans will want to tune into Nickelodeon to watch with their kids six new race car themed episodes of the cable network's animated preschool series BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES which will be featuring guest voice appearances from superstar drivers Danica Patrick, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott and Kasey Kahne. The first special, “Race Car Superstar,” premieres Monday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. (ET/PT), followed by “Race to Eagle Rock” on Thursday, June 2, at 1:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.  The remaining four race car episodes will roll out this fall.   

In Blaze and the Monster Machines, the amazing monster truck Blaze and his eight-year-old driver AJ have adventures that explore the physics of how things move; tackle problems through scientific inquiry and mathematics; and discover the parts needed to make everyday technologies work. Each action-packed episode is filled with monster trucks, physical humor and upbeat original songs that contain lyrics which highlight a STEM concept such as adhesion, friction, force, trajectory and magnetism. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, all educational concepts important for developing high-tech skill sets.

In these race car themed specials, Blaze visits the town of VelocityVille, where all the cars love to go fast, and meets four new race cars: Rally (Patrick), a race car who is always first to the track and never misses a chance to hit the raceway; Dash (Johnson), a car that is fun, friendly, fast and the ultimate racing buddy for Blaze; Mark Set-Go (Elliott), VelocityVille’s sensational starter who kicks off each racing adventure with rock-star style and a signature rhyme; and Fender (Kahne), a car that rules the raceway, but is excited to share the track with Blaze.

In “Race Car Superstar,” a car named Speedrick puts locks on the tires of other cars so they are stopped in their tracks, forcing Blaze to transform into a sleek and aerodynamic race car to free his new friends.  Then, in “Race to Eagle Rock,” Blaze brings all of his monster truck pals to VelocityVille for a wild race to the top of Eagle Rock. After they all transform into race cars with supercharged engines, they have to find a way to avoid Crusher’s attempts to slow them down.

Tying into these race car themed adventures, the Blaze and the Monster Machines App is being updated to feature a brand-new VelocityVille location. This update will provide 15 new levels that focus on the STEM concept of velocity.  The app allows players to help Blaze and AJ compete against other monster trucks – Starla, Darington, Crusher, Stripes and Zeg – in one of six locations (The Badlands, Top of the World, Dragon Island, The Snowy Slopes, The Monster Dome or VelocityVille) and use blazing speed and problem-solving to overcome obstacles along the way. The update is available now on iOS and Google Play. Additionally, leading up to the Blaze and the Monster Machines race car specials, NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App will feature an exclusive first-look at the race-inspired episodes starting Monday, May 23.

Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price will also be launching a new toy line based on the Blaze and the Monster Machines race car episodes.  Available nationwide in August, the collection includes: a Flip & Race vehicles assortment, Monster Copter Swoops, Flip and & Race Speedway and Transforming Race Car R/C Blaze.  The complete Blaze and the Monster Machines™ product line includes die-cast, mid-scale and feature vehicles, playsets, games and puzzles plus outdoor sports and party goods.

For more information about the show, visit www.nickjr.com/blaze-and-the-monster-machines

H.R. Pufnstuf Returns To Television

It's been a long time but I still can remember watching some of the popular kids programs of my youth like Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Dressup, The Friendly Giant, and of course H.R. Pufnstuf.  I really liked H.R. Pufnstuf as a youngster because it featured life-sized puppets in fantasy adventures on a live-action television show which really brought characters like Cling and Clang, Dr. Blinky, the friendly dragon H.R. Pufnstuf and the villainous Withchiepoo to life.   This gang's high jinks on Living Island made for a cutting edge show at the time and have made the television series a cult classic. I have fond memories of the show but don't recall seeing much about H.R. Pufnstuf and its cast of characters since I was about 6 or 7 years old so when I noticed Nickelodeon was bringing its characters back to television that news caught my attention.

