Dragons: Riders of Berk now available on DVD

How to Train Your Dragon is one of my favorite kids' series.  It's one of the few book series my son really enjoys.  We all loved the movie, and we can't wait for How To Train Your Dragon 2 to be released in 2014.

Luckily, we can still get our fill of Hiccup and Toothless through the TV series Dragons: Riders of Berk.  It airs on Cartoon Network; I've watched a few episodes with the kids and have enjoyed them immensely.  Even though the series doesn't really follow the sequence of events in the the book series (the movie is also very different from the book series; I wonder what the sequel will be like!), it does introduce characters in the book series like Alvin and the Outcasts.

In fact, the only reason we don't watch more episodes is that we keep forget to record the episodes -- so it's good to know that Dragons: Riders of Berk is now available on DVD in a 2-part series.  Each DVD has about a dozen episodes. Whether you're a fan of the movie, the books or the TV series, you're going to want to check these out!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. . The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Keep reading and learning throughout the summer with PBS KIDS

Now that summer is in full swing, you may already be tearing your hair out over wondering how to keep your kids entertained and keep their brains from turning into mush. Research does show that students experience significant learning loss when they do not participate in educational activities during the summer months, so I try to maintain an educational focus throughout the summer.  No, they're not doing homework, but I do ask them to read every day and practice their musical instruments, and I encourage them to visit educational online sites like Khan Academy.  Educational TV programs on the Discovery Channel, NatGeo channel and PBS Kids are always allowed!

Speaking of PBS Kids, they are a wonderful resource for educational summer activities.  They have all kinds of downloadable activity guides and printables to help keep your child reading all summer long.  What's really nice is that many of the activities tie in with PBS Kids TV shows that your child already watches and enjoys.  One memorable summer when 3Po and Jammy were 5, I held a Super WHY reading "camp" to help them progress from sounding out 3-letter words to reading 4-letter words and words with consonant blends.  They loved Super WHY, so they had so much fun, and their reading skills really improved!

With the tips and activities found on PBS Kids Parents website, you can easily put together your own "summer camp" at home.  PBS Kids has also partnered with Education.com to provide more resources for DIY home camp activities at www.education.com/read. Your "camp" can go on for multiple weeks, with different themes each week!  If you're at a loss for camp themes, just check your local PBS Kids station, because PBS KIDS is showing episodes from a different PBS Kids TV series each week, all summer long.  Each week has its own theme, so you can tailor your "camp"'s activities to fit the theme:

• DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD – “Let’s Play Outside Week,” July 15
• THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! – “Let’s Get Wet Week,” starting July 22
• ARTHUR – “Sports Week,” starting July 29
• WORDGIRL® – “What’s Up With WordGirl Week,” starting August 5



Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Dino Dan DVD & app giveaway

Did you know that today is National Fossil Day? The National Park Service and the American Geological Institute are partnering to host the third annual National Fossil Day Week, to educate the public about fossils and help everyone appreciate their scientific and educational value.  Today, October 17, paleontologists and park rangers will share fossil discoveries at special events nationwide and explain the importance of preserving fossils where they are found, so that everyone can share a sense of discovery!

If you can't make it to a National Fossil Day event, you can still celebrate with your child by reading a book about fossils, staging a pretend "fossil dig" in a sandbox, or watching Dino Dan on TV!  Dino Dan is a cool 10-year old who wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up.  He also has a big secret:  Dinosaurs are roaming the earth right now!  Kids will love watching Dino Dan's adventures and  learning about dinosaurs.

You can catch Dino Dan on TV or on DVDs from NCircle Entertainment.  Their latest Dino Dan DVD, 'Twas a Dinosaur, gives "The Night Before Christmas" a uniquely Paleolithic spin, inviting kids to join 10-year-old protagonist “Dino Dan” as he explores intriguing facts about dinosaurs while embracing the spirit of the season.  The DVD comes with an extra surprise: a cool augmented reality app!  The back of the DVD has a T-Rex fossil that comes to life when you scan it with your iPad.  Here's what you have to do:

1) Download the Dino Player app from iTunes onto your iPad

2) Start up the Dino Player app

3) Point your iPad camera towards the T-Rex fossil on the 'Twas a Dinosaur DVD.

