"Winnie the Pooh": Online Educational Fun for Children
by Jesse S. Somer
Recently I read a very cool book called "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff written back in the 1980's. It shows how the popular children's cartoon bear Winnie the Pooh created by A.A. Milne in England in the 1920's, though a Western concept, actually embodies the ideology of the great Chinese (Eastern) philosophy Taoism (pronounced Daoism). I remember enjoying Winnie the Pooh stories when I was a kid so I thought I'd do the modern task of searching for his name on the Internet. Of course there are hundreds of sites based on Pooh, but I decided to go to the official site entitled: http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/pooh/. Uh oh, Disney! Of course Disney didn't have the rights on Pooh Bear from the start, but where there is a dollar to be made in the realm of children's entertainment...I may sound a little judgmental here, but I just get a weird feeling about Disney, like they are planning to take over the world one day, possibly replacing the current governor of California, movie 'star' Arnold Swartzenegger, with Donald Duck or heaven help us, Goofy. Then again maybe that wouldn't really change the world much at all! I don't want to get too political as this article is basically going to be a positive review of the Pooh website, but when I think about it, having Pooh Bear as president instead of George Bush could have some really happy and peaceful repercussions around the globe. Getting past the idea that Pooh Bear has been 'acquired' by the Disney Corporation there are some positives in all situations (Taoist belief of the balance of yin and yang energies) and one of these is the fact that Disney have a lot of power and money behind them. Therefore, the Pooh Bear website in question sets a very high standard of how high the quality of websites can reach. The colored graphics are astounding as well as the movement and interactivity of the site in general. The main point of the site that I want to emphasize is the enjoyable educational value that it holds for children approximately 3-6 years of age, although after reading Hoff's novel, parents and people like myself can also get something out of the stories. Milne's original tales were a social commentary at the time of writing as well as promoting happiness and friendship to the youngest generation. Hopefully in keeping in character, Disney doesn't lose too much of the original purpose and perspective, though in being perpetually politically correct I'm sure all real controversy has disappeared like honey from Pooh Bear's jars.Your kids can enjoy Pooh based on-line video games, as well as downloading coloring-in pages, mazes, and color wallpaper posters. You can also download a fun empty family tree that the child can then research to fill in. As the site is highly professional and under constant updates in construction, it says that soon there will be Pooh alphabetical flash cards and even an 'Enchanted call from Pooh and Tigger", although this sounds like a pure money/honey making exercise. Speaking of money please be careful as this site has lots of different products and merchandise your kids are bound to obsess over. If I were you, just try and choose the stories and videos that seem to have genuine educational value. However, there are a few nice freebies that you can download from the 'Characters' link, such as a Tigger mask and a valentine card for Eeyore the donkey as well as more fun activities. Whether you want to show your young children an interesting and fun time on the computer/Internet, or you are planning to build a children's website of your own, this site is an excellent choice.
2008-04-22
Getting Your Children's Book Published
Getting Your Children's Book Published
by DC Green
The journey to having my first novel for children published has been riddled with road blocks and shonky bridges. The good news? At every rickety stage I've picked up tips (and anti-tips) which I'm happy to share with Newswrite readers...Read For me, this was the easy stage! Aspiring writers need to read like maniacs to be aware of other writers' work, both locally and internationally. There is no point writing a killer story if it resembles something already published. Sadly, that means no scar-faced teen wizards named Barry.Write Here's a simple equation: the more you write, the better you become at writing. By the time I was ready to be born I'd already completed my first three manuscripts (spent most of the time looking around for somewhere to plug in my laptop). When the doctor smacked me on the backside I squinted at him and went, 'Waaah!' Which of course meant, 'Ah, you must be my agent!' I went on to scrawl home-made comics throughout my childhood before I began writing for surf magazines at age 17. Since then, I've had thousands of articles and pieces of fiction published. A lot were 'hack' stories; a few won me awards and contests. All helped build my writing skills and voice.Feedback A local teacher read my first manuscript to his class (thank you, Bob Swoope). The feedback was terrific. One kid enthused, "It's just like Harry Potter, only funnier!" I dined off that compliment for a month. I'm lucky ten year olds believe payment in Paddle Pops is the industry standard for editors, else I'd be broke by now (well, actually I am broke). I read all my stories to my daughter, her friends, and any young relatives I can bail up. Whenever my juvenile focus groups wander off to the nearest TV, I know the chapter I'm reading needs major reconstruction. Whenever the kids sit glued to their chairs and demand more, I know my story is heading in the right direction (and I've bought the right glue