June Pop-Corn

TV, Movies, and Music you won't want to miss this June!

If you loved Jennette MCurdy in iCarly and Ariana Grande in Victorious, here’s some good news. They’re teaming up in a new Nickelodeon comedy series called Sam & Cat, playing the same characters that made them so popular! The spinoff, premiering June 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, follows the girls as they start a babysitting service.

PBS KIDS is heating up summer with special theme weeks of their shows. First up is Bug Week on Wild Kratts beginning June 3, with everything you want to know about insects.

Big Time Rush is set to release their 3rd album, 24/seven, on June 11. The release will feature “Like Nobody’s Around,” as well as brand-new music which will appear on the current season of the show. The band will perform tracks from 24/seven when they hit the road on their “Summer Break Tour” with Victoria Justice. The tour kicks off June 21 in Los Angeles and will stop in over 38 cities across the U.S.

Get up early and catch some of your favorite music artists on Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on ABC. Carly Rae Jepsen will sing on the June 14 show and Demi Lovato will perform on June 28.

Did the animated antics of Monsters Inc. have you in hysterics? Then get ready for more. Monsters University is a prequel that tells the story of how Mike and Sully first met and became BFFs when they were students. It’s in theaters June 21.

If you like superheroes, you can catch a special 1-hour preview of a new animated series featuring Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow and newcomer Falcon. Sunday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney XD, Marvel's Avengers Assemble follows the action-packed adventures of the Avengers superheroes as they defend the planet from threats no single Super Hero could withstand. 

Kelly Osbourne will host the special event Phineas and Ferb Musical Cliptastic Countdown, featuring favorite music videos chosen by fans, and airing on Disney Channel June 29 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

—Gerri, STACKS Writer

Image courtesy Nickelodeon

Cymphonique's Passion CD

Cymphonique's Passion CD

You may remember Cymphonique from the TV show How to Rock. Well, now, Cymphonique, daughter of rapper Master P, and sister of Lil' Romeo talks about her new album titled Passion.

Q: Describe Passion, the type of music, the influences.
Cymphonique: Well, its sound is a mix of hip hop, pop, and club music. It’s got a feel-good vibe. And the reason why I called it Passion is because I feel like the entertainment industry can get so caught up in gimmicks sometimes and what's happening in that person's personal life, and I just wanted to focus on the art of it and the love of it all. And I really just love what I do. I love to sing and I just wanted to give the listeners good R&B vocals and put a smile on some people’s faces or even just connect with the listener because I feel like when I'm listening to my favorite music the best thing about it is when they can explain the exact way that I feel and I think that's something really special. And that’s something that I hope to do with Passion, whether that be make them feel good and want to get up and dance or just repeat the song over and over again until they fall asleep.

Q: Did you write any of the songs?
Cymphonique: Oh, yes. I've been writing ever since I was two years old. I work with a great team of writers, but I work very closely in the writing and to just spread a good message with the music because I’m all into the sound of the music, being up-to-date, being in the now, but I also want it to still have a positive message and to still be me.

Q: Do you have a favorite song from the album?
Cymphonique: Well, there’s actually a new song that hasn’t been heard yet, but it’s called “Independent” and it’s one of my favorites just because of the message. And I think that if you’re ever feeling down or something, if you just are listening to that song, it’s a great song to get pumped to, whether you’re working out or you just need a little encouragement and you just want to dance in your car.

Q: What advice would you would tell a girl whether she wants to be a singer or wants to be a doctor or wants to be a mother?
Cymphonique: Well, I would start off being very honest with them and say it’s not going to be all peaches and cream. You’re definitely going to go through some hardships and there’ll be some problems that you’ll have to go through. But if you love something, it’s worth it. If you love something, it’s worth fighting for. And I would say don’t get so down when those things happen because obstacles, they’re a part of life, and just whatever you do, don’t give up. And just remember that every person has their own flaws, has their own problems, but it’s all about the journey, so don’t get so caught up in the goal. But that’s what so beautiful about being passionate about something is that when you love it you’ll continue to persevere through everything. And if there’s something that you want, just make sure you’re serious about it. You know, with me, when it comes to singing, dancing, acting, the entertainment business, yes, I took classes, but what was most important is what I did when I came home, which was practicing by myself in the mirror, playing my guitar at 2am in the morning even though everybody else was sleeping, typing my own songs on the computer. And I think if you love something, go for it and give your all, give 100%, and don’t let what people say stop you and don’t let the hardships stop you. So keep going and whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep going.

May Pop-Corn

TV, Movies, and Music you won't want to miss this May!