Sid and Marty Krofft who in addition to creating H.R. Pufnstuf are known for other popular 1970s era television shows such as the Donnie & Marie variety show, Land of the Lost, Sigmund & The Sea Monsters, Doctor Shrinker and Wonderbug have recently embarked on a new venture with Nickelodeon producing a new live-action preschool series called Mutt & Stuff.  Set in a unique school for dogs, Mutt and Stuff stars Calvin Millan and his dad Cesar (the original star of Dog Whisperer), interacting with a cast of both real dogs and puppets.  Based upon the popularity of the new series this year, Nickelodeon is expanding its first season by an additional 20 episodes.  In celebration of this expanded season, one of the new episodes will pay tribute to Sid and Marty Kroft's beloved characters from H.R. Pufenstuff bringing them back for their first new television show appearance since the 1980s.  Featuring H.R. Pufnstuf, Cling and Clang, Freddy the Flute, and the Rescue Racer, H.R. PUFNSTUF COMES TO MUTT & STUFF is currently being filmed and will have a premiere date in early 2016.

In "H.R. Pufnstuf Comes to Mutt & Stuff," Stuff, the over-the-top canine companion of Calvin, is paid a special visit at the canine school by his favorite uncle H.R. Pufnstuf.  When H.R. Pufnstuf arrives with his friends from Living Island, Stuff goes overboard in an attempt to impress him and make sure everything is perfect.  This episode promises to be a nostalgic moment for fans of the original H.R. Pufnstuff and an opportunity to introduce these characters to a new generation of both parents and children who may not be familiar with this cast of characters because of their long hiatus from television.

"H.R. Pufnstuf was the first TV show my brother and I created, so it has always held a special place in our hearts," said Marty Krofft in a press release provided to A Geek Daddy.  "Our fans constantly ask us to bring pack Pufnstuf and we feel the vibrant world of Mutt & Stuff is the perfect setting to revitalize these colorful characters and build excitement for new fans."

"H.R. Pufnstuf's wildly imaginative characters made an indelible impression on an entire generation, and now preschoolers and parents will see the two fantasy worlds of Sid and Marty Kroft come together on Mutt & Stuff through the same creative storytelling that defines both series," noted Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon Group.

"It has been an amazing experience to be part of Mutt & Stuff with my son Calvin," added Cesar Millan.  "The show is an amazing platform to educate kids on the responsibilities of being a dog owner and we are excited to be bringing it back for another 20 episodes."

Mutt & Stuff follows Calvin Millan and his best friend Stuff, a larger-than-life dog with the personality to match, as they take preschoolers inside the doors of Mutt & Stuff, a school for dogs, to explore the daily lives of these canine companions.  Each episode features incredible tricks, training lessons and high-spirited humor.  With the help of 15 playful puppies and charismatic puppets, Calvin educates preschoolers on how to train and guide their dogs, as well as showcase the friendship and loyalty that puppies can provide.  The series has a social-emotional curriculum that helps preschoolers identify and manage emotions, build interpersonal awareness and develop social skills.  Mutt & Stuff also carries a message of pet adoption and responsible pet care based upon Cesar Millan's philosophies.

If you want to check out re-runs  H.R. Pufnstuff they are broadcast on the Me-TV television network and streamed at metv.com.  We've also included an episode of the show you can watch below:

Caillou Goes Back to School DVD & Bonus Book from PBS Kids

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product from PBS Kids.  A Geek Daddy did not receive any financial compensation for this post.

My kids loved watching Caillou on PBS when they were in preschool.  This cartoon series features a four-year-old named Caillou (pronounced KY-YOO) who shares in a relatable way to preschoolers  life lessons he learns through his experiences on the show.  How to get along with his little sister, deal with being sick, learn to play sports, and getting ready to begin preschool are just a few of the topics Caillou explores with the help of his friends, parents, sister Rosie, and grandma.

Wow has the summer flown by and with it already being early August the school year is just a flip of a calendar page away.  If you have preschoolers or Kindergarteners who may be antsy about starting school, PBS Kids has released a Caillou DVD/Book Bundle that can help parents start a discussion about going to school with their little ones and provide children with some fun motivation to look forward to beginning a new experience in the fall.

