KATIE'S DAD

Description:

Katie and her mother are moving, leaving behind not only the seaside but also the memories of Katie's Dad who is absent. During the move, Katie drops her teddy, Fred. Her mother says Katie's too old for te4ddies but Fred was Dad's teddy and Katie wants him back. There is a Dad's Day at Katie's new school. Katie continues to search for her teddy and her friends are searching as well for their own dads. They all want to know where Katie's dad is and if he will show up. Katie gives a powerful speech at school during which something miraculous happens and she resolves both her Fred and Dad search at the same time. Life moves on but some things cannot be forgotten.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This U.K. production offers an appealing, yet sad story about a girl who lost her father. The characters are quite realistic, the acting quite good and the story really pulls at your heart strings. It's a bit of a tear jerker, as most stories are about losing a family member. Her presentation at school about what her father meant to her , though not totally realistic, portrays her love for her father. The ending is a bit corny but still sweet. The sentiment is real for so many who are missing a loved one. Although it is alluded to that her dad died in service to her country, this is not a story about patriotism nor does it try to make any other statement about cherish and remembering your loved ones. It offers a healthy way to deal with grief.