Media Mix

With Great Power: The Marvelous Stan Lee, an Unauthorized Biography

Written by Annie Hunter Eriksen, illustrated by Lee Gatlin

Stan Lee is known for being the creator of Spider-Man and many more superheroes, but few know that Stan was born Stanley Lieber and that while he was growing up in the Bronx, his family could hardly afford to buy groceries.

Stan was able to escape the confines of the tiny apartment his family lived in by reading books. Soon he had stories of his own going through his mind and, at 16 years of age, he headed out to find a job so he could help provide for his family.

A great introduction into the life of the man who gave the world so much. About being a hero, however, he would say, “. . .anyone can be a hero, as long as they stand for what’s right!” A Tree Is a Home

Written by Pamela Hickman, illustrated by Zafouko Yamamoto

A Tree Is a Home is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book that captures one year in the life of an oak tree and the six animals who call that tree home.

The book opens in summer and introduces the animal inhabitants: raccoon, acorn weevil, opossum, gray squirrel, blue jay and chipmunk. As the seasons change, so does the tree, and so do the activities of the animals within the tree.

When winter arrives the narrator explains, “The animals are surviving the cold in many ways. Like the dormant tree, some are inactive, hibernating for most of the season. Others stay in their cozy homes only during the worst weather but still venture out for food that provides energy to keep warm . . .”

Included in the book are descriptions of the life cycle of an oak tree and each of the animals who live in the tree. Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast

Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

The next in the Interrupting Chicken series, Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast does not disappoint.

Still silly, still poetic and still interrupting. What’s a little chicken to do when she awakens early, hungry for cookies? Awaken her father, of course, with a breakfast (of cookies) in bed!

Papa isn’t going for it, however, so the two decide instead to read nursery rhymes. Which gives little chicken a chance to interject her fondness for … cookies!

“There was an old woman who lived in a shoe,” one of the nursery rhymes begins. “She had so many—cookies, she gave me a few!” interrupts little chicken.

Papa responds, “We are not having cookies. I’ll make you a healthy breakfast as soon as I get up.” A few nursery rhymes later it’s Papa who’s hungry.

What is the healthy breakfast he makes? Does little chicken get her cookies for breakfast? Will little chicken stop interrupting? Grab a copy of this delightfully illustrated book and find out!

10 FAMILY-FRIENDLY FILMS WITH IRRESISTIBLE LOVE STORIES

Snuggle Up with a Love-Themed Family Film This Winter

Lady and the Tramp Disney’s 1955 classic has been winning hearts for generations. Dish up some spaghetti and delight in the Victorian-era tale about two charming dogs.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Charles Schulz’ Peanuts films are holiday staples. This lesser-known classic is sure to tug at your heartstrings this February.

Enchanted This Disney musical isn’t afraid to laugh at the most iconic heroines from beloved classic fairy tales. Amy Adams’ portrayal of Giselle, the loveable fairy-tale princess who magically lands in New York City, is charming.

Beauty and the Beast Whether you choose Disney’s animated ’90s classic or the new live action version, this “tale as old as time” is perfect for a family movie night. Serve some gray stuff (it’s delicious) and enjoy this favorite film. Tip: You’ll find the recipe at Family.Disney.com/recipe/ beauty-and-the-beast-food-grey-stuff.

Winnie the Pooh, a Valentine for You Winnie holds a special place in our family memories. The delightful bear and his pals from the Hundred Acre Wood learn what love really is all about. Cinderella We’re partial to Disney’s original animated masterpiece. The transformation of the dress is one of the prettiest pieces of animation ever created, and Jaq and Gus are delightful.

The Princess Bride This epic comic adventure you remember from your childhood is a perfect film to share with your own kids. Remember to recount the tale of your “mawwage” as you do.

Disney Nature’s Bears: The story of the Alaskan brown bear Sky and her unwavering love for her cubs is a beautiful depiction of parental love that is truly perfect for the whole family.

The Sound of Music Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical is a tale of family love, courage and strength that inspires us still today.

Parent Trap We enjoy both the Hayley Mills and the Lindsay Lohan versions of this comedic story of identical twins helping their parents rekindle a love that is lost. In the process, the two sisters who started as enemies become best friends.