Holidays Around the World - The Storytellers of EPCOT

La Befana of Italy

Today I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva talking about the Holiday Storytellers at EPCOT. I love holiday traditions and the opportunity to learn more about the traditions of other cultures is wonderful!

Meeting Santa at Downtown Disney

I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva today talking about meeting Santa at Downtown Disney. There's nothing like combining the magic of Christmas with the magic of Disney.

Arthur Christmas

When we were walking through the store the other day, Bean spotted Arthur Christmas on Bluray and insisted we buy it immediately. She had gone to the movies with a friend to see it, but my sister and I had missed it. She said it was good, so we decided to give it a try. I am so glad that we did. Arthur Christmas is one of the silliest and sweetest Christmas movies for families in a long time.

Arthur is one of Santa's sons. He's a bit of a klutz and he's afraid of everything, but he has a good heart. On Christmas Eve, Santa and his oldest son, Steve, head out in their spaceship style sleigh to deliver presents to the children of the world. Steve has modernized Christmas: the elves deliver the gifts and Santa is more of a figurehead. However, this Christmas, a gift was left undelivered. Steve and Santa don't seem too concerned, but Arthur knows that the magic of finding a gift from Santa under the tree on Christmas morning can be the most important thing in the world to a child. As a result, Arthur, his Grandpa, affectionately called Grandsanta, and a wrapping elf named Bryony set out to make things right. What ensues is an adventure unlike anything they could have expected, and it's up to Arthur to save one little girl's Christmas.

This is a wonderful story about Christmas, magic, and the importance of family. I would highly recommend it for all ages, especially for school age children who may be questioning the existence of Santa. I hope you enjoy Arthur Christmas as much as we did!

Voices of Liberty

I'm over at Tips From the Disney Diva today talking about my favorite performance group at EPCOT, Voices of Liberty. They are fantastic and I love listening to them.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

Disney

When I was at Disney World last month, I noticed that they had started to paint what looked like Cap'n Jack Sparrow's map onto the side of the building that used to house the Narnia Experience in Hollywood Studios. I had heard rumors that this was going to be a new immersive experience through the four Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Yesterday, the Disney blog confirmed that this is so. According to their description, the new walk-through attraction, which will open December 6th (popular day, huh), will take guests on a journey into a lost grotto where a skull will test them to see if they are worthy of sailing with Captain Jack Sparrow. Along the way, they must" face the perils of a pirates life" as they explore scenes from the film.

As a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, I think the idea sounds great. I would love to be able to step into the movies, and I know Bean would too. I can't wait to try out this fun new attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Muppet Christmas Carol 20th Anniversary

Jim Henson Company

I know it's a little early for Christmas, but I just love the Muppets and this was too funny not to share.

In honor of the Muppets Christmas Carol 20th Anniversary Edition coming to DVD and Bluray, Muppet Studios has released a music video featuring Camilla and her chicken friends singing "Joy To the World". It's hilarious!

Happy Halloween!

Disney

Happy Halloween!

This Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket Is Delightfully Spooky

I hope everyone is having a great Halloween. I wanted to share with you a fun popcorn bucket that my sister bought at the Magic Kingdom during our recent trip to Disney World. This year, they offered a Jack Skellington coffin full of popcorn for $12.99. We love the Nightmare Before Christmas, so my sister had to have one of these coffins. The coffin is 9" tall with Jack in silent repose on the top. 

The sides say Jack Skellington RIP and the handle is connected at each end. There are tiny skulls in each corner and an image of Jack's head toward the top. There are also Nightmare Before Christmas style swirls around each side.

The top is hinged on one side, which was good, because they over-filled the box with popcorn and it wouldn't close. Inside, there's a vampire teddy bear from the movie, reaching out from the bottom. When we purchased the box, the cast member selling the popcorn thought it was a vampire Mickey.

The most interesting part of the coffin, is the information embossed into the outside of the bottom. The coffin was created for the Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland and was supposed to be sold exclusively at that park. I don't know how it ended up at Disney World, but I'm not complaining.

