Category: Entertainment News

Upcoming new album release: Your Very Own Dream – Clay Parker and Jodi James

Your Very Own Dream is set for a January 19 release. Photo: Clay Parker and Jodi James

Before their artistic paths converged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in late 2014, Clay Parker and Jodi James roamed the musical landscape as lone troubadours, each nurturing their own raw and genuine sound. Now, almost a decade after their first long-distance co-writing collaborations, the duo’s distinct sound has maintained a minimalist yet unpredictable quality—in part by reflecting the ways the artists themselves have changed both together and as individuals. Following their self-titled debut EP in 2016 and 2018’s The Lonesomest Sound That Can Sound, the duo who jokingly refers to themselves as a “band without a name” are returning with a brand new LP in 2024: Your Very Own Dream will be released on January 19, 2024. (IV-PR, 2023)

Parker and James have gained a fanbase by creating worlds within their records, populating each song with points of view that are archetypical yet unique. With Your Very Own Dream, the pair hones this technique to a razor’s edge; equal parts plaintive folk existentialism, blue-note bluster, prairie-fire idealism, and fever-dream ballad with which fans of Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings will feel right at home. Parker and James consistently present music that carves a most-direct, excess-free path to its listeners and patiently displays the duo’s true nature as creators of a primitive kind of beauty—stark yet expressive, accessible yet deep, shadowy yet real.

The duo recently released the first single from Your Very Own Dream, the James-led, slow-burner, “Nothing At All.” Fooling very little with the trivial and getting to the heart of the matter quickly, “Nothing At All” rides a mellow, mid-tempo arrangement akin to late 90s alt-country acts like Whiskeytown or Uncle Tupelo; a heartbeat of Americana music in the modern age where the song comes first and everything else is lagniappe.

Fans can stream or purchase “Nothing At All” and pre-order or pre-save Your Very Own Dream ahead of its January 19 release.

Your Very Own Dream track list:
Fire For The Water
Hey Hey Hey
Nothing At All
In The Cool Of The Evening
Flatfoot
How High Would I Have To Fly
A Matchbook Song
Your Very Own Dream

Catch Clay Parker and Jodi James on tour:
January 19 – Baton Rouge, LA – MidCity Ballroom – Album Release Show
February 16 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
February 17 – Austin, TX – House Show
February 18 – Austin, TX – NeWorlDeli
February 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – House Show
February 21–25 – Kansas City, MO – Folk Alliance International
February 28 – Nashville, TN – 5 Spot
February 29 – Dunlap, TN – House Show
March 1 – Chattanooga, TN – The Woodshop
March 2 – LaGrange, GA – Pure Life House of Music

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New children’s book release: ‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker

‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ is the new children’s book by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.

Children’s books are so versatile because they can be educational, entertaining, or both. They can be instrumental in teaching children important life lessons, inspiring creativity, and cultivating social skills. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the child in your life or to add to your child’s library, consider today’s new children’s book release. Written by Alex L. Walker, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is the first in the Cosmic Kids book series and teaches children important values such as kindness, compassion, and empathy. Other books in the series will address Responsibility, Leadership, Respect, and other necessary skills. Pick up your copy today – “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is available on Amazon.

With 15 years of experience in children’s learning psychology, Alex L. Walker is a talented author dedicated to nurturing creativity, compassion, confidence, and capability in young individuals. Through his engaging books, he imparts valuable life lessons to children. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)

His debut, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalks to Kindness,” marks the beginning of a 35-book series. Each book concludes with interactive questions designed to inspire creativity, moral lessons, character insights, and artistic expression. It’s also a valuable resource for parents and teachers to interact with and better understand their children.

Beyond his literary pursuits, Alex finds joy in gardening, beekeeping, and playing table tennis at the local club. Join him on this incredible storybook journey and witness your child grow, learn, and flourish with the timeless wisdom within these pages. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)

“Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” – Cosmic Kids Book 1
Are you ready for an intergalactic adventure through kindness, compassion, and empathy? Meet Astra Lumin, a young navigator excited about her first spacewalk to explore Empathy, the super-sensory satellite. Her mother, Commander Andromeda Lumin, has always told Astra to remember to care for others. So, when Astra meets Hurgul, a young blue-green alien who was really nervous about the upcoming adventure, she decides to follow her mother’s advice. Join Astra and Hurgul on their “Spacewalks of Kindness,” which will help young readers learn more about how empathy and kindness can affect someone’s life and why it is important to encourage inclusivity and cultivate social skills.

