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Jamie Lee Hoffer Unveils Giggles & Stardust
Award-Winning Artist, Teacher, Composer & Author Jamie Lee Hoffer Unveils Giggles & Stardust – Magical New Online Destination For Preschoolers Ready To Learn, Sing, Laugh, Share & Imagine
LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 – The screen lights up and you’re instantly transported to a magical place where colors are brighter, faces are friendlier, music is happier and the whole world is bigger and better than you ever imagined it could be. And, best of all, your host in this wondrous new destination is so instantly likable and trustworthy, you’re ready to follow her wherever her imagination – and yours – will take you.
Welcome to GigglesandStardust.com, a brand-new online destination created by and starring a true Renaissance woman in the realm of child education – teacher, author, composer, illustrator, award-winning artist and loving Mom, Jamie Lee Hoffer.
Featuring enchanting videos, original songs, book readings, colorful artwork, important life lessons, and a family of lovably unique puppets, Giggles and Stardust easily manages to be entirely contemporary while embracing the nostalgia of beloved childhood classics.
Tipping its hat to the warm and loving sensibilities that made shows like “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” and “Sesame Street” such timeless classics, GigglesandStardust.com stands in direct contrast to the overly slick, hyperkinetic children’s fare so prevalent today in favor of a thoroughly accessible environment designed not only to entertain young children but to educate them as well.
On the new Giggles and Stardust site, for example, young children are invited to spend time with Jamie and her puppet pals – including Pickles, Aunt Gloria, Cody, Sequoia, Madison Dragonson and Wide Mouth Bullfrog – as they share music, stories, social interactions, and lessons about nature, creativity, and friendship. Highlights of the site also include jam-packed Giggle Time Episodes filled with captivating, learning-centric stories, art, dance, music, and adventures.
Giggles and Stardust is a subscription-based site offering monthly, weekend or annual passes beginning at only $1.99 per month – making it an ideal gift for your own children or for family members, friends or co-workers with preschoolers in their lives.
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ABCs of Beekeeping Spelled Out in Lively New Children’s Book
Suburban beekeeper Justin Weiss aims to inspire the next generation of bee enthusiasts and environmentalists with his vibrantly illustrated new children’s book, B is for Beekeeping: An Alphabet Book.
With concise, easy-to-understand language, such as “C is for comb,” and “H is for honey,” Weiss introduces young audiences to the ABCs of beekeeping and the critical role that honeybees play in the ecosystem.
“Did you know one-third of the food we eat gets pollinated by honeybees?” asked Weiss, who started beekeeping a few years ago on a whim. “While at first I was afraid of handling honeybees, it turns out having thousands of them buzzing around is quite therapeutic. This hobby has lifted my spirits when I’ve most needed it, and I’ve enjoyed sharing it with my friends and family.”
In B is for Beekeeping, Weiss uses each letter of the alphabet to teach a beekeeping term and idea, and each fascinating new fact is brought to life by a bright, playful illustration.
Perfect for parents, grandparents and teachers, B is for Beekeeping intends to encourage children to explore the “un-bee-lievable” world around them and to respect some of the smallest, but mightiest, creatures.
About the Author
Justin Weiss is a husband, father and hobby beekeeper. He loves to explore the world with his family and try new foods.
Born and raised in California, he currently lives outside of Dallas, Texas, on a small suburban homestead. He and his wife have a garden, keep bees, raise quail and chickens, and have an orange cat named Leo. He is fluent in Spanish, having also lived in Chile, Easter Island and Spain.
Weiss serves his community as the assistant city manager and also as a board member for the local school district’s education foundation.
It has always been a dream of his to publish a book — a special gift for his children that he hopes they will want to pass down one day, too.
A portion of all sales of this book will be donated to organizations such as Pollinator Partnership, the Bee Conservancy and Project Apis m. For more information, visit www.bisforbeekeeping.com, or follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
BeekeepingBook. -
Hair: From Moptops to Mohicans, Afros to Cornrows by Katja Spitzer
This delightfully informative and reaffirming celebration of hair through the ages not only explores the most outrageous hairstyles from across history, but also shows how hair is an important and powerful means of cultural expression no matter what your sex, age, or race.