New Steins at Sleepy Hollow

The Headless Horseman and a hidden Mickey

Sleepy Hollow has a new souvenir stein on the menu. They are similar to the new Beauty and the Beast steins that can be found at Gaston's Tavern in the New Fantasyland Expansion opening December 6, 2012. However, instead of Lefou and Gaston, this stein features the Headless Horseman on one side and a terrified Ichabod Crane riding his equally terrified horse on the other. The images are from one of my favorite scenes in the movie, so I instantly knew I had to have this stein.

Ichabod Crane and a hidden Mickey

Now, just so you know, these steins are plastic with sticker images on each side. But, they are a lot of fun and fairly inexpensive (for Disney), so they are definitely worth considering. My family loves the Headless Horseman and Sleepy Hollow, so we each got one. They are $7.99 and come filled with any fountain drink at Sleepy Hollow. And don't forget to ask for your soda without ice; the drinks are plenty cold enough without it, and you get a lot more bang for your buck.

And while you're there, don't forget to try the Nutella and fresh fruit waffle. I finally got a chance to try it, and it's amazing! The new waffle sandwiches are a fantastic addition to what was already one of my favorite snack stops.

The Good Witch's Charm

Hallmark

I love the Good Witch series of movies. They are magical, wonderful, family stories about finding the best way to solve your problems. Well, now there's a fifth movie premiering this Saturday, October 27, 2012 on Hallmark channel.

Picking up where The Good Witch's Family left off, Cassie is struggling to juggle her new job as Mayor with the demands of motherhood. She and her husband, Sheriff Jake are feeling overwhelmed by work and their new baby girl, and are looking forward to a much needed vacation. Unfortunately, things are never that simple for the Good Witch.

Hallmark

A sudden crime wave strikes Middleton, and a video of Cassie magically disappearing is posted to the internet. On the home front, Cassie's foster mother shows up unexpectedly and her stepdaughter Lori is accused of the robberies. Things are looking bleak for Cassie, but with the support of her family and friends, I'm sure Cassie will be able to save the day once again with her own personal style of magic.

Prior to the premiere, Hallmark has planned an all day Good Witch marathon. This will give you a chance to catch up on any you may have missed. The series includes The Good Witch, The Good Witch's Garden, The Good Witch's Gift, The Good Witch's Family, and the new movie, The Good Witch's Charm. A sixth movie called The Good Witch's Destiny is currently being filmed and is set to debut in October 2013.

New Halloween Treats at Disney World

Rice Krispie Treats at Goofy's Candy Kitchen, Downtown Disney

So, I just got back from Disney World (at 3:30 this morning... yuck!), and they had tons of fun new Halloween treats, both in the parks and at Downtown Disney. Of course, I love them all, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite new looks.

Hitchhiking Ghost Phineas Sucker

Hatbox Ghost Sucker

Hitchhiking Ghost Ezra Sucker

Ghost Cupcakes at Big Top Treats, Magic Kingdom

Mickey Pumpkin Cupcakes at Starring Rolls, Hollywood Studios

Universal Classic Monsters Collection

I love all things Halloween. I love the decorations, the costumes, and especially, the movies. Today, Universal released a doozy. For the first time, you can get their classic monster movies on Blu-ray. Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection has 8 discs featuring 8 classic films, over 12 hours of bonus features, and a collectible book with fun facts and photos. The following movies are included in this collection: Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula (including the Spanish version), The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Wolfman, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Phantom of the Opera. I love these old horror films and the quality is supposed to be a vast improvement from the previous DVD release. Unfortunately, the price is a little out of my budget. The collection retails for $160. Hopefully it will go on sale sometime in the next few months, but until then, I can dream.

ABC Commissary Dining Review

Disney

I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva today talking about one of the "coolest" places at Disney's Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary.

Trick or Treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Today I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva talking about Trick or Treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

New Fantasyland website

Disney

Are you looking forward to the new Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World? If so, Disney has released a new minisite to tease and tantalize with hints about all of the wonder that will soon be revealed. Both the website and a new trailer tell of a land under a curse, where you can be the hero that breaks the spell and reveals all. To be that hero, you simply need to add your email address to be informed when the curse has been broken.