You can purchase the "Caillou Goes Back to School" DVD/Book combo on the PBS website for $12.99 plus shipping and handling.  Between now and August 31, 2015 is also having a 15% off sale on all PBS Kids DVDs so if you order this combo pack in the next few weeks you can get it for a little less than the $12.99 listed price.  This bundle features two items – the DVD “Caillou Goes Back to School,” which includes 12 stories, and an illustrated bonus book about riding the school bus.  In addition to the episodes from the animated series, the DVD also features a video game that kids can play on a PC and some downloadable printable coloring pages featuring the characters from Caillou.

 
The DVD run time is approximately 100 minutes and includes the following stories:

“Caillou the Librarian”

Caillou is excited about showing Rosie the ropes when they visit the library. During storytime Caillou imagines he’s in the story, riding on a dolphin. Later he and Rosie argue over a book and accidentally tear it. He doesn’t want to tell the librarian, but finally musters up the courage to do so. The librarian turns out to be very nice and he helps her fix the book. And Rosie gets her very own library card!

“Caillou the Bookworm”

Returning home from the library Caillou is very eager to sit down and enjoy his pirate book. Unfortunately it’s a very busy day and he’s having trouble finding a quiet place to look at his book. Caillou finally finds the perfect place – in his closet! By the light of his flashlight he finally gets to enjoy his book and pretends he’s the pirate in the story digging up a buried treasure.

“Caillou the Storyteller”

It’s a rainy day at playschool and the children can’t go outside. Caillou makes up a funny story about a superhero who makes the rain stop – it’s Super Caillou! He tells the story to Jeffrey and Jason, and Miss Martin suggests he make his own storybook. She writes the story down and Caillou draws the pictures. By the time Mommy comes to pick him up, Caillou has his very own book to show her! 

“Magnet Madness”

Caillou is playing with the fridge magnets and learns lots of things about them. About what they stick to and what they don’t stick to – such as Gilbert! He even imagines himself as a human magnet superhero. In the end Caillou is able to apply what he’s learned and uses a magnet to help Daddy retrieve a metal peg from behind the workbench.

“Caillou the Dinosaur Hunter”

The whole family goes on a trip to the natural history museum to look at the dinosaurs. Caillou is really enjoying himself looking at the skeletons and learning about the different kinds of dinosaurs. When he momentarily loses the others he knows enough to stay put until Mommy comes back and finds him. And when he realizes he’s left Rexy somewhere he learns about the lost and found, and retraces his steps until he finds his dinosaur friend.

“Caillou the Astronaut”

Caillou wants to play with both his friends Clementine and Xavier in the playschool playground. Unfortunately Clementine wants to play bears and Xavier wants to play astronauts, and a little argument ensues. At story time Miss Martin tells them more about spaceships and astronauts and Caillou imagines he’s zooming around the galaxy exploring stars and planets. Back outside Caillou makes up a new astronaut and bear game so everyone can play together.

“Caillou Goes Shopping”

Caillou’s crayons are all worn down or broken, so Mommy suggests a trip to the store for some new ones. Caillou helps Mommy remember what she needs to buy – he remembers the list of items by making a little song out of them. When they’re done they run into Sarah, and Caillou helps her find all her back to school supplies.

“Caillou Goes Apple Picking”

Caillou’s playschool is on a special field trip to an apple orchard. The children really enjoy learning about apples and picking them too. Caillou imagines himself picking the biggest apple in the whole world. Afterwards they enjoy some fresh apple juice. By the time they get back on the bus to go home, Caillou and his friends are all ready for a little nap!

“Caillou’s Halloween Costume”

Halloween is coming and it’s time to pick out a costume to wear. Soon Rosie has three costumes she wants to wear, but Caillou still hasn’t decided on what he wants to be. And time is running out! Finally a piece of blue fake fur gives him a great idea – he’ll be a blue monster! His parents help him fashion an odd but effective monster costume out of bits and pieces they find around the house. When Leo and Clementine arrive they agree that Caillou is a very scary-looking monster indeed!

