Submitted by bob, Age 13 from Alabama

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

was totally awesome

Why should you be thanking us? Well, the wait is finally over! It’s time to unveil the first Kidsmomo podcast in our new format!

We’re mixing things up, turning a new leaf, welcoming a new day, and all those other things that people say when they’re introducing something new and awesome. So get your ears ready, friends… You’re welcome.

Listen now:
(7:22)
Download the MP3 (3.5 MB)
• Author cameos from Raymond Bean and Erica Perl
  
• Karen’s book review: 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass
• Nancy’s book review: The Phantom Tollboth, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer
• A review from YOU: 90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis
• Hamster pee

And don’t forget: As we mention in the podcast, we’ve got two (count ‘em, TWO) sweepstakes running right now! Enter for a chance to win signed copies of the Sweet Farts books and When Life Gives You O.J. Of course, if you’ve already read those books — or any good books lately — send in your review. We’ll feature a kid review in our next podcast!

— Karen and Nancy

And there are only a few months left in 2011, so it should be hitting theaters any day now, right? Right?!

Unfortunately, I can’t find any info on a precise release date, but that’s okay — it gives everyone more time to read the book before seeing the movie!

(Btw, if you’re not familiar with the book, it’s about a mysterious wooden box that Jeremy receives in the mail with the words, “The Meaning of Life — for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13th birthday.” The only problem? Four locks and no keys! So Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzy, set out on a quest to find the keys and discover the meaning of life.)

Here’s the movie trailer:

And for some behind-the-scenes fun, check out Wendy Mass’ blog post about her day on the movie set!

So… what do you think? Leave a comment with your opinion on the trailer. How do you think the movie will compare to the book?

— Karen

Karen has no idea what the meaning of life is. When you find out, please let her know.

More about Karen »

But we REFUSE to let it go out without one final hurrah. So today kicks off our Children’s Book Week Sweepstakes! Keep the kidlit spirit going, yo!

We’re giving away our awesome swag from the gala: the gift bags, posters, and books that we snagged at the end of the night!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
• Commemorative Children’s Book Week 2011 tote bag
• Children’s Book Week 2011 poster
• A copy of Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
• Commemorative Children’s Book Week 2011 tote bag
• Children’s Book Week 2011 poster
• A copy of Finally by Wendy Mass

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Kids (under the age of 18):

Enter for a chance to win our prize! Just fill out this entry form and mail it back to us. (Don’t forget to have your parent/guardian sign it — otherwise, you won’t be eligible to win!) We must receive your entry before June 1, 2011.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) under 18 years. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 5/30/2011. See official rules.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I thought this was a pretty good book about birthdays and friendship. I liked it.

With all the incredible candy inventions (square candies that look round! lickable wallpaper! fizzy lifting drink!), it’s hard to imagine anyone could ever write another book about a candy factory that would be even half as delectable. But I’m here to tell you that Wendy Mass has done it — and the result is very sweet indeed.

The Candymakers takes place at the Life Is Sweet factory,which is hosting four contestants in a contest for aspiring candymakers. The winner’s creation will be mass-produced and sold to the public, so you’d think that the stakes would be pretty high… but you’d have no idea. Because there’s more to each of the contestants than first meets the eye, and I guarantee that you’ll be amazed and entertained as each of their stories unfolds. (Unless you get impatient and skip ahead and ruin the story for yourself — but then you’ll have no one to blame but yourself, now will you?)

Of course, it’s not just the characters and the jigsaw puzzle of a plot that makes The Candymakers so enjoyable — it’s also the fantastic world of the factory! You won’t find any Oompa Loompas working the machines, but Life Is Sweet is full of its own surprises, like a Tropical Room where they grow their own cinnamon trees, and a Some More S’Mores Room that you’d probably never drag me out of if I got to visit. Plus, there’s chocolate pizza for lunch every Thursday!(!!!!!!!)

Sure, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a classic and will always hold a special place in our hearts, but give The Candymakers a try and I think you’ll develop quite a taste for it!

— Karen

Recently, Karen’s grown fond of marshmallow fluff. She never used to like it much, so this can only mean one thing: she eats so much dessert, her sweet tooth demands almost pure sugar!

More about Karen »

Submitted by Jenna, Age 12 from Maine

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Excited to turn twelve? Wishing that it would happen so you can do all of the things your parents have promised you you could do when you’re twelve?

This is exactly what Rory Swenson wants. If she could have her wish, she would automatically turn twelve, and then she would be able to do everything her parents have been promising her over the years. “You can get a pet when your twelve, you can get your ears pierced when your twelve….” She’s even been making a list about things she can do when she’s twelve.

But when Rory finally gets to do everything on her list, she realizes the tough life that twelve year olds have, and the perils that she experiances speak for that. Read Rory’s obstical course of becoming a twelv-year-old!

Personally, I don’t have much faith in a groundhog’s weather predictions, but I do love the old movie Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. You’ve probably never seen it because you’re not as ancient as I am (the film came out in 1993), but the basic premise is that Bill Murray’s character is forced to live the same day (Groundhog Day, obvi) over and over again until he can figure out how to escape the loop.

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

It’s a hilarious movie, but it’s rated PG. So if your parents guide you not to watch it, I’ve got the perfect book equivalent for you: 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass! In the book, Amanda is forced to live the same day (her birthday, obvi) over and over again until she can figure out how to escape the loop.

Unfortunately for Amanda, it’s a pretty miserable birthday — the first since a huge fight with her former best friend, Leo (who just happens to have the same birthday). How will Amanda finally make it to the next day? And could Leo be in on this weirdness too? To find out, read the book! (And if you like it, why not get into the spirit and read it over again once you’re done?)

Or if you’ve already read 11 Birthdays, leave me a comment with your take!

— Karen