The Fantasyland expansion includes Storybook Circus, where Dumbo flies and the Casey Junior train can be found, Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid, a new Little Mermaid clamshell ride similar to Nemo at EPCOT, Belle's Village, which features Gaston's Tavern, Maurice's Workshop for Storytime with Belle, and the Be Our Guest Restaurant, based on the Beast's castle. All of these areas are scheduled to open on December 6, 2012, with a Passholder preview on November 19, 2012. Sometime in 2013, a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride will also be added.

I'm really excited to see the new Fantasyland, although I'll probably have to wait until sometime next year. The photos and videos of the behind the scenes work that Disney has released have been amazing! Every detail is being carefully attended to and the Be Our Guest Restaurant is just beautiful. I've always wanted to go inside the Beast's castle, and now I will get a chance to do just that. What are you looking forward to the most?

Columbia Harbour House Review

I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva today talking about a great place to eat at the Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbour House.

Sleepy Hollow Dining Review

I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva today talking about one of my favorite places to eat at the Magic Kingdom: Sleepy Hollow.

Disney Nature Chimpanzee

Disney

Bean and I watched Disney Nature's Chimpanzee today as part of her homeschool unit on African animals. This is one of the most sensitive and beautiful nature films that I have ever seen. Narrated by Tim Allen, Chimpanzee tells the story of Oscar, a young chimpanzee and his family group. The film covers their heartache and triumphs as they live amongst the wilds of a rainforest in Africa.

The relationship between Oscar and his mother, Isha, is beautiful. Bean was amazed at how much chimpanzee children are like human children. They play, get in trouble, don't like bedtime, and love their mothers. Much like humans, chimpanzees learn how to survive by watching their family members go about their daily lives; gathering food, making and using tools, finding places to sleep, and protecting each other. By the end of the film, you will have a greater understanding of these amazing creatures.

Disney has created a fantastic Educator's Guide with activities, games, and educational sheets to help teach children more about chimpanzees. The guide has activities for several different age levels and would be a great supplement to keep kids talking about chimpanzees and the natural world. The guide can be downloaded from Disney's Chimpanzee website here. At the Chimpanzee website, you will also find a photo gallery, video clips, and more. Disney also has links to the Blu-ray, DVD, Chimpanzee Book that offers a behind the scenes look at the making of the film, and even 13" Oscar plush. When you purchase the Oscar plush, a $1 donation will be made to the Jane Goodall Institute to help them protect chimpanzee habitats, educate schoolchildren, and care for orphaned chimpanzees.

This film is by turns happy and sad. I won't spoil the story, but be aware that there are attacks by rival groups, and even some deaths, that my be hard for young children to understand. I would recommend previewing Chimpanzee before sharing it with young children, but I think this film is a wonderful way to help introduce children to the wonders of the natural world.

No talking during the movie!

Disney/Pixar

AMC theaters have teamed up with Disney and Pixar for their new policy trailer about using cell phones during movies. I love this new trailer!

I really don't like it when people talk on their cell phones or text constantly during movies; it's so rude! I think this Finding Nemo trailer has the perfect solution.

Flame Tree BBQ

I'm over at Tips from the Disney Diva today talking about one of my favorite places to eat at Disney World: Flame Tree BBQ. And I've included a recipe for you to try at home. Please stop by and let me know what you think.

Tusker House at Animal Kingdom

Musicians perform near the waiting area for Tusker House

After this last trip, I have a new favorite restaurant at Animal Kingdom. Flame Tree BBQ is still my favorite counter service, but for table service, Tusker House can't be beat. We went to Tusker House for lunch on a very rainy day. Because of the rain, they were taking the included PhotoPass photos out front by the windows, but normally, they take the photos by the wall of masks in the back. After the photos, we were seated and our drink orders were taken.