“Caillou’s Present”

Mommy’s having a bad day – first she can’t find her car keys, then she and Caillou have to shovel the car out, and then the car won’t start! At playschool Caillou decides to make her a present to cheer her up. His first two attempts don’t turn out but he perseveres and makes her a picture of a sun – to melt all the snow!

“Caillou the Chef”

Jeffrey and Jason are coming over for dinner – it’s a make-your-own pizza party! Caillou feels he is an expert at this and starts to show them how to do it. When the twins both opt for less-than-traditional ingredients Caillou is upset that they’re doing it all wrong. In the end, however, their pizzas turn out just fine and Caillou learns that everyone has their own unique way of doing things.

“Caillou the Painter”

Caillou’s got a brand new painting shirt and decides to paint something for Grandma. He has a little trouble deciding what to paint. He wants to use all his colors and paint all his favorite shapes. Mommy tells him that paintings don’t have to be about something and he proceeds to make his own abstract painting! Meanwhile Rosie and Daddy are pressing a flower for Grandma. When Grandma arrives she is thrilled with her very artistic gifts.

Caillou is produced by DHX Media and can be viewed on PBS' children's cable network Sprout and during PBS Kids programming on select local broadcast stations across the country that have included the show on their viewing schedule.  If you have an in-car DVD,  "Caillou Goes Back to School" would be a nice way to keep a child from asking "are we there yet" throughout to drive on an end of summer road trip or it also would be a nice video to put in the DVD player at home on a hot summer day when it probably is better to stay indoors than go outside to play.  Caillou has been one of my kids favorite PBS characters and I'm sure yours will enjoy him too! This DVD is probably best suited for children in the 3 to 5 years old age range, especially those that may be going to preschool or kindergarten for the first time.

CLICK HERE to order your "Caillou Goes Back to School" DVD/Book combo today from PBS Kids.

Nickelodeon Blazes Into May With Monster Machines Mayhem

Based upon the success of its television series BLAZE & THE MONSTER MACHINES which had ratings that placed it as best preschool show on television and number one for its time slot in the first quarter of 2015, Nickelodeon is launching a month of monster truck mayhem in May.  Blaze and the Monster Machines features the amazing monster truck Blaze and his eight year old driver AJ having adventures that explore the physics of how things move; tackle problems through scientific inquiry and mathematics; and discover the parts needed to make everyday technologies work.  The series which airs weekdays at 1:30 pm (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon is filled with monster trucks, humorous situations, and upbeat original songs with lyrics that highlight a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topic  for each show such as friction, trajectory, and magnetism.  Nickelodeon will be launching a brand new toy line, a special new episode titled "Dragon Island Duel", a companion game to Dragon Island Duel on the Nick Jr.website, and an update to the Blaze app.

Nickelodeon provided us an advance opportunity to watch "Dragon Island Duel" which my son really enjoyed.  As soon as the episode concluded my son jumped up and asked if he could watch it again.  When asked what his favorite part of the show is, he remarked he likes the songs which was reinforced by his humming one of them throughout the rest of the day.  While the show is aimed for 3 to 5 year olds, my 6 year old kindergartener had fun watching it and many of the educational points of the show were relevant to things he is learning about now in school.  He really got into interacting with the show yelling out answers to answers and problems involving STEM concepts that were addressed in its story.  The show will probably be too elementary for most kids though as they reach first grade and on, but the show is rated and marketed for a preschool audience and I believe most kids in that age range will appreciate and learn some nifty lessons from it.

"Dragon Island Duel" will premiere at 11 am (ET/PT) on May 25, 2015.  The episode features Blaze and his nemesis Crusher going up against one another in a one-on-one race to the top of Mount Dragon.  Although it is one of the toughest races their team has ever faced, best friends Blaze and AJ know they have what it takes to beat Crusher.  Despite Crusher's attempt to cheat and trap Blaze in a cave far off the course before the race begins, AJ manages to free his monster truck while overcoming larger-than-life obstacles along the way.  Crusher tries to cheat one last time along the route, but Blaze and AJ prove no one can beat best friends by winning the race in a thrilling finale.  Throughout the half-hour special, children will be introduced to the STEM concept of investigation.

