The Princess and the Frog and new mythology series Greek Beasts and Heroes.

The Quick Review:

In The Princess and the Frog we meet Tiana, Disney’s newest princess / merchandising opportunity. A fabulous character – hard working, ambitious, black and beautiful, but she’s let down by an over-long script, clichéd supporting cast and a lazy Eurotrash prince. Some children will find the Shadowman very scary. Age 3+.

Greek Beasts and Heroes: As the world waits to see if the new demigod hero Percy Jackson can match Harry Potter in the orphaned-magical-boy-with-brainy-girl-friend-and-hapless-best-mate-who-go-on-predictable-adventures stakes, we applaud a new series of books for children age 5-8 that introduce Greek mythology to children. If your kids are interested in Percy Jackson, start them with these books first.

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Michael Foreman’s reissued picturebook classic The General and new animated African TV show Tinga Tinga Tales.

The quick review:

Tinga Tinga Tales is a new TV series on Cbeebies, combining genuine Tanzanian art with traditional African folk tales. Beautiful and inspired.

First published at the height of the Cold War, The General is a 50^th anniversary edition of a Michael Foreman classic. General Jodhpur falls off his horse and discovers a beautiful meadow. Flower power triumphs and he decides to give peace a chance. Lush illustrations with 1960’s idealism. Age 4+.

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