Tusker House is a buffet full of foods inspired by Africa, with some American foods for picky eaters. The food was fantastic! For Bean, who is a picky eater, there were mini corn dogs, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, cold cuts, corn, green beans, and even a peanut butter and jelly station to make your own sandwich. For the rest of us, there were a wide variety of foods. They had many different salads, such as Tunisian couscous salad, curried rice salad, and green salads with dressings. There were also several breads: pitas, multigrain rolls, sliced bread, and an interesting African bread filled with chocolate and dried mangoes. A wide variety of meats were available including roast beef with horseradish sauce, peri-peri salmon, Cape Malay curried chicken, roast pork, and a seafood stew with tamarind. There were also several sides to choose from: sambals, hummus with pitas, Marrakesh couscous, vegetable samosas, and Basmati rice with toasted almond slivers. There were tons of other items as well and everything we tried was delicious.

There was quite a selection of desserts as well. There were cookies and brownies, mini chocolate lava cakes, warm banana bread pudding, berry cobbler with warm vanilla sauce, mini chocolate mousse cups with zebra straws, baklava (which I found to be overly sweet, although it's usually one of my favorites), macaroons, lemon bars, tiny fruit topped tarts, and plenty of fresh fruit.

During lunch, the characters make there way around to all of the tables. We saw Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy all dressed in safari gear. Each one came to our table to give a hug, pose for photos, and sign autographs. And about halfway through the meal, all of the children were handed animal shaped tambourines and paraded around with the characters. They turned on some fun music and the kids sang and danced. It was a great way to get the wiggles out.

At the end of the meal, a cast member brought us a large photo in a fun paper frame and 4 4x6 photos, one for each member of our party. My sister was rather disappointed with the photo and asked if it was possible to have it retaken. They said sure and after a little figuring, sent us out near the masks for a new photo. A few minutes later, a new photo had been printed and brought to us. They even gave us one of the original photos, too. I've heard other people say that the photos weren't included in the meal price and that the package we received was an additional $31, but no one told us that it wasn't included and we weren't charged extra for the photos, so that may have changed recently.

Everyone at the Tusker House was super nice and very helpful. The food was wonderful and different from anything else at Animal Kingdom. The atmosphere was exciting and the characters were great. I would definitely eat there again.

Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings - Sisters

Disney

This past Sunday, Disney released a new clip of Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings, just in time for Sister's Day. The clip celebrates the new-found relationship between Tink and her sister Periwinkle.

Disney has created a fun collection of printables to get your little one excited about the new movie, including an activity page, boxes, a mobile, ice pop toppers, a playset, stickers, and more. They also have recipes and crafts, such as gorgeous quilling strip snowflakes, too. And for more Tinker Bell winter fun, visit Family.com. Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings will be released to video on October 23, 2012.

More Disney Dream Portraits from Annie Leibovitz

I love the photos taken by Annie Leibovitz over the past several years for Disney. She does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of the characters as well as the celebrities that are portraying them. Today, Disney released two new photos and they are fantastic!

The first features Russell Brand as Hook. And I love the caption, "Where every moment leaves you hungry for more." Peter Pan is one of our favorite movies, so I know Bean will get a kick out of this one.

The second photo features three great comedians: Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and Jason Segel. They represent the three Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion: Phineas, Ezra, and Gus. And the caption is perfect, "Where you can go on the ride of your afterlife." I love this photo, and the expressions on their faces are just hilarious!

Both photos, as well as additional photos that have not yet been released, will be available as part of a special insert in the fall issues of O (Oprah's magazine), GQ, InStyle, Essence, Vanity Fair, Real Simple, and People. I can't wait to see what's next!

Camelbaks at Disney World

I'm over at the Tips from the Disney Diva website today talking about my favorite Disney World tip: using Camelbaks to stay hydrated.

Once Upon a Time Season 2 Preview

Add caption

I loved season one of Disney's Once Upon a Time and I can't wait to see season 2. After the cast wrapped up their panel at Comic Con, they thanked the audience and promised this next season will be even better. Here's a preview.

Happy Fourth of July

Jim Henson Company

In typical Muppet fashion, here is a tribute to America from Sam Eagle with music by John Phillip Sousa.

Happy Fourth of July!

America on Parade Vinylmation

Disney

Pssst... Did you know that now through July 9th, this Bicentennial set of 3 vinylmations is only $17.76? The set is normally $44.95 as it's a Limited Edition of 5000, so $17.76 is a great deal, but there's a limit of 4 per customer.