The T-Rex will magically appear on your iPad screen!

The T-Rex ppears in 3D, stomping and swinging his head.  When you tap on the screen, you can make the T-Rex roar.  How cool is that, having a T-Rex in my very own kitchen :) Dino Dan was right, dinosaurs ARE all around us!

Future Dino Dan DVDs from NCircle Entertainment will feature different dinosaurs from the hit children’s television series using the app -- such fun!



Win a Dino Dan DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive Dino Dan's 'Twas a Dinosaur DVD with a 3D T-Rex on the package, viewable with the free Dino Player app on the iPad.

Required Entry
Like NCircle Entertainment on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post and tell me your kid's (or your) favorite dinosaur.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

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3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the Dino Dan DVD giveaway!

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once a day (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Enter to win a Dino Dan DVD! Giveaway ends Nov. 10 at http://bit.ly/XoHcby #giveaways

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on November 10, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on November 11 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US and Canada residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.




Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Almost Naked Animals DVD debuts in September

Recipe for a hit kids' show:

* Be the creator of the hit series Fish Hooks
* Draw more wacky-looking cartoon animals
* Put some underwear on them
* Add the word NAKED to the show title

With all that in place, how could Almost Naked Animals go wrong?  It's one of the top-ranked animated shows for kids 6-11 years old on the Cartoon Network, and Season 3 kicks off this fall so everyone can follow the mishaps of Howie, Octo, Piggy, Duck, Sloth, Narwhal (See? What other show has a Narwhal?) and their friends.

Just seeing the characters in their tighty-whities is enough to crack my kids up, let alone following their wacky adventures running a beachfront hotel.  It's a party that every kid wants to be a part of, and on September 25, everyone can, with the relase of the new Almost Naked Animals DVD: It's My Party!  The DVD includes the first 6 episodes of Season One, as well as a music video and some extras like an intro to the Banana Cabana (the hotel where everything takes place) and Howie's Stunt School.

Can't get enough of Almost Naked Animals?  On September 5, log on to AlmostNakedAnimals.com and check out their new website, with a fan community, games and a kids social network. Fans will be also be able to purchase Almost Naked Animals merchandise -- plush characters, keychains, character bouncy balls and more -- on AlmostNakedAnimals.com.  In addition, a new Almost Naked Animals online store is launching on Cafe Press on September 25, featuring ANA merchandise like bags, tshirts, notebooks, and coasters.

The Pea loves her new ANA t-shirt!

Check out AlmostNakedAnimals.com and get ready to party!



Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Chuggington's Traintastic Giveaway

Get ready to ride the rails this summer with “Traintastic Adventures” – a colorful new “Chuggington” DVD coming down the tracks from Anchor Bay on August 14. “Traintastic Adventures” includes six episodes – plus a bonus Badge Quest short – that deliver action and fun along with positive messages that are just the ticket for preschoolers as they learn and grow. There’s also an exciting surprise included in each DVD: four collectible trading cards featuring everyone’s favorite young trainees! With a series of 22 different trading cards, preschoolers will be honking their horns for all the “Chuggington” characters.

And to celebrate the release of “Traintastic Adventures,” starting in August, fans can enter a traintastic sweepstakes at www.chuggington.com/adventure to win a Delta Vacations trip to Colorado. Additional information about the promotion also can be found inside each “Traintastic Adventures” DVD. (No purchase necessary to enter.)

Win it!
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Chuggington Traintastic prize pack, which includes:

The Chuggington Traintastic Adventures DVD
An extra set of Chuggington trading cards
A special Chuggington map


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me  your favorite Chuggington character.   This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this post -- 1 entry). 

5) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

6) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Chuggington Traintastic giveaway! http://bit.ly/MoDV9P

7) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a Chuggington Traintastic prize pack with DVD, trading cards + map! Enter by 8/25 at http://bit.ly/MoDV9P #giveaway 

8) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Aug 25, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on Aug 26 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only.For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Thanks to Anchor Bay Entertainment (via Grand Communications) for providing the giveaway prize.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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McKenna Shoots for the Stars on NBC TV

Only 10 more days and the London 2012 Olympics will begin!  We love watching the Olympics, especially gymnastics.  I grew up watching Nadia Comaneci, Mary-Lou Retton and Kerri Strug, and even though I never went into gymnastics, these girls have always inspired me to do my very best.

