CQCM Newsletter 2007, April 10

Welcome to KIDS FIRST!® NEWS. All articles are by Coalition for Quality Children's Media unless otherwise noted.

Happy Spring!!! This past weekend my in-laws and my father came to watch our boys in their play (see my father playing with the kids off-stage on the left). We had a terrific time together. I was worried that they would have to travel through snow, but instead, we had beautiful weather for the most part. I can't believe it's in the mid 60's here in NY as I type this letter. Usually at Easter and Passover, the weather is getting warmer and the flowers are starting to bloom. I was wondering what it would be like this year with the holidays being so early. This warm weather is cooperating by pulling out the blooms anyway, and the unexpected early time change has brought more light into our waking hours. Personally, I am loving it.

A few months ago I commented in the editor's letter about by eldest son's edge in Sunday school thanks to NEST videos. For this issue, founder and president of NEST Family Entertainment, Ernie Frausto, granted me an interview, explaining how this religious company has expanded beyond religious film into biographies and hero stories, providing quality film not only to churches, but also to secular schools through a partnership with HBO. You can read the full article here.

As always, I welcome your input. If you have comments on titles we have endorsed; notices of media awards, publications, and products; or suggestions for articles, please drop me a line.

Dear Friends,

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is watching the independent short films that we receive. Granted, some of them are just awful with behaviors that just don't cut in terms of KIDS FIRST! criteria. But others just blow me away. Like "A Drop of Tear in My Cup of Coffee" by Pragadeeshram Rajaram. In just seven minutes, the filmmaker delivers an important message about what's really important to his 10-year-old son on his birthday. And, it's a something you wouldn't expect. Then there's "Florence Nightingale" from Nest Family, which Chris interviews this month. It's a perfect title to play for National Nurses' Week (May 6-12), celebrating America's nurses and nurse's aides. "Frogs, Toads, and Love" by Barbara Parks is a short about a boy who has trouble communicating verbally. Strange things come out of his mouth, making it hard to make friends until he meets someone who doesn't mind his strange behavior. All this in three minutes! "Charlie & Slobby" by Sam Dabbs gives new meaning to the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." From Brazilian filmmaker Paola LeBlanc comes "Mare Capoeira," a story about a 10-year-old boy wishing to become a Capoeira master just like his Dad. And, one of my personal favorites, "She's a Dog," by Sue Corcoran with Captain Vintastic crooning for four minutes about his love for man's best friend - his dog.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. One of the great resources on our website is our video clip section, which offers short clips from many of our independent titles. I encourage you to visit there and peruse some of the wonderful independent titles that we offer to screenings in our traveling KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

Remember that April 15 is our deadline for our third quarter film festival submissions. We accept late submissions 'til May 15, but there is a late fee. The third quarter is the last quarter in which you can submit a title to be considered for our annual KIDS FIRST! Best awards, which will be awarded in October. So, if you want your film to be considered for an award this year, make sure you don't miss one of these deadlines.

Have a wonderful April. Catch you soon.

Love,

Karla says: I am a full time homeschool teacher and mom to a 3rd grader and a fourth grader. In a previous career, I had been a full time writer and graphic designer. I mostly worked for corporations or print media, but during times I worked out of my home, I spent many hours at my childrens' school teaching creative writing principles to little elementary-aged sponges. In our year of homeschooling we have pulled from many fantastic resources for educational materials and I am happy and proud to list Kids First! as our newest and greatest "friends" in our search. My girls are already writing book summaries, as well as movie reviews and field trip outlines. I hope reviewing movies for Kids First! will keep them both excited about writing reviews for years to come! Since our house is the community hot spot for kids, we plan to have a kids jury of 8 to 10 for each viewing with ages ranging anywhere from 5 to 14. I hope the kids and I will be a great asset to Kids First!

Concerned about what kids watch? Want to do something about it? Become a KIDS FIRST!® juror. It's easy. Take our online training. It will take you about four hours to complete, and we will provide you with your own personal trainer. The $40 fee is 100% reimbursable once you evaluate six titles for KIDS FIRST!® . You may keep any movie you approve. What a wonderful way for teachers, librarians, parents, and daycare providers to build their own quality media library while helping evaluate movies for others. KIDS FIRST!® Independent Producer members get an additional benefit of one waived submission fee, once they complete the training and evaluate their first 6 titles. To register or get more information, please visit our KIDS FIRST!® juror's page.

