Free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts

 In 2010, director Tim Burton created his vision of Disney "Alice in Wonderland" and on Memorial Day, 2016 Tim Burton gives audiences Alice in Wonderland 2 "Through the Looking Glass"--oh frabjuous day! If you can't wait for curiouser and curiouser delights with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathoway as the White Queen and Helena Bonham-Carter as the Red Queen, then hold onto your Mad Hatter! Sasha Baron Cohen, Timothy Spall, Rhys Ifans, Andrew Scott (Sherlock) join the Through the Looking Glass cast and Matt Lucas returns as the dynamic duo Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Happily Tim Burton use Alan Rickman (may he rest in peace) as the Blue Caterpillar again in Through the Looking Glass.  Free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts | Examiner.com

Joseph Wambaugh Writes 43 Years of Crime Fiction

U.S. college students of the 70s and 80s will remember in Political Science classes, author Joseph Wambaugh's best-selling books topped required reading lists.

The New Centurions, The Onion Fields and The Choirboys were on every bookshelf. 43 years later, Wambaugh's LAPD Hollywood Station stories continue his crime (fiction writing) spree.

A veteran Los Angeles Police Department 'copper' (his term) Wambaugh's first story The New Centurions was published in 1971. That puts him at nearly a half-centurion, himself!

Lest readers think (like I did) that Wambaugh books are pulp fiction, time to rethink. His time behind the badge give him an edge. But it's not just first-hand experience that put Wambaugh oh-so-much-beyond the penny dreadful.

When I took Poli-Sci my freshman year, 1982, the last thing I wanted to read was modern cop fiction. I looked it as book trash--Harlequin Romances for men. But Wambaugh defined inner-city beat cop life in ways I could respect. No romanticizing, but neither gratuitous violence or obscenity--beyond that which, sadly, is part and parcel of cop experience.

He doesn't frost over seediness or bleakness. Wambaugh's cops aren't super-heroes or martyrs, just folks trying to do their jobs (Bumper Morgan being my favorite) I would call the stories anthems, written not to extol, but to define and perhaps defend the modern police force.

Wambaugh's books have been used to create such high profile television cop shows as Police Story and the multi award winning Hill Street Blues (which continues to be a favorite television show of mine, despite dislike of cop shows). Wambaugh's books have also been made into movies and television shows, themselves.

And they excessive cop-drama schmaltziness
(something I abhor almost more than graphic). When officers die in the line of fire, it seems tacky and irreverent to melodramatize. Wambaugh explores that occupational hazard so we're left with take-aways, not just horrific sadness we can't do anything about.

I think these books should be used in high school law classes and certainly college. For more on books, visit me at kidzliterature.blogspot.com.

Mother's Day Gifts for Reader and Book-Worm Moms

Does Mother's Day find you wondering what gifts your mother might like most? You're in good company. Many people find it easier to grab flowers or chocolates than to shop around. But this year--no worries. No more brain-racking. The secret to selecting perfect gifts for mom is to know her interests. What are your mother's hobbies? What does she read? Here'a guide tailored to gardener, reader or writer moms.Inexpensive, Creative Gifts for Mom on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day 

Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Men often put off shopping for Valentine's Day gifts for their sweethearts. At the last minute, they grab chocolates and flowers. Booorrrring!! Here are Valentine gift suggestions for her that will delight. There are two important rules of thumb to remember when shopping for women. First, we can spot a 'quick grab' gift with no thought involved a mile away. Next, we're suckers for a guy who knows us and buys special things he knows we'll like (books by favorite author, signature scent, favorite wine, wall art by favorite artist, poetry that speaks to us personally). Create a personalized book gift basket, reader's corner or spa getaway with books. Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Herge's 'Tintin' Children's Series--Racist or Reflective of Period?

 "The Adventures of Tintin," a Belgian children's graphic novel and cartoon series by Herge (nom-de-plume of Georges Remi), is finding popularity with U.S. film-going families as an animated feature. However, fans of Tintin were in danger of losing one book of the series, "Tintin in the Congo," which came under threat of banning for inciting acts of racial hatred. A Brussels court has just handed down its verdict: they found Tintin did not violate Belgium's anti-racism laws, says Reuters. The Tintin fracas reflects prevailing cultural mores about what's defines bigotry." Like efforst to sanitize Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians" and others, it may not take into account the social and cultural milieu of the time. Can we indict authors in retrospect for not recognizing what will offent future generations. Is there a unilateral definition of racism and hatred? Or does the time period effect the author? Here are facts on Tintin and Herge to help us decide, at least in this case. Herge's 'Tintin' Children's Book Declared Not Racist

Are Fantasy Books Healthy for Kids?