Now there's another gymnast who can inspire millions of girls:  McKenna Brooks, American Girl's 2012 Girl of the Year.  Her movie, McKenna Shoots for the Stars, came out on Blu-Ray/DVD on July 4, and girls everywhere are enjoying her story! Have you seen it yet? We held a McKenna viewing party, and The Pea and her friends loved it! 

If you haven't had a chance to get Blu-Ray/DVD yet, NBC is airing McKenna Shoots for the Stars this  Saturday, July 14 at 8/7 PM CT.  Here's a little clip from the movie to get you all excited:






Want the chance to win your own copy of the movie? I have an open giveaway for a McKenna movie prize pack, ending July 30, and I'm starting another giveaway for the movie today!



Win a copy of McKenna Shoots for the Stars
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a Blu-Ray/DVD (with digital copy) of McKenna Shoots for the Stars.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which character in the McKenna movie inspires your daughter (or which character is your favorite).   This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Repin any of the pins on my American Girl crafts Pinterest pinboard (1 entry for each repin, max 5 repins/entries).

5) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

6) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the McKenna movie giveaway! http://bit.ly/LLlQDG

7) Write this on the American Girl Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a copy of the new McKenna movie on Bonggamom Finds!  Giveaway ends August 5 at  http://bit.ly/LLlQDG

8) Share the link (http://bit.ly/LLlQDG) to this giveaway on your Facebook page (1 entry). 

9) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a copy of the new American Girl McKenna movie!  Enter by 8/5 at  http://bit.ly/LLlQDG #giveaway 

10) Enter any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on August 5, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on August 6 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: Thanks to American Girl for providing the giveaway prize. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Jake and the Never Land Pirates holiday episode

Now that Halloween is out of the way, it's time to get ready for the holidays! It doesn't take much to get my family into the holiday spirit, but we've been laid low by a bad case of the cold and cough. Everyone in the family has had it, and we're sick of being sick, but it's difficult to think about saying fa-la-la-la-la when we have to sneeze or cough between la's.

Fortunately we do have enough energy to watch some telly, and there's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by watching a holiday special. We're looking forward to those, and I think my kids will probably be setting our DVR timer to the Disney Channel from now until January.

Think it's too early to start thinking about tv holiday specials? Ha! We were actually lucky enough to receive an advance screener of the new Jake and the Never Land Pirates holiday episode, which premieres on Friday, December 2 on the Disney Channel. It's really cute; we watched it this weekend and I highly recommend it. Here's a brief synopsis:

In the holiday episode of Jake and the Never Land Pirates, titled It's A Winter Never Land! / Hook on Ice, Jake, Izzy and Cubby awake to find that Peter Pan has left the crew some presents and a tree to celebrate Winter Treasure Day, and Captain Hook invites Jake and the crew on a winter treasure hunt. The episode premieres FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 (8:30-9:00 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.




It was funny to see snow and ice on Never Land! The boys loved watching Jake shred the snow on his snowboard (not to mention his cool skull helmet).

By the way, in case you have a young child who found the original Peter Pan movie a bit scary, Jake and the Never Land Pirates is perfect for little kids. Captain Hook is a lot friendlier-looking here! I'm not surprised that Jake and the Never Land Pirates has become so popular so quickly (it's actually cable's #1 series for boys ages 2-5, and on its way to becoming the Disney Channel's #1 preschool series ever). And once Disney Junior becomes a standalone channel in early 2012, your kids will be able to catch their favorite episodes of Jake and the Never Land Pirates more easily!

If you've never seen the show before, here's a brief synopsis:
Available exclusively on the new Disney Junior channel, Jake and the Never Land Pirates quickly became cable's #1 series for boys 2-5 and is on track to be Disney Channel's #1 preschool series ever! The show currently is one of the most co-viewed preschool series, with 45% of moms watching with their preschoolers. A music-filled interactive treasure hunt, Jake and the Never Land Pirates introduces a crew of kid pirates and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, from Disney's classic "Peter Pan." Along the way, the children model teamwork, problem-solving and physical activity.