Why Kids (And Their Parents) Love “Spacewalks of Kindness”
Featuring beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story, this children’s storybook will help kids understand how to treat others with respect, recognize and manage their feelings, and promote acts of kindness.

Discover The Must-Read Space Educational Kid’s Storybook Series
This is the first installment in the “Cosmic Kids” book series. It follows the adventures that the children of space scientists get themselves into and focuses on learning lessons through epic journeys. Other books in the series will cover Curiosity, Responsibility, Leadership, Active Listening, Honesty, Respect, Gratitude, and more.

The Ultimate Gift That Keeps On Giving
Whether you are looking for a new educational illustrated storybook for your child or a thoughtful gift idea for your niece, nephew, grandson, or granddaughter, look no further. Surprise any young astronaut today and harness the power of storytelling and eye-catching art to teach valuable lessons.

Put On Your Spacesuit and Get Ready For Blastoff!

Sponsored Post

‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.

New movies coming up in January

Revenge thriller Roadkill will have a theater and Video On Demand release on January 5, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

These are just a few of the new movies coming up in January. (October Coast, 2023)

Norwegian Dream
Video On Demand – January 2, 2024
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival 2023
NOMINEE – Best First Feature Film, Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival 2023
NOMINEE – dFlights Award, Off Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema 2023

Cast: Øyvind Brandtzæg, Karl Bekele Steinland, Izabella Dudziak, Runar Koteng Frønes, Hubert Milkowski, Jakub Sierenberg, and Edyta Torhan

Robert, a Polish immigrant working at a fish factory in Norway, has come to earn money to pay off his mother’s debts. Robert realizes he has feelings for his colleague Ivar. For fear of losing his position within a group of Poles at the factory, he hides his feelings, especially when it turns out that Ivar is doing vogue and is an aspiring drag queen.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Roadkill
Theater and Video On Demand – January 5, 2024
THEATRICAL RELEASE IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES; NY, LA, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis
Starring Caitlin Carmichael, Danielle Harris, Ryan Knudson, Warren Fast, Trenton Hudson
Rating: TV-MA Runtime : 90 Mins

Caitlin Carmichael, Ryan Knudson, and horror icon Danielle Harris star in this full-throttle revenge thriller. Written and directed by Warren Fast, Roadkill plays as a throwback to the classic action-thrillers of the 80s and 90s.

Lost while traveling through a rural county in 1983, a young woman crosses paths with a hitchhiker headed the same destination and offers a ride in exchange for directions. Their journey takes a violent turn when the two are caught up in a police manhunt for a fugitive killer. As victims begin to amass and authorities close in, it becomes a fight for survival on the open road. Featuring fun chase sequences, strong special effects and great kills, Roadkill is written and directed by Warren Fast, who also co-stars.

Hellhounds
Video On Demand – January 9, 2024
Director: Robert Conway
Cast: Nathaniel Burns, Eva Hamilton, Cameron Kotecki, Dana Kippel

A pack of werewolves known as the Hellhounds wage a war against a fanatical order of werewolf hunters called the Silver Bullets. The Hounds and the Bullets now roam the country appearing to the outside world as rival biker gangs. After all his brothers and sisters are wiped out by the Bullets, the last remaining Hellhound, Alias, embarks on a bloody quest of revenge. The hunt is on!

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Place of Our Own
Theater – January 12 and Video On Demand – January 16, 2024
DIRECTED BY EKTARA COLLECTIVE 2022 INDIA 88 MINS

Shining with quiet authenticity and a fierce heart, A Place of Our Own is the story of two transwomen in Bhopal, India, fighting for a life that is more than marginal. Directed and crewed by the Ekarta Collective, which blends experienced and first-time filmmakers whose lives and identities mirror their characters, this film — which won the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival — is crafted with grit and care.
Centering on Laila and Rashni as they seek a new home after an unjust eviction, the deceptively simple plot illuminates the wide range of prejudice they face. Determined to find a space to thrive, Laila and Rashni depend on each other and their own inner strength to withstand the hatred that surrounds them. As challenges mount, the women find friends and support in unexpected places. The unwavering dignity of Laila and Rashni — deftly portrayed by first-time actors Manisha Soni and Muskaan, respectively — is the magnetic centerpiece to this intimately shot narrative. With candor and subtle humor, A Place of Our Own ultimately asks not only where, but in whom do we find home.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Scalper
Theater and Video on Demand – January 16
Director: Chad Ferrin
Cast: Susan Priver (Clementine Carter), Jake Busey (Detective Hayden), Bai Ling (Jade Mei), Kate Patel (Detective Lupino), Scott Vogel (Bob Tarkovskiy)