Here's the description from the Disney Store:
"This online exclusive Vinylmation Park 7 Series Set commemorates America on Parade, which took place in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom from 1975-1976. Enjoy nostalgic memories of the United States Bicentennial alongside Mickey, Donald, and Goofy!"

I've ordered mine, will you?

Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings

Disney

Disney just released a new trailer for the much anticipated, at least at my house, Tinker Bell movie, Secret of the Wings. It turns out Tink has a stronger connection to the new fairy than anyone would have expected; Tink and Periwinkle are sisters!

Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on October 23.

The Breaking Dawn, Part 2 Trailer Is Here!

Summit Entertainment

It is going to be so difficult to wait for November.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 arrives in theaters on November 16.

Snow White and the Huntsman

I saw Snow White and the Huntsman last night and I wasn't disappointed. I've been looking forward to this movie for months. It didn't have quite as much action as I was expecting, but it was appropriately dark without being gross and maintained a serious tone throughout the film. The beginning of the movie was a little slow, but you have to tell your back-story before you get to the good stuff. And I was right about the costumes, they were gorgeous!

This film was full of incredible actors. Charlize Theron was fantastic as the fanatical, beauty-mad Queen Ravenna. She is truly frightening in the lengths she'll go to remain the fairest in the land. Chris Hemsworth was a good choice for the Huntsman. He is pathetic and sympathetic by turns, but finds his strength as he aids Snow White. I wasn't sure what to expect from Kristin Stewart, but other than an inconsistent accent, she wasn't bad as the innocent Princess. Sam Claflin, who I'd only seen as the Priest in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, was the perfect choice for William, Snow White's childhood friend. The dwarves also featured several well-known actors, such as Ian McShane, Ray Winstone, and Bob Hoskins as the blind seer, Muir.

I had considered taking Bean to see Snow White and the Huntsman, despite its PG-13 rating, but I was glad that I didn't. This film is much darker and sadder than the old Disney film, and contained a few terror-filled moments in the Dark Forest full of bugs, snakes and monsters and one rather gross scene where the Queen was eating hearts. I wouldn't recommend this movie for kids under 13 or for those that are easily frightened. However, if you're a fan of dark fairy tales, this one is well worth watching.

Happy Father's Day

Disney/Pixar

Brave looks like such a fun movie. I can't wait to see it when it arrives in theaters this Friday, June 22.

Big Thunder Mountain

I'm over at the Tips From the Disney Diva website today talking about one of my favorite rides: Big Thunder Mountain.

Mirror Mirror

Relativity Media

I watched Mirror Mirror the other night. I really wasn't expecting to like it, but it was actually pretty good. This was a new twist on a very old tale. It wasn't exactly frightening, but it was very funny. Many of the elements that would have been too frightening for children were toned down to make it family friendly. However, several of the themes were actually made more complex than they were in the original story. The dwarves were the victims of discrimination and had been banned from the village for being ugly. Snow White realized that she had to become a fighter to help her people and that she could be the one to save the day, rather than waiting for the Prince to do it for her. In the end though, it was the casting that really made this movie.

Relativity Media

Julia Roberts is surprisingly good as the mad Queen. She is evil without being scary. Lily Collins is fantastic as the innocent Snow White. Armie Hammer is hilarious as Prince Alcott, with all of his ridiculous problems. He just can't seem to stay out of trouble. The seven dwarves aren't miners, but thieves who have been forced from their homes and former lives by the Queen. And they wear springy stilts and use swords and ninja skills to rob their victims. Their names have changed to suit their darker personalities. The dwarves' names are Napoleon, Half Pint, Grub, Grimm, Wolf, Butcher, and Chuckles. They are by turns sympathetic and ridiculous. The scenes where they train Snow White to be one of them are wonderful. I absolutely loved Nathan Lane as the Queen's chief toadie, Brighton. He is so simpering and weak that it is just hysterical! So, I have to say, although I wasn't expecting it, this movie was well worth seeing again.

The Avengers

Marvel

So, I finally got a chance to see The Avengers last night and I have to say LOVED IT!! I've been a total Marvel fan for years, so I've been waiting for this movie for awhile. And it was co-written and directed by Joss Whedon; who could be better?