KIDS FIRST!® WEB STORE FEATURES
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Chanuka & Passover at Bubbe's. Kids of all ages will find pure enjoyment celebrating Chanuka & Passover at Bubbe's (beloved grandmother). Join in a joyful romp with a host of colorful muppet-like characters. There is Anton the bully, who insists on having things his way, Rhino, who "horns" in before he understands the situation, Chester, who tries too hard, practical Zachary and adorable Muffin. While this delightful group prepares for the holiday feast, we witness the past as Bubbe relates the story of Chanuka - the fight between the Greeks and the Maccabees - the miracle of the burning oil - the importance of religious freedom for all people. Special DVD exclusives: "Sing along at Bubbe's," traditional games, recipes, prayers, and songs. And while Bubbe prepares for her annual Passover Seder, they are surprised by a talking Haggadah and are magically whisked back to Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs. There, they experience the trials of captivity and ultimately, a triumphant escape to freedom. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments: Provides an excellent introduction to the stories of Chanuka and Passover. Promotes cultural awareness for non-Jewish and Jewish children alike. Well written and well produced. KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments: Both Jewish and non-Jewish children enjoyed the puppets and learning about Chanuka. The kids were easily able to follow the story line and asked lots of questions afterwards. DVD. L. 75 mins. Ages 3-11. Monterey Media.

The Snow Queen/The Wild Swans. Two classic folktales by Hans Christian Anderson, both narrated by Sigouorney Weaver. Snow Queen is a powerful tale that follows a young girl's quest to rescue her playmate from the icy palace of the Snow Queen. Music by Jason Miles. The Wild Swans tells the story of when Princess Elise is exiled, and her brothers are transformed into wild swans by the envious Queen. Elise sets out to find and release her brothers and finds not only must perform a seemingly impossible task but not speak a word the entire time. Music by Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian (Hooters). KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments: Beautifully animated with wonderful character voices and lovely music. Excellent role models. The characters express many emotions that children can relate to, such as caring enough for another to put oneself out for them. KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments: Absorbing. Kids enjoyed the characters' adventures, responded to the story and loved the ending, which reunites the friends. They wanted to watch it again. DVD. L. 30 mins. Ages 5-12. Lightyear Entertainment.

Benji off the Leash. This is a story about heroes: Three unlikely, unsuspecting souls who come face-to-face with that moment in their lives when they must stand and be counted. For Sheldon, it's difficult because he doesn't appear to be the brightest guy in the world (although he might be the funniest). For Colby, it's even more difficult because he's only 14-years-old and up against enormous odds. For Benji, it's almost impossible...because, after all, he's just a dog, lost and alone, with nothing but a belligerent bird and a stray mutt to help. A band of unlikely comrades brought together by the least likely of the bunch, for a common, courageous purpose. Things will change. Lives will be saved. Because Benji is off the leash! Produced by Margaret Loesch and Joe Camp; Directed and written by Joe Camp; Composer: Anthony DiLorenzo; Actors: Nick Whitaker, Chris Kendrick, Randall Newsome, Duane Stephens, Neal Barth, Nate Bynum, Melinda Haynes, Christy Summerhays. DVD. L. 100 mins. Ages 6-12. Gaiam.

Where the Wild Things Are. Max is a young boy who sails off to an imaginary island inhabited by strange creatures, only to become their king. Includes two other Maurice Sendak stories, "The Nutshell Kids" and "In the Night Kitchen." KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments: Fun to see familiar books come to life. Some animation is not full motion. These stories respect children's imagination and their need to feel powerful without violence. This age loves stories that resolve danger comfortably. Great music by Carol King. KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments: Liked some parts, others were scary. Everyone loved, "Chicken Soup with Rice." Younger kids were genuinely frightened by the monsters. Older kids who were familiar with Sendak's books liked it best and appreciated the fantasy. DVD. L. 30 mins. Ages 3-7. New Group, Inc.