During the Rococo period, wealthy women tucked shells, necklaces, fruit, and flowers into their hair, which was styled into towers that reached as high as three feet over their heads. In 1970s London, young, disfranchised “punks” made themselves feel powerful by drawing on the 2,000-year-old Native American practice of shaving their heads except for a narrow strip from forehead to neck. These are just a couple of many fascinating moments of hair history whimsically illustrated in this book. Katja Spitzer’s colorful illustrations are presented in double-page spreads that offer an engaging description of a hair trend or style and its cultural and historic significance. Readers will learn why hair braiders in West Africa can spend an entire day working on one client; and how Black Americans signaled their opposition to racist laws and practices by not styling their naturally frizzy hair. Filled with important history and giggle-inducing facts, this wide-ranging book crosses cultures and oceans to offer an important lesson about self-expression that will encourage readers of all ages to let down their hair, and to let others do the same.
- Publisher : Prestel Junior (September 13, 2022)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 40 pages
- ISBN-10 : 3791375288
- ISBN-13 : 978-3791375281
- Reading age : 5 – 7 years
- Grade level : Kindergarten – 2
- Item Weight : 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.56 x 0.41 x 10.5 inches
About the Author
KATJA SPITZER is a Berlin based illustrator working for magazines and book publishers. The German edition of her book Hair! was longlisted for the World Illustrations Award 2021. Her many illustrations can be found on her website, www.katja-spitzer.de. -
I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel – by Isabel Pin
Every girl dreams of a COCO Chanel handbag when she turns from a girl to a real lady. Same here, Chanel bag is a life goal to achieve when I can proof myself to be an independent woman. I know Chanel bag is so luxury, but the story of COCO Chanel is so legendary. No matter you are a fashionista or not, you know her name for sure. This book is the best way to tell you the life story of COCO Chanel. It is fun and cute with Isabel Pin’s lovely story-telling illustrations.
This portrait of a fiercely independent creative thinker is filled with whimsical pictures and informative texts to depict the entire arc of Coco’s life and career, from schoolgirl rebel to haute couture icon.
Young Gabrielle came from a poor family, was orphaned at age 12, and learned to sew in a convent school. She worked as a seamstress and sang in cabarets, where she was given the nickname Coco. This story—and the remarkable career that followed—is exuberantly told in Isabel Pin’s simple yet detailed illustrations. Young readers will learn about Coco’s beginnings as a hat designer, and how her earliest creations presaged the concept of sportswear.They’ll learn about her iconic designs—the little black dress, the impeccable suit, the squared-off perfume bottle, and the acclaimed logo. And they will learn how a freethinking young artist who freed women from the corsets and extravagant ornamentations of the early 20th century grew into a ferociously ambitious designer who staged her own comeback at the age of 70.
Whether they are interested in the history of fashion, or looking for encouragement to pursue their own dreams, young readers will find this entertaining biography both fascinating and inspiring.
Title I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel Author Isabel Pin Publisher Prestel Verlag GmbH & Company KG., 2022 ISBN 3791375083, 9783791375083 Length 96 pages About the Author
ISABEL PIN is an award-winning illustrator who has published more than 40 books, received numerous awards, and was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2011 and 2012. Born in France, she lives in Berlin, Germany.
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When I’m An Entrepreneur books
When I’m an Astronaut: Exciting New Picture Book Inspires Kids’ Dreams To Reach For The Stars
Written to break career gender stereotypes, this third book in Samantha Pillay’s Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book series, ‘When I’m an Astronaut’ delights and informs as it offers youngsters a giant leap forward in their understanding of what it takes to be an astronaut
Following on from her hugely successful When I’m A Doctor and When I’m An Entrepreneur books, Dr Samantha Pillay adds a third title in her Inspirational Careers for Kids series with the publication of When I’m an Astronaut.
Written to break gender stereotypes, and to encourage youngsters to dream big and aim high, this immersive picture book is supported by an activity book, bursting with fun activities that delve deeper into what’s involved in being an astronaut, whilst stressing the importance of embracing STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths) in order to fulfil their dreams.