Tied to this new episode, beginning May 8, kids can play a free "Dragons Island Race" game on the Nick Jr. web site.  Players must help Blaze get past all of the obstacles in his path as he races Crusher to the top of Mount Dragon.  The web site will also provide an exclusive five minute first look at the "Dragon Island Duel" episode from May 18 - 25.

Also as of May 8th, the Blaze and the Monster Machines app will offer users the ability to help Blaze and AJ compete on all-new jungle tracks when with parental approval kids purchase the Dragon Island location.  The new features allow kids to race against Stripes and has them contend with new obstacles like coconut and banana launchers on Crusher when they race against him.  The app, like the television show, introduces its users to STEM concepts as they race along preset courses or build their own race tracks.

Additionally, Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc., is launching an all-new toy line based on Blaze and the Monster Machines at select retailers starting in May with a full nationwide rollout in August.  The toys will include a die cast collection of the monster trucks, talking and transforming vehicles, playsets, and plush of the show's characters.

Blaze and the Monster Machines gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval for being entertaining and educational for girls and boys alike encouraging them to explore the science and technology behind vehicles and race car driving.

Free Comic Book Day Has Plenty To Offer Early Readers

The first Saturday in May is one of our family's favorite days of the year: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  This year will be the fourth year in a row now we've enjoyed going to the local comic book store and coming home with a bundle of #FREE comics for my kids to enjoy.  This year the event on May 2, 2015 is also kicking off Children's Book Week so it is has added an additional emphasis on providing kid-friendly comic books for the retailers participating in Free Comic Book Day.  We've always found a nice selection of titles being given out that were appropriate to for parents to read to preschoolers or for young readers to flip through on their own that have included in past years Sesame Street, Strawberry Shortcake, and the Smurfs among others in past years.

To help encourage new customers to visit their stores and to reward existing ones for their loyalty, Free Comic Book Day provides a selection of comic books that provide a sample of a publishers work or an interesting one-shot story to promote a particular character or series.  While all of these comic books are absolutely FREE, each retailer normally has their own guidelines for the event.  Some stores let people take one of each of the 50 specialty issues being handed out until they run out, while others place limitations on how many you can pick up.  I frequent two local establishments that each have different rules.  One of the comic stores lets you pick 3 out of the 50 then you can take another 3 if you show up in a super hero themed costume and also grab one more issue if you bring a can food item to donate to a local food bank for a possible total of 7 freebies.  The other retailer lets each person choose 4 comics from the list of Gold Sponsor publications and 4 from the list of Silver Sponsor publications for a total of 8 comic books with no other strings attached.  If you don't normally visit a particular comic book store you may want to call ahead to confirm they are participating, their hours, and what the rules are for how they are distributing their Free Comic Book Day publications.  CLICK HERE to search for a participating comic book store near you.

If you are like me and bringing younger children along to Free Comic Book Day, here are a list of some of the comic books that have been rated "All Ages" which means they are kid-friendly  and in most cases targeted towards children.

BONGO COMICS - THE SIMPSONS

Get in line for the foremost Free Comic Book Day four-color giveaway of the year! When Bart brings one of Professor Frink's recent discoveries to school, it leads to some hair-raising hilarity Then, Lisa finds a doorway to an ancient past, CBG gets a hip -new girlfriend, and Homer tries his hand at some home improvement. And much more.
Rating: All-Ages

BOOM STUDIOS - 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

 2015 is BOOM! Studios' Tenth Anniversary year, and to help us celebrate we've gathered short stories from several current and new all-ages titles for Free Comic Book Day, offering an oversized, full-color issue that showcases 10 all-ages-friendly titles from our Archaia, BOOM! Box, and KaBOOM! imprints. The BOOM! Studios Ten Year Celebration 2015 Free Comic Book Day Special features a cover illustrated by Mouse Guard creator David Petersen and will contain the following stories:

Jim Henson's Labyrinth
"Wisdom and Idioms"
Written and Illustrated by Cory Godbey
An all-new short based on Jim Henson's Labyrinth. The Wiseman and his bird try to find some humor in the magical world of Labyrinth.