and Paddle Pops). It's useful to let adults rip into your story as well. Adult writers, that is. I've learned it's best to avoid family members and friends, unless you enjoy making these people flee whenever they see you. Join a local or online critique group instead. Growing elephant-thick skin will also help you through this stage.Rewrite Finally, you think your book is ready. It isn't. Time to let the manuscript breathe for a month, before revising it with fresh eyes. Be ruthless. Hack those excess adjectives that editors loathe. Delete every scene that does not sparkle, advance the plot on multiple levels and compel the reader to keep reading. Rewrite again As a writer for children, you're not only competing against the mutant slush pile from Hell and other kid's books, but against the internet, computer games and 24 hour cartoon networks. Remember: the modern kid is smarter, more savvy and easily bored than any generation before.Submitting Crunch time. When you submit your first manuscript, get stuck straight into writing the second. When your manuscript returns unloved, send another submission out on the same day (or even better, send two). For every five rejections, rewrite. Never surrender.Over the course of several months, I sent my manuscript to every agent in the country. They all rejected until I was dejected. So I directly targeted publishers instead. I almost fell out of my computer chair when the second one immediately replied. The wonderful Ibis Publishing of Melbourne liked my story so much, they asked me to commit to writing two more in the same series. Truth is, to be published, I would have committed to writing a sequel naked in a bubble in the middle of Pitt Street. Luckily, they didn't. But I still have my bubble.Pre-publication Over a year has gone by since my book was accepted. My patient editor Belinda Bolliger has driven me through two more rewrites to add backstory, cull my ellipsis fever and tone down my more extreme jokes. My major character has become less obnoxious and had a sex change from girl to boy. Why? Apparently, girls will read about boys; but boys aren't happy reading about girls.I originally named my book after the planet of talking horses and mutant chooks at the centre of my story. However, Uponia (too strange) was changed to Planet Horse Fart (too rude) to ZAPP to Planet Horse (too horsey) to Raz James and The Amazing ZAPP Discovery (too vague) to Erasmus James and the Galactic ZAPP Machine (too... wait, that's it!). The cover art has changed almost as many times while the date of publication has been put back from last Christmas to May to June to September. Fingers crossed on that last one! It is vital to remain flexible and positive through such changes and delays. Yoga helps. Better to get everything right than to rush out an inferior product. The extra time has also given me time to set up a website, work out a battle plan with the Ibis marketing team Anthony and Paola and watch my hair turn even more grey. Meanwhile, my bank account has nose-dived, but who really needs fancy mod-cons like electricity and food?On the road Last month I drove to Sydney to psyche up the Pan Macmillan sales team. I delivered a ten minute standup comedy routine and was as surprised as anyone when the friendly team laughed at my feeble jokes and seemed enthused about selling my book. On the long drive home, I realised this would be but the first of many such promotional trips: to schools, book signings, anything and everything that will help me sell a few more copies and keep doing what I love so much. Then the rain began to bucket and my front tyre blew out. As I bounced into the bush, I realised I was about to experience another first on the scenic detour known as Publication Road.
by DC Green
The journey to having my first novel for children published has been riddled with road blocks and shonky bridges. The good news? At every rickety stage I've picked up tips (and anti-tips) which I'm happy to share with Newswrite readers...Read For me, this was the easy stage! Aspiring writers need to read like maniacs to be aware of other writers' work, both locally and internationally. There is no point writing a killer story if it resembles something already published. Sadly, that means no scar-faced teen wizards named Barry.Write Here's a simple equation: the more you write, the better you become at writing. By the time I was ready to be born I'd already completed my first three manuscripts (spent most of the time looking around for somewhere to plug in my laptop). When the doctor smacked me on the backside I squinted at him and went, 'Waaah!' Which of course meant, 'Ah, you must be my agent!' I went on to scrawl home-made comics throughout my childhood before I began writing for surf magazines at age 17. Since then, I've had thousands of articles and pieces of fiction published. A lot were 'hack' stories; a few won me awards and contests. All helped build my writing skills and voice.Feedback A local teacher read my first manuscript to his class (thank you, Bob Swoope). The feedback was terrific. One kid enthused, "It's just like Harry Potter, only funnier!" I dined off that compliment for a month. I'm lucky ten year olds believe payment in Paddle Pops is the industry standard for editors, else I'd be broke by now (well, actually I am broke). I read all my stories to my daughter, her friends, and any young relatives I can bail up. Whenever my juvenile focus groups wander off to the nearest TV, I know the chapter I'm reading needs major reconstruction. Whenever the kids sit glued to their chairs and demand more, I know my story is heading in the right direction (and I've bought the right glue and Paddle Pops). It's useful to let