I’m not gonna lie: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is on my list of Top 5 Favorite Movies Ever. What can I say? That Aslan gets me every time. Luckily, the Pevensie kids are back in the magical land after more than 1300 years in Narnian time. The kids return to find the land conquered by the evil Telmarines and their heartless ruler, King Miraz. Luckily for them, the heir to the thrown, Prince Caspian, is completely unlike his vile uncle Miraz, and quickly joins forces with the Pevensies to defeat the King and restore Narnia to its people.

The special effects are just as awe-inducing as the first movie in the Narnia series, if not more so, the film full of edge-of-your-seat battles, quick-witted talking animals, and costumes that I can only surmise took months to create. My favorite characters in the first movie, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, were replaced by a snide little mouse who won my skeptical heart in a flash. The White Witch (played by the amazing Tilda Swinton) was also exempted from the majority of the film, appearing only briefly as a mirage-like temptress to Prince Caspian. Her presence was sorely missed, as Miraz, vile as he was, just couldn’t quite play evil like the ice queen herself. The rest of the ensemble–abundant cenotaurs, giant eagles and gruff dwarves–however, were alongside the Pevensies once more to aid the kids in their battles. Even the lovable Aslan returned to impart his knowledge to the youngsters. Not surprisingly, his sentiments gave me goosebumps and (admittedly) made me tear up just a little. I am such a sap.

There’s been some controversy over the movie’s religious undertones (again), and maybe I’m missing something, but I simply enjoyed it for it’s portrayal of bravery, trust, humility and strength through the wise-beyond-their-years Pevensie kids. Even as a kid of 24, I can use reminders of the importance of those attributes on occasion. It’s ultimately just a heart-warming flick that will likely leave you and your little ones with lots to chat about after the show.

I’m already in anticipation of the next movie in the Narnia series, and wonder if Disney will be able to keep up the impressive work. I think as long as Aslan shows up and the cutie Pevensies return as the humbled queens and kings of Narnia, there’s nothing to worry about.

Get your tickets to see The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian!

See all weekend events for kids

It may not feel like Spring yet, but that doesn’t mean you and your brood can’t go green this weekend. Acclaimed jazz musician Hayes Greenfield performs a concert on Sunday at the Highline Ballroom in Chelsea, where he sings tunes from his album of the same name, all about being environmentally-friendly.

The show is just in time for Earth Day (May 20th), a gentle reminder to keep the planet in mind as we become A/C-dependent with the approaching summer months. Though rain may loom in the sky, your kids will likely leave Hayes’ performance with a little bit more of an appreciation for Mother Nature, and maybe even inspiration to keep their rooms clean (for now!).

See all weekend events here.

The good people from Clif Bars have now sent the hungry editors at Time Out Kids not one but two boxes of nutritious kids’ products. We don’t often point out snacks you can get at the local grocery store, but something has to be said for this company’s Organic Twisted Fruit Rope (I’ve scarfed down two of the 70-calorie fruit-roll-ups today alone).

When I was a kid, all I wanted on earth was for my mom to take me to Grand Union and buy me Gushers (remember those?) and fruit-roll-ups (I used to, rather grossly, wrap one around my thumb, and then suck on it for a solid hour). Luckily, Mom rarely obliged, bringing home tasteless fruit leather instead (which, by the way, everyone in school knew was not nearly as good as the artificial stuff).

Here’s the thing: Clif’s fruit rope actually tastes as good—maybe even better?–than Fruit by the Foot and all that other garbage your kids are craving. Plus it’s fairly nutritious! Even better, the solid rope shape will ensure that your babes don’t follow my example and wrap it around any of their fingers. My advice: Try the sour apple flavor first.

This evening, the New York Public Library and the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation present their 2008 awards for excellence in children’s literature. Though there won’t be Oscar-worthy goody bags or Grammy-level fashion gaffes (at least, we’re not expecting any), the awards are a great opportunity to get to know two up-and-coming author-illustrators who may not be on your radar yet.

Unless, that is, you’ve been reading TONY Kids. Back in August 2007, we profiled Queens resident David Ezra Stein, who today is honored as the writer of Leaves (he illustrated it, too). That same month, we featured At Night, words and pictures by Manhattanite Jonathan Bean. Today he’s being recognized for his artistic work on author Lauren Thompson’s The Apple Pie That Pa Baked.

