Vincent Daly, Author at CuteMonster.com

Disney Pixar “Monsters University” Press Event at 2013 NY Toy Fair

February 12, 2013February 12, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Despite cold rain, slush, and an overcrowded Metro North commute into Manhattan, we gladly made our way to the Jacob Javits Center to attend a Disney Pixar “Monsters University” Press event at the 2013 NY Toy Fair. Although one of the featured attendees, Billy Crystal, was absent, John Goodman was on hand to discuss reprising his role of Sully. We also received a firsthand look at the latest “Monsters University” toy lineup to be released in conjunction with the movie.

Getting the Sillies Out

January 31, 2013 by Vincent Daly

I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t understand the hype attributed to kids show “Yo Gabba Gabba”. After all, the costumed characters seemed like a retro throw back to the psychedelic Sid and Marty Kroft children’s shows of the 1970s such as “H.R. PuffnStuff” or “Sigmund and The Sea-monsters”. Despite my own offspring liking “Yo Gabba Gabba” which they demonstrated with their giggle ladened dancing, I paid no mind to it. As fate would have it, this past weekend I was given complimentary tickets to review the “Yo Gabba Gabba Live!” touring show. Let’s just say it’s difficult to not crack a smile when your kids are moving and grooving to wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

Top 5 Educational Online Shows Your Kids Will Love

January 25, 2013January 25, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Educational television programs for young children can prove to be invaluable for both kids and their parents. Not having to rely on any television station’s program schedule for kids to view their beloved shows improves the value aspect exponentially. Enter online streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus which for a relatively inexpensive subscription price of about $8 per month can provide your kids with the shows they love at any time during the day. Given the vast amount of online kids shows currently available on these services, we’ve selected the top 5 shows which possess the right mix of entertainment and education.

Where Are We Now?

December 31, 2015January 9, 2013 by Vincent Daly

David Bowie’s latest single “Where Are We Now?” is a haunting introspective song sure to evoke a palpable emotional response from listeners around the world. At least that’s what happened to me.

PBS Kids Apps Roundup

January 4, 2013 by Vincent Daly

The PBS Kids mobile division has always been a prolific bunch. What’s particularly impressive is their dedication to provide both free and paid educational kids apps on a consistent basis. Here’s a quick overview of their latest offerings.

The Best and Worst Parenting Websites of 2012

December 31, 2012December 30, 2012 by Vincent Daly

Being a parent is a tough job. In the 21st century there’s no shortage of information available for parents to turn to, in fact, there might be too much. With parenting experts popping up every day like weeds, it’s hard to discern what’s useful and what are simply talking points presented to sell products. Thankfully, a few sites rise above the crowded parenting website landscape. Here are our picks for best and worst 2012 Parenting Websites.

My Beastly ABCs Storybook App for iPad

December 19, 2012 by Vincent Daly

One of the key elements of a Storybook app should be to visually captivate an audience. My Beastly ABCs by Duncan Studios not only manages to capture the imagination of children but also offers an educational fun experience that kids will love to explore. Created for the iPad by renowned artists and animators as well as featuring narration by actor Jim Dale, My Beastly ABC should quickly become a kids Storybook app favorite.

Yelling Is Not a Bad Thing

December 11, 2012December 10, 2012 by Vincent Daly

In the past few decades in the United States, there’s been a consistent push to strip away all means of discipline to the point that we are simply coddling children instead of imparting life lessons. This holds true for the latest trend being advocated by parenting experts. The idea of not yelling at one’s child at all no matter what the scenario.

Jack Frost Will Warm Your Heart

December 8, 2012 by Vincent Daly

Jack Frost has always been a minor player as far as beloved children’s mythical characters go. Arguably, if it were not for Nat King Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song” which contains the line “Jack Frost nipping at your nose”, Jack may well have drifted into complete obscurity. Enter DreamWorks animated feature film “Rise of the Guardians”, a movie which aims to propel Jack Frost from minor historical footnote to bona fide hero.