adults rip into your story as well. Adult writers, that is. I've learned it's best to avoid family members and friends, unless you enjoy making these people flee whenever they see you. Join a local or online critique group instead. Growing elephant-thick skin will also help you through this stage.Rewrite Finally, you think your book is ready. It isn't. Time to let the manuscript breathe for a month, before revising it with fresh eyes. Be ruthless. Hack those excess adjectives that editors loathe. Delete every scene that does not sparkle, advance the plot on multiple levels and compel the reader to keep reading. Rewrite again As a writer for children, you're not only competing against the mutant slush pile from Hell and other kid's books, but against the internet, computer games and 24 hour cartoon networks. Remember: the modern kid is smarter, more savvy and easily bored than any generation before.Submitting Crunch time. When you submit your first manuscript, get stuck straight into writing the second. When your manuscript returns unloved, send another submission out on the same day (or even better, send two). For every five rejections, rewrite. Never surrender.Over the course of several months, I sent my manuscript to every agent in the country. They all rejected until I was dejected. So I directly targeted publishers instead. I almost fell out of my computer chair when the second one immediately replied. The wonderful Ibis Publishing of Melbourne liked my story so much, they asked me to commit to writing two more in the same series. Truth is, to be published, I would have committed to writing a sequel naked in a bubble in the middle of Pitt Street. Luckily, they didn't. But I still have my bubble.Pre-publication Over a year has gone by since my book was accepted. My patient editor Belinda Bolliger has driven me through two more rewrites to add backstory, cull my ellipsis fever and tone down my more extreme jokes. My major character has become less obnoxious and had a sex change from girl to boy. Why? Apparently, girls will read about boys; but boys aren't happy reading about girls.I originally named my book after the planet of talking horses and mutant chooks at the centre of my story. However, Uponia (too strange) was changed to Planet Horse Fart (too rude) to ZAPP to Planet Horse (too horsey) to Raz James and The Amazing ZAPP Discovery (too vague) to Erasmus James and the Galactic ZAPP Machine (too... wait, that's it!). The cover art has changed almost as many times while the date of publication has been put back from last Christmas to May to June to September. Fingers crossed on that last one! It is vital to remain flexible and positive through such changes and delays. Yoga helps. Better to get everything right than to rush out an inferior product. The extra time has also given me time to set up a website, work out a battle plan with the Ibis marketing team Anthony and Paola and watch my hair turn even more grey. Meanwhile, my bank account has nose-dived, but who really needs fancy mod-cons like electricity and food?On the road Last month I drove to Sydney to psyche up the Pan Macmillan sales team. I delivered a ten minute standup comedy routine and was as surprised as anyone when the friendly team laughed at my feeble jokes and seemed enthused about selling my book. On the long drive home, I realised this would be but the first of many such promotional trips: to schools, book signings, anything and everything that will help me sell a few more copies and keep doing what I love so much. Then the rain began to bucket and my front tyre blew out. As I bounced into the bush, I realised I was about to experience another first on the scenic detour known as Publication Road.
Great Entertainment For Childrens Birthday Parties
Great Entertainment For Childrens Birthday Parties
by Low Jeremy
So you've decided to throw your child his or her first birthday party in a massive way? This is not surprising. Most parents would consider their babies' first birthday parties as important milestones in their children's lives, that's why they go all out with the preparations. Some parents opt to hire professional party planners to get rid of the hassle of preparations, but there are others who prefer to go the challenging (but, actually, more fulfilling) route of planning the party themselves - from the theme down to the minutest details, like the design of the table napkins.
However, no matter how much planning and thinking is put into the kinds of food and favors are served at the party and what theme and design it will assume, no party will be complete without the proper kids' entertainment. Children's birthday party entertainment could be in the form of games or visual amusement.
The visual amusement part is easy to obtain. You can simply pop in a cartoon and transfer it to a wide screen projector to keep kids occupied all throughout the party, or you can hire either a magician, balloon trickster, clown, dancing character mascot or face painter for a small fee.
If you're working on tight budget, one of the child's family members or the parents' adult friends can volunteer to be the entertainer for a day and tell the children stories and sing songs. Why, if willing he or she can even agree to become the clown for the day! You never know.
The games part is a little challenging, though, because you will need a good, enticing party host to get the guests to participate. Children are generally shy, so it can be quite a task to urge them to join in on the activities. There are many children's birthday party game ideas all over the Internet, so this part will be a cinch. Also, game materials can be easily obtained from party supplies stores - or you can make them yourself.
