tbjkids Blog

Understanding the Success of Harry Potter

beijingkids — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:10:32 +0800

Although I never understood the mania around Harry Potter’s movies, I was a devoted reader of the young magician’s adventures until the fourth book. A friend once gave me a surprising explanation about why Harry Potter is so incredibly successful: when children start reading the first book, they are generally around the same age as Harry and can identify with him. He grows older as the reader does, sharing the same problems; although he lives in a more fantastic world with magic and excitement, he still deals with typical problems sometimes.

Before coming across the Harry Potter books, I had a Lords of the Rings phase that I still remember vividly, but my travels to middle earth were limited compared to the thoughts I gave Hogwarts. And although the fantasy genre has fans of all ages, it seems that children are especially attracted to fantasy worlds and mythical creatures.

British Animation Special

beijingkids — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:10:58 +0800

Animation has come a long way from the first full feature animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Modern animated films are now incredibly realistic, creative and thought-provoking. The British Council is presenting a series of British Animation Awards nominees and award-winners five categories that film buffs, art lovers and animation dabblers should not miss! The best of the British Animation Awards Vol 7 (www.britishanimationawards.com) will be displayed as part of the Aniwow!2008 Animation Festival in Beijing (www.aniwow.org). Screenings include over 20 short and student films, animated commercial, TV graphics, sound and music, plus the unique artworks created especially for the British Animation Awards. Check out a few films below.

Date: Friday, Oct 24

Time: 8.30am-12.30pm

Trick-or-Treat

beijingkids — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:00:00 +0800

Tis the night when mini ghosts, vampires, and Harry Potters, as well as princesses and pumpkins wander the streets – Halloween is finally upon us. If you’ve been too busy to nab a costume or if costumes malfunction at the last minute, check out the beijingkids easy costume guide from our October issue. This year, you’re likely to see your fair share of Batmans and Jokers as well as a coven of witches – the most popular costume to date. But beware – some schools in the US think you might offend real witches (members of the Wiccan religion).

Little Pirates Treasure Hunt Review

beijingkids — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:49:14 +0800

Last Saturday, on October 25th, over one hundred little pirates invaded Ritan Park – the brisk day started off with a lunch at Schindler Tankstelle of hotdogs and hamburgers, followed by face painting, temporary tattoos and costumes before the little pirates set off on their mission: to visit eight stations throughout the park, play each game, and collect ‘gold’ at each station. Adorned in pirate hats, sailor jackets, boots, eye patches and bandannas the plastic sword-wielding crew were wildly successful at games like balancing, pinning eye patches, and presenting their treasure to the Pirate Captain (aka Managing Editor Michelle Tsai) who directed them to pirate booty: toys, stuffed animals, goodie bags and more.

Check out our gallery to see photos of the fierce young pirates.

Obama wins US Presidency

beijingkids — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:39:50 +0800

Yesterday morning (Beijing time) Barack Obama won the US presidency – with a large lead of electoral votes and the popular vote, his victory marked the end of the longest presidential campaign in history. Obama, 47, will enter the White House on January 20, 2009. For those of you who weren’t watching the election tally live (those without America television in their homes could be found at Sequoia Café or the Rickshaw) you can take a look at Obama’s inspirational victory speech. Also, check out one thing that's different about this president-elect.

How Immune are We to the Financial Crisis Bug?

beijingkids — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:43:52 +0800

After numerous conversations with Beijing expats, I am still struggling to ascertain whether or not China has been hit by the Western world’s financial crisis. On one hand we have luxuries I would have to sell my right arm on the black market to afford back home. Ayis and massages immediately come to mind.