Pick Me Up! A compilation of 20 original songs to help teach children over 200 American Sign Language vocabulary words, including an activity guide with pre-written curricula for parents and educators. Enhanced CD with video clips. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments: Cool! Great! Really fun. Great variety of music styles - everything from Frank Sinatra-esque to Caribbean style music. Plays music in the CD player and also has activities for the computer. Great resource for teachers. "We need more resources like this." KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments: Loved it. Enjoyed learning the signs and dancing and doing the movements. They thought the diaper song was particularly funny. It's hard to keep up with all the songs - there are 20 of them - offering lots to come back to time and time again. Audio. L. 52 mins. Ages 2-7. Sign2Me/Northight, Inc.

Well, usually I highlight one particular venue each month, but April is really special for us, and we are thrilled to be working with so many film festivals. Every festival is a labor of love and could not be produced without dedicated people. Check out the film festival in your area and make a special effort to support their children and youth programs.

Newport Beach International Film Festival, April 19-29th
Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA
www.newportbeachfilmfest.com
Tickets go on sale April 2nd

At the Newport Beach Film Festival, Leslie Feibleman spearheads the youth program, making it a fast growing program within the film festival. Not only is Feibleman the senior film programmer and director of special programs and outreach at the Newport Beach Film Festival, but the film curator of the Orange County Museum of Art and, most recently, a contributor and the marketing director of The Hollywood Cookbook. This year the festival is thrilled to celebrate the artistic works and visions of young people from around the world. The Youth Film Showcase presented by Volcom will showcase a unique selection of short films from around the world and KIDS FIRST!®, including the World Premiere of Sandlot: The Heading Home.

Pennsylvania Children's Film Festival April 21st
Scottish Rite Cathedral, New Castle, PA
www.pafilminstitute.com
888-284-7599 for tickets

This is the first year for the Pennsylvania Children's Film Festival, but Festival Director, Laurel Dagnon has a blow out party planned. Their festival theme is Baseball and guess who is coming to the premiere of Sandlot: The Heading Home? The Pittsburgh Pirates' mascots and the new professional baseball team from the Frontier League, the Slippery Rock Sliders! The highlight of the event is the honoring of the former Pittsburgh Pirate World Series coach, Chuck Tanner. This will truly make New Castle, PA the "Baseball Capital of the World" on April 21st. Tickets are FREE for kids 12 and under, accompanied by an adult. So bring your friends and family to an incredibly fun day of film and baseball heroes.

San Diego International Children's Film Festival, April 22-May 5th
Museum of Photographic Arts and the WorldBeat Center, Balboa Park
www.sdchildrensfilm.org

San Diego International Children's Film Festival Director, Dan Bennett works tirelessly to bring an international lineup of films for children and families to communities in California. Bennett is also the Executive Director of the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival, providing film for the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and in 2008, will bring a children's film festival to San Francisco. KIDS FIRST!® partners with Bennett and these festivals and, in October 2006, hosted the KIDS FIRST!® Best of the Fest Awards at the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival.

Ashland Independent Film Festival
April 12 -1 6
www.ashlandfilm.org
Going to School in India

If you know of another great location that should be screening KIDS FIRST!® titles, drop me a email and I will send you a free copy of my latest favorite KIDS FIRST!® festival title.

SELECTIONS FROM KIDS FIRST!® Film Festival 2007
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For a complete list of all Festival titles currently being shown, visit our website.

Angelina Ballerina: Angelina Follows Her Dream. L. 63 mins.
Join Angelina Ballerina in her newest DVD as she pursues her dream of becoming a prima ballerina! Along the way, she encounters fun, adventure (and some obstacles) but in the end Angelina's passion for dance always shines through. Watch, dance and twirl along with Angelina as she Follows Her Dreams! Ages 2-5. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Charlotte's Web. L. 97 mins.
The classic story of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice comes to life in this live-action adaptation. Fern (Dakota Fanning) is one of only two living beings who sees that Wilbur is a special animal as she raises him, the runt of the litter, into a terrific and radiant pig. As Wilbur moves into a new barn, he begins a second profound friendship with the most unlikely of creatures, a spider named Charlotte, and their bond inspires the animals around them to come together as a family. When the word gets out that Wilbur's days are numbered, it seems that only a miracle will save his life. A determined Charlotte, who sees miracles in the ordinary, spins words into her web in an effort to convince the farmer that Wilbur is "some pig" and worth saving. Talent includes: Robert Redford, John Cleese, Dakota Fanning, Kathy Bates, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts. Ages 5-12. Paramount Home Entertainment.