Naturally, since you intend to have games at your child's party, you should be prepared to give out a prize. Children get inspired to join games because of the motivation and inspiration presented by the prizes. The prizes don't have to be so expensive. Kids are easy to please, so even a coloring book or a small box of crayons will do.
Contrary to the usual impression, holding a children's birthday party is not really so expensive to pull off. With the right kind of entertainment, a little creativity, you will be able to come up with a party that will have everyone raving about it for days. Fun is not measured by how much you've spent on a particular event. It's with the camarederie that is developed during.
by Low Jeremy
So you've decided to throw your child his or her first birthday party in a massive way? This is not surprising. Most parents would consider their babies' first birthday parties as important milestones in their children's lives, that's why they go all out with the preparations. Some parents opt to hire professional party planners to get rid of the hassle of preparations, but there are others who prefer to go the challenging (but, actually, more fulfilling) route of planning the party themselves - from the theme down to the minutest details, like the design of the table napkins.
However, no matter how much planning and thinking is put into the kinds of food and favors are served at the party and what theme and design it will assume, no party will be complete without the proper kids' entertainment. Children's birthday party entertainment could be in the form of games or visual amusement.
The visual amusement part is easy to obtain. You can simply pop in a cartoon and transfer it to a wide screen projector to keep kids occupied all throughout the party, or you can hire either a magician, balloon trickster, clown, dancing character mascot or face painter for a small fee.
If you're working on tight budget, one of the child's family members or the parents' adult friends can volunteer to be the entertainer for a day and tell the children stories and sing songs. Why, if willing he or she can even agree to become the clown for the day! You never know.
The games part is a little challenging, though, because you will need a good, enticing party host to get the guests to participate. Children are generally shy, so it can be quite a task to urge them to join in on the activities. There are many children's birthday party game ideas all over the Internet, so this part will be a cinch. Also, game materials can be easily obtained from party supplies stores - or you can make them yourself.
Naturally, since you intend to have games at your child's party, you should be prepared to give out a prize. Children get inspired to join games because of the motivation and inspiration presented by the prizes. The prizes don't have to be so expensive. Kids are easy to please, so even a coloring book or a small box of crayons will do.
Contrary to the usual impression, holding a children's birthday party is not really so expensive to pull off. With the right kind of entertainment, a little creativity, you will be able to come up with a party that will have everyone raving about it for days. Fun is not measured by how much you've spent on a particular event. It's with the camarederie that is developed during.
5 Ways to Use Cartooning to Make Your Company A Super Heroe
5 Ways to Use Cartooning to Make Your Company A Super Heroe
by Rosemary Rein
Go Wild! Go GREAT! Now to WOW!tm Customer Service Training Materials using a Cartoon Character we developed named Fred T. Frog and a Sketch for a 76th Birthday Celebration of 3 Friends.
Create WOW Factor and increase retention of your message and brand with Corporate Cartooning.
Please don't tell me HRD/Training Managers that you're still hanging those "Employee of the Month" plaques in your lobby that make even the most professional employee look like a felon-- let alone valued and important! Alas, don't admit that your training manuals would even put a die-hard reader of Popular Mechanics to Sleep! Do your Employee Retirement Parties bring tears to everyone in the room, particularly the retiree, because of a lack of imagination or real thought? Well, perhaps it's time to get funny (literally) and create WOW! Training Materials and Recognition Programs that engage us and capture our attention. "Corporate Cartooning"
Cartooning and Animation represents a media that engages both a new generation of Gamers as well as the Traditional Comic Book Enthusiasts. Here are 5 ways to put Cartooning to Work to motivate, educate and reward both customers and employees in Training Programs, Annual Meetings and Corporate Recognition Events.
5 Ways to put Corporate Cartooning to Work in Your Company:
1. Bring the WOW Factor to Customer and Employee Appreciation Gifts. Yeah, sure you can have a thumb drive or specialty gift basket imprinted with your logo to give to valued customers and employees, or you can really show your VIPs how special they are by creating a Personal Cartoon Sketch of them in front of the backdrop of your business. Trust me, with the thought that obviously went into the gift selection and creation they won't throw it away.
2. Create a Comic Book for Compliance, Safety and Customer Service Training. It's non-threatening and pretty darn funny when you have a "Dudley Does it Wrong" Character who does everything to irritate customers or violate safety procedures. The visual imagery and demonstration of what not to do is a powerful training technique for getting employees to do what you want them to do.