I won't give any spoilers here because I hate it when I really want to see a movie or read a book and someone comes along and tells me the best or worst part. I will say that the casting in this film was spot-on in my opinion. These talented actors have truly come to embody their characters. I'm sure it helps that this is the second film for most of them, and the third for Robert Downey, Jr as Tony Stark/Iron Man. I love him as Tony Stark! He is so perfectly arrogant and elitist. It's fantastic! And Mark Ruffalo gave a great performance in his first time out as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. I really enjoyed the previous Hulk film with Edward Norton, but Mark Ruffalo is better.

The Avengers is filled with the expected drama of getting the team to come together to save the world and has a ton of action. Each characters first appearance seems perfectly timed to help the story along. All in all, it was a great addition to the ever growing Universe of Marvel movies. And by the way, don't forget to stay at least part way through the credits. As I'm sure you know if you've seen the previous films, a cliffhanger/teaser awaits if you do. If you enjoy Super Hero movies or Marvel comics, be sure to check out The Avengers. You won't be disappointed.

I would recommend watching the previous films before seeing The Avengers. I was surprised at how many MacGuffins that referred to the other films could be found in each movie. To understand all of the references, the movies should be watched in this order:

          Captain America: The First Avenger

Iron Man

Iron Man 2

The Incredible Hulk

Thor

There are a million in-jokes between the films that are a lot of fun if you're a Marvel fan. And speaking of in-jokes, don't forget to keep an eye out for Stan Lee, the founder of Marvel Comics. He makes a special cameo appearance in nearly every Marvel film, including The Avengers, that I always look forward to. If you want to know where to find him, here's a list of the scenes to watch for in each movie.

Captain America: The First Avenger - When the Senator is attempting to present Captain Steve Rogers with a medal, an assistant comes to the stage to tell him that Captain America won't be coming. A 4-star general in the audience (Lee) says, "I thought he'd be taller."

Iron Man - When Tony Stark attends the Firefighter's Family Fund Benefit, he walks past Lee with two blondes and says "You look great, Hef."

Iron Man 2 - At the Stark Expo, Tony is introduced to a few members of the press; Larry King is played by Lee.

The Incredible Hulk - Lee plays the unsuspecting man in Milwaukee who "drank one of those guarana sodas. Guess it had a little more kick than he was looking for."

Thor - Lee is the man driving the pickup, who tries to pull Thor's hammer Mjölnir from the crater, and ends up tearing off the bed of the truck, saying "Did it work?"

The Avengers - Of course, Lee also makes a cameo in The Avengers as well, but I'll let you watch for him yourself.

This Brave Triple Play Featurette Is Hilarious!

Disney/Pixar

Did anyone else see the new trailer for Brave on the Disney Channel today? The one where Queen Elinor is explaining how King Fergus courted her, with visual aids by the triplets? It was hilarious!

Brave arrives in theaters on June 22.

My Recent Trip to Disney World

I just got back from Florida last night and I have a million things to share with you over the next few weeks. I'll be posting lots of new tips and tricks as well as the good, the bad, and the ugly about this most recent trip. Keep an eye out for new posts; they'll be coming soon.

I'm Now A Disney Diva

I recently started writing for another Disney lover's blog, Tips from the Disney Diva. Every Diva has a nickname and I'm the Pirate Diva. My first article, a review of Disney's Hollywood Studios 50s Prime Time Cafe, posted today, and I'm super excited to continue writing on both blogs. The Diva blog is full of fantastic hints and tips, ride and restaurant reviews, and lots more. So please stop by and check it out. And let me know what you think.

Brave Books

As I'm sure you've noticed, I'm terribly excited for Brave, coming to theaters this June. Yesterday, I found a plethora of Brave books in the children's department at Barnes & Noble. I must admit that I got a bit carried away and purchased nearly all of them. But they are so cute, and I LOVE the story behind Brave, now that I know more about it. Of course, the books tell the whole story, so there will be few surprises in the movie, but after reading a few of the books, I want to see it even more! So, here are the books that I found.