Win a Jake and the Never Land Pirates DVD
Disney Junior and Child's Play sent me a Jake and the Never Land Pirates DVD, and I'm giving it away! One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive the DVD + cd of Jake & The Never Land Pirates: Season 1 V.1.



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share your favorite character from Jake and the Never Land Pirates. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Add the Bonggamom Finds blog button to your sidebar (1 entry).

2) Blog about this giveaway, making sure you include a link to the giveaway (http://ow.ly/7fFaL) in your blog post (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Jake and the Never Land Pirates giveaway! http://ow.ly/7fFaL

4) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
@bonggafinds is giving away a Jake and the Never Land Pirates DVD! Enter by 11/15 at http://ow.ly/7fFaL #giveaways

5) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on November 15, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on November 16 and post their name after confirming acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received an advance screener of the Jake and the Neverland Pirates holiday episode, as well as a Jake and the Neverland Pirates-themed gift bag from Disney Junior via Child's Play Communications. Show information is provided by Child's Play Communications and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Wubbzy and the Fire Engine giveaway

Sound the alarm! Wubbzy and his pals are coming to DVD in a brand-new DVD on September 13. Their latest DVD is "Wubbzy And the Fire Engine", just in time for National Fire Prevention Week, which starts on October 9. To celebrate the release of "Wubbzy And the Fire Engine", I'm giving away a copy of the DVD to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader!

About the DVD
Wubbzy and his best buddies, Widget, Walden and Daizy, suit up for six memorable stories in “Wubbzy And The Fire Engine” ($16.98). Each of the new title’s engaging episodes feature gentle lessons about helping out, working together and getting the job done that will resonate with kids everywhere. This latest release whisks preschoolers along as Wubbzy has a fire engine adventure with Widget in “Wubbzy And The Fire Engine”; delivers Daizy’s doodleberry treats – the Wubbzy way – in “What Would Wubbzy Do?” and helps rebuild a neighbor’s house with a little help from a pro in “Ty Ty The Tool Guy,” featuring the voice of Ty Pennington, host of the popular TV series “Extreme Home Makeover.”

About Wubbzy
“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” has been a hit with young viewers and their families since its 2006 TV premiere on Nickelodeon®, and the show currently airs daily on Nick Jr. Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the eye-popping town of Wuzzleburg. The top-rated series supports preschool social skills – sharing, listening, compromising, helping and appreciating others, self-awareness and the use of humor as a coping skill.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Wow! Wow! Wubzy character. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1) Blog about this giveaway, making sure you include a link to the giveaway in your blog post (1 entry).

2) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Wubbzy DVD giveaway! http://ow.ly/6pxMu

3) Add the Bonggamom Finds blog button to your sidebar (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger/Google Friend Connect (1 entry).

5) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
Enter to win a Wubbzy and the Fire Engine DVD on @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/6pxMu

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 20, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on September 21 and post the winner's name after he/she confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. I will be receiving a Wubbzy DVD as a thank-you for posting this information and giveaway. Product information is provided by Grand Communications and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Glee Season 2 DVD Giveaway

School starts next week, and despite their complaints about the lazy summer days being over, I know they're excited to get back to school and see their friends. I know that isn't always the case for every child, particularly teens going back to face another year of high school being pressured, bullied and taunted for the way they look, dress or act.

That's one of the reasons I love the hit TV series GLEE. They aren't afraid to tackle sensitive issues that high school kids face: sexuality, alcohol, bullying and more. Of course, the great music and hilarious characters help! It's precisely the way GLEE incorporates the campy and funny with the serious is what makes this series so great.