3. Host a Memorable Employee Retirement Party with your Own Bart Simpson. Present a Storybook and a multi-media that creates a heart felt retirement celebration. As a Facilitator, I have used multi-media presentations incorporating photos and music as well as animated characters to recognize the Guest of Honor. The animated characters are designed in the honorees image as well as other key team players who humor the audience with their banter of favorite corporate memories and upcoming plans for retirement. Traditional Roasting can be tedious in the hands of people who hate to do it and aren't good at it. Animation combined with a Professional Master of Ceremonies makes it professional, easy and fun and allows for lots of input from the employees in the planning of the Cartoon Sketches. At the end of the retirement party, the honoree is presented with a literal children's story book as a memorable keepsake.
Positive Workplace Campaign. This is one of my favorite cartooning techniques used to develop and promote a positive and inspired workplace. Battle your Negaholics! Remember the rule of Negative Contagion: Negative Energy Spreads faster than Positive in the Workplace. Try using your own Cartoon Character who presents Positive Workplace Messages that are linked to your team's mission and values and clearly outline Rules of Team Behavior.
5. Use Corporate Cartooning in Product Launches, Trade Shows, Customer Events and Training Seminars. Note: Not just for fun, but linked to a specific marketing/educational message that creates impact and retention. Cartoon Characters are powerful advertising messengers (Think the Geiko gecko).
At Now to WOW! Training Services and Business Events, we put Cartooning to Work for our clients to motivate, educate and reward both customers and employees. Note: Our contracted animation and instructional storyboard artists can turn your project around often within 48 hours all via Internet/email correspondence.
Do you want to bring your Annual Meetings, Training Sessions, Employee Celebrations from Now to WOW!tm with audiences through powerful and creative presentations? Contact us at www.gowildgogreat.com or write Rosemary@gowildgogreat.com
by Rosemary Rein
Go Wild! Go GREAT! Now to WOW!tm Customer Service Training Materials using a Cartoon Character we developed named Fred T. Frog and a Sketch for a 76th Birthday Celebration of 3 Friends.
Create WOW Factor and increase retention of your message and brand with Corporate Cartooning.
Please don't tell me HRD/Training Managers that you're still hanging those "Employee of the Month" plaques in your lobby that make even the most professional employee look like a felon-- let alone valued and important! Alas, don't admit that your training manuals would even put a die-hard reader of Popular Mechanics to Sleep! Do your Employee Retirement Parties bring tears to everyone in the room, particularly the retiree, because of a lack of imagination or real thought? Well, perhaps it's time to get funny (literally) and create WOW! Training Materials and Recognition Programs that engage us and capture our attention. "Corporate Cartooning"
Cartooning and Animation represents a media that engages both a new generation of Gamers as well as the Traditional Comic Book Enthusiasts. Here are 5 ways to put Cartooning to Work to motivate, educate and reward both customers and employees in Training Programs, Annual Meetings and Corporate Recognition Events.
5 Ways to put Corporate Cartooning to Work in Your Company:
1. Bring the WOW Factor to Customer and Employee Appreciation Gifts. Yeah, sure you can have a thumb drive or specialty gift basket imprinted with your logo to give to valued customers and employees, or you can really show your VIPs how special they are by creating a Personal Cartoon Sketch of them in front of the backdrop of your business. Trust me, with the thought that obviously went into the gift selection and creation they won't throw it away.
2. Create a Comic Book for Compliance, Safety and Customer Service Training. It's non-threatening and pretty darn funny when you have a "Dudley Does it Wrong" Character who does everything to irritate customers or violate safety procedures. The visual imagery and demonstration of what not to do is a powerful training technique for getting employees to do what you want them to do.
3. Host a Memorable Employee Retirement Party with your Own Bart Simpson. Present a Storybook and a multi-media that creates a heart felt retirement celebration. As a Facilitator, I have used multi-media presentations incorporating photos and music as well as animated characters to recognize the Guest of Honor. The animated characters are designed in the honorees image as well as other key team players who humor the audience with their banter of favorite corporate memories and upcoming plans for retirement. Traditional Roasting can be tedious in the hands of people who hate to do it and aren't good at it. Animation combined with a Professional Master of Ceremonies makes it professional, easy and fun and allows for lots of input from the employees in the planning of the Cartoon Sketches. At the end of the retirement party, the honoree is presented with a literal children's story book as a memorable keepsake.
