It’s Book Week in Australia and we have something special to share. Nope, its not tips on how to win best book week costume (sorry), but it is something that you and your children can enjoy, and it’s brought to you by Nuffnang and Disney Junior the Channel.
It will come as no surprise to anyone that we are HUGE Disney fans. Our boys have had a few trips to Disney parks over the years; but this isn’t where the magic started. For us, the excitement and interest has come from areas such as regularly reading books. I seek out books that will stimulate the boys’ imagination but also strike a balance between being educational and fun to get their creative juices flowing!
Reading is core to our bedtime ritual and requests for ‘just one more story’ are always on the cards. I sometimes keep reading until I know that they are settled enough to pass out within moments of me leaving the room. That’s the plan anyway – you know how this story ends…mostly with me tired of hearing my own voice and croakily calling for LIGHTS OUT!
Enter Disney Junior The Channel aka the “lifesaver”.
I recently discovered that Disney Junior The Channel locally produces a series of narrated, interactive stories called “The Book of Once Upon A Time”. Disney Junior has just launched their second season (aired Monday 24 August at 7:10pm), so I quickly thought I’d tell you all about it and why I’ll be tuning in!
What I like:
– There is a new story each weekday evening and this is perfect timing for my boys (aged 6 & 4) to get settled and watch with me before bedtime.
– TV time is a rarity in our house but I feel comfortable with ‘The Book of Once Upon A Time’ mostly because it’s packed full of learning components cleverly disguised by their favourite Disney characters. Threaded through each episode are early language and math skills, as well as essential tips for healthy lifestyle choices and social and emotional development.
– Each story is narrated and hosted by an AUSSIE. It’s actor and playwright Kate Mulvany (you might have seen her in the Great Gatsby or All Saints). Her passion for magical storytelling really puts mine to shame! She is mesmerising. 🙂
– Contemporary and classic Disney stories are featured each night. The Season 2 kicks off features “Snow White and the Great Jewel Hunt” with new Disney stories from “Winnie the Pooh”, “Aladdin”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Frozen” to be aired in future episodes.
– The stories are actually interesting to watch. Disney doesn’t do anything by halves! Turning pages, character voices and re-enactment, and classic touches of advanced animation ignite the imagination and keep little bottoms on seats!
– The “Land of Once Upon A Time” lullaby plays at the end of each episode. Not only is this a nice way to end the day, it’s a gentle trigger that bedtime is near!
There are different ways to watch and we can tune in no matter where we are in the world:
1. The Book of Once Upon a Time Stories can also be viewed at anytime on the Disney Junior website.
2. They are also available as eBooks from the Disney Story Central app, which is available to download from iTunes.
3. The Disney Junior The Channel. This is where magical storytelling really comes to life! Available in all Foxtel subscribing homes; channel 709.
Exclusive Link:
Watch the premiere episode “Snow White and the Great Jewel Hunt” by clicking here!
