Infants and Toddlers Titles

I give My Big Big Friend: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but little ones would need someone to read the sub-titles. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love My Big Big Friend: The Movie; it's a colorful and fun animated film from Brazil. The message of facing your fear of meeting new people is perfect for all ages. It brings a smile to my face and reminds me of when I was young. All the children in the film have animal friends including a pink polka dot giraffe, blue elephant, and a green kangaroo. This feature film is based on the TV series My Big Big Friend, and is in Portuguese with English subtitles.

The storyline follows three kids, Yuri, Lili and Matt, whose parents have arranged for them to go to day camp with their imaginary animal friends Golias, Nessa and Bongo. Instead of being excited, the children are afraid of meeting new people. When it is time for them to catch the bus to the camp they run away instead. They find themselves at place that is governed by a clown, Mr. Doodledoubt. Mr. Doodledoubt appears to be their friend but his real aim is to separate the children from their animal friends and make them as miserable as he is. The rest of the story is about how the children use art to rescue their friends, face their fears, and return home.

The story line is magnificent -- I love the close relationship the children have with the animals and how the animals encourage the children to face their fears. The story is very easy to follow and kept me wondering what might happen next. The animation is very well done with vibrant and well defined colors. The figures of the children are realistic but stylized. The art supplies that the children use to help find their friends are also fun and realistic. The backgrounds are beautiful. The colors of the landscape are vibrant and exciting. It is fun to see the children get inside of huge bubbles and fly around the world. The music is original and helps tell the story. The voices are clear and fit perfectly to the animated characters. It is very easy to pick up the tunes and hum them to myself. There are no special effects per se but the animation of the fireworks is very well done. The voice actors skillfully fit all the personalities of the animated characters including the giraffe, elephant and kangaroo. My hat's off to the director, Andres Lieban, who has won several awards for his work on animated films. My favorite part of the film is when the art supplies are singing and dancing about how art is smart. It is very imaginative and fun.

The film's message is that you can learn to face your fears and use your internal resources to deal with new experiences and have fun.

I give My Big Big Friend: The Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but little ones would need someone to read the sub-titles. By Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

I give Little Image-Bearers: Jesus: The Savior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mr. Phipps is a Fred Rogers sort of host of this show that informs kids about different things in the world.

In this episode, Mr. Phipps visits an emergency medical technician to discuss life-saving measures that are used in emergency situations. In puppet pretend, Prince Bobo must get the key from the dragon to free Fair Lady Lala. Despite Bobo's best efforts, confrontation with the dragon is inevitable. After Bobo's display of courage, Mr. Phipps decides to create his own sword using household items.

This is an episodic show hosted by Mr. Phipps, played by Caleb Phipps, who is also the film's Director, Writer and Producer. In this episode, we meet an emergency medical technician who tells us what epi pens are all about. Caleb's on-camera presence is very calm and direct. You feel as if he is a responsible adult who kids can trust. The segment with the puppets is quite cute and has another good message about helping others. That's followed by a craft segment, making a sword out of a cardboard tube and foil. The last segment features an excerpt from the Christian Bible, which is delivered with great gusto. The film is well produced with good video and audio, including minimal sound effects and background music. I can easily imagine this finding a place on daytime television, but certainly it would be appropriate for a youth and family film festival, provided the Christian content is appropriate for your venue.

The show's message is about learning how the world works.

I give Little Image-Bearers: Jesus: The Savior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give I Want To Be An Eagle 4 out of 5stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I Wanna Be An Eagle is a delightful animated short music video. The colorful animation is beautiful and fun to watch, plus it tells a great story with nice singing and music.

The storyline is about a sweet anthropomorphic sparrow, Petronia, who sings about her ambition to become a majestic eagle. The film takes us on the musical journey of the sparrow's dream with beautiful animation and a tune that tells of her ambition.