Positive Workplace Campaign. This is one of my favorite cartooning techniques used to develop and promote a positive and inspired workplace. Battle your Negaholics! Remember the rule of Negative Contagion: Negative Energy Spreads faster than Positive in the Workplace. Try using your own Cartoon Character who presents Positive Workplace Messages that are linked to your team's mission and values and clearly outline Rules of Team Behavior.
5. Use Corporate Cartooning in Product Launches, Trade Shows, Customer Events and Training Seminars. Note: Not just for fun, but linked to a specific marketing/educational message that creates impact and retention. Cartoon Characters are powerful advertising messengers (Think the Geiko gecko).
At Now to WOW! Training Services and Business Events, we put Cartooning to Work for our clients to motivate, educate and reward both customers and employees. Note: Our contracted animation and instructional storyboard artists can turn your project around often within 48 hours all via Internet/email correspondence.
Do you want to bring your Annual Meetings, Training Sessions, Employee Celebrations from Now to WOW!tm with audiences through powerful and creative presentations? Contact us at www.gowildgogreat.com or write Rosemary@gowildgogreat.com
Who else want to keep the kids entertained
Who else want to keep the kids entertained?
by Tom Broadbridge
Children and grownups all over the world are enthralled and captivated by the challenges and exploits of inspiring heroes, children, people, kings that are faithfully brought to life through the power and creativity of animation.
So, is the idea of an Animated Kid's Bible so far fetched?
Not really when you consider that animation is the most artistic and highest form of illustration that exists in these contemporary times. Furthermore illustration has been part of telling the story of the Bible to children since mankind has been able to document images.
Children love to be told stories, give them crayons and they will create pictures, play them a song and they will sing and dance to it, tell them a story and they will listen. Animated Children's Bible stories are just one step further in the evolution of telling this story which began with Gutenberg's publication of the Bible in 1450. Even that primitive book was elaborately illustrated with beautiful figures, flora and fauna.
There are many illustrated Bibles in existence and this includes everything from the etched woodcuts that decorated the pages of early Bibles to the illustrated children's favorite known as the Lion's Bible to the very controversial Japanese graphic novel known as the Manga Bible. The very first illustrated bible comic came from DC comics. DC Comics and Spire books also put out full cartoon versions of the Bible in the 1940s and 1950s. Like these Bible comics which are collected and respected by many enthusiasts as being genuine works of art, the Animated Kids Bible serves to dish up the moral lessons that our children need to learn while at the same time delivering timeless tales of courage, faith and endurance such as the tales of Noah, Abraham, John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth.
Whether we like it or not it is cartoons, graphic novels and animations that are grabbing our children's attention nowadays.
The success of animation by big time graphic novelists such as Frank Miller (who did the film noir called Sin City in 2005 and the story of Sparta called 300 in 2006) are certainly inspiring Christian animators as most graphic novels and animated films take the form of morality tales. This is exactly why the stories in the Bible so well suit the graphic animation format. Like a graphic novel most tales told in the Bible are morality tales with messages that warn us "not to go there" unless we end up like the tale's protagonist.
Furthermore the Bible contains some pretty spectacular scenarios that would put even James Cameron, Stanley Kubrick and Quentin Tarantino to shame. There is probably no creation story as incredible as the book of Genesis nor is there an apocalypse film on the market as powerful as the book of Revelation.
Don't get the idea that the Animated Kid's Bible is anything like Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments. These DVD videos are state of the art biblical animation in 3D-CGI and are exactly like the animation you see in major blockbuster films.
The Animated Kids Bible satisfies the imagination of children and encourages their education, with thrilling adventure stories from the bible, brought excitingly to life in language that children today can understand.
To preview go to http://www.thekidsbible.com or take a look at http://www.squidoo.com/AKB
by Tom Broadbridge
Children and grownups all over the world are enthralled and captivated by the challenges and exploits of inspiring heroes, children, people, kings that are faithfully brought to life through the power and creativity of animation.
So, is the idea of an Animated Kid's Bible so far fetched?
Not really when you consider that animation is the most artistic and highest form of illustration that exists in these contemporary times. Furthermore illustration has been part of telling the story of the Bible to children since mankind has been able to document images.
Children love to be told stories, give them crayons and they will create pictures, play them a song and they will sing and dance to it, tell them a story and they will listen. Animated Children's Bible stories are just one step further in the evolution of telling this story which began with Gutenberg's publication of the Bible in 1450. Even that primitive book was elaborately illustrated with beautiful figures, flora and fauna.
