Hello, fellow food adventurers! Acorn here, the confident pig with a penchant for hot sauce, and my partner in culinary crime, Woody, the always-hungry tiger from the Omaha Zoo. Welcome to another sizzling edition of "Hot 'n Hungry," where we embark on a fiery exploration of spicy dishes from around the globe. This week, we're diving into the tantalizing world of Chicken Chettinad!

  Hello, picture book enthusiasts! Today, we're lighting up our blog with a festive exploration of It's Diwali! by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal. This delightful book shines a light on the beautiful and vibrant celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Whether you're familiar with Diwali or discovering it for the first time, this book offers a warm and colorful invitation to join in the festivities.

Duke: Howdy folks. We’re back on the trail, taking a look at AFI’s top Western movies. This week, we’ve saddled up for Red River , ranked number five. Directed by Howard Hawks, it’s a classic tale of a cattle drive from Texas to Missouri starring John Wayne as Thomas Dunson and Montgomery Clift as his adopted son, Matthew Garth.

  Hello, dear readers! As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, there's no better time to cozy up with a delightful Halloween tale. Today, we’re sinking our teeth into Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman, a rollicking story that’s as much a treat as it is a trick!

Hey there, music aficionados! Chick Fatimata here, your friendly neighborhood hippo with an ear for tunes and a knack for navigating the wild world of animal-named music. Today, we're taking a trunk dive into the roaring masterpiece that is "Elephant" by The White Stripes. Grab your peanuts and hold on tight, because this album packs a punch!

  Hello, wonderful readers! Today, we’re heading down to the farm for some Halloween fun with Click, Clack, Boo: A Tricky Treat by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. This spook-tacular book is part of the beloved Click, Clack series, and it's packed with more tricks and treats than a haunted hayride!

Dear Cleo, I want to have the perfect Halloween costume this year. What do you suggest? Sincerely,  Costume Conundrum Dear Costume Conundrum, Ah, Halloween, the time of year when you can dress up as anything you want and eat too many oranges! Or wait, is it pumpkins? No matter, let's get to the heart of your costume dilemma. First, think about what inspires you. Do you want to be something that flies, like a helicopter or a bumblebee? Both are excellent choices but remember, helicopters have more parts, and bumblebees have the added bonus of making buzzing noises. Just be careful not to get stuck in any honey. Next, consider practicality. Last year, I went as a cloud. It was very fluffy, but every time I tried to fit through a doorway, I got stuck. So maybe avoid costumes that expand too much. Also, steer clear of being a door. I once thought it would be handy to be a door on Halloween, but everyone just kept knocking on me! If you’re looking to be scary, how about dressing up as a...

 Hello, fellow picture book enthusiasts! As the leaves turn golden and a chill creeps into the air, it's the perfect time to dive into some spooky, yet heartwarming tales. Today, we're unwrapping The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan and Jan Berenstain. This Halloween classic has been delighting young readers since its publication in 1989, and it's no mystery why—who can resist a good bear tale with a lesson in it?

  Hello, curious readers! Welcome back to Pim’s Peculiar Past, where we unravel the weirdest and wildest tales from history. Today, we're taking a trip to 18th-century France to explore a scandal so outrageous it sounds like a plot straight out of a soap opera. Get ready for intrigue, deception, and some very shiny jewelry as we delve into the Affair of the Diamond Necklace!

Greetings, book enthusiasts! Today, we’re delving into a delightfully quirky and educational book that is sure to tickle the funny bone and stimulate the, well, brain. Let's explore Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack by Stacy McAnulty, a clever and humorous take on the fascinating organ that is our brain. If you've ever wondered why zombies are so obsessed with brains, or just how amazing the human brain is, this book is a must-read!

Hello, frosty friends! Welcome to another chilling edition of The Arctic Plunge, where we dive deep into the world of cold-weather sports. Today, we’re sliding into the fascinating and somewhat hilarious world of Ski Ballet. Ski Ballet, also known as "acroski," is exactly what it sounds like: a dazzling display of graceful, acrobatic maneuvers performed on skis. Think of it as a winter wonderland version of figure skating, but with more layers and less ice.

Hello, fellow book lovers! This Sunday, we're setting our sights on the stars and uncovering the inspiring true story behind What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the tale of Maria Mitchell, the first professional female astronomer in the United States, who discovered a comet in 1847 using a telescope she had from her father.