I like the sparrow singing about her dreams for a bigger life. The beginning scene is a little bitter-sweet due to the reasoning behind the sparrow's song and her wish to be an eagle. I like how quickly and easily the music tells the story. We are treated to a realistic flight of an animated eagle soaring across beautiful landscapes and waterways into a big cosmopolitan city. The animation is crisp and colorful; the characters and scenery are quite lovely and very detailed. When the birds take flight it feels as if you are flying along with them. The backgrounds are very realistic looking - the building and scenery below -- which makes this animated film easy to relate to. Aside from the opening scene, most of the scenery is shown from a bird's perspective. Petronia is more cartoonish than the eagle or the backgrounds, but she is drawn in a pleasant way. There is one song throughout, sung by Callen Fu, which tells Petronia's story and her ambition. It is pleasant and quite catchy. My favorite scene is the opening scene when the birds are flying all over.

The film's message is to dream big.

I give I Want To Be An Eagle 4 out of 5stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Madeleine H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Babies and the Bear - Summer 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The short animated film from Polish filmmaker Maja Garmulewicz, Babies and the Bear - Summer, is charming and suited to its preschool audience.

This is an episode of an animated series where two toddlers (brother and sister) and their friend, the Teddy Bear, take viewers into an imaginary world of colors and shapes. In this episode the children are tired of the heat so the bear takes them to the sea where they learn about nature as they play in the waves and meet a clam.

The animated characters are quite adorable and well designed. I particularly like the sunglasses on the bear. Their exploration of the beach is sweet. I love watching then play in the waves and make angels in the sand. When a clam shell pops onto the beach a pearl jumps out and one of the kids runs away with it, making the clam very sad until it's finally returned and everyone is happy again. The joy of the beach is definitely shown her, along with thoughtful and kind behavior, even when you have to learn not to take something that isn't yours. Who doesn't love making sandcastles, and lounging on a sling chair at the beach? It's silly and fun. The background piano music provides a suitable ambiance.

The film's message is to have fun while learning how to respect the environment you find yourself in and not take things that aren't yours.

I give Babies and the Bear - Summer 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

The message is that a superpower doesn't have to be what we only see in movies but can be something that helps people. I give My Superpower 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12. Reviewed by Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - My Superpower is great, simply because we are shown a different approach to superpowers than the norm we are used to seeing. My Superpower is a short film that showcases a journey of a nine-year-old in search of his superpower, only to discover that his words have the power to help or to harm.

The New Zealand based writer, director, producer and star of this film is nine years old himself and deserves credit for an exceptionally well made film. The storyline is simple and appropriate for young ones seeking to discover themselves. The cinematography is simple and easy, which gives it the sense of discovery. I particularly love his use of close-ups, stop motion, shadows and a bit of claymation. Also, the animated words are a cool addition. I should add that some shots are out of focus and some are a bit shaky, but it doesn't detract from the overall film. The protagonist, Maxwell William, showcases great enthusiasm for having a natural superpower. I was drawn to it from the beginning simply because we are left to our imagination to determine what might be the power that Maxwell is excited about. If you are looking for a lovely film made by an elementary age student, with a great message, look no further, you have found it here!

The message is that a superpower doesn't have to be what we only see in movies but can be something that helps people. I give My Superpower 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12. Reviewed by Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Love this short film, from the music to the intent. And, the animation is adorable. It gives Robots personalities and human qualities, which endears them to us. The visuals are superb - plus bright and colorful. The stop-motion animation makes use of various stuff from wood scraps and metal pieces to children's blocks and clacking teeth. The film's message is a protest against the automation and dehumanization of everything as it anthropomorphizes "robots." I give Robots Don't Tell Jokes 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a wonderful film! Fun, spunky, great music and great message. This is exactly what fits into a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. Robot thinks he has a wonderful joke, so he keeps trying to tell it, but none of the other robots ever laugh. They tell him "robots don't tell jokes." Will Robot give up on his awesome joke or will he find his tribe?

Love this short film, from the music to the intent. And, the animation is adorable. It gives Robots personalities and human qualities, which endears them to us. The visuals are superb - plus bright and colorful. The stop-motion animation makes use of various stuff from wood scraps and metal pieces to children's blocks and clacking teeth. The film's message is a protest against the automation and dehumanization of everything as it anthropomorphizes "robots." I give Robots Don't Tell Jokes 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

The film uses images and music to make a far-reaching, long-term impact on the lives of children by teaching them how to help our environment. I give Be A Green Hero 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults, By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a sweet animated short that teaches younger viewers how to help the environment.