Little Robots: Reach For The Sky. L. 45 mins.
When Sporty sees a Robobird flying past his gymnasium one day, he wonders what it would be like to fly, and decides he will find out. Stretchy, meanwhile, is having a spot of bother with two magnets that seem very much attracted to him. With Rusty's help, Sporty tries to fly but meets with scant success. Tiny's assistance with magnet removal from Stretchy bears similar lack of fruit, until they accidentally discover that, by turning the magnets around, their magnetic force is reversed. This discovery leads to a happy ending for Sporty. He can fly! Ages 2-5. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Danny and the Dinosaur and More Friendly "Monster" Stories. L. 58 mins. Episodic, 11 min. each
Includes: "Danny and the Dinosaur" by Syd Hoff - When Danny visits the museum, he thinks it would be nice to play with a dinosaur. Well, the dinosaur is as eager to play with Danny, and they spend a whole day together. Also, "The Island of the Skog" by Steven Kellogg, narrated by Anthony Edwards with Diana Canova, Steven Kellogg and Mary Beth Hurt; "The Beast of Monsieur Racine" by Tomi Ungerer; "Here Comes the Cat" by Frank Asch and Vladimir Vagin; "Stanley and the Dinosaurs" by Syd Hoff. Ages 3-9. Weston Woods Studios/Scholastic.

Veggie Tales: Gideon, Tuba Warrior. L. 44 mins.
Gideon is a cucumber chosen by God to defend his people against an army of 30,000 pickles! But can the tuba-playing Gideon learn to trust the angel's message in time to protect his people? Ages 2-5. Big Idea Productions, Inc.

Clifford the Big Red Dog: Big Fun in the Sun. L. 90 mins.
We all get into trouble sometimes, and so does Clifford. But he sure has his own way of making things better. To have fun, you never have to go further than your own backyard - especially if you live with a big red dog on Birdwell Island. Episodes include: "Clifford's Charm School," "Best Paw Forward," "Clifford's Hiccups," "An Itchy Patch," "Camping It Up," "Hooray for Cleo," "Home Is Where the Fun Is," and "Lights Out." Ages 2-5. Lionsgate Family Entertainment.

Lee Armstrong - Individual Membership - Images in Motion Inc. specializes in quality puppetry and animation for multimedia. Clients include Leapfrog Toys, Cartoon Network, Groovy Baby, Juno Baby, etc. They are very pleased that their puppets for "The Rockimals" are featured as a Kids First! selection on the website.
Lee Armstrong specializes in quality TV puppetry. She has puppeteered on everything from "Fraggle Rock" to the new PBS series "Mustard Pancakes". She has received Regional Emmys, Tellys, etc. for her production work.

Live Wire Media produces and distributes educational media for character education, youth guidance, and life skills. Their materials are designed to help young people become caring, respectful, responsible people who think critically, solve problems nonviolently, and make choices based on knowing and doing what's right.

Our Happy Child Productions produces award winning entertaining and educational videos for viewers ages 1 and up. To ensure a quality program that demonstrates early socialization skills, they work closely with Dr. Dorothy Singer from Yale University Family Television Research and Consultation Center. Their current series, The Wheels on the Bus with Mango and Papaya, has delighted children and parents with songs composed by Laura Hall and sung by Roger Daltrey. This musical adventure is stimulating and sprinkled with life's lessons.

Congratulations to Food Boy
For a great movie review -- 'Food Boy': Think of this as a kid-friendly version of NBC's hit 'Heroes': A young boy named Ezra has the power to produce food from the palm of his hand - a gift shared by his grandmother. 'Not all super heroes fight crime,' she explains in this silly, fun tale. (Swartz)" (February 22, 2007). Read More.

Congratulations to Bundle of Compromises
For being one of 4 finalists for the venerable Association of Educational Publishers (established in 1895) Distinguished Achievement Award in the social studies curriculum category. They are already guaranteed a Silver Award. The gold will be announced in June at a Black-tie affair in Washington D.C. In addition, they are still in the running for the Golden Lamp Award which is awarded to the overall best instructional materials.