Dear Cupcake, My teenager just turned 18 and is still living at home. Some of my friends are suggesting I charge them rent to teach responsibility. Should I start charging my teenager rent? Sincerely,  Conflicted Parent Dear Conflicted Parent, Oh, the age-old question of whether to charge your teenager rent! I can see how this might be a bit of a sticky situation, but don't worry—I’m here to steer you in the right direction, even if that direction is a little... unconventional. First off, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of teaching responsibility. Charging rent sounds like a great way to prepare your teenager for the real world. But why stop there? Here’s what you should do to give them a full dose of adulting: Bill for Everything : Rent is just the beginning. Introduce a bill for bathroom usage, another for kitchen time, and don’t forget a fee for sitting on the couch! After all, the real world is full of unexpected expenses. Create a Chore Chart with a Twist : Make your teenager ...

  Hello, picture book enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the hilarious and heartwarming world of The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey. This delightful tale of Oscar, the adorably elongated dachshund, is perfect for Halloween but can bring a smile to your face any time of the year.

Greetings, spicy food aficionados and culinary adventurers! Acorn here, the self-proclaimed King of Heat, alongside my ever-hungry partner, Woody. This week, we embarked on a fiery journey into the heart of Chinese cuisine, sampling the iconic dish, Chairman Mao’s Braised Pork Belly. Buckle up, because this one is a sizzling blend of history and flavor!

  Hello, dear readers! Today, we’re diving into the whimsical world of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz. This delightful picture book, adapted from the classic TV special, has been enchanting young readers and nostalgic adults alike for generations. Whether you're a Linus waiting in the pumpkin patch or a Charlie Brown with a bag full of rocks, there’s something in this story for everyone.

Duke: Alright, folks, this week we took a gander at AFI's number six pick for top Western movies, The Wild Bunch . Now, this here film is set in the early 20th century, right when the West was starting to lose its wild edge and the modern world was creeping in. Directed by Sam Peckinpah, it’s a gritty tale about a gang of aging outlaws looking for one last big score before they ride off into the sunset—or into a hail of bullets, more likely.

  Hello, dear readers! This week, we’re taking a spooky and delightful plunge into the world of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas . Originally a film that has since been adapted into a picture book, this story brings a unique blend of Halloween and Christmas cheer that only Tim Burton could conjure. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte or your eggnog (depending on which holiday spirit you’re channeling), and let’s dive in!

Hey there, music lovers! Chick Fatimata here, your resident hippo with a penchant for all things musical. This week, we're diving into the deep end of the alternative rock pool with a review of a true classic: "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" by The Smashing Pumpkins. Now, before we get started, let's address the elephant (or should I say hippo?) in the room: no, this isn't an album about melancholy melons. It's a sprawling, ambitious, and beautifully crafted double album that has stood the test of time.

  Hello, fabulous readers! Today, we're unfreezing the delightful and slightly spooky world of Snowmen at Halloween by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner. Yes, you read that right – snowmen and Halloween, two things that don’t typically go together, but in this enchanting tale, they mix like hot cocoa and marshmallows!

Dear Cleo, I've been thinking about volunteering in my community, but I'm not sure where to start. What advice can you give me about finding the right volunteer opportunities? Sincerely,  Eager to Help Dear Eager to Help, Ah, volunteering! It sounds like a fun new sport! You must be ready to jump into action, like a panda diving into a pile of bamboo shoots. Here’s my step-by-step guide to volunteering: Find Your Sport : Just like pandas prefer bamboo, you should find something you enjoy. Do you like knitting sweaters for penguins? Or maybe baking pies for squirrels? Pick your passion! Gear Up : Every good volunteer needs the right gear. If you’re volunteering at a garden, bring a shovel. If you’re reading to ducks at the pond, you’ll need a good book (ducks love mysteries, I’ve heard). Practice Your Cheer : Volunteers need to be enthusiastic. Practice your cheer in front of the mirror. Try something like, “Go team squirrels!” or “Read, ducks, read!” Snack Time : Always bring s...

  Hello, book lovers! Today, we’re taking a whimsical ride through the enchanting world of Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This delightful tale is not only filled with magic and adventure but also some valuable life lessons that we can all appreciate. So, grab your broomsticks, and let's soar into this story!

  Hello, history buffs and curious minds! Welcome back to Pim’s Peculiar Past, where we explore the oddest and most entertaining moments in history. Today, we’re floating back to World War II to uncover the story of Japan’s audacious—and surprisingly whimsical—balloon bomb campaign. Grab your party hats and let’s get ready to pop into this airborne adventure!