Iscariot
Written and Illustrated by S.M. Vidaurri
Young Carson discusses magic and time with a wizard in this special preview of the upcoming Archaia original graphic novel written and illustrated by Iron: Or, the War After creator S.M. Vidaurri.

Mouse Guard
"Service to Seyan"
Written and Illustrated by David Petersen
An excerpt from Mouse Guard: Baldwin the Brave and Other Tales. Gwendolyn learns about her mother Alma and the great warrior hall of Seyan.

Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake: Card Wards
Created by Pendleton Ward
Written by Jen Wang
Illustrated by Britt Wilson
A brand-new Fionna & Cake short from writer Jen Wang (In Real Life) and Britt Wilson (Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake)! Fionna and Cake are on the search for an opponent for Cake to play against in Card Wars.

Regular Show
"Coffee Shop Special!"
Created by JG Quintel
Written by Kevin Church
Illustrated by Coleman Engle
Based on the hit Cartoon Network animated series, Eileen and Margaret make Muscle Man his special drink.

Peanuts
"Dogstoevsky"
Created by Charles M. Schulz
Story by Charles M. Schulz
Pencils by Vicki Scott
Snoopy looks to finally become the World's Greatest Author, but Lucy's help may not be the helpful push he needs.

Garfield
"Fast Feline"
Created by Jim Davis
Written by Mark Evanier
Illustrated by Andy Hirsch
Nothing can keep Garfield from a good meal, even if it means having to beat the fastest cat to get it.

Lumberjanes
Created by Shannon Watters, Noelle Stevenson & Grace Ellis
Written by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis
Illustrated by Brooke Allen
When the Lumberjanes aren't taking care of pesky critters or crazy demigods, they're making fun crafts like friendship bracelets. Friendship to the max!

Munchkin
"Table of Contents"
Written and Illustrated by John Kovalic
Fight the monsters, steal the treasure, and backstab your buddy! A wandering monster table appears in this short from the illustrator of the hit card game Munchkin, John Kovalic.

Help Us! Great Warrior
Written and illustrated by Madeleine Flores
Based on the hit webcomic and new miniseries from Madeleine Flores. Great Warrior gets attacked on the road!

Rating: All-Ages

PERFECT SQUARE - POKEMON

All your favorite Pokémon game characters jump out of the screen into the pages of this action-packed comic! Legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal 's battle against each other is destroying Vaniville Town. Can X and Y save the town in Pokémon X o Y?!
Bonus Feature: More action in Pokémon Adventures and Pokémon Adventures Black and White!
Rating: All-Ages

UNITED PLANKTON PICTURES - SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS

 his year's SpongeBob Comics FCBD offering features a 22-page story by Boxtrolls director and Grickle cartoonist Graham Annable. In "Tangy!" Plankton's new special sauce made from jellyfish jelly has strange effects on SpongeBob and Bikini Bottom's residents. The only one unaffected, the only one who can save them all, is a very reluctant Squidward. Plus more undersea sequential stories by James Kochalka, Maris Wicks, Gregg Schigiel. and other awesome aquatic artists!
Rating: All-Ages

 RED 5 COMICS - BODIE TROLL

With a mix of playfully irreverant humor, attention-grabbing art and incredible heart, BODIE TROLL is a perfect first comic to give to a non-comic-reader of any age. In an all-new exclusive adventure, things turn ugly for cute BODIE TROLL when he gets hijacked into that most agonizing of events - a little girl's tea party! Plus, an all-new adventure from the world of DRONE and previews of 2015 Red 5 favorites and new faces.
Rating: All-Ages

GRAPHIX - CLEOPATRA IN SPACE

When a young Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, really far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian.
Rating: All-Ages

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT - GRONK

Gronk is a monster...and not a very good one!  Follow Gronk's continuing adventures as she learns about the world around her from her "teacher", Dale, in this all-new Gronk story from fan favorite Katie Cook!
Rating: All-Ages

