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Review: Barbie Spy Squad
Barbie is well known for having a catalogue of careers, and this time around the blonde one hits cinema screens as the star of her very own movie, in the guise of a super spy.
The action begins when Barbie and her gymnast pals are recruited for their skills to apprehend a jewel thief, learning along the way the values of teamwork, friendship and that believing in yourself always brings you closer to success.
Attending a preview screening with an overexcited five year old – and life-long Barbie fan – I have to say my daughter’s attention was held from start to finish. And while I may have had to contend with the little one jumping across the sofa and rolling around the living room floor, I also caught her taking a deep breath and closing her eyes when she was having trouble with a task at home – just like Barbie does in the film to visualise herself completing a complicated jump.. These kids pick up so much more than we think!
And of course, as expected, there’s a range of undercover agent toys from Mattel to go with the film. One guess what she’ll be waiting for her birthday present this year…
Review: Zootropolis
What’s that you say? A Disney animation exploring racism while being both witty and hilarious?
Well, surprisingly Zootropolis manages to do exactly that with characters voiced by the likes of Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, J K Simmons and Octavia Spencer.
In short, the film is about the determined Judy Hopp (Goodwin) who battles to become the first ever rabbit police academy graduate before teaming up with Nick Wilde (Bateman) to investigate a series of incidents that threaten the city of Zootropolis, where creatures of all types have – up until now – lived together in harmony.
My little one loved the way the two main characters bounced off each other and laughed out loud on several occasions during the film. Even a slight scare, which made half the cinema jump, wasn’t enough to mar her enjoyment.
We watched a special preview screening of the animation in Leicester Square, joined by VIPs – David Haye, Vanessa Feltz, Linda Robson, Sinitta and Jenni Falconer – and their children.
Judging from the round of applause as the film ended, Zootropolis is set to be a hit with both adults and children alike – as the content was covered with the seriousness needed for the themes explored, but at the same time, the relationship between the characters ensured it was a fun watch.
Foreo Mikro launch event
HANDS up who usually gives up the battle when it comes to brushing their little one’s teeth?
I mean, who would have thought it could be so difficult when this human being you created is less than half the size of you….
Therefore when I got an invitation to an event which sounded like it could make brushing your teeth – gasp – fun, I couldn’t resist.
So on Thursday we wore white coats and played at being dentists at the Foreo Mikro Dentist event in Central London.
Obviously there was a ball pit involved, but I also received tips from Harley Street Dentist Dr Mark Hughes on oral hygiene for both my kids – even for my one year old, who I learnt can also use their specially designed sonic electric toothbrushes.
The silicone toothbrush head is soft enough for his gums AND can also help with the dreaded itchy gums caused by teething – the Mikro brush has two settings, brush and massage mode.
He’s 18 months and it seems like the majority of his teeth have decided to come at the same time, so anything that soothes the pain is a God send.
Other pluses include a looong battery life, as well as a happy or sad face to encourage little ones to brush for the recommended two minutes.
We’ll see how it goes, but so far, so good. I mean, at least he’s not running away every time I bring out the toothbrush now… In fact it’s the opposite – he’s now dashing off whenever I try to take it off him!
Find out more atĀ www.foreo.com/issa-mikro
My Colourful World: Best Friends – Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
IT’S ALWAYS difficult when your child doesn’t fit the stereotypical images of childhood peddled out on TV and in books.
The day your little one asks you why they can’t see themselves in these forms of entertainment – is quite simply heartbreaking.
And that’s why, whenever I hear of something which addresses this problem, my heart sings!
Lolade Coker found herself in this situation and decided to do something about it.
With a four-year-old who loved colouring but never saw kids like herself in colouring books, the search started for Lolade and culminated in the creation of My Colourful World: Best Friends.
She said: “My Colourful World is an educational tool that promotes fine motor skills whilst teaching children about diversity and inclusion.
“This colouring book will help to build a strong community for all kids who are often misrepresented by mainstream media.”
The book contains 30 pages and are single sided to prevent the dreaded bleed through as those little artists get to work.
They can also easily be removed from the book for easy access.
Available to buy from Amazon.