Hello, wonderful readers! This week, we're venturing into the hilariously spooky world of Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown. If you thought a caterpillar's appetite was wild, wait until you meet Jasper Rabbit and his glowing green underwear. Yes, you read that right—underwear. Glowing. Green. Underwear.

Hey there, frosty friends! Welcome back to another icy edition of The Arctic Plunge, where we dive deep into the coolest cold-weather sports. Today, we're revving our engines and speeding through the history of snowmobiling! Buckle up, because this ride is going to be a blizzard of fun!

Hello, wonderful readers! Today, we're diving beak-first into Duck! by Meg McKinlay, a delightfully quirky book that will have you both laughing and reflecting. This charming story, with its amusing premise and clever wordplay, is perfect for kids and adults alike. So, let's quack open the cover and see what all the fuss is about!

Dear Cupcake, My wife says I'm being greedy for saving money instead of spending it on fun things. Am I really being greedy? Sincerely, Penny Pincher Pete Dear Penny Pincher Pete, First off, let me moo-sic to your ears: being called greedy for saving money is like calling a cow greedy for grazing! In other words, it's all about perspective. As a former lunch lady who won the lottery and now spends my days headbanging to heavy metal while cuddling with my fabulous cat, Mrs. Fluffypuss, I've learned a thing or two about balancing fun and finances. Saving money is smart, but only if you know how to do it right—or spectacularly wrong, like me! Let me give you some of my world-class terrible advice, just for you: Invest in Guitar Lessons for Cats: Everyone knows that the future of music is feline heavy metal bands. Imagine Mrs. Fluffypuss shredding a solo! It's the perfect mix of saving (you’ll skip expensive concerts) and investing (you’ll make millions on YouTube). Buy Go...

  Hello, book-loving friends! Today, we’re fluttering into the hilariously spooky world of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat by Lucille Colandro, illustrated by Jared Lee. This whimsical twist on the classic cumulative rhyme "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" is perfect for the Halloween season. It’s silly, it's absurd, and it’s bound to have kids—and maybe even parents—giggling.

Hello, spicy food lovers and insatiable eaters! Acorn the hot-sauce-loving pig and Woody the perpetually hungry tiger here, ready to take your taste buds on another fiery adventure. This week, we dove into the tantalizing world of Mapo Tofu, a dish that's as rich in history as it is in flavor.

  Hello, dear readers! Today, we’re taking on a monstrously fun book: Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley. This interactive story has been helping kids confront their nighttime fears since 1992, one colorful feature at a time. So grab your nightlight and a cozy blanket, and let’s delve into this delightful tale of a not-so-scary monster.

Duke: Well, Rex, we’ve saddled up and watched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid . Number 7 on AFI's top 10 Western movies. Now, I must say, this one wasn’t as bad as I expected. It’s a classic tale of the Old West, based on the real-life outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy, and his partner Harry Longabaugh, the Sundance Kid.

  Hello, Picture Book Enthusiasts! Today, we're taking a whimsical journey through the delightful pages of Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins. Prepare to laugh, learn, and maybe even get a little soggy as we explore the adventures of everyone's favorite grumpy bear, Bruce.

Greetings, groovy readers! It's your favorite music-loving hippo, Chickeze 'Chick' Fatimata, back with another riveting review. This week, I'm diving into the electronic wonderland created by none other than the Pet Shop Boys with their iconic album, "Actually." And trust me, it's anything but mundane!

  Hello, fellow book enthusiasts! Today, we're stepping into the quirky, spooky, and laugh-out-loud funny world of Fright Club by Ethan Long. This delightful picture book will have you and your little ones both chuckling and shivering—just a bit—at the antics of a group of endearing, not-so-scary monsters.

Dear Cleo, I've always struggled with tying my shoes. No matter how many times I try, the laces come undone! Do you have any advice on how to keep my shoes securely tied? Sincerely, Loose Laces Larry Dear Loose Laces Larry, Ah, the age-old problem of keeping one's shoes tied! I completely understand the frustration, as I often struggle with my own bamboo-related conundrums. Tying shoes can be quite the intricate dance, but fret not, for I have a foolproof method to share with you. First, gather your laces and pretend they are two pieces of very long spaghetti. Imagine you're making a delicious spaghetti bridge, connecting one shoe to the other. Now, loop one spaghetti lace over the other, as if you're creating a bridge of friendship. Then, pull the ends tightly to solidify this newfound bond. Next, form two bunny ears with your spaghetti laces. Yes, imagine two fluffy bunnies sitting on your shoes, ready for an adventure. Cross one bunny ear over the other, creating a c...