Regardless of the exact reasons, I’m thrilled that these two talented New Yorkers are getting noticed. So, who are your favorite authors and illustrators? Let us know—maybe the NYPL and Keats Foundation will pay attention.

The Plaza would certainly be considered an iconic part of New York City – it’s an obligatory tourist locale, the lodging of many celebrities, and most importantly the home to the beloved Eloise. As the star of dozens of books in the Eloise series, the trouble maker is known to live in the grandiose hotel with her dog Weenie, and until the closing of the Plaza for renovations, a portrait of her hung in the Palm Court restaurant foyer. In conjunction with the hotel’s reopening, the portrait was unveiled yesterday and restored to its prime location.

This summer, filming begins on Eloise in Paris, an adaptation of a book in the series, and the movie’s star Jordana Beatty was there to welcome Eloise back to The Plaza. The 9-year-old Australian cutie stopped for a second to chat with Time Out Kids about the film, causing mischief, and being in New York for the first time. Click the link below to read our interview with the giggly Eloise!

Read the rest of this entry »

Though you may be Miley-ed out after the controversy of her Vanity Fair photoshoot, here’s some Cyrus news you can use: The Hannah Montana star just debuted her latest single “7 Things” on the syndicated radio show Elvis Duran and the Morning Zoo, from her upcoming album due out July 22. Though I am a pretty avid pop enthusiast (I’m a die-hard Britney fanatic) and therefore susceptible to loving her new song, I think this is one you will find yourself rocking out to along with your kids despite any skepticism you may have. The teenybopper laments over the things she hates about her ex-boyfriend, and while the younger set may not be able to fully commiserate with her sentiments, they will enjoy the upbeat tempo that is certainly dance- and sing-along-worthy. The single reminds me a lot of Avril Lavigne’s first album, Letting Go, with a bit of Ashley Tisdale’s sassy-sweetness thrown into the mix (if you haven’t checked out her single “He Said She Said”, please do—you’ll soon find yourself secretly groovin’ to it even without your little ones). The tune ends with Miley recounting the things (seven of them, no less) that she did appreciate about her lost love, making this a bittersweet ditty that highlights the vulnerable Miley we love.

Click to listen to Miley’s new single, "7 Things."

Be sure to check out the just-released New Kids on the Block single, “Summertime” as well, a warm weather playlist staple. Both artists (along with the ever popular Jonas Brothers) are playing at this weekend’s Zootopia concert hosted by NYC radio station Z100. Get ticket info here!

As a 24-year-old, I really should not have been so excited to go to the circus, but I totally was—it was definitely the most anticipated event of my weekend. I didn’t even try and hide my enthusiasm from my friends, telling pretty much anyone who would listen about my impending adventure to see crazy contortionists, tightrope unicyclists, doe-eyed dashing dogs, and a mohawked ringmaster I knew would induce loads of laughter with his slapstick antics.

Luckily, the Big Apple Circus’s new 30th anniversary show, “Celebrate” did not disappoint. Nestled in the audience with my own personal funnel cake ready to be devoured, I sat with my roommate Erika to watch a range of jaw-dropping performers dazzle us with their splendiferous skills. My personal favorite was a tie between Grandma the Clown who made me giggle throughout the show like preschooler and the prancing poodles (miniature-sized to waist-height) who jumped up, over and around barriers, poles, and best yet—each other. Erika couldn’t stop obsessing over the Huesca Brothers, as Giovanni launched the younger Nikolai into heart-stopping flips with his feet, causing us both to gawk, "How do they do that!?"

The two hours of my Sunday spent at the circus were ones rarely experienced after elementary school graduation; they are the kind that when finished, a smile feels plastered to your face. Now a full-time member of the work force, my days are replete with deadlines, meetings and obligations rather than playdates, tomfoolery and recesses. I felt thankful to have been able to spend just a few hours on a time-warped journey to the carefree childhood days I remember so nostalgically. So while your kids will undoubtedly love the show, I have a feeling that you’ll take away the lesson behind the fun: You’re never too old for the circus.