Discovery Kids Premieres Wilbur
This new mixed puppet and animated series debuts April 16, 2007 at 11a, as part of its preschool programming block, Ready Set Learn! From April 23, Wilbur will also begin airing on TLC at 7:30a. Designed to promote early literacy skills and a love of books, each episode of the series finds Wilbur, a young calf, and his barnyard pals facing a new quandary. Through reading books/stories aloud, rendered in animation, as well as the help of real kids in a recap of each story, the group is able to work their way out of every problem. The series uses Shadowmation, a puppetry technique developed by producer Mitchell Kriegman.

Hip Hop Kidz at the Avalon Theatre
KIDS FIRST!® Film Festival is proud to partner with the Avalon Theatre to bring a live performance of the Hip Hop Kidz®, the nation's leading youth dance program April 14th at 10:00 am. The Hip Hop Kidz appearance includes a performance by Hip Hop Kidz dancers and a screening of their new DVD It's a Beautiful Thing. Outpatients and their families from Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University Hospital will be treated to the special 10:00 am performance. Following the performance and screening at the Avalon, the Hip Hop Kidz dancers will visit both hospitals. Additional screenings of the film will be offered to both hospitals for group and isolation screenings in the following weeks.

Cyberchase Contest

The kid-targeted math and problem solving series, continues its 5th anniversary this spring with four new episodes and an online contest. The new episodes of Cyberchase will premiere Monday, April 16 through Thursday, April 19 on PBS Kids GO! Further challenges will be available to fans at the Cyberchase website where they can enter the 2007 Online Contest after solving specific puzzles based on content from the new episodes. The contest runs April 16 through April 29, 2007.

Dramatic Success of Movies with Special Effects Means More Film Industry Jobs
Increasingly, both animated and live action films are drawing on the possibilities of digital technology, which creates greater career opportunities in film and video production. CareerSchoolDirectory.com provides educational resources to assist people interested in a film and video production career.

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. Unveils New Strategy
Their strategy is to produce all of its films in full 3D from 2009. DreamWorks plans to produce its movies employing stereoscopic 3D technology from the start of the movie production process. The studio has already begun production on its first movie to be made in this format, Monsters vs. Aliens (working title), which is slated for release in summer 2009. According to DreamWorks, "This approach will increase its storytelling opportunities and create a more immersive movie-viewing experience."

Warner Turns Green
Beginning April 1, WHV will begin using chlorine-free, 30% recycled paper in all of its DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray releases. The studio said the switch will save enough energy to power 404 homes, prevent the emission of 43.4 million pounds of greenhouse gases, save 53,169 trees, conserve more than 19.3 million gallons of water and eliminate enough solid waste to fill 115 garbage trucks, annually. Read More.

Food for Thought: Television Food Advertising to Children in the United States
As the fight against childhood obesity escalates, the issue of food advertising to children has come under increasing scrutiny. Policymakers in Congress, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and agencies such as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) have called for changes in the advertising landscape, and U.S. food and media industries are developing their own voluntary initiatives related to advertising food to children. To help inform this debate, the Kaiser Family Foundation today released the largest study ever conducted of TV food advertising to children. The study, combines content analysis of TV ads with detailed data about children’s viewing habits, to provide an estimate of the number and type of TV ads seen by children of various ages. The study found that tweens ages 8-12 see the most food ads on TV, an average of 21 ads a day, or more than 7,600 a year. Teenagers see slightly fewer ads, at 17 a day, for a total of more than 6,000 a year. For a variety of reasons -- because they watch less TV overall, and more of their viewing is on networks that have limited or no advertising, such as PBS and Disney -- children ages 2-7 see the least number of food ads, at 12 food ads a day, or 4,400 a year.

For each age group studied, food was the top product seen advertised. Thirty-two percent of all ads seen by 2-7 year olds were for food, while 25% of ads seen by 8-12 year olds and 22% of ads seen by 13-17 year olds were for food. Of all genres on TV, shows specifically designed for children under 12 have the highest proportion of food advertising (50% of all ad time). “Children of all ages see thousands of food ads a year, but tweens see more than any other age group,” said Vicky Rideout, vice president and director of the Program for the Study of Entertainment Media and Health at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Since tweens are at an age where they’re just becoming independent consumers, understanding what type of advertising they are exposed to is especially important.”