CAPSTONE PRESS - MARCH GRAND PRIX

A Free Comic Book Day 2015 sneak peek of the new, turbo-charged graphic novel by Kean Soo, author of the award-winning series JELLABY! March Hare wants to be the fastest and furriest racecar driver around. But first, this rabbit racer must prove his skills at the speedway, on the streets, and in the desert. With pedal-to-the-metal illustrations and full-throttle action, MARCH GRAND PRIX is sure to be a winner! Featuring a full tank of bonus materials: creator Q & A, pinup art, and much more.
Rating: All-Ages

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS - SONIC THE HEDGEHOG / MEGA MAN

GRAPHIC INDIA - CHAKRA THE INVINCIBLE

 Based on the animated shorts seen on Angry Birds ToonsTV with over 25 Million views worldwide, 'Chakra The Invincible' is the latest superhero from legendary creator, Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men, The Avengers, X-Men, Iron Man, and more. This all-ages comic features short stories of Chakra The Invincible for kids and superhero fans of all ages.
Rating: All-Ages

DC COMICS - TEEN TITANS / SCOOBY-DOO

DC Entertainment's all-ages FCBD special edition has two tales for readers of all ages! The Teen Titans are back in Teen Titans Go! Chapter 10, and Scooby Doo Team Up! #6 features the Super Friends! Readers will want to follow the adventures of the Teen Titans in Teen Titans Go! Volume 1, and Scooby Doo's adventure with the Super Friends will continue in the forthcoming collected edition of Scooby Doo Team-Up! Super-hero adventures for readers of all ages have never been so much fun!
Rating: All-Ages

New Mobile App from Nickelodeon provides Streaming Media to help Preschoolers develop their Noggin

Starting March 5, 2015 Nickelodeon will begin streaming unique content meant to help preschoolers develop their noggins through a new app called "Noggin." Available through the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, Noggin's content for preschoolers will be available by parents buying a monthly subscription to access the content via the app.  The paid service will be ad free and cost $5.99 per month.

When Noggin launches on March 5th it content will include episodes of Blue's Clues, Allegra's Window, Franklin & Friends, Gullah Gullah Island, Little Bear, Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends, Ni Hao Kai-lan, Oswald, Pocoyo, Robot and Monster, and The Upside Down Show; music videos featuring Nickelodeon characters; and the return of the retired characters Moose and Zee to host educational videos that will help children learn letters, shapes, matching and other important skills to get ready for kindergarten.  Over time new content, games, and activities will be added to the app.  The Noogin library of videos, games, and activities will be separate and distinct from the televised and online preschool content available through Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon's other distribution platforms.

Nickelodeon's Noggin will provide content specifically targeted for preschooler's educational and entertainment needs and appears aimed to appeal to the growing number of households that have cut cable television services and to active on the go parents who would like a mobile option accessible for their children when the family is out and about.  Of course, not wanting to compete with their own successful cable network brands, subscribers won't find Nick's most popular preschool focused characters like Dora, PAW Patrol and Wallykazam! on Noggin.

Do you have preschoolers at home and if so does Noggin peek your interest?  If you decide to subscribe to Noggin send us a message to share your experience with the app.  Share your thoughts with A Geek Daddy Blog via email thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com , Facebook, Twitter, or the comment section below.

Are Your Preschoolers Ready For Kindergarten? Don't Wait Til They Get There To Find Out!

Wow! Kindergarten sure isn't the same thing as it was when I was a kid!  The half day sessions that oriented children to going to school filled with snack time, nap time and play time mixed in with some time spent on learning letters and numbers are a thing of the past.  My 6 year old twins are in Kindergarten this year at a local public elementary school which is now a full day filled with learning about reading, doing math, and completing science projects combined with art, music, gym and Spanish classes.  If your child doesn't know their ABCs and 123s they are starting out behind the curve.  It is a good thing the day care and preschool programs our kids were enrolled in alerted us about how Kindergarten has changed and assisted our children in becoming prepared or we probably would have been caught off guard; but fortunately when the time came our family was all set to go.  Are your preschoolers ready for Kindergarten? Don't wait til they get there to find out!