Everyone around psychic Clementine Carter is being brutally murdered by a masked killer dubbed ‘The Scalper.’ Is it dead psycho Andrew Lubitz back from the grave, a copycat killer or a horror beyond imagination? Clementine must use her second sight to stay one step ahead of the maniac’s blade to solve the mystery.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Stroking An Animal
Theater and Video On Demand – January 16
Director: Ángel Filgueira
Cast: Xulio Besteiro (Tomás), Ángela Ríos (Ada), Lidia Veiga (Mariña)

Mariña, Ada and Tomás form an irregular triangle of bodies, intentions, and vibrations. Mariña has an intense love affair with Ada when Tomás, a mutual friend, enters the couple’s intimacy. Six moments of the relationship articulate the film, thrown like flashes of light. The journey of this love triangle will lead Mariña to rethink her bonds with others and her self-care.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Upcoming new album release: Critterland – Willi Carlisle

Critterland will be released January 26, 2024. Proceeds from the new single ‘When The Pills Wear Off’ will be donated to Appalachian Recovery Non-Profit Hope In The Hills. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

For folksinger Willi Carlisle, singing is healing and by singing together, he believes we can begin to reckon with the inevitability of human suffering and grow in love. Rooted in the eclectic and collective world of his live shows, Carlisle’s third album, Critterland, takes up where his sophomore album, Peculiar, Missouri, left off, transforming Peculiar’s big tent into a Critterland menagerie and letting loose the weirdos he gathered together. The album is a wild romp through the backwaters of his mind and America, lingering in the odd corners of human nature to visit obscure oddballs, dark secrets, and complicated truths about the beauty and pain of life and love. (IV-PR, 2023)

Produced by the GRAMMY Award-nominated Darrell Scott and to be released on January 26, 2024, by Signature Sounds, Critterland considers where we come from and where we are going. On the album, he takes on human suffering through stories about forbidden love, loss, generational trauma, addiction, and suicide, believing that by processing the traits and trauma we inherit, he can reach a deeper understanding of what it means to succeed and to exist.

“It’s kind of about getting a little older, moving from hard drugs and hookups to bedroom sex and pharmaceuticals,” says Willi Carlisle of his latest single “When The Pills Wear Off.” “It’s an amalgam of queer stories that I’ve heard, lived, and seen.” Devastating and gorgeous, Carlisle’s fingerpicked ballad serves as the penultimate tune from his upcoming album Critterland—and a flawless example of the songcraft that’s garnered fans like Tyler Childers and BJ Barham.

Carlisle is donating a portion of the proceeds from streams and purchases of “When the Pills Wear Off” to Hope in the Hills, a West Virginia-based charity focused on recovery and wellness in Appalachia. “After losing friends to overdoses, after witnessing the stress that hidden lives and quiet desperation causes people, I decided I wanted to sing about addiction,” says Carlisle. “So, I’m partnering with Hope in the Hills to raise awareness and funding to help those in need. Too much of country music glorifies abuse, murder, and poverty in the name of shock and sales, and I want to fight the stereotypes. Let’s share music about our struggle and triumph! Let’s celebrate love and mourn the dead. ‘When the Pills Wear Off’ is a really sad song, I know, but I hope it brings some joy into the world.”

The funds raised by this single will specifically go to Hope in the Hills’ music therapy program, which conducts regular sessions at recovery houses in East Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, and West Virginia, and additionally supports music therapy through WVU Medicine’s Opioid Unit, Troublesome Creek Stringed Instruments, which employs folks in recovery to build musical instruments in EKY, and a recovery-to-work stagehands program through Recovery Point West Virginia.

Fans can hear “When the Pills Wear Off” today and pre-order or pre-save Critterland ahead of its January 26 release.