Blue’s Clues Co-Creator Sets Up Kids’ Content Venture
Blue’s Clues co-creator Angela C. Santomero and former Nickelodeon executive Samantha Freeman have established Out of the Blue Enterprises, a new kids’ content company that already has a deal with PBS KIDS for Super Why!, launching in September.

New Season for The Doodlebops
The third season debuts on Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney block with a week of new episodes, beginning Monday, April 9-13 at 9:30a. The new season of the preschool-targeted series is comprised of 26 episodes and features new dance/movement instruction in an expanded version of the segment, Doodlebops Dance of the Day.

Digikidz Brings Dora the Explorer personalized DVDs to Retail
Starting in April, customers who bring their kids to Sears for a photography session can also purchase the DVD for US$40. The photo studio will then digitally insert the child's snaps into the disk's content, and lo and behold, little Janie or Johnny becomes the star of the show.

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Religious Films by Christine L. Pollock

When you hear the words, "religious film," what comes to mind? Maybe the media frenzy around The Passion? Boring sermons? Some of the more modern religious films might change your mind. Films such as Passover and Chanuka at Bubbe's and titles from NEST Family Entertainment will have your children laughing and singing and wanting to learn more. President of NEST Family Entertainment, Ernie Frausto (pictured below on the left), shares reasons why Christian and secular viewers are clamoring for more NEST titles -- even in public schools.

This month, viewers might especially appreciate reinforcing lessons learned during Passover and Easter. Kids of all ages will find pure enjoyment celebrating Chanuka & Passover at Bubbe's (beloved grandmother) as they join in a joyful romp with a host of colorful muppet-like characters. While the delightful puppets prepare for the holiday feast, Bubbe relates the story of Chanuka - the fight between the Greeks and the Maccabees - the miracle of the burning oil - the importance of religious freedom for all people. While Bubbe prepares for her annual Passover Seder, the puppets are surprised by a talking Haggadah and are magically whisked back to Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs. There, they experience the

trials of captivity and ultimately, a triumphant escape to freedom. Adults who have viewed this appreciate how it promotes cultural awareness for non-Jewish and Jewish children alike.

If you celebrated Easter this month, you might want to look to the NEST Family Entertainment video series for some reminder lessons. He is Risen tells how the sorrow and despair at the Lord's crucifixion become complete joy and love as the disciples behold their resurrected Master three days later. It is not graphic in the violence of the story, a point appreciated by both adults and children. As one child pointed out, "I'm glad they didn't show that in this movie because it's upsetting to watch and I can picture it in my head." Another child said, "I think my friends would like this because they are learning about Jesus rising from the dead in their religious classes. Some of my friends who don't go to church would like it because it's about history."

Some viewers might wonder why NEST titles have such a broad appeal. Frausto suggests that perhaps it's because of the vigorous screening the titles go through before they are released. Creators at NEST figure that Jesus spoke to all people, without discrimination, through stories, so they used his stories as their model. Each script is reviewed by the

NEST advisory committee before the films are created. The committee members represent unique walks and include a pastor, a university president, an apologetic, and a Jewish rabbi. Since the stories they create promote positive character traits, the Family Video series has gone beyond the Holy Bible to biographies and mainstream historical. NEST has a joint venture with HBO to use their Hero Series to bring positive character traits into schools. They also provide history products to the schools through digital streaming.

One of their main objectives is to make the films a complete learning system-not a baby-sitter product. The NEST team encourages parents and teachers and kids to watch together and talk. The films even have activity quizzes. You can check our their site for more details. Max Lucado, pastor and author of the KIDS FIRST!® titles, Hermie: A Common Caterpillar and Flo the Lyin' Fly says, '"The Nest Family video series passed the toughest test in our house--the test of our kids! My three daughters love it. We love to watch a tape as a family just before bedtime. The Nest Family video is a great tool for family devotionals." During this month of religious holidays, I encourage you to take a closer look at our newer KIDS FIRST!® Titles. They are definitely a treat for the eyes as well as the mind.

