6 Facts about my ZOOM Comics

1. Alisa's Great Idea was the First Book to use the Word "Butterfinger"
2. Alisa's Lesson is my Shortish Book
3. The Truth About Caroline was rejected 2 Times
4. Aline and Her Sad Stuff taught about Death
5. In Frances Rules, the ZOOM Dolls are a Refrence to The Truth About Caroline
6. Interruping a Live Show based on a Kids Show is Rude, according to "Caroline and the Sad Goodbye"

Top 10 Facts about my ZOOM Comic Books

1. In case you haven’t read “Aline and her Sad Stuff,” it’s widely recognized as my take on death.

Another interesting fact: the book used to contain the line, 

2. Somehow, my books find themselves in the middle of controversy. The line “My Name is Luke L-Luke L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L Luke Luke Luke,” from “Caroline and the Sad Goodbye,” is not part of the Name Game, a Song from Rachel Riddle's Book, "Greetings".

3. “Alisa's Great Idea,” published in 2016, is the first recorded instance of the word “Butterfinger.”

4. “The Truth About Caroline” was written because i thought the famous Dick and Jane primers were insanely boring. Because kids weren’t interested in the material, they weren’t exactly compelled to use it repeatedly in their efforts to learn to read. So, “The Truth About Caroline” was born.

5. I bet that that i couldn’t write a book using 50 words or less. “The Truth About Caroline” was pretty simple. Not one to back down from a challenge, I started writing and came up with “Frances Rules”

The ZOOM Dolls are a Refrence to the Truth About Caroline

6. It’s often alleged that “Shing-Ying and Mean Liu” was written specifically about Richard Nixon, but the book came out only two months after the whole Watergate scandal. It’s unlikely that the book could have been conceived of, written, edited and mass produced in such a short time.

Also, i never admitted that the story was originally about Nixon. That’s not to say he didn’t understand how well the two flowed together. 

7. “Maya and her Babysitting Caper” = Hitler? Yep. If you haven’t read the story, here’s a little overview: Maya is the queen of the babysitting, but she wants more. She to babysit James and Nala Von Boo. SpongeBob, the Fish, is exhausted. He asks Maya for a rest; Maya ignores him and demands more ZOOM fans for a better view.

Eventually, Maya notices the moon and is furious that anything dare be higher than herself, and is about ready to give SpongeBob to her Family when he burps. This sudden movement puts the Von Boos to Sleep, sends Maya flying into her House, and frees the rest of the Von Boos from her babysitting duty.

I actually said Maya was a representation of Hitler. Despite the political nature of the book, none of that was disputed at Random House — what was disputed was SpongeBob's burp. No one had ever let a burp loose in a children’s book before, so it was a little dicey. Because SpongeBob burped, Maya gives him to her Family

8. “Noreen Sleeps Over” is one I had never heard of, perhaps with good reason: it was pulled from the shelves of libraries for a while because of the reference to the Cold War and the arms race.

Bruno and Dot are Finches who do everything differently. Bruno eats his bread with the butter-side up and the Dot eat her bread with the butter-side down. Obviously, one of them must be wrong, so they start building weapons to outdo each other: the “Tough-Tufted Prickly Snick-Berry Switch,” the “Triple-Sling Jigger,” the “Jigger-Rock Snatchem,” the “Kick-A-Poo Kid”, the “Eight-Nozzled Elephant-Toted Boom Blitz,” the “Utterly Sputter” and the “Bitsy Big-Boy Boomeroo.”

The book concludes with each side ready to drop their ultimate bombs on each other, but the reader doesn’t know how it actually turns out.

9."Alisa's Lesson" is my Shortest Book

10. No post would be complete without a mention of the Movies.I, will provide Caroline for the movies. I am a little wary of casting myself because i think my acting would be educational for kids. If you’re wondering why we sound a bit different, it’s because the sound people went back to Caroline's parts and removed all of the high tones in my voice. That’s why Caroline sounds so gravelly.

Scooby-Doo: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

To Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Dalphene, Velma, and Fred



I want to see a Movie where you get Shoehorned into the Plot of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Scooby Doo Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory).

I WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, I want that Movie to exist.

What about Looney Tunes Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory too? I Know they did Tom and Jerry Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

I thought Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was Scooby-Doo: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I don’t know what was worse, the characters themselves screeching. 

 Is there any way to mix up the "Oompa Loompa" lyrics a bit? Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory may scare Kids since your show is Innapropriate for them. 

Sincerely, 
Maddie Fretz

Spin Offs and Crossovers 1

I don't think I have to say how amazing and influential the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie was, do I? Well, I know it's been adapted to animation several times, so Hanna-Barbera doing a cartoon remake of the film left me skeptical, then I realized this is a Tom and Jerry self-insert fanfic. The funny thing is, Tom and Jerry didn't exist until a whole year AFTER the original film was released! I know that like Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry have had a number of direct-to-video movies since 2002 because their theatrical movie didn't do well, and they are of varying quality with some ranging from good to ok to pretty bland and forgettable. But this… This is a massive insult to not just the original movie, but also L. Frank Baum's original novel! For the most part, this movie tries its damnest to remake the key scenes of the movie into cheap 2D animation. Dorothy just looks cute and adorable, like I'm looking through a lava lamp; every character's cute and adorable in these Tom and Jerry films. Forgive me from taking from DeviantArt and collab review, but yeah, it looks like looking through a lava lamp at times. Personally, I think these two nailed this movie into its own grave, but l want to give it my taste as well. I'm one of those types that love to join in on the lynch mob. Tom and Jerry in this film work as farmhands for the Gales, yet for some reason, they still try to kill each other, even though they're on the same team so to speak. This was the main problem with The Two Mousketeers for the record, you know? That Tom and Jerry short people call the worst next to Blue Cat Blues? But that's not all: these two essentially take over for most of the key moments of the original movie since they're self-insert characters, like freeing Toto from Miss Almira Gulch when in the original, Toto got out by himself. As a result of this, they make Dorothy look like a useless damsel in distress. And by extension, lessen the impact of the other characters. In the original Oz material, Dorothy is a headstrong and brave girl despite her age and does her damnest to help her friends when they're in danger. Here, Tom and Jerry just so happen to come along and set off many of the feats of the other characters. They even make the Wicked Witch of the West seem incompetent since they send her off on a rocket! The voice actors chosen to represent these classic characters aren't much better. Grey DeLisle can sing well as Dorothy, but she's no Judy Garland, so it's ok, I guess. I don't understand why they needed to put Tuffy (a.k.a. Nibbles) in this as a Munchkin, especially since now she's annoying as hell! He's basically the Cowardly Lion, taking many of his signature traits and lines, but the Lion is still IN the movie. Kath Soucie is a great actress, but she's just irritating as this pink turd, but if I close my eyes when she sings, I imagine Lola Bunny or even Sally Acorn in his place makes it much better. I just don't feel anything from Laraine Newman as the Witch. When Margaret Hamilton played her, she was able to come off as genuinely frightening and was a lasting impact on many people, even after almost 80 years. Ms. Newman’s role is a PALE imitation compared to the original. I will give credit to where it's due though: the backgrounds are very reminiscent