If you love GLEE as much as I do, you'll want to enter today's giveaway for your very own copy of GLEE: The Complete Second Season on DVD! But first, be sure to read through all the issues that GLEE has tackled in their second season, below, to find the answer to the DVD giveaway:

Glee Tackles the Tough Topics
Helping kids go back to school

The TV musical sensation GLEE has been a magnificent success in its second series, bringing more show stopping tunes, dazzling dancing and witty one-liners. But most importantly, Glee has also brought to our screens contemporary issues in society and has tackled these tough topics in a sensitive yet effective manner. Here are some examples we have seen this series:

Bullying

One of the biggest issues Glee has covered this season is bullying. All members of Glee are continually subject to bullying as they are considered to be the school losers and are frequently drenched by slushies. The New Directions have a strong attitude against the bullies and stick up for each other. Kurt in particular, played by Chris Colfer, experiences the brunt of bullying at McKinley High to the extent that he decides to move schools to Dalton Academy where a strict anti-bullying policy is enforced. It is testament to Glee and their effective treatment of this issue that Chris Colfer has gained leading status and reputable accolades including a Golden Globe award, demonstrating the worldwide appraisal of the series. Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus have admitted that they have been subject to bullying and Demi Lovato has openly spoken about being bullied. Demi has also created a Teens Against Bullying video to increase awareness and to help combat the problem.


Sexual Awareness

The main reason why Kurt is tormented and antagonised at McKinley High is because of his sexual orientation and his strong nature to not conceal this from his peers. Glee celebrates Kurt's self-assuredness and demonstrates to young teenagers who are confused about their
sexuality that they should be proud of who they are. Blaine, Kurt's love interest who fronts Dalton Academy's Warblers, provides Kurt with help and reassurance and reinforces thefact that Kurt should be who he wants to be if it makes him happy. Santana and Dave Karofsky both experience mixed feelings about their sexuality and are not ready, like Kurt, to be open about this issue. Glee demonstrates the confusion that sexuality can create for individuals but helps to show the teenage audience that when the time comes, people will be there to help you through.

Effects of Alcohol

We've all been there, having one too many to drink the night before work or school the next day and walking around with your friends wearing matching sunglasses. OK, maybe the last part is just Glee. Whilst Glee portrays this issue in a humorous and light hearted manner, the message is still very prominent about the serious effects of alcohol. Finn provides an enlightening discussion about the different effects of alcohol: Santana is the weepy drunk,Mercedes and Tina are the hysterical drunks who find everything funny and then Rachel and Blaine share a drunken kiss. Yet Finn doesn't touch a drop of alcohol, showing that teenagers do not have to bow to peer pressure and can abstain from drink if they choose to. During the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, Daniel Radcliffe has also spoken about the damage of excessive alcohol consumption and the destructive nature it can have. Radcliffe states at one point he was dependent on alcohol but since giving it up has become a lot happier. Glee helps to shed light on these issues and have created fantastic role models for teenagers to look up to.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Cleaning every grape individually, organising pamphlets on the desk and turning rigid at the thought of anything being messy. These are just some of the examples Emma Pilsbury's OCD, a condition that is often not acknowledged within TV series. Glee illustrates the different characteristics of OCD and shows the help that isavailable for those who are living with it, as Emma herself decides to finally accept medical advice to control thedisorder in Series Two. However, it is refreshing to witness Emma's approach to her OCD, accepting that it is part of her and part of her personality with the overall message hopefully helping those who are dealing with OCD on theirown. Several celebrities also suffer or have suffered with OCD, including Jessica Alba, Leonardo Di Caprio and Cameron Diaz but all have made their peace with the condition to prevent it from ruling their lives.

Physical Appearance and Plastic Surgery

Growing up can be an extremely difficult time for adolescents and the pressure of physical appearance is growing to be an ever more increasing concern. When Rachel is hit in the face by Finn and breaks her nose, the singer uses the opportunity to consider plastic surgery to change her features, despite the protests from her fellow members in New Direction. However, Rachel comes to the conclusion that she likes the way she looks and does not want torevert to plastic surgery. However, unlike Rachel, Quinn has had plastic surgery and has no regrets about herdecision. It is rare for a TV show to depict a story of someone whose life was changed for the better by surgery, but this further highlights the groundbreaking and genre-defying success of Glee. In fact, it is a more accurate depiction of real life, where plastic surgery can help benefit some but can also go horribly wrong.