Learn how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle right every day with catchy upbeat songs sung by fun puppets (Mr. Recycle man, Chef Green and Daisy). Our song lyrics will teach children (and adults) how to "Think Ecologically" and Be a Green Hero! This delightful short music video features a team of puppets that teach kids about the environment and how to make positive impact on planet Earth. I love the Muppet style puppets; they are adorable and diverse. The music is fun and meaningful.

The film uses images and music to make a far-reaching, long-term impact on the lives of children by teaching them how to help our environment. I give Be A Green Hero 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults, By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 14 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

The film's message is that there are two sides to every coin, or cat - even if one is entirely make believe. I give Willow's Tale 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Every film festival needs films that are "just for fun" and Willow's Tale is just that. It will make you giggle as you follow little Willow's antics in the real world and her dream world.

With animation by the neurodiverse artists of The Center for Learning Unlimited's Brainstorm Productions, here comes a motion picture that is the kitten's whiskers! Willow, a highly creative cartoon black cat, lives a domesticated life indoors with her human mama. However, her wild daydreams take her on flights of fancy around the world . . . and beyond!

Delightful animation, very colorful and dynamic. I love a cat that daydreams, especially when those daydreams are as fun and wacky as Willow's. The cat has two very different personalities, or life experiences - one of domestic contentedness, the other of a wildly adventurous kitty that travels worldwide and beyond. The juxtaposition of these two lives made me giggle as I love Willow's inventiveness. This is a fun romp that would play well in any children's or family film festival.

The film's message is that there are two sides to every coin, or cat - even if one is entirely make believe. I give Willow's Tale 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Grammy Green Thumbs 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A charming short animated fantasy about a young girl and her grandmother experiencing magic in the garden.

Grammy Green Thumbs is a tale about a young girl called Elaine, her grandmother, and her friends. During the story, she learns to understand the power of nature, the respect for everything surrounding her and discover different aspects of life.

This sweet animated short film is a delightful way to expose young children to the magic that nature has to offer. It is well produced with sweet animation, a charming protagonist, and a nice pace. My one concern is about the inaccuracy of information when the sunflowers grow to full height in a few hours. However, in the spirit of fantasy, I can accept it.

The film's message is that having an open heart is one of the ways to see the magic of life.

I give Grammy Green Thumbs 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 10 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Five Little Ducks 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Hanadie K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Five Little Ducks is a cute and creative rendition of the classic nursery rhyme. The singing, in combination with unusual needle-felted animation provides a clever version of the nursery rhyme.

Not your typical version of Five Little Ducks. This short film puts a unique twist on an age-old children's song. Created in collaboration with children's musician Kelli Welli in needle-felted stop-motion animation.

This film features the song, Five Little Ducks and encourages views to try and keep up with the location that each duck is moving to. The stop-motion needle-felted animation is quite unusual and every character has an adorable look. One of the ducks even wears glasses. One wears a headband. One wears a purple hat. The background is a lake made of felt that the ducks swim about in. I really enjoy the singing which is sort of a bluegrass or country genre, which is in stark contrast from how we usually hear this song. The song is accompanied by the sounds of ducks quacking, which made me giggle. My favorite part is when the frog appears and starts watching the ducks line up. It adds another element to the story.

The film's purpose is about teaching young kids how to count to 5 and how to recognize different critters by their physical attributes or behaviors.

I give Five Little Ducks 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Hanadie K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

The film's message is about teamwork and persistence. I give The Great Lesson From Nonna! 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Cute, fun and full of lessons for little ones.

The storyline is about Sara baking a cake with Nonna and her sisters. When Nonna gets distracted by the girls she loses her glasses in the cake mixture. Only finishing baking the cake will help Sara get her grandma's glasses back.