of the original film and very pretty; plus, they add in a nod to the books every now and again. But that's where the good ends, ok, and the character designs are pretty good, but the animation still stinks. They skip big chunks of this thing just to hit the bases, and it makes the pacing very disjointed even if you've never seen the MGM film. Most of the classic songs are gone or badly altered to fit the new dynamic, and it's just so insulting. This is one of the very few direct-to-video things to legitimately OFFEND ME! And yeah, it's dick riding off the original movie! But you know how The Wacky World of Tex Avery basically dug up Mr. Avery’s corpse and stomped on his legacy? Yeah, let's do that with Mr. Baum and Hanna-Barbera, see what fuckin' happens! They didn't even keep in the best bit with the doorbell scene! That scene is awesome! Then they have THE NERVE to have Tom and Jerry interrupt The Merry Old Land of Oz, which is watered down like a cheap soda at King's Island*, if you ask me. I just cannot find the Witch a threat when she ALSO has to address Tom and Jerry in her threats; it's one of the most forced things I've ever heard. When Pinky and the Brain did this with Larry, it was self-aware of its intent at the very least and is considered one of the cornerstones of the series as a whole. This? L. Frank Baum as well as William Hanna and Joe Barbera are SPASMING IN THEIR GRAVES! It's a shit stain on the records of two great series of the 20th century. And Joe Alaskey as THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE OZ? I can't take him seriously, I really can't. When Sylvester the Cat voices your ominous floating head, it's too funny! And that's about the only funny thing in this movie. Tom and Jerry's shtick doesn't fit in the movie they were shoved into at all, it's annoying either when they're with Dorothy or not. If it wasn't enough to insert Tom and Jerry into this thing, we get Droopy and Spike as Winkie guards. The only exist here to kill time in a 61-minute movie. Seriously, they couldn't have stretched this movie out to include scenes like the doorman bit, but we gotta get these guys? I don’t know about you, guys, but Droopy wasn't all that funny to me, he was just sort of bland. Still, his cartoons are enjoyable. Get used to Droopy having obligatory cameos in Tom and Jerry stuff by the way because it's his only real relevance since Droopy, Master Detective; it was the 90’s, ok? They were going to give a show to just about anything back then.  It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't spoil how the witch dies! Yeah, it's pop culture osmosis by now, but still, what of the kids who are seeing this as their first exposure to The Wizard of Oz? It's like the guy who walks out of the theatre after seeing Star Wars: The Force Awakens and just BLURTING OUT that thing to the people getting ready to see it. See, I can be discreet about spoilers. Speaking of, yeah, TOM AND JERRY KILL THE WITCH! Not Dorothy, TOM AND JERRY DO IT! They even make poor Toto look useless (beyond always freeing him) by uncovering Professor Marvel. Sweet and sour pork balls, they even fuck up Dorothy not getting home! Woo Hoo, this is the best Oz fanfic ever! And no, I'm not going to be all "Oh my childhood!" Remember that! These sons of fun are using beautiful pieces of film history by essentially making mishmash out of Tom and Jerry and The Wizard of Oz. I know as a direct-to-video film, most people don't care about this thing and are smart enough to steer clear of it, but this goes out to the parents gullible enough to think it's just something to make the kids be quiet for an hour. Your children deserve so much better than this trite. Sure, maybe Tom and Jerry are too violent for your little ones, and The Wizard of Oz will traumatize them, but it'll give them a good experience in the end of it all and make them better human beings for it. If you grow up watching Best Stuff like this, you enjoy Fun like Allen Gregory as an adult; lazy begets lazy.