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CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Dr. Toy's Tips on Use of Video by Stevanne Auerbach, PhD. /Dr.Toy
www.drtoy.com Smart Play /Smart Toys (www.educationalinsights.com)

April Showers Activities
Being outdoors every day when the weather permits is essential for healthy growth. All children need time to play outside. There are plenty of outdoor fun things to do. When they must be inside, however, they also need to keep active. You can encourage children when indoors to move to music. In each of these areas you can help your child by using media like videos and CDs to complement all these activities. A wonderful CD for inside play is Thingamakid Toddler Toons. It's filled with great music you can play and dance to

Activity - Natural Eggs -- A Ranny recommendation. Perfect for spring baskets (why just do it for Easter?)

Materials: Eggs, water, vinegar, natural dyes (see descriptions)

For instructions, go to craft page.

KIDS FIRST!® Film Festival Schedule
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Films from our KIDS FIRST!® Film Festivals travel around the country where more than 100 local venues host screenings of them throughout the year. More than 10,000 screenings will take place in these venues annually. To find out what is being played in a venue near you, go to www.kidsfirst.org/fest.

April 14th at 10:00 am - Avalon Theatre. The Hip Hop Kidz appearance includes a performance by Hip Hop Kidz dancers and a screening of their new DVD "It's a Beautiful Thing."

June 23-27 - St. Louis, Missouri. The biannual National Media Education Conference (NMEC), hosted by the Alliance for a Media Literate America, is the largest, oldest and most comprehensive professional conference for teachers, academics, youth advocates, health professionals and media activists to learn about media literacy education. The first annual Media Literacy Education Research Summit is a pre-conference event held June 23 and 24, immediately prior to the NMEC. The Summit will host an international group of experts from a diverse array of fields who will convene to review the existing research evidence about the efficacy of media literacy education and to develop a research agenda for the future.

June 24-26 - St. Louis, MO. iPods, Blogs and Beyond: Evolving Media Literacy for the 21st Century. National Media Education Conference (NMEC-AMLA)

July 2 - August 30 - John Anson Ford Theatre (across from the Hollywood Bowl) on Cahuenga Blvd., CA. The International Family Film Festival Presents the FreshiFilm Camp and FreshiFilm and Screenplay Festival this summer. Application information here or call for information at 661-257-3131 Patte Dee McKee or 661-993-3152 Kim Turney.

July 9-13, 2007 - Ithaca, NY. Project Look Sharp is offering its 9th annual summer institute. This 5-day intensive media literacy workshop includes both the theory of media literacy and hands-on practice with digital/computer technology (Mac-based). The institute takes place on the campus of Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, and inexpensive on-campus housing is available. Limit of 18 participants. More information.

KIDS FIRST!® Cares
Through the combined efforts of Corporations for Character, KIDS FIRST!®, and your generous donation, we can fulfill our mission to provide positive, encouraging movies into each of more than one million children's hospital beds. This effort will provide entertainment for children while they are confined in a hospital. To support KIDS FIRST!® Cares, go to www.kidsfirstcares.org. All credit card transactions are secure.

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Become a Coalition for Quality Children's Media Member
If you've found our e-zine and web site helpful, please consider becoming a member of KIDS FIRST!® Members help underwrite the various projects of this organization. The Coalition for Quality Children's Media relies on the generous support of its members and donors to support its programs. An individual/family membership is only $25/year. An organizational membership is $100/year. An independent producer membership is $200. To join, go to: http://www.kidsfirst.org or contact our office at 505.989.8076 or KIDS FIRST!®.

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ABOUT CQCM AND KIDS FIRST!®
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KIDS FIRST!® is the not-for-profit Coalition for Quality Children's Media's initiative that evaluates and rates children's media - videotapes, CD-ROMs and television - using a highly acclaimed method that has been praised by parents and educators alike. It utilizes professionally designed criteria and evaluation tools and engages a volunteer jury comprising child development professionals, teachers and parents nationwide and children of diverse geographic, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. KIDS FIRST!® endorsed titles appeal to people around the world and include many programs on topics important to children's development. KIDS FIRST!® -endorsed titles are available on CQCM's award-winning Internet site, in the KIDS FIRST!® Film Festival and in reviews we provide to more than 75 publications.

CQCM evaluates feature films, television programs, videos, CD-ROM, DVDs and audio recordings. For an application form and application deadlines, visit our website at http://www.kidsfirst.org, call our office (505.989.8076).
Coalition for Quality Children's Media, 112 W. San Francisco St. , Suite 305A, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

The Newsstand - KIDS FIRST!® News 2007