Brave: The Junior Novelization $4.99 - The Junior Novelization tells the entire Brave story. It is available as a paperback and features 8 pages of glossy pictures from the film. Like other junior novelizations, it is a somewhat condensed version of the story, but includes all of the important points. We haven't read it yet, but it looks pretty good.

Brave Big Golden Book $8.99 - This hardcover Big Golden Book features images straight from the film. It briefly tells the entire Brave story in a manner appropriate for children ages 3-7. The images are absolutely gorgeous and really help to tell the story.


Brave: A Mother's Love $3.99 - If you're anything like our family, you love the Disney Step into Reading books. This level 2 book, perfect for emerging readers, tells the whole story, focusing on the relationship between Merida and her mother, Queen Elinor. It uses pictures from the film to help tell the story.

Brave: Big Bear, Little Bear $3.99 - This level one Step into Reading book is perfect for preschoolers who are just starting to sound out words. It is a book of opposites with few word and large type. The book features pictures from the film, but doesn't tell a story. By contrasting the various characters, kids can learn a little more about the character's personalities.


Brave: A Friend for Merida $3.99 -This 24 page book tells a short story about Merida and her best friend, her Clydesdale Angus. Angus and Merida love their adventures, as long as their together. This book is a square paperback with stylized images inspired by the film.


Brave: Magic in the Mist $6.99 - This 12 page board book has the most adorable pictures! Each page contains a short piece of rhyming poetry and a wonderful secret; each page has a several glow in the dark areas. Just hold them to a light for 30 seconds to charge the glow in the dark feature. The pictures in this book are my favorite of any of the picture books.


Brave Little Golden Book $3.99 - A traditional, hardcover Little Golden Book, this book features the stylized images popular in Disney Little Golden Books. The book briefly covers the whole story.



Brave: Read-Along Storybook and CD $6.99 - This paperback book features pictures from the film and tells the whole story of Brave. The CD includes character voices, sound effects, and word-for-word narration. I haven't listened to it yet, but with the voice talent from the movie narrating the story, I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Brave: Movie Theater: Storybook and Movie Projector $19.99 - This book has a light-up projector that can be removed from front of the book. Five reels each have four pictures that can be projected on the wall, and focused so that they are sharp and easy to see. Numbers to the side of each paragraph tell you which reel and picture to view. The book tells the entire story and uses pictures from the film.


Brave: One Perfect Day $15.99 - This book has the most wonderful stylized pictures of Merida. I absolutely love her wild hair in this book! The hardcover book tells the story of Merida's idea of the perfect day. Her adventures are hilarious and the pictures are a lot of fun. If you like visual books, this one is the perfect choice.


Brave: The Essential Guide $12.99 - A great behind the scenes book for children, this book tells about the characters, locations, and magic behind the story. In typical DK fashion, this book is like a photographic encyclopedia for the world of Brave. The images from the film are surrounded by fascinating trivia and fun.


Brave: Ultimate Sticker Book $6.99 - This softcover book contains over 60 reusable stickers. Each page talks a little bit about the characters as expected from a DK sticker book, and has a Celtic knot work or tartan filled shape to help kids figure out where each sticker should go. I must admit, I'm partial to DK sticker books and have several, although I don't always use the sticker inside the book. I often use them in my scrapbook when character stickers can be difficult to find.

Brave: Look and Find $7.98 - I love Look and Find books, like Where's Waldo. This book features hand-drawn cartoon images inspired by the film. The 8 scenes are fantastic, filled with tons of tiny hidden details in true Disney fashion. My favorite is the scene where the clans have all come together to kill the bear and tiny blue Will o'Wisps are flitting around everyone. They are so cute, like tiny sprites! There are so many things to look at on each page, that this book should keep kids busy for some time.


Brave: Triplet Trouble Watercolor Paint Book $7.99 - This book is filled with line drawings inspired by the film. There are 16 different colored paints and a brush to be used to fill each picture with color. The pages are one-sided and have perforations that make it easy to remove a picture for painting. The pictures feature characters from the books as well as some scenes, like Merida's castle, Castle Dunbroch.