Critterland track list:
Critterland
Dry Country Dust
The Arrangements
The Great Depression
Two-Headed Lamb
A Higher Lonesome
I Want No Children
Jaybird
When the Pills Wear Off
The Money Grows on Trees

Catch Willi Carlisle on tour:
February 1 – Newport, KY – The Southgate House
February 2 – Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
February 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
February 4 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s
February 7 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
February 9 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
February 10 – Kalamazoo – MI – Bell’s Eccentric Café
February 12 – Wisconsin Dells, WI – Showboat Saloon
February 13 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
February 15 – Des Moines, IA – xBK
February 16 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
February 17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
February 18 – Oklahoma City – OK – Resonant Head
June 2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
June 5 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
June 7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
June 8 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*

* Supporting Tyler Childers

Willi Carlisle. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Upcoming new movie release: Sunrise

Release date for the thriller Sunrise is January 19, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, from director Andrew Baird and Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Ronan Blaney comes the thriller Sunrise. It will be released in theaters, on demand, and digital on January 19, 2024. Produced by Martin Brennan, Jib Polhemus, Nathan Klingher, and Ford Corbett, it stars acclaimed actors Guy Pearce and Alex Pettyfer. Sunrise in a spine-tingling thriller about an ex-cop turned vampire who is forced to choose between vengeance and redemption. (Cinematic Red PR, 2023)

Sunrise – When an ex-cop named Fallon returns to the scene of a horrific crime, the residents of a rural town soon discover that this dark visitor is really a vampire who feeds on blood and fear. After a kind immigrant family befriends him, the instinctive killer is faced with a choice between revenge and redemption.

RATING: R
GENRE: Thriller
RUN TIME: 94 mins
DISTRIBUTOR: Lionsgate

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Legendary electronic rock band Pendulum releases new EP

Anima is Pendulum’s adventurous new EP featuring collaborations with Scarlxrd and Matt Tuck. Photo: Andrew Cotterill, used with permission.

Pendulum is considered to be one of the biggest electronic bands of all time with 3 platinum albums to their name including renowned debut Hold Your Colour and a UK #1 and #2 for Immersion and In Silico. Emerging from Perth, Australia, their fusion of drum and bass with rock sensibilities has transcended borders, accumulating over a million albums sold in the UK alone. As a live band, Pendulum is an unstoppable, award-winning act, selling out global arena tours and playing to thousands across main stage performances from Glastonbury, Download to Reading and Leeds and a co-headline show at London’s Gunnersbury Park alongside Limp Bizkit this year. (Magnum PR, 2023)

The multi platinum-selling electronic rock band, composed of Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, Peredur ap Gwynedd, and KJ Sawka – has released their highly anticipated EP Anima via Virgin Music Group / Mushroom Group.

Anima consists of four tracks including the EP’s focus single, a collaboration with acclaimed rising UK metal/underground hip hop artist Scarlxrd, who provides a blistering combination of rap and vicious screamo on ‘Mercy Killing’ – backed by Pendulum’s unique brand of thunderous DnB to make it a thrilling ride from start to finish. Watch the visualizer here.

The EP also includes Pendulum’s crossover hit single ‘Halo,’ which features Bullet For My Valentine lead singer Matt Tuck, along with their anthemic drum and bass single ‘Colourfast.’ Collectively, these songs have amassed over 15M streams, 2M views, radio rotation on Music Choice’s (24/7) METAL channel, and landed on the biggest editorial playlists including Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ series since their summer release.

“We’ve always had one foot in the metal scene, so collaborating with Matt from Bullet For My Valentine was an incredible experience and his voice brought something completely unique to the table.” -Rob Swire

‘Silent Spinner’ is, as Rob puts it, “one of the darker tracks we’ve done.” It caps off the EP brimming with a Spanish horn section and flows into a booming groove, slick vocal melodies, and metallic, futuristic synth sounds only Pendulum could finesse. Rob shares, “For optimal listening experience, try moving to London and listen to it at 3 a.m. when you’re having a bad week and you’ve just been splashed by a bus.”

Ahead of their EP release, the band surprised fans recently with their cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’ – racking up over 235K views and in true Pendulum fashion, offered some smashing metal guitar riffs, thumping drum and bass, and soaring vocals.

Full track listing for Pendulum’s Anima EP:
1. Pendulum & Bullet For My Valentine – Halo
2. Pendulum – Colourfast
3. Pendulum & Scarlxrd – Mercy Killing
4. Pendulum – Silent Spinner

The announcement arrives on the heels of the band’s recent arena tour of Australia and New Zealand. Starting in March of 2024, the band will return to the UK for their arena tour. It will be their biggest UK tour in over ten years with some of their most monumental shows to date. North American tour dates will be announced in 2024.