Nickelodeon has an online quiz you can take to see where your child ranks in being ready for Kindergarten and provides a customized learning plan, educational games, interactive video and printable activities to help get preschoolers ready for school.  The learning plan provided to parents will help ensure their preschoolers have the appropriate development skills necessary to be successful in school and its interactive and skill building activities will help kids meet necessary milestones.

CLICK HERE to TAKE THE QUIZ

The preparedness quiz is part of the 2015 Nick Jr. Beyond the Backpack campaign which is geared to help parents and caregivers prepare preschoolers for academic success.  The campaign's spokesperson is Tia Mowry-Hardrict, from the television show Instant Mom, who alongside popular Nickelodeon characters Dora, Wally and Blaze will be appearing in a PSA series airing across Nickelodeon's TV and digital platforms.  Beyond the preparedness quiz and PSAs, Beyond the Backpack features an advisory committee comprised of leaders in children's education who are lending their expertise to the program, a dedicated website, bilingual (English/Spanish) educational materials, and a parent-targeted mobile program providing weekly tips and information.  Nick Jr's Beyond the Backpack focuses on five key areas deemed critical to educational achievement: family engagement, health and wellness, early literacy, social and emotional development and fundamental STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills.  If you would like to opt-in to receive a weekly text message with tips to make learning more fun for your preschooler, text BACKPACK to 91757.

Originally founded in 2010 as part of the 10th anniversary of the curriculum-driven Dora the Explorer, the 2015 Beyond the Backpack campaign has expanded to include a broad range of educational and socio-emotional topics using a variety of the Nickelodeon's programs and characters, including Wallykazam! (literacy), Team Umizommi (math), Bubble Guppies (socio-emotional development), Peter Rabbit (problem-solving), PAW Patrol (social skills), and Blaze and the Monster Machines (STEM).

Are your preschoolers ready for Kindergarten?!  That time in life arrives much sooner than many of us parents realize it so don't get caught unprepared.  For more information, visit www.beyondthebackpack.com

WALLYKAZAM! Nickelodeon has a "Big Goblin Problem"

An actor from one of my favorite televisions shows, Parks & Recreation, is guest starring on one of my children's favorite Nickelodeon shows this week, Wallykazam!  It's going to be a goblin of an episode when Ben Schwartz, voices Wally's Uncle Steve, a master dragon rider who goes on adventures and stops trouble, in a special hour-long special airing on Friday, February 6 at Noon titled "The Big Goblin Problem" The Wallykazam! television series is great for preschoolers and kindergarteners because of the fun and interesting way it incorporates literacy curriculum into its stories.  Phonics, letter and sound identification, rhyming, and vocabulary development and comprehension are all important educational topics highlighted in these shows.  Nickelodeon very kindly gave my twins the opportunity to have a sneak peek and watch "The Big Goblin Problem" before its public debut and the kids' review on the show is that it is "GREAT!!!"

In "The Big Goblin Problem," Wally's Uncle Steve and his dragon, Victoria, visit and bring magic bubbles that double what they pop on.  Bobgoblin finds the bubbles and doubles his favorite thing...himself!  Wally and Norville must save the day before the Bobgoblins cover the town in their favorite snack - strawberries and pickle pudding.

Wallykazam! follows the adventures of a troll named Wally and his pet dragon, Norville, who live in a forest with giants, goblins, orgres, sprites, and other mythical creatures.  Wally uses his magic stick to make words come to life on screen that playfully transform the world around him.  The half hour shows regularly air weekdays at 10:00 am (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

Our family appreciates Wallykazam! because its format ties into our children's sight word lessons at school.  Sight words are commonly used words that young children are encouraged to memorize as a whole by sight, so they can automatically recognize these words in print when first learning to read.  Sight words account for a large percentage of the words used in beginning children's reading materials which allow early readers to identify the majority of words in a text and concentrate on the meaning and comprehension versus spelling out every single word.  Because of its entertaining stories and educational benefits, Wallykazam! gets A GEEK DADDY nod of approval.

For more information about Wallykazam! visit nickjr.com/wallykazam