There are many illustrated Bibles in existence and this includes everything from the etched woodcuts that decorated the pages of early Bibles to the illustrated children's favorite known as the Lion's Bible to the very controversial Japanese graphic novel known as the Manga Bible. The very first illustrated bible comic came from DC comics. DC Comics and Spire books also put out full cartoon versions of the Bible in the 1940s and 1950s. Like these Bible comics which are collected and respected by many enthusiasts as being genuine works of art, the Animated Kids Bible serves to dish up the moral lessons that our children need to learn while at the same time delivering timeless tales of courage, faith and endurance such as the tales of Noah, Abraham, John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth.
Whether we like it or not it is cartoons, graphic novels and animations that are grabbing our children's attention nowadays.
The success of animation by big time graphic novelists such as Frank Miller (who did the film noir called Sin City in 2005 and the story of Sparta called 300 in 2006) are certainly inspiring Christian animators as most graphic novels and animated films take the form of morality tales. This is exactly why the stories in the Bible so well suit the graphic animation format. Like a graphic novel most tales told in the Bible are morality tales with messages that warn us "not to go there" unless we end up like the tale's protagonist.
Furthermore the Bible contains some pretty spectacular scenarios that would put even James Cameron, Stanley Kubrick and Quentin Tarantino to shame. There is probably no creation story as incredible as the book of Genesis nor is there an apocalypse film on the market as powerful as the book of Revelation.
Don't get the idea that the Animated Kid's Bible is anything like Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments. These DVD videos are state of the art biblical animation in 3D-CGI and are exactly like the animation you see in major blockbuster films.
The Animated Kids Bible satisfies the imagination of children and encourages their education, with thrilling adventure stories from the bible, brought excitingly to life in language that children today can understand.
To preview go to http://www.thekidsbible.com or take a look at http://www.squidoo.com/AKB
Cartoon Characters you can own!
Cartoon Characters you can own!
by Paula Chen
[GOARTICLES, Sun Apr 20 2008]
Talking Mouse Production (www.talkingmouse.com) is a creative and talented team of designers. We are a start up company and already have over 50+ original characters that you can purchase exclusively on our site. Our characters are great for promotional materials, stationaries, toys, games, baby clothes, children's book, avatars, cartoon series, comics, and more. We have fresh new characters everyday for immediate purchase or licensing.
Talking Mouse Production was founded in 2007 but was not officially launched till April 2008. The creators of Talking Mouse are Vince, Paula, and our very own Talking Mouse Mascot. All three entrepreneurials (yes three), realized that there was a market and a demand for our services. However, Talking Mouse Production is much more than a design company. We want to create a network for kids to enjoy, learn, and be a part of Talking Mouse! In order to achieve this goal and wonderful opportunity that anyone can get involve. We are going to be raising funds by providing our services or you could purchase a cartoon character from us. Part of the proceeds will go to building a network for kids under Talking Mouse Production. We have also provided a section for client contribution page that has all the list of clients that are involve and help make this possible.
We hope you come visit us soon and be a part of Talking Mouse!
Links: http://www.talkingmouse.com
Keywords: cartoon character illustration design, character vector art illustration design, vector art illustration design, character animation design, pixel art illustration design, cartoon animation 3d design, 3d art character design
Paula Chen Talking Mouse Production (510) 909 - 9633 paula@talkingmouse.com San Diego, CA
by Paula Chen
[GOARTICLES, Sun Apr 20 2008]
Talking Mouse Production (www.talkingmouse.com) is a creative and talented team of designers. We are a start up company and already have over 50+ original characters that you can purchase exclusively on our site. Our characters are great for promotional materials, stationaries, toys, games, baby clothes, children's book, avatars, cartoon series, comics, and more. We have fresh new characters everyday for immediate purchase or licensing.
Talking Mouse Production was founded in 2007 but was not officially launched till April 2008. The creators of Talking Mouse are Vince, Paula, and our very own Talking Mouse Mascot. All three entrepreneurials (yes three), realized that there was a market and a demand for our services. However, Talking Mouse Production is much more than a design company. We want to create a network for kids to enjoy, learn, and be a part of Talking Mouse! In order to achieve this goal and wonderful opportunity that anyone can get involve. We are going to be raising funds by providing our services or you could purchase a cartoon character from us. Part of the proceeds will go to building a network for kids under Talking Mouse Production. We have also provided a section for client contribution page that has all the list of clients that are involve and help make this possible.
We hope you come visit us soon and be a part of Talking Mouse!