Switched at Birth stars Katie LeClerc and Vanessa Marano were at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books to read to kids. Vanessa read aloud and Katie signed in American Sign Language. Afterward, we asked them which children’s book they loved most. Vanessa picked Dr. Seuss’ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Katie chose The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In case you didn’t know it already, Katie pointed out that reading is essential “so that you can drive, function in life, and be a normal human!”

At another recent event, we also asked Oscar-nominated nine-year-old actress Quvenzhane Wallis what she likes to read. “I like to read all kinds of books. I like Judy Moody and Judy Blume books,” she said, adding that she most recently read Pinkalicious by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. 

Bindi Irwin is following in her father’s footsteps as the host of a new wildlife series on Starz Kids & Family. The daughter of the late Australian animal expert Steve Irwin, Bindi will take kids up close and personal with all kinds of animals in Bindi’s Bootcamp, which airs Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 1. Shot on location at the Australia Zoo, the series puts three teams of kids through races and challenges as they learn about wildlife and compete to win a trip with Bindi to participate in an Irwin Family conservation program.

Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and One Direction were among the winners at the Radio Disney Music Awards, which will be available on May 5 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT on Radio Disney. Disney Channel will show highlights from the event during the weekend of May 10-12 every night starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Speaking of Selena, her “Come and Get It” video will have its world premiere on MTV on May 7 at 7:53 p.m. ET/4:53 p.m. PT.

Noah Munck from iCarly stars in the Nickelodeon movie Nicky Deuce as an over-protected teen who transforms into a tough guy when he spends the summer with his uncle in Brooklyn, New York. It premieres May 27 on Nick at Nite at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

A.N.T Farm comes back for a third season with a special one-hour episode on May 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon. This time around, the series about talented teens will be set in a boarding school. Star China Anne McClain sings a new song called "Stars Aligning” in the episode.

—Gerri, STACKS Writer

Mother's Day Activities

Mother's Day Activities

Mother's Day in the U.S. is on May 12. Are you ready to shower your mother with gifts and praise? Make her feel really special because you know she does a lot for you! And don't forget the other "moms" in your life, too: grandmothers, aunts, step-mothers, even teachers. 

Here are some videos, articles, and activities to get you inspired to give your mom a perfect day.

• Mother's Day Trivia Quiz
• Disney Stars' Favorite Recipes from their Moms
• Best TV and Book Moms
• Best Mother and Son Dance EVER!!!
• Freaky Friday Writing Prompt
• Make Mom a Recycled Egg-Carton Flower Bouquet.

Now, go plan a perfect day for all the moms in your life!

Space Warriors Thomas Kasp

Space Warriors Thomas Kasp interview

In the movie Space Warriors (rated PG), Jimmy Hawkins has always dreamed of traveling to outer space. When an opportunity arises to compete and win a seat on the next space shuttle, Jimmy desperately wants to apply. Knowing his parents would not approve, he secretly applies to attend a special space camp at the Space & Rocket Center. The summer camp is designed to pull teens with scientific specialties from across the globe to create an elite team, The Warriors. This team will battle for the chance to win a seat on the next shuttle into space.

We got to speak to one of the actors in the movie, Thomas Kasp about the movie, and his experience filming at Space Camp.

Karan Brar Answers Your Questions!

Karan Brar Answers Your Questions!

You asked your questions, and Karan Brar sent his answers. Read on to find out what it's like to play Ravi on Jessie, and what his life is like outside of acting. Maybe he chose YOUR question to answer!

One Direction ABC

One Direction ABC

Is there anything you'd rather write about in today's Writing Prompt than One Direction? If you're a big fan, then this one is for you. It's kind of like that game you play on car trips. Name something that starts with A, then B, then C. . . with a 1D twist, of course.

For instance:

• A is for AmaZayn
• B is for Beautiful (What Makes You Beautiful!)
• C is for Columbus, OH (which is where their tour stops June 18th!)
• D is for Directioner

Can you make it all the way through the alphabet? Be as creative as you want! Leave your One Direction A,B,C's in the Comments below. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

—Ratha, Stacks Writer

April Pop-Corn

TV, Movies, and Music you won't want to miss this April!

The Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast on April 7 at 8 p.m. on CBS. Last year's "Entertainer of the Year" Taylor Swift is nominated for 4 awards!

