by Stone Marshall | Apr 1, 2015 | Awesome Book News |
I’m not a fan of most April Fool’s Day jokes, but I can’t resist cute, edible food pranks to “fool” my children. Most of my ideas are from the pages of Family Fun magazine, a publication I can’t recommend enough if you have kids.
Sunny Side Up Egg Food Prank
Serve them this tasty breakfast and see how quickly they spot that the “egg” is made with dairy-free vanilla yogurt and an apricot half! To make this food prank, thoroughly stir the yogurt (for a smooth egg white) and carefully spread it in a circle on a plate. Then place a canned apricot half carefully in the middle. Family Fun recommends a canned peach half for the yolk, but I think a canned apricot half is more proportional. I’ve seen people make pound cake “toast” to go with it, but I stuck with regular dairy-free bread for the side. Allergy Note: Be sure to pick a dairy-free yogurt that is safe for any other allergy needs in your family.
Worm in an Apple Food Prank
Pack an apple with a worm in it for your child’s lunch! This one is more obvious, but tasty and fun nonetheless. With a paring knife or apple corer, make a worm-sized hole in the side of the apple. Brush the exposed apple flesh with lemon juice, and insert a gummy worm. The worm stays in best if secured with a toothpick, but be sure the person eating the apple knows it has a toothpick in it! Otherwise, you can use a broken spaghetti noodle to secure it. Allergy and Vegan Diet Note: Choose allergy-friendly and gelatin-free gummy worms like Surf Sweets and Organic Candy Factory.
Sushi Candy Food Prank
Sushi for dessert? Why not! Make a half batch of dairy-free rice crispy treats but leave them in the saucepan. Lay out four fruit roll ups. Divide the rice crispy mixture among the four roll ups and press it flat, as you would sushi rice. Place one long or several small fruit gummies in the center of the rice crispies and roll up as you would a sushi roll. Slice into rounds and serve. I used all natural fruit twists for the centers of the sushi, but I must admit that traditional fruit roll ups work better for the outer wrap than all-natural ones do. They are thinner and stickier. Allergy and Vegan Diet Note: Use dairy-free, non-hydrogenated margarine to make your crispy treats and choose Dandies marshmallows and Surf Sweets gummy bears for vegan.
Deceptive Drinks Food Pranks
Last but not least, I have three fun drink ideas for a fool’s dinner include “juice” and two types of dairy-free milk.
For the juice (pictured on the left), mix 100% juice (I used a cranberry blend) and gelatin using the directions on the gelatin box. The gelatin needs to be the “jiggler” or “Knox Blox” thickness so that it stays secure in the glass. Pour the “juice” into glasses and let chill until dinner. This makes about 4 glasses of juice, depending on the cup size.
For true blue milk (pictured in the center), just add a few drops of all-natural food coloring to your favorite dairy-free milk beverage.
For undrinkable “milk” (pictured on the right), try this fun idea that was inspired by Catherine Newman (who writes for Family Fun). Dissolve 1 packet of plain gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water, stirring until it’s really dissolved, then stir in 3/4 cup refrigerated coconut milk beverage (in a carton, not canned), 2 tablespoons cream of coconut, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of salt. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This about two glasses of quick, tasty panna cotta “milk”, depending on the cup size, which they’ll end up enjoying for dessert!
Allergy and Vegan Diet Note: Be sure to pick a milk beverage that is safe for all of your allergen needs. To make these food pranks vegan, use Clear Jel or a vegan gelatin dessert like Jeannie Prebiotics.
by Stone Marshall | Mar 31, 2015 | Awesome Book News |
The world of comic books is vast and imaginative, even with the overabundance of super heroes and villains striving for attention from the geek market. Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a well thought out hero or villain, but sometimes we need something a little more, too. Thankfully, 2015 is going to be a great year for comic book enthusiasts, collectors, first-time readers, or anyone else who thinks it’s time to enjoy some colorful artwork with their stories.
Superman: Doomed
Superman: Doomed is the perfect way to kick off the upcoming comic book madness this year. The upcoming issue promises 544 intense pages of Superman vs. Doomsday. Doomsday, the iconic villain, will debut new abilities which will ensure he is a vicious match to take on the Man of Steel. This is being considered a super event within the comic world, and it is one that no one is going to want to miss out on.
Superman: Doomed releases on March 31.
Attack on Titan 15
Attack on Titan is the type of series that came out of nowhere and rose to prominence seemingly overnight. The upcoming issue, Attack on Titan 15, will feature 192 colorfully detailed pages in which Hange’s interrogation of a Military Police squad reveals Krista is the true heir to the throne. From there, though, the story unfolds in a way that should prove interesting enough to share with a fellow comic book fan or two.
Attack on Titan 15 releases on March 24.
The Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years
The Flash is another one of those iconic super heroes that almost everyone – young or old – can recognize these days. The bright red suit, yellow boots and lightning bolts, and the super speed have become something of a symbol for speed these days. Thankfully, that symbol is going to continue in The Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years, which will feature 480 pages of everyone’s favorite speedy hero. A wide range of stories will be available within this volume, including some featuring Scarlet Speedster.
The Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years releases on March 31.
Buffy: Season Ten Volume 2 – I Wish
Buffy The Vampire Slayer has always been the type of hero that both men and women could stand behind in shared fandom. The strong, blonde-haired woman managed to take on the forces of darkness with a group of friends and come out victorious. Well, her story is about to continue this year, as Buffy: Season Ten Volume 2 – I Wish will be available. Fans get to check out the entire crew continuing their fight against the forces of evil with new rules to the magic within, too.
Buffy: Season Ten Volume 2 – I Wish releases on April 21.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth Volume 10
Sometimes super heroes and the traditional monsters we’ve come to expect within comic books can be tiring, and that is why the likes of B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth exist. Demonic forces are finding their way into our world, which means Johann and Liz will have their hands full in the upcoming issue. B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth Volume 10 promises to have a lot of massive occurrences that should prove exciting for the heroes within the comic and the reader.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth Volume 10 releases on March 10.
Halo Volume 2 Escalation
Many who read comic books also play video games, but not always. However, the Halo franchise is one such name that most people understand and know about. 2015 is a big year for the science-fiction franchise, with a new game releasing soon, but also an upcoming comic book launching. Halo Volume 2 Escalation will see the return of Master Chief and a plot from the Office of Naval Intelligence. Fans of the series should prepare themselves for the action of the game with this read.
Halo Volume 2 Escalation releases on April 21.
Batman ’66 Meets the Green Hornet
A mash-up of characters within a comic book is always an interesting time, as the reader generally gets two stories for the price of one. There are conflicting personalities and combat styles, which proves to be thrilling. Batman ’66 Meets the Green Hornet is one such mash-up. This upcoming 144-page comic will feature Bruce Way, Dick Grayson, Britt Reid, and Kato teaming up to take on Colonel Gumm, the guru of glue, as he attempts to hijack a train of priceless fossils.
Batman ’66 Meets the Green Hornet releases on March 24.
A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume 4
It is hard to argue against the popularity of A Game of Thrones. Writer George R.R. Martin has managed to create one of the most captivating, entertaining fantasy stories the world has seen this decade. Thankfully, a graphic novel version is available for those who enjoy pictures with their words, too. The upcoming Volume 4 will see the return of fan favorite characters, including Robb Stark, Lord Walder Frey, and young King Joffrey. Someone will probably die.
A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume 4 releases on May 5.
Transformers: Primacy
Try to forget the Michael Bay Transformers films for a moment and remember the incredible nature of the comic books and the cartoon series before that. They were incredible, and 2015 is offering a new comic that should bring back some of that nostalgia and enjoyment. Transformers: Primacy will see the Autobots and the Decepticons facing off in dangerous combat once more – a war that will change an entire planet.
Transformers: Primacy releases on March 18.
Conan Volume 17 Shadows Over Kush
Everyone’s favorite barbarian will make a return within the next few months. Conan is back to his antics of drinking, fighting, and taking on the adventure of a life-time. The Cimmerian is on a hunt against demons and a full blown rebellion in this upcoming issue. An entire city is going to rely on the brash barbarian in order to survive the fighting that will ensue. This volume collects issues #1-6 of the Dark Horse Comics series.
Conan Volume 17 Shadows Over Kush releases on March 17.
Tokyo Ghoul, Volume 1
Tokyo Ghoul is relatively new, which means there aren’t many fans out there who know of the upcoming series. This 224-page comic was authored by Sui Ishida, and will tell the tale of Ken Kaneki, who is excited for an upcoming date. Unfortunately, his date is only interested in consuming his body. Kaneki is turned into the first half-human half-Ghoul hybrid following this date-gone-wrong.
Tokyo Ghoul, Volume 1 releases on March 17.
Prometheus: Fire and Stone
Prometheus was an impressive science fiction movie, though many people were looking for a bit more horror from the Alien prequel. That wasn’t the point of this particular adventure, though. An upcoming comic, entitled Prometheus: Fire and Stone, will tell the story of the famed ship and the questions that surrounded it never returning from the journey to LV-223. This is the first volume in the Prometheus story in the comic world.
Prometheus: Fire and Stone releases on April 21.
Supergirl #55
There aren’t nearly enough women super heroes in the comic world today, though there are plenty who stand out in their own right. Supergirl is one such hero, as the female counterpart to the Man of Steel. The upcoming issue, Supergirl #55, will feature Bizarro Supergirl heading to Earth with mysterious motives. The real Supergirl will need to discover what is going on as fast as possible, otherwise Metropolis is over.
Supergirl #55 releases on March 11.
Murder Book
Comic creator Ed Brisson (Sheltered, The Field, Sons of Anarchy) is releasing an upcoming anthology entitled Murder Book. The stories within are gritty crime tales that tell the tale of immoral and innocent individuals meeting their demise. Artwork will come from the likes of Michael Walsh, Simon Roy, Declan Shalvey, and plenty more.