In a school like McKinley High, being popular is a massive issue and the school social ladder is a continual theme running throughout the whole of Series Two; several characters including Santana and Quinn are desperate to be at the top and be the most popular girl in school. Yet Glee and the members of New Directions show that as long as you have a caring group of friends that will always stick by you and you are happy with yourself if doesn't matter what your school status is. Being popular isn't everything! And the Born This Way episode epitomises this as theGlee members all wear t-shirts with their insecurities written on them. For instance, Finn's says Can't Dance andMike's says Can't Sing. Parents should remember that Glee shows teenagers that they should embrace these andbe proud of who they are!


Win a copy of GLEE THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON on DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive GLEE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON on DVD

THE #1 TV ON DVD & BLU-RAY IS BACK!
THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON ARRIVES ON BLU-RAYAND DVD SEPTEMBER 13
FEATURING NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN BONUS FOOTAGE AND THE POPULAR GLEE MUSIC JUKEBOX

Required Entry
For your chance of winning a copy of GLEE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, simply answer the following question:

Which GLEE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON episode highlights that kids should not be afraid to face their flaws?

• Born This Way
• Comeback
• Prom Queen

This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Add the Bonggamom Finds blog button to your sidebar (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds via GFC (1 entry).

3) Blog about this giveaway, making sure you include a link to the giveaway in your blog post (1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the GLEE Season 2 giveaway! http://ow.ly/67OEj

5) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
@bonggafinds is giving away a copy of GLEE: The Complete Season 2 DVD! http://ow.ly/67OEj

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined)



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 6, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on September 7 and post his/her name after she/he confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post . DVD information and school issues content were provided by ThinkJam and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Chuggington: It's Training Time DVD Giveaway

Great news for your little engineers -- Chuggington, the popular CGI-animated TV series on Playhouse Disney will be releasing a new DVD on August 2: Chuggington: It's Training Time.


About the series:
A worldwide television hit and an exciting destination for preschoolers, “Chuggington” follows the humorous adventures of ‘traintastic’ pals, Wilson, Brewster and Koko as they ‘ride the rails’ of life on their way to becoming productive chuggers. Featuring a dynamic fleet of relatable and diverse characters, each engaging episode is filled with positive life lessons that encourage and promote early social skills. The colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV series airs daily on Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel’s learning-focused programming block.


About the new DVD
“It’s Training Time!” features six episodes plus a three-minute bonus “Badge Quest” episode, Running On Time, which explores the importance of being punctual. Weaved throughout the fun-filled adventures are lessons to help hone preschoolers’ pro-social skills, such as the value of setting a good example (Training Time Harrison); cleanliness (Wilson Gets A Wash); following directions (Koko And The Tunnel); diversity (Watch Out Wilson); self-confidence (Wilson’s Smooth Move) and not jumping to conclusions (Eddie Finds Time).

In Training Time Harrison, for example, Harrison is desperate to pull the royal carriage for the prince of Buffertonia, but he travels too fast, runs red lights and takes too many shortcuts. He eventually realizes that he’s setting a bad example for the trainees, who look up to him. In the end, Harrison studies properly, passes his test and is proud to pull the royal carriage through Chuggington!


To celebrate, I've been given a copy of the new DVD to give away!


Win a Chuggington DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a copy of Chuggington: It's Training Time.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Chuggington character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Chuggington Training Time giveaway http://ow.ly/5TpGK

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Enter to win the new Chuggington "It's Training Time" DVD on @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5TpGK #giveaways

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on August 10, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on August 11 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Prize and product information are provided by Grand Communication; product info is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Pocoyo "Let's Party" DVD giveaway

Now that my birthday has come and gone, my family's birthday season has ended; the next birthday we celebrate will be the twins' 8th in December. But who needs an excuse to throw a party? Every month there's some kind of "holiday" to celebrate. There's Memorial Day on Monday, of course; in June we've got National Chocolate Ice Cream Day on June 7, Best Friends Day on June 8, Father's Day on June 19, Ice Cream Soda Day the day after that, National Backyard Campout Day on June 25, and so on.

To celebrate all these parties, I've been given the new Pocoyo DVD, "Lets Party!" -- one for my kids, and a second to give away to one reader! We were first introduced to Pocoyo a couple of months ago, and my kids find him so cute. Pocoyo is quite the international celebrity! His award-winning preschool television series is broadcast in the US, UK, Spain, Ireland, Australia and many other countries. It's not hard to see why; just looking at his little face is enough to generate an Awwwww! or two.