And with NASA’s planned test launch of Artemis 1 scheduled for the end of this month (August 2022),When I’m an Astronaut is the perfect vehicle for learning more about what’s involved in taking those first small steps towards a career with NASA or another space agency or organisation.
A gem of a book, parents and kids everywhere will have one request for Dr Samantha Pillay – please keep adding to this inspiring and transformative series.
Synopsis
What does it take to be an astronaut?
The simple images in this unique picture book allow children to ponder over the wonders of space while building their self-belief.
Career gender stereotypes and self-efficacy start to form in early childhood. This book encourages children to Dream Big and Aim High.
Find the references for the grown-up astronaut hidden within the images on the author’s website: https://bit.ly/
3vVjkEv Expand your child’s imagination with the companion Activity Book.
Read the other series titles:
Book One: When I’m a Surgeon
Book Two: When I’m an Entrepreneur
The author says:
“Maths and physics were my favourite subjects at school. I loved solving problems and could spend hours lost in thought. This was not work but pleasure. I would fall asleep and dream about equations and derivations.
“Career gender stereotypes can be embedded by age seven, long before young girls make subject and career choices.
“Reshaping our ideas about femininity, providing STEM role models and challenging stereotypes will help address the gender imbalance in STEM careers.”
Applauded by those involved in the space sector, reviews include:
“The influence of a book like this may be ‘one small step’ in a child’s development, but for some, it will also inspire them to take the next ‘giant leap’.”
Andrew Thomas, NASA Astronaut (retired).
“This one-of-a-kind book brilliantly displays accurate space travel that will spark imaginations, inspire dreams, and delight space lovers, young and old. Look closely at the illustrations for hidden insider details that encourage readers to ask questions and discover even more!”
Andrea Boyd, International Space Station Flight Controller and Deputy of Astronaut Operations for European Space Agency
Garnering five-star reviews from Amazon US readers, these include:
“This beautiful picture book may be directed toward STEM education, but it will reach many others, too. It shows how work and inspiration can take a person toward their dream profession.” – Sunny Sue
“What a great find! Dr. Samantha has done a great job creating a beautifully illustrated book to inspire children, especially young girls, to reach for the stars. When I’m an Astronaut: Dreaming is Believing, has vivid, detailed illustrations that make ME want to go back to school! She even throws in a little whimsy for the kids who love animals, and so clearly shows that realizing your dreams takes hard work and study. I can see her passion in the pages, and was quite amazed when I read her personal story (About the Author), to see how she also, has followed her dream.” – yellow
“This story is simple but very beautiful and inspiring. The illustrations are also out of this world (pun intended). I got the kindle version but plan on getting the hardcover version for my daughters.” – Teneil
Independently published, When I’m an Astronaut is available in paperback (£10.99/$17.99) and Kindle format (£2.99/$3.99 or free via Kindle Unlimited) on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Sx0mhf and on Amazon US at https://amzn.to/3Pfs3Id
About the author:
Samantha Pillay, a urological surgeon, is no stranger to overcoming adversity to achieve her goals. She was born with hip dysplasia and underwent several operations, spending about 18 months in hospital from age two to four years. She then started school in a wheelchair, taking years to learn to walk. She completed school age 16 and became the first female to complete urological surgical training in South Australia. In 2021 she published When I’m a Surgeon – Book One in the Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book series. Samantha aims to break career gender stereotypes and instil a belief in children that they can fulfil their dreams.
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Doggyland
Today, Snoop Dogg, Claude Brooks, the Emmy nominated producer and creator of the children franchise, Hip Hop Harry, and singer/songwriter, October London, announced the official release of the new animated kids series, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes, on YouTube and YouTube Kids. The original series features a colorful cast of dogs set in a vibrant world where the characters sing, dance and rap educational songs that teach social, emotional and cognitive skills for toddlers to 8yr old children in a positive and upbeat environment. Doggyland is released by Doggyland Media LLC. The series can be found on YouTube and YouTube Kids. In addition, there is an accompanying album, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes on all streaming platforms. At launch, there are four Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes episodes available, with new episodes dropping every week on Tuesday. Check out the episodes here.
Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes brought together award winning singers, rappers and producers to create original songs and lyrics that focus on the positive social and emotional development geared towards toddlers to 8yr old children. The series will cover a wide range of topics, including letters, numbers, colors, animals, good habits, with a core message of acceptance, diversity and inclusion. The family friendly show encourages kids and parents to come together to learn new skills, as well as spread joy and love to one another.
The cast of vibrant characters is led by Bow Wizzle, voiced by Snoop Dogg, the main character who serves as the adult mentor to the rest of the cast; including Wags, voiced by October London, who is always cheering his friends on and a voice as smooth as Usher; Yap Yap, the high-spirited character who is known for her positive and cheery personality; Chow Wow, an empathic team player and Barks-A-Locks, the curious one of the group who is always discovering new adventures.
“As a father, grandfather and longtime youth football coach, it’s always been important to me to build positive and educational environments for all children. We wanted to bring our show to YouTube and YouTube Kids which provides free access to everyone, so all the kids can enjoy it.” said Snoop Dogg, Co-Creator, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes. “I’ve always wanted to create a kid friendly series that lets kids be kids and is truly representative of the Culture with everything from the music to the characters. When I started to build my team, it was only right to partner with Claude, who created the iconic series, Hip Hop Harry, which built the blueprint to diverse kids programming, and October London, a talented singer and writer.”
Snoop Dogg has a long history of creating spaces that positively impact youth. In 2005, Snoop Dogg founded the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL), a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to provide the opportunity for inner-city children to participate in youth football and cheer. The SYFL serves children between the ages of five and thirteen, teaching them the values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, discipline, and self-respect, while also stressing the importance of academics. In 2018, Snoop launched Snoop’s Special Stars, a division of SYFL that focuses on special needs children who want to participate in football and cheerleading. Since the start of the Snoop Youth Football League, thousands of kids have participated in the program and several of the kids have gone on to play in D1 colleges and NFL.
“Snoop and I are excited to make an animated children’s show that’s musically based and promotes social, emotional and cognitive learning in an innovative way that both kids and parents alike will be learning together,” said Claude Brooks, Co-Creator, Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes. “I’m a father of a 7yr old daughter and one of the things we are most proud of is having age appropriate songs about “Being Different”, “Not Being A Bully”, “Good Manners” and one of my personal favorites, “Affirmations.” These kinds of songs will hopefully lead to meaningful conversations and help everyone be the best they can be.”
“Working with Snoop, you know our music has to be top notch and make all the kids and families get out of your seat and dance,” said October London, singer and songwriter. “While the Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes show is created with kids as the priority, the whole family will want to watch it and bump it!”
To keep up with Doggyland, visit:About Snoop DoggAn Entertainment Industry Mogul and Entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg has reigned for nearly three decades as an unparalleled force who has raised the bar as a globally recognized innovator. Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, DJ, media personality, businessman and Icon. In addition to his extensive work in music, Snoop Dogg is a serial entrepreneur with endeavors in Web 3.0, tech, entertainment, lifestyle, global consumer brands and food/beverage industries.
About Claude BrooksClaude Brooks is the CEO of C To The B Productions. Claude Brooks started his career as an actor with notable success. He starred in a few series and has over 300 episodes as an actor under his belt. After creating, starring and producing “Claude’s Crib” for Paramount, Paramount Network Television gave him a production deal, which thrived for eight years. In the children’s arena, Claude Brooks created and produced The Discovery Kids’ Emmy Nominated children’s show, “Hip Hop Harry”, for which new content is currently being produced for over 15 digital platforms, and has spawned a live touring show and successful merchandising program.
About October LondonOctober London is a multi-genre singer/songwriter, producer and actor born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. In 2016, October London was introduced to Snoop Dogg in Los Angeles and they creatively hit it off. That monumental moment would lead to a two year US/Canada tour with Snoop and a two part debut album Titled “Colorblind: Hate and Happiness.”