Murder Book releases on March 31.
Terminator: Enemy of My Enemy
Terminator is another one of those franchises within the science fiction world that everyone can identify. The presence of a massive T-800, John Connor, or even Kyle Reese should bring back memories. In this upcoming comic, Kyle Reese protects Sarah Connor, Skynet targets Elise Fong, and the action takes a step forward. This volume collects issues #1-6 of the comic series.
Terminator: Enemy of My Enemy releases March 17.
The Shaolin Cowboy: Shemp Buffet
Dark Horse Comics is known to have some of the most highly detailed comic books available on the market. An upcoming collection, The Shaolin Cowboy: Shemp Buffet, features the entire series in one ideal package. The action within the story offers the Shaolin Cowboy facing off against legions from hell. Six-guns, chainsaws, and plenty of violence should entice you.
The Shaolin Cowboy: Shemp Buffet releases on March 17.
Dead Rider
Two of the coolest things in the world are the Wild West and the horror genre, which doesn’t get mixed as often as some people may enjoy. Thankfully, author and illustrator Kevin Ferrara will release Dead Rider later this month. The ghostly outlaw will stalk the deserts of Nevada. The law is closing in, but his plan to destroy the evil Bog Witch and regain his soul is firmly in place.
Dead Rider releases on March 18.
Dark Ages
When you have a comic book being released from a New York Times best-selling novelist and graphic novelist, then you know you’re in for a good ride. Dan Abnett turns his attention to 1333, when the world is trapped in a holy war. Mercenary companies, demonic forces, and heathens abound in this extraordinary tale. Abnett is joined by Ian Culbard for this new project.
Dark Ages releases April 7.
Pop
Author Curt Pires and illustrator Jason Copland team up to bring the world Pop, a forthcoming comic book surrounding the world’s most famous pop stars and celebrities. However, these individuals are not just famous, they are products, grown by the wealthiest minds in the world. Unfortunately, one escapes. A technological world will be the backdrop for this thrill ride.
Pop releases on April 7.
New Suicide Squad #8
Suicide Squad is a surprisingly interesting take on the super powered genre of heroes and villains. The story brings together some of the biggest villains within the DC world to wreak havoc upon an unsuspecting world. However, New Suicide Squad #8 will feature both Deadshot and Harley Quinn at the center of a bloody revolt of the human race. The Squad could be finished.
New Suicide Squad #8 releases March 11.
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by Stone Marshall | Mar 29, 2015 | Awesome Book News |
As we are on the cusp of the most important international event dedicated to the children’s publishing and multimedia industry–The Bologna Children’s Book Fair gets underway on March 30–it seems only right to focus on this sector of the publishing industry.
It is an area that is generating inquiries from all corners of the globe. When assessing some recent statistics, it’s little wonder. The American Association of Book Publishers (AAP) recently reported that sales for children’s and YA books rose by 20.8% to $1.9 billion in 2014. Meanwhile, children’s and YA e-book sales soared by 33.7%, to $227.3 million. This sector of the industry was said to have had the strongest gains of all publishing segments in the last year [DONT’ WE HAVE AN ARTICLE THAT SAYS THIS? FIND IT, LINK TO IT], benefiting from a number of blockbuster titles including the Divergent trilogy.
In terms of rights and licensing, we’re seeing publishers looking for better ways to engage with a younger audience and best monetize their IP. Vlogging certainly represents one growth area. According to the 2014 Nielsen Children’s Book Industry Report, watching video content online is the second most popular activity for kids up to age six (after reading print books for fun), and the fifth for kids ages 7–12. Additionally, 43% of children under 12 are streaming videos on tablets (up 3% from fall 2013, and up 17% from fall 2012), while 58% of teenage girls, and 50% of boys, are said to be doing so.
Book publishers have not been slow to catch onto this fact. This was highlighted recently highlighted in the U.K., when 24-year-old beauty vlogger and YouTube sensation Zoe Sugg’s (aka Zoella) debut YA novel Girl Online broke the record for highest first-week sales for a debut author in the region. The book sold 78,109 copies—besting J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter titles and E.L. James’s Fifty Shades of Grey. This particular title has not necessarily traveled well overseas, in terms of sales, but that’s not to say that online popularity couldn’t transfer into sales on both a domestic and global level.
Licensing opportunities also extend further afield. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers recently signed a multi-year agreement with the Lego Group to develop a publishing program based on a number of Lego properties. It’s clear that the toy, gaming and various multimedia industries are forming closer relations than ever with the book publishing industry in order to maximize IP, and generate additional licensing revenue streams. Minecraft books are reported to be worth £2.5m alone, with four recently placed titles in the Amazon AMAZON UK OR US? top 40 at the same time. Then we have all the Disney-related books, which produce huge numbers, even without the Frozen phenomenon.
So we’ll be watching closely for any trends emerging from Bologna, and to see how these turn into valuable incremental licensing revenue for a variety of publishers…in and outside of the book world.
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