Is fantasy literature safe for children? Let's look at addictive, psychological and separation issues. Opponents of fantasy literature worry about the fearful aspects of fantasy. They contend that fantasy literature threatens emotionally fragile children by its unreality. Fantasy may create an existential crisis wherein the child cannot separate fantasy from reality. Reading fantasy literature may produce what is called in special education "perseverative behavior." The concern is that kids who read fantasy literature will only read fantasy and never explore other genres. Here are some issues. Children's Fantasy Literature Concerns

Free Printable Reading Games and Activities

Anytime teachers can make a game out of learning activities, education becomes more enjoyable and interactive. Research shows that students retain information that they have actively participated with. Educational activities easily become too predictable and therefore can also become meaningless. Just the act of getting out of the desk and onto the floor breaks the monotony. Here are some free printable reading games for your homeschool and classroom. Use these free printables for preschool, day care, tutoring and lesson plans.  Read more

DIY Gothic Haunted House Like Dark Shadows

When I was in Kindergarten in 1968, kids loved to watch TV after school (if you had TV-we didn't so I had to go to the neighbors' house). But did we get cute cartoons? Oh no! What awaited kids was a show that that's I'm still convinced is the most terrifying ever made: Dark Shadows. My heart is in my throat thinking of it 43 years later. Just the name Barnabas Collins sends chills down my spine. 

What was the secret behind these early creep shows that still terrifies us today? I maintain as do others my age, that these shows offered a unique kind of horror. Dark Shadows relied on subtle sensory details-- light, music, sound and, well, shadows. To my knowledge, we never saw anyone injured or killed. It was all implied. That's how it's done in the best film noir shows.  Want to create a Gothic Halloween haunted house based on Dark Shadows? Here's one worthy of Edgar Allen Poe. This type of haunted house could be adapted easily for a theater or literature class. How to Create a Gothic Haunted House

Skip "Fifty Shades of Grey" and Try these Really Good Reads!

"Fifty Shades of Grey" is a run-away best-seller 2011 book by E.L. James. And no wonder--it delves into the taboo, between-the-sheets world of sadomasochism and bondage. Just what every repressed, lonely housefrau wants to read, presumably. Well not for this WAHM. I'm not opposed to sex in literature. I object to obligatory, sensationalized, fear-based sex. I liken obligatory sex to obligatory violence or morality. It's contrived and unnatural. "Fifty Shades of Grey" sex to sell. I say skip "Fifty Shades of Grey","Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" and check out this adult reading. Summer Recommended Reading: Medieval Mystery Books and Authors

Beloved, Waterland Challenged Books

A school district near Detroit, has been wrestling with a decision to ban two books from its high school AP English program. A husband and wife objected to Toni Morrison's Pulitzer winner "Beloved" and Graham Swift's "Waterland," Michigan Radio reports. Here are details about this debate.

Matt Dame, a father of high school and middle school students, ran for school board in November. Dame and his wife Barb launched the campaign against "Beloved" and "Waterland," saying they have no place on an advanced English required reading list. These books are commonly challenged. Read more...Michigan School District Might Ban Two Books 

Chuck Palaniuk 'Fight Club' Sideways Humor, Cult Fictioin

Author Chuck Palahniuk Fight Club, Survivor and Beyond
Chuck Palahniuk (Ukranian, pronounced 'paula nick') author of Fight Club, Survivor, Rant, Choke, Lullaby and other brief one-word book titles, has earned high marks in literary circles.
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Best Childrens and Young Adult Vampire Fiction

Best Young Adult Vampire Fiction Books for Twilight and Eclipse Lovers Stephanie Meyer didn't invent vampire romance fiction with her Twilight book series. Modern vampire fiction has enjoyed a cult following for several decades now. If you like vampire fiction, read on.
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Quirk Classics Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls' Seth Grahame-Smith Tweaks Jane Austen
Jane Austen may be the best loved regency female author. Although steeped in Gothic romanticism, Austen championed independent women. Seth Grahame-Smith fans the flame of feminism with hellfire in 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.'
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Stephen King Newer Books Have More Psychological Drama and Less Horror

Stephen King: 'King' of Horror Redefines Himself as Master of Psychological Drama
Entering his sixth decade writing books, Stephen King has defined horror in literature. Since the 1990s King's books are more eerie and less scary. Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis, Lisley's Story and Duma Key represent the redefined Stephen King.
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Free Online Literature Libraries

Free Web Resources for E-books, Online Library Help,Literature Lessons and Homework
10 websites for free assistance with literature lesson planning or homework. Includes study guides, lesson plans, activities, games, online books, ebooks, reference and resources
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Fantasy Literature Like Harry Potter

Grieving Over End of Harry Potter Series? Take Comfort in These Great Reads
You think now, that you'll never love another as you did Harry Potter. And that may be true. But take some solace in the arms of these great works of fantasy literature while you grieve the end of Harry.
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Magazines Worth Reading

Best Magazines to Subscribe To
Magazines subscriptions do not contribute to green living. Many aren't worth reading, let alone buying. However, some magazines are far superior to others; these are those magazines.
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Mens' Foibles and Other Funny Stuff!

Real Men Don't Eat Quiche
Real Men Don't Eat Quiche was a quixotic look at men and their foibles. Written by a guy; very funny!
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