Ahoy, adventurers and armchair historians! Today, we're setting sail on a voyage back to 1492 with You Wouldn't Want to Sail with Christopher Columbus! by Fiona Macdonald. But before you start packing your sea legs, let's dive into why you might want to leave this particular adventure to the history books. Spoiler alert: it involves scurvy, rats, and a whole lot of seasickness!

  Hello, curious readers! Welcome back to Pim’s Peculiar Past, where we plunge into the most peculiar puddles of history. Today, we’re tapping into a frothy tale from the heart of London. Yes, it’s time to raise a glass to one of the most unusual disasters ever recorded: The London Beer Flood of 1814. So, grab a pint (or maybe just a thimble), and let’s dive in!

Hello, wonderful readers! This week, we're taking a delightful dive into Just Try It by Phil Rosenthal. Known for his foodie adventures on TV, Phil brings his culinary curiosity and charm to the pages of this picture book, encouraging kids (and maybe even some reluctant adults) to broaden their palates and give new foods a try.

Hello, dear readers! This week, we're taking a delightful detour into the world of lawn maintenance, neighborly disputes, and the fierce protectiveness of parenthood with Ame Dyckman's charming and hilarious book, Dandy . If you've ever found yourself embroiled in an intense struggle over a tiny piece of your yard (or any seemingly trivial matter), you'll find this story hits close to home.

Hey there, fellow frosty fans! Sugar here, bringing you the iciest scoop on one of the most exhilarating winter sports out there—snow kayaking. Yes, you read that right. Snow kayaking. It’s like regular kayaking, but with more snow and fewer sharks. Buckle up your life jackets and grab your paddles, because we’re about to take a chilly plunge into the history of this wild ride.

 Dear Cupcake, I love my wife dearly, but she has a bit of a problem: she spends money like there's no tomorrow! Every time I check our bank account, there’s a new purchase—clothes, shoes, gadgets, you name it. How can I get her to curb her spending habits without causing a huge fight? Sincerely,  Concerned in Cashville Dear Concerned in Cashville, First of all, congrats on having such a spirited partner! It sounds like she’s got the enthusiasm and gusto we all need a little more of. But I understand your concern—financial harmony is important in any relationship. As a cow who won the lottery and has an insatiable love for heavy metal, I know a thing or two about managing money and rocking out without blowing the bank. Here are my top tips for managing a compulsive spender: **1. Start a Budget Mosh Pit: Get your finances together and create a budget that even a headbanger would be proud of. Make it fun! Use heavy metal album names for your expense categories. Rent could be “M...

  Hey there, picture book enthusiasts! This week, we're getting into the Halloween spirit with Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean and Kimberly Dean. If you’re not familiar with Pete the Cat, he’s the coolest, most laid-back feline in children’s literature, and he's here to help us count down to some spooky fun.

Greetings, heat seekers and fellow food adventurers! Welcome back to "Hot 'n Hungry," where your supremely confident pig, Acorn, and perpetually peckish tiger, Woody, take you on a culinary journey around the world. Today, we're diving into the rich, spicy, and utterly delectable world of Mafé, a West African peanut stew that's sure to tickle your taste buds and warm your soul.

 Hello, fellow book enthusiasts! Today, we’re exploring the deliciously vibrant and musically enchanting world of A Song of Frutas by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sara Palacios. This picture book is not just a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of culture, family, and the melodic cries of street vendors.

Duke: Well, here we are again, folks. This time, Rex and I took a dive into the dusty old vault of Westerns and pulled out number eight on AFI’s list: McCabe & Mrs. Miller . Let me tell you, it ain't your typical shoot-'em-up. This one's more like a slow ride on a tired old mule.

 Hello, stargazers and bookworms! Today, we’re shooting for the stars with Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei by Peter Sís. This fascinating picture book takes us on a journey through the life and discoveries of one of history's greatest astronomers, Galileo Galilei. Let's dive into the cosmos and see what makes this book a shining star in the realm of children's literature.

Hey there, music lovers! It’s your favorite musical hippo, Chick, back with another groovy review! This week, I’m bending the rules a bit (because rules are meant to be bent, right?) and diving into an album that doesn’t quite fit our usual animal-themed criteria but still deserves a spotlight. I’m talking about the legendary “Master of Puppets” by Metallica. Yes, I know, no animals in the name, but hey, it’s got puppets ! Close enough, right?