A 3-D Circus
Cirque du Soleil's high-flying acrobatics go from the big top to the big screen in Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away. The 3-D movie hits theaters December 21. Why do these circus-like performances attract people of all ages? "It's the combination of danger and beauty," director ANDREW ADAMSON told TFK. Read an interview with him at timeforkids.com/adamson.
Old Friends
It's been more than 100 years since Kenneth Grahame wrote The Wind in the Willows. Now characters Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger are back, in JACQUELINE KELLY'S action-packed sequel, Return to the Willows. Kelly hopes kids read the original tale too. "I hope they'll love it as much as I do," the author told TFK.
Kids Rule!
In Ivy and Bean Make the Rules, Bean feels left out when her big sister goes to camp. So she and Ivy decide to create their own camp. What makes these characters a hit? "They're funny," says author ANNIE BARROWS. "Kids are always looking for a good laugh."
Under the Sea
TOM KENNY stars as the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants in Nickelodeon's new holiday special It's a SpongeBob Christmas. The episode airs in December. "I love watching cartoons," Kenny told TFK Kid Reporter Adriana Palmieri. "I call it job research." For more, go to timeforkids.com/spongebob.
Tooth's Role
The Tooth Fairy collects loose teeth in exchange for a gift. But she also protects children's memories as part of a team of guardians. The team includes Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny in the 3-D film Rise of the Guardians, in theaters now. Actress ISLA FISHER is the voice of Tooth. "The movie is just so beautiful, original and magical," she says.
Wimpy's First Dance
Greg Heffley is back. In The Third Wheel, the seventh book in the Wimpy Kid series, Greg's school is holding a Valentine's Day dance. Greg is worried that he'll be left out on the big night. Author JEFF KINNEY says he can relate to his main character's situation. "There have been times when I've felt like the third wheel," he told TFK Kid Reporter Yusuf Halabi. For more, go to timeforkids.com/wimpy.
Babysitting 101
Parental Guidance, in theaters December 25, gives us an idea why family members don't always make the best babysitters. Grandparents Artie and Diane Decker, played by Billy Crystal and Bette Midler, hit modern-day problems when they care for their grandkids for the weekend. JOSHUA RUSH (above left), 10, told TFK that in real life, Crystal and Midler would be a "pretty funny set of grandparents!"
To access the digital edition of TIME For Kids, go to timeforkids.com/digital.