Demi Lovato’s new album Demi won’t be out until May 14, but it’s available for  pre-order now on iTunes and Amazon. Her "Heart Attack" video will premiere on E! News at 7 p.m. ET/PT on April 9. "I’m incredibly proud of this album," says Demi.  "It's better than anything I have ever done! I experimented with a variety of different sounds and poured my heart into writing these songs. I’m so excited for everyone to finally get the chance to hear them!" She’ll be making lots of TV appearances coming up, including Good Morning America on April 10, Live With Kelly & Michael on April 11, and Ellen on May 13.

Do you spoil your pet? Even if you do, it probably can’t top the over-pampered dogs, cats, ferrets, pigs, tortoises, and more creatures that get the royal treatment on the Nat Geo Wild series Spoiled Rotten Pets, premiering April 20 at 9 p.m. You’ll see fashion shows, a “bark mitzvah,” a dance class for dogs, and even a spa for pigs!

Earth Day is April 22, and PBS KIDS is celebrating the entire Earth Month of April with programs celebrating nature and the outdoors. You’ll find eco-themed programming on Wild Kratts and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That. On Earth Day, a Curious George special will air, and will repeat on April 26 and throughout the weekend.

Teen Titans gets animated—literally—when the series premieres in cartoon form on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. The superhero series features the same voice cast as the original live action show, and the same but remixed theme song. Starting April 27, Teen Titans Go! will be rebroadcast each week on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. as part of the DC Nation block.

On April 28, Good Luck Charlie returns to Disney Channel for its fourth season with an episode featuring the Muppets in a dream sequence. It debuts at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. Luke Benward joins the cast for six episodes as a teenage bug expert and love interest for Bridgit Mendler’s character Teddy.

And finally, be on the lookout for Adventures in Zambezia (rated G), the first full length animated feature film from South Africa. It features the voice of Abigail Breslin, and tells the story of an adventurous young falcon that leaves his home to find the famed bird city of Zambezia, near Victoria Falls, South Africa.  

What will you be watching this month? Leave a Comment!

—Gerri, STACKS Writer

Jessie Star Answers Your Questions!

Karan Brar from Jessie Answers Your Questions!

You know Karan as Ravi, one of the newly adopted children into the ultra-rich Ross family on Jessie with Debby Ryan, and as Chirag Gupta in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies. ("Stop! Good God, man, you almost got the CHEESE TOUCH!") 

Karan grew up in Redmond, Washington, but his family is originally from Punjab, India. What he loves most about portraying the first ever regular Indian character on a Disney show is the ability to incorporate what he has learned from his own family, and from his visits to the country back into his role as Ravi.

Karan loves collecting comic books, hiking, free running, and watching old movies with his dad. He also raps for fun, and listens to 21 Pilots, and Andy Grammer.

AND, he answers fan questions! Leave your questions for Karan in the Comments today, and then come back here on April 19 for the answers. Maybe he will answer YOUR question!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

SPONSORED BLOG POST: 42 Movie

This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. 42 tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball.

In 1946, Branch Rickey put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson to the team, breaking Major League Baseball's infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press, and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey's hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

In 1997, Major League Baseball retired the number 42 for all teams, making it the first number in sports to be universally retired. The only exception is April 15th—Jackie Robinson Day—commemorating the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. On that day alone, players from every team proudly wear Number 42 to honor the man who altered the course of history.

Opening on April 12, 2013, the 42 film will commemorate the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day.

Watch the trailer.

Mindless Behavior Interview

Mindless Behavior Interview

American boy band, Mindless Behavior's new CD All Around the World released this month, and Marie Morreale got to talk to 17-year-old Ray Ray, 17-year-old Prodigy, 16-year-old Princeton, and 16-year-old Roc Royal about their new album, their upcoming movie, and other details about their personal lives.

Kids' Choice Awards 2013

Vote for the Kids' Choice Awards!

Some of our very favorite books were nominated for the 2013 Kids' Choice Awards, and YOU get to choose the winner! Go vote!

Of course, here at Scholastic, we are thrilled that two of our titles were once again nominated in the Favorite Book category. The Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games trilogy (for ages 12 and up) are both in the running. While Harry has actually won in this category before, The Hunger Games trilogy has never won. Diary of a Wimpy Kid has taken the prize for the last 3 years!

FUN FACT from Nickelodeon: Harry Potter won the Favorite Book category 7 times during the years 2000-2008, losing twice to A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.

FUN FACT from Nickelodeon: In 1998, the Favorite Book of the year was Goosebumps Deep Trouble II, and the Favorite Movie was Titanic. There was some kind of underwater theme going on that year.

Winners will be announced on the Kids' Choice Awards Show on March 23! Make sure you vote! 

And PS, One Direction is nominated for Favorite Music Group, so that's another reason to go vote!