ABOUT THE DVD:

Pocoyo is a curious little boy with a big personality. He explores the world around him by creating great adventures with his friends Pato, Elly, Loula and Sleepy Bird. Join the party with Pocoyo and his friends as they celebrate a birthday party, a welcome home party, a tea party and other adorable adventures that encourage learning through laughter in “Let’s Party.”

“Let’s Party” is available at major retailers and online. SRP $12.99 (ages 2+). The 90- minute DVD includes the following Pocoyo episodes (and Spanish track):

Who's on the Phone
Whale's Birthday
Pocoyo's Puppet Show
Party Pooper
Everybody's Present
Pocoyo's Present
The Great Race
Elly's Tea Party
Pato Underwater
Baby Bird Bother
A Present for Elly
Farewell Friends



Win a Pocoyo DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive the new Pocoyo “Let’s Party” DVD.




Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share the next holiday you and your family are planning to celebrate, and how you will celebrate. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo party giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Write this on the Pocoyo Facebook page wall (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo party giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

6) Follow Pocoyo (@pocoyo_us) on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win a Pocoyo DVD from @pocoyo_us and @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

7) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway joined)




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 15, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 16 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Transformers Beast Wars DVD giveaway

Transformers... More Than Meets the Eye.... I can still hear the theme song playing in my mind. I grew up with 2 Transformers-mad brothers, and we watched the original Transformers animated series religiously when we were kids. The idea of transforming robots transcends time and generations, and my kids are almost as fond of Transformers as my brothers were.

Now, of course, the Transformers universe has expanded: aside from the toys there are the live-action films, the comic book series and multiple animated versions. One of the most popular spinoffs is Transformers: Beast Wars, which ran for three television seasons and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

My boys never got a chance to watch this on TV (the series ended before they were born), but the good news is that the series is being released on DVD. On June 7th Shout! Factory will release Transformers: Beast Wars- Season One on DVD in a 4-box set, as well as the complete series of Transformers: Beast Wars on DVD in an 8-box set. It's so great that they'll get a chance to enjoy more stories about Transformers!


Brace yourself to relive some of the most epic TRANSFORMERS battles and non-stop action adventures through the 15th Anniversary release of BEAST WARS. In 1996, TRANSFORMERS fans were introduced to this stunning saga between the heroic MAXIMALS and the evil PREDACONS where these powerful TRANSFORMERS disguised themselves as some of the fiercest and most ferocious animals on Earth. In a flash of an instant, these beasts turned into battle-tested robot warriors ready for combat. Created by Hasbro and produced by Mainframe Entertainment, the hugely successful animated series TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS ran for three successful television seasons and garnered an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

On June 7, 2011, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., will unleash the TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS Season One 4-DVD set, featuring all 26 visually stunning episodes and exciting bonus features. A must-have for fans and families, this DVD set promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with exciting adventures and is priced to own at $29.93 SRP.

Here's a trailer for the Season 1 DVD:





Die-hard fans further rejoice! Shout! Factory, along with Hasbro, Inc., are set to release the TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS – The Complete Series Collector’s Edition 8-DVD box set. Jam packed with hours of entertaining content, this Complete Series Collector’s Edition contains the entire CG animated series of BEAST WARS and a bounty of stellar extras, including retrospective featurettes, a 12-page book, art galleries, plus a special collectible 24-page comic book TRANSFORMERS Timelines “Dawn of the Future’s Past.” Originally published by Fun Publications for BotCon, the official TRANSFORMERS convention, in 2006, the comic book is the official prequel story leading right up to the start of Beast Wars and offers valuable insight into all the events that led to OPTIMUS PRIMAL chasing after MEGATRON and PREDACONS! TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS – The Complete Series Collector’s Edition arrives exclusively to Shout! Factory’s official online store ShoutFactoryStore.com on June 7, 2011.


You can pre-order the 4-DVD Season 1 set or the 8-DVD Complete Series set of Transformers Beast wars at the Shout Factory Store. Or you could try your luck and enter to win the 4-DVD set below!