Links: http://www.talkingmouse.com
Keywords: cartoon character illustration design, character vector art illustration design, vector art illustration design, character animation design, pixel art illustration design, cartoon animation 3d design, 3d art character design
Paula Chen Talking Mouse Production (510) 909 - 9633 paula@talkingmouse.com San Diego, CA
2008-04-13
Experience Nature, Go On A Camping Trip
Experience Nature, Go On A Camping Trip
by Melissa Thornton
Camping was a necessity in earlier times, travelers, hunters and explorers were often forced to stay one or more outside of a house. These days camping is something we do for fun and for a back to basics feeling. And it is true, there is little change in the way we camp these days in comparison with hundred years ago, we need shelter, food and a warm place to sleep. However, in these modern days, the camping gear is of much better quality then in the old days.
The basic requirements
What you take with you on a camping trip varies from person to person but we all need some general basic equipment. Some persons like to take as little as possible with them and see camping as survival, others need more luxury and take much more camping gear with them. With basic camping gear we mean, a tent, a ground cloth, clothes, food, and gear to prepare the food with, sleeping bag and a first aid kit. You can't go camping without this basic camping equipment, but it is always possible to take more stuff with you. Because more and more people go camping with a trailer they can take a lot with them.
You first time camping?
If this is going to be your first camping trip, start small. Choose a place close to home, so you can return home if something goes wrong or you don't feel comfortable during your camping trip. Prepare yourself and make lists of everything you think you might need. Don't rush anything on the day you are leaving and load your car or trailer with all the above necessary camping gear, and when you have place for other stuff you can take that with you to. But the most important stuff comes first. When it is possible take someone with you who is an experienced camper so you can learn some camping activities.
Planning is the most important preparation.
When you go camping everything comes down to your planning skills, you need to
- Book a camping site on time - make lists of inventory, food and gear - shop for everything you need - check the weather for the coming days - check your car, trailer or RV before you leave - make sure that someone at home knows were you are and how to reach you - secure your home - plan the route you are going to take
Natural explorers
Kids are natural explorers, when they arrive in new surroundings they are instinctual driven to explore and learn everything about that place. A camping trip brings up their natural sense of adventure and another way of living than they are used to.
Safety first
In your basic camping equipment you can't do without a first aid kit, and you might consider buying a complete first aid camping kit because there will be slightly different products in those kits than in a home first aid kit. You should also think about bug repellent, snake bite kits and sunburn lotion. Remember to take antihistamine, pain killers, and prescription medication like an inhaler when someone of your camping friends have asthma. Try to anticipate on everything you can think of most common types of injuries or hazards.
by Melissa Thornton
Camping was a necessity in earlier times, travelers, hunters and explorers were often forced to stay one or more outside of a house. These days camping is something we do for fun and for a back to basics feeling. And it is true, there is little change in the way we camp these days in comparison with hundred years ago, we need shelter, food and a warm place to sleep. However, in these modern days, the camping gear is of much better quality then in the old days.
The basic requirements
What you take with you on a camping trip varies from person to person but we all need some general basic equipment. Some persons like to take as little as possible with them and see camping as survival, others need more luxury and take much more camping gear with them. With basic camping gear we mean, a tent, a ground cloth, clothes, food, and gear to prepare the food with, sleeping bag and a first aid kit. You can't go camping without this basic camping equipment, but it is always possible to take more stuff with you. Because more and more people go camping with a trailer they can take a lot with them.
You first time camping?
If this is going to be your first camping trip, start small. Choose a place close to home, so you can return home if something goes wrong or you don't feel comfortable during your camping trip. Prepare yourself and make lists of everything you think you might need. Don't rush anything on the day you are leaving and load your car or trailer with all the above necessary camping gear, and when you have place for other stuff you can take that with you to. But the most important stuff comes first. When it is possible take someone with you who is an experienced camper so you can learn some camping activities.
Planning is the most important preparation.
When you go camping everything comes down to your planning skills, you need to
- Book a camping site on time - make lists of inventory, food and gear - shop for everything you need - check the weather for the coming days - check your car, trailer or RV before you leave - make sure that someone at home knows were you are and how to reach you - secure your home - plan the route you are going to take
Natural explorers
Kids are natural explorers, when they arrive in new surroundings they are instinctual driven to explore and learn everything about that place. A camping trip brings up their natural sense of adventure and another way of living than they are used to.
Safety first
In your basic camping equipment you can't do without a first aid kit, and you might consider buying a complete first aid camping kit because there will be slightly different products in those kits than in a home first aid kit. You should also think about bug repellent, snake bite kits and sunburn lotion. Remember to take antihistamine, pain killers, and prescription medication like an inhaler when someone of your camping friends have asthma. Try to anticipate on everything you can think of most common types of injuries or hazards.
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