Pendulum’s upcoming tour dates:
March 24, 2024 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
March 25, 2024- O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
March 26, 2024 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
March 28, 2024 – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
March 29, 2024 – The O2, London
March 31, 2024 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow

Pendulum’s new EP Anima. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New album release: Christmas at the Burchills

Christmas at the Burchills is the new album by Beth // James. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

On their new EP, Christmas at the Burchills, Jordan and Mikaela Burchill invite you into their home for the holidays. While the duo goes by the moniker Beth // James, Beth and James are in fact, their middle names. Both Jordan and Mikaela took an interest in music at a young age. Jordan grew up with a guitar in his hands, raised by musician parents, and Mikaela grew up at the studio, singing on records in Nashville since her elementary school years. The young songwriters met in music school and clicked immediately. They moved to Austin, Texas, after graduation, fell in love, and quickly became a duo. They have since released two EPs, one full-length record, and their song “Lion Eyes” was featured in Spike Lee’s Academy Award-winning film, “BlacKkKlansman.” Dubbed “masters of indie-folk” by Austin’s NPR station, KUTX, the Austin duo has cut their teeth touring all across the US, performing as Kerrville New Folk Finalists, and recently got back from a run in Europe and the UK where they played Germany’s only Americana music festival. (IV-PR, 2023)

With their latest EP, Beth // James balance their signature, indie-Americana sound with a healthy dose of varied holiday cheer. Out now, Christmas at the Burchills flies between classic Christmas sounds, touching down for an Elvis cover and Elvis-influenced original, a Hawaiian-infused shot of Christmas paradise, dusty Americana set in Marfa, Texas, and a candle-lit Yuletide ballad.

EP highlight “Tiki Christmas Land” imagines escaping winter heartbreak for Hawaii, drowning your sorrows in Mai Tais and December sun. It is simultaneously cozy as a sweater, and bursting with catchy tropical cheer. Meanwhile, “Marfa Christmas Lights” trades Hawaiian steel guitar for contemplative country western lap steel, serenading the mystical grandeur of west Texas in December. On piano ballad “The Christmas We Used to Know,” Mikaela explores childhood Christmas nostalgia and the difficulty of growing up. Like the writers of many classic Christmas songs, Mikaela grew up Jewish, explaining “as a kid I would always go to my childhood best friend’s house to spend Christmas with her and her family.”

Fans can stream or purchase Christmas at the Burchills in its entirety today by following this link. On December 15, the duo will celebrate their EP release with Beth // James & Friends Christmas Spectacular at Quack’s Soundspace in Austin. Tickets are available here.

Christmas at the Burchills track list:
Tiki Christmas Land
Marfa Christmas Lights
Santa Won’t You Deliver (My Baby This Winter)
Blue Christmas
The Christmas We Used To Know

Upcoming new movie release: First Time Caller

The podcast turned sci-fi thriller comes to Video On Demand on January 12, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Buffalo 8 is thrilled to open their 2024 line up with the North American VOD release of First Time Caller, the feature adaptation of the fan-favorite podcast “The Earth Moves” from directors J.D. Brynn and Abe Goldfarb. Based on Gideon Media’s acclaimed podcast, First Time Caller is a darkly hilarious look at success, power, loneliness, and the apocalypse. First Time Caller debuts on Cable and Digital VOD on January 12, 2024, including Prime Video, Vudu, Vubiquity, Cox, and Comcast. (Justin Cook PR, 2023)

First Time Caller – Brent Ziff is an internet shock-jock at the top of his game. Fans and followers tune in from coast to coast to be insulted and enlightened by their favorite on-air provocateur. But on one very unusual night, Brent’s world is rocked by a long-time listener who calls in with a grave message.

75 Minutes/USA

Abe Goldfarb and Brian Silliman reprise their roles from “The Earth Moves” as Brent and Leo, alongside vocal performances from Greg Proops, Ophira Eisenberg, and Ashlie Atkinson. Mac Rogers, who wrote the original podcast, adapted the script. Patrick Terry produced for Cinedata. Gerry Ohrstrom, Thomas Campbell Jackson and Lawrence Starr are executive producers, alongside Buffalo 8’s Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor, Nikki Stier Justice and Grady Craig.