Win the Transformers: Beast Wars Season 1 DVD set
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive the Transformers: Beast Wars Season 1 4-DVD boxed set.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your (or your child's) favorite Transformers character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Transformers giveaway! http://ow.ly/534Sl

5) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win the Transformers: Beast Wars Season 1 4-DVD set from @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/534Sl #giveaways

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 10, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 11 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Charlie & Lola Giveaway

The English have given the world many fine things: tea, The Beatles, Burberry raincoats, you name it. Kids all over the UK and USA would probably add another (or two more): Charlie and Lola.

If you haven't watched Charlie and Lola yet, you should. Charlie and his little sister Lola are two fictional siblings created by Lauren Child; they are the star of their own hit BBC TV show as well as numerous award-winning children's books. Lola is impulsive and energetic; Charlie is the kind older brother who comes to Lola's rescue as she goes from one scrape to another. Both have wonderful imaginations that turn their everyday lives into a colorful adventure.

Charlie and Lola is one of my kids' favorite shows. It's probably the only show Alfie will let them watch until their eyes bleed, because he adores Charlie and Lola's English accents, and he hopes their accent will rub off our kids. Just hearing Charlie's opening line (which he says at the start of every episode and every book) -- "I have this little sister Lola. She is small, and very funny" -- is like a signal to start smiling and giggling, because Lola's antics are really quite amusing. The show is whimsical, charming and wonderful. We all love it.

We don't really collect season DVDs, but if there was ever a children's show DVD we'd want to have each and every episode of, this would be it. Lo and behold, I was invited to review Charlie and Lola: The Absolutely Completely Complete Seasons 1 and 2 DVD collection! I don't think my kids have enjoyed reviewing a DVD more. They snuggled down into our bed, and for several hours (yes, I admit, I did allow them to indulge in a marathon Charlie and Lola session) our bedroom rang with peals of laughter. They got to see some of their favorite episodes from Season 1, like

* I CAN do anything that's EVERYTHING all on my OWN
* The most wonderfullest PICNIC in the whole wide world
* BOO! Made you JUMP!

and from Season 2, like

* I will be especially, VERY careful
* You can be my friend
* It is absolutely completely NOT messy

(See, even the titles are adorable!)


We were also given a Charlie and Lola hardbound book: Slightly Invisible. We already own several Charlie and Lola books, so this one made a wonderful addition to our collection. Here's the synopsis:

Charlie and his friend Marv have invented an invisibility potion to help them find strange and tricky creatures, which they would prefer to do without Charlie’s little sister, Lola, bothering and interrupting. But when Lola enlists a bit of help from her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen - not to mention a tea set, a rabbit, a stroller, and of course one or three glasses of pink milk- it turns out that the strange and tricky creatures have met their match in one very resourceful, inventive little sister.

I love the colorful illustrations, and my boys love the large type; this book is easy enough for them to read silently, by themselves, without a big effort, so they can really enjoy what they are reading.

Last but not least, we received a cute Charlie and Lola doll set. Made by Kids Preferred, the Talking Poseable Charlie & Lola Play Set includes both Charlie and Lola. They are made of soft, stuffed cloth, but their arms and legs are poseable. When you press Charlie's stomach, he says his signature line: "I have this little sister, Lola. She is small and very funny,". When you press Lola's stomach, she responds, "I'm not small. I am BIG!".

Again, absolutely adorable. Definitely, definitely get your kids into Charlie and Lola.





Win a Charlie and Lola gift pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive all three Charlie and Lola products! The gift pack up for grabs includes:

* Charlie & Lola: The Absolutely Completely Complete Seasons One and Two on DVD. 8 DVDs are in the set (MSRP $79.99)
* Slightly Invisible by Lauren Child – Featuring Charlie & Lola! (MSRP $16.99)
* Talking Poseable Charlie & Lola Play Set (MSRP $25)


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you and/or your child loves Charlie and Lola. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Leave a comment on this post and tell me the name of your favorite Charlie and Lola episode (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Charlie and Lola giveaway! http://ow.ly/52log

5) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
You could win a completely absolutely perfectly perfect Charlie and Lola gift pack! Enter at @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/52log #giveaways

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 10, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 11 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure:I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Continue reading...