The Ultimate Disney Pizza Party

Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, movie night, or getting the whole family together for dinner, we’ve rounded up our favorite Disney recipes for the ultimate pizza party. Take inspiration from Inside Out, Toy Story, Aladdin, and Pinnochio with these tasty and creative pie ideas.

Disgust’s Broccoli Pizza

Disgust keeps a careful eye on the people, places and things that Riley comes into contact with — whether that’s broccoli or last year’s fashion trend. Prove to your children just how yummy broccoli can be with this easy-to-make homemade pizza recipe!

What you'll need

• English muffin
 
• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
 
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
 
• 12 ounces broccoli florets
 
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
 
• Garlic powder
 
• Salt
 
• Oregano
 
• 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce

1.  What to do
   Preheat toaster oven to 425 degrees.
2.  
   Cut English muffin in half and place both halves side by side. 
3.  
   Drizzle olive oil evenly over English muffin.
4.  
   Coat with Alfredo sauce.
5.  
   Sprinkle Mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
6.  
   Steam broccoli in microwave for 2 minutes. Sprinkle evenly amongst both halves.
7.  
   Season with salt, oregano, garlic powder.
8.  
   Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is just golden brown.
9.  
   Sprinkle 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese on top.

10. Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Flatbread Pizza

11. One bite and you’ll be in a whole new world! Dazzle your family with this tasty and magical recipe.

12. What You'll Need

    • 10oz whole wheat pizza dough
     
    • 1 tablespoon flour, for dusting
     
    • Toppings: 1/2 cup low fat monterey jack cheese, shredded
     
    • 6 figs, sliced
     
    • 1/4 cup golden raisins
     
    • 1/4 cup black raisins
     
    • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
     
    • Hummus: 14 ounces garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
     
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
     
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
     
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
     
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
     
    • zest from 1 lemon
     
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    Helpful Tip

    To simplify this recipe, you can leave out the hummus ingredients and use store-bought hummus.

    What To Do

    1.  
       Preheat your oven to 400° F
    2.  
       On a cutting board dusted with flour, cut dough into 3 equal pieces and stretch out into rectangles. Shape the corners of each rectangle to form tassels and you’ve got magic carpets!
    3.  
       Place magic carpets on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until crispy and slightly brown. Remove the flatbreads and allow to cool.
    4.  
       For the hummus, in a food processor add garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. If it’s a little thick add some water.
    5.  
       On each prebaked flatbread spread 3 tablespoons of hummus evenly. Place the black and golden raisins around the outside edges and sliced figs down the middle.
    6.  
       Top with cheese and place back in oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove, garnish with parsley and enjoy!

    7. Toy Story Veggie Pizza Planets

    8. In the movie Toy Story, “Pizza Planet” is Andy’s favorite restaurant. What kid doesn’t love pizza? These little veggie pizzas are a hit with moms and kids alike.

       Be sure to catch Toy Story and Toy Story 2 when they air back-to-back as part of Freeform’s Funday Weekend, Saturday, April 22, at 7:50 p.m. and 9:50 p.m., and again on Sunday, April 23, at 5:50 p.m and 7:50 p.m. 

    9. • What You'll Need
       • • Flour, for your work surface
          
         • Store-bought pizza dough (approximately 14 oz.)
          
         • 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
          
         • 1/4 cup pesto, store-bought, or from your favorite recipe
          
         • 1/4 cup cooked broccoli florets, chopped
          
         • 1 cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese
          
         • Grated Parmesan cheese
          
         • Pizza sauce, for dipping (optional)

       What To Do

       1.  
          Place dough on a lightly floured surface and roll, or stretch, into a rectangle about 1/4″ thick.
       2.  
          In a small bowl combine ricotta and pesto.
       3.  
          Spread the ricotta-pesto mixture over the surface of the dough and sprinkle with the cooked, chopped, broccoli florets. Top with shredded mozzarella. This is a great job for kids.
       4.  
          Roll the dough lengthwise, into a log.
       5.  
          Cut your pizza log into 1″ rolls. Kitchen shears work best for this.
       6.  
          Place cut rolls 2″ apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 – 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dough is lightly browned.
       7.  
          Serve your planets warm, with pizza sauce for dipping.
       8. 
          

          Pinocchio Party Pizza

           Whether you’re hosting a Pinocchio birthday party or a cozy movie night, your little ones will love this playful recipe. Bake up star-shaped pizza topped with star-shaped veggies and remind your family to follow their dreams. It’s a wish come true!

          Disney’s Pinocchio is now available on Blu-ray, Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere!

       9. What You'll Need

          • Cheese pizza, frozen
           
          • Bell peppers
           
          • Olive oil
           
          • Salt and pepper
           
          • Additional toppings or herbs of your choice
           
          • Star-shaped cookie cutters, various sizes

          Helpful Tip

          If you’d like to prepare your pizza from scratch, use the cookie cutters to cut out star shapes from the dough before baking.

          What To Do

          1.  
             While frozen, use a cookie cutter to cut out star-shaped pizzas.
          2.  
             Bake pizza according to instructions. Remove 1-2 minutes early.
          3.  
             Cut open bell peppers and remove seeds. Cut into pieces just larger than your smallest star-shaped cookie cutter.
          4.  
             Place bell pepper on cutting board with the inside facing upwards. Cut into star shapes with cookie cutter.
          5.  
             Place star-shaped bell peppers on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Lightly drizzle with olive oil. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
          6.  
             Place bell peppers and any additional toppings on top of pizzas. Bake for 1-2 minutes to set.
          7.  
             Enjoy!
          8. Share your family’s pizza party in the Comments below  #DisneyWeekend
          9.