First Time Caller world premiered at the Seattle Film Festival and earned the Grand Jury Prize, along with awards for Best Actor (Goldfarb) and Best Director (Goldfarb and Brynn). The film went on to win Best Feature Film at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival and was the headliner as the Opening Night Feature at the Bowery Film Festival. On the festival circuit, Film Threat hailed First Time Caller as “extremely inventive, quite a ride!”

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New children’s book release: ‘The Magical Key’ by Gabriela Charatsari

‘The Magical Key’ is the new children’s book by Gabriela Charatsari. Photo: Amazon

Children’s books are the perfect way to teach them valuable lessons while entertaining them. They are usually short reads and feature beautiful illustrations in vibrant and captivating colors. If you are looking for the perfect holiday gift for the children in your life, consider today’s new children’s book release. As an award-winning and best-selling author, Gabriela Charatsari continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of children’s literature, captivating young minds and spreading the joy of reading far and wide. Her new book “The Magical Key” is a captivating Christmas tale that explores the transformative power of appreciation and self-discovery. Through this extraordinary adventure, young readers will learn the invaluable lesson of cherishing life’s simplest joys and understanding that true worth lies not in material possessions, but in the essence of one’s character. “The Magical Key” is available on Amazon through the author’s website.

Gabriela Charatsari is an award-winning and best-selling author who has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of children’s literature. With a passion for storytelling and a deep love for young readers, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her enchanting tales. Based in Berlin, Germany, Gabriela’s journey as an author began over four years ago when she fearlessly pursued her dream of writing books that would ignite the imagination of children. Since then, she has written and published over 11 books, each one a unique adventure that instills important values and life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Recognized for her exceptional storytelling abilities, Gabriela has received numerous awards for her contributions to children’s literature. Her books have also become best-sellers, captivating the hearts of young readers and inspiring a lifelong love of reading. More about the author: Instagram Facebook. (Gabriela Charatsari, 2023)

Gabriela’s whimsical tales of talking animals and heartwarming stories of friendship and bravery have transported countless children to magical worlds where anything is possible. Through her vibrant illustrations and relatable characters, she creates stories that not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the power of imagination. With a dedication to creating joyful and transformative reading experiences, Gabriela’s books have become cherished favorites in the lives of children around the world. Her enchanting stories have the power to spark imaginations and inspire the next generation, one page at a time.

“The Magical Key” – Tony is a disliked and feared bully in school due to his wealthy background. He experiences a life-changing event when he breaks a star on a Christmas tree during an argument with a man dressed as Santa. Surprisingly, the man grants Tony’s wish when he declares that Christmas is fake. From that point on, Tony’s family finds themselves unable to buy a Christmas tree, as if Christmas itself is blocked for them.

In search of a tree, Tony’s family visits his grandmother’s farm, where Tony chases a small elf into a porthole that transports them to Santa’s village in the North Pole. There, Tony encounters a monster and Santa’s elves. Santa assigns Tony the task of repairing old toys as a lesson in humility and kindness.

Accompanied by the mischievous elf named Dozy, Tony intentionally steals Santa’s hat, which leads to a threat from Mr. Frost against the village. However, Tony undergoes a transformation, realizing the importance of love and kindness. Together with Dozy, they assist Santa in defeating Mr. Frost and saving Christmas.

This book teaches kids several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the consequences of bullying and the negative impact it can have on others. Additionally, the story highlights the value of family and the significance of Christmas traditions. It shows that material possessions are not the essence of the holiday season, but rather the love and togetherness shared with loved ones. Tony’s journey demonstrates that it is never too late to apologize, make amends, and become a more compassionate person.

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Author Gabriela Charatsari. Photo: Gabriela Charatsari, used with permission.

Upcoming new horror movie release: Nightmare on 34th Street

Nightmare on 34th Street will be available on digital starting December 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

I like the holiday season, but for me, there’s nothing like a good horror/slasher movie to get into the mood, especially if Krampus is involved. That brings me to today’s new movie news: Nightmare on 34th street is coming to digital (Plex) on December 5, 2023 from Wild Eye Releasing. So if you’re not ready to let the creepy season go yet, check it out.

Nightmare on 34th Street – A mysterious and psychopathic Santa Claus visits a small, rural town with a bag full of unusual gifts and twisted holiday stories featuring Krampus, a murderous St. Nick, and killer carol singers that are certain to ruin the Christmas season forever. Caroline Boulton, Lucy Pinder, Dani Thompson, Ewen MacIntosh, Andy Gatenby, Adam Greaves-Neal star in a James Crow film. (October Coast, 2023)    

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