Terrific animation, bright and colorful. The characters are three little girls and their grandmother (Nonna). They are quite adorable although I am not fond of their squeaky voices. The storyline has a good problem-solving lesson, as everyone has to work together to bake the cake and find Nonna's glasses.

The film's message is about teamwork and persistence. I give The Great Lesson From Nonna! 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Jose Comelon's Bedtime Stories 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Part of a series about Jose's adventures, Jose Camelon's Bedtime Stories is charming and sweetly animated.

The storyline follows Jose as he is having difficulties falling asleep. The Hand appears to tell him bedtime stories which are filled with adventures in a distant kingdom to ghost stories, but nothing makes Jose Comelon sleep.

The animation of this short film is delightful, brightly colored and appropriate for its intended audience of early learners. I love Jose with his multicolored teeth and The Hand is an interesting and kind character - shown only as a hand. I also like that, in all the stories told by The Hand, the leading character is Jose! Kids can relate to the issue of not being able to fall asleep and this short film addresses that. In the end, Jose is too bored to stay awake - but I don't want to give you spoilers. You have to watch it to find out why.

The film's message is that, eventually you will fall asleep, if from nothing other than boredom.

I give Jose Comelon's Bedtime Stories 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Magic Book Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend if for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a fun short film The Magic Book Story is. We all love a little magic in our life, even when it goes somewhat astray, and especially when everything works out in the end.

The storyline follows Jose as he finds a magic book and everything he draws in it appears in front of him. Jose wants to make a carrot cake and, instead of making the cake himself, he uses the magic book. But the magic goes berserk and Jose learns that he has to work hard to get what he wants.

This animated film definitely will entertainment younger audiences. Jose, with his multicolored teeth, and his friend "The Hand" entertain us with their quest to make the most delicious carrot cake. The animation is top notch, with bright colors and clear backgrounds. The unnamed voiceover talent is terrific. The storyline is fun and silly, especially when Jose's carrots become mega carrots!

The film's message is that there are no shortcuts, sometimes you have to just do the work to get done what you want done.

I give The Magic Book Story 4 out of 5 stars and recommend if for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Little Cloud 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The story follows Jos� who is upset because it doesn't stop raining and he can't go outside to play. But then the unexpected happens: he meets a sad little cloud, who has a cold! Jos� brings his new friend into the house and decides to take care of her, but being a cloud, she leaves Jos� and his house soaked. Despite the confusion, Jos� forms a bond with Little Cloud until she heals and can go back to the sky.

I love the animation of this Brazilian film and I love Jose's compassion. The idea of bringing a cloud indoors is completely unrealistic and might be confusing to some kids, unless they can understand that it is entirely make believe. My favorite part is when Jose makes vegetable soup for Little Cloud to help her get over her cold. We see him chop up vegetables and carefully construct a delicious and nourishing meal for his new friend. When Little Cloud recovers and is led outside, we see the bond that she and Jose have made - a true friendship that will last a lifetime.

The message of this film is about friendship and caring for others, even in make believe situations.

I give The Little Cloud 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give To Bee or Not to Bee 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - To Bee or Not to Bee is an amazing, interactive, and educational film about bees, suitable for all ages. Not only does it tell us why we are not seeing many bees these days, it also provides information on things to do to encourage the survival of the bee population.

This feature length documentary explains the factors that have caused the decline in bees; how using pesticides and growing a single crop year after year on the same land and not growing plants or trees that attract bees contributes to the disappearance of bees. It also gives guidance as to what can be done to bring back the bee population.

The topic is relevant to all ages and is suitable for people that live in both rural and urban environments. The film inspires the audience to use their imagination and encourages them to make sounds, speak, and move around during the film. The camera work is well done -- the close-ups of the actors, who use props to create multiple characters, is very effective in stimulating the audience's imagination. The music is very catching and helps tell the story. There are no special effects per se, but the use of superimposed animation of bees and birds adds to the story line. The characters are very engaging and made me feel as if I was part of the story. Not only are there adults telling the story, there are children participating, which inspires the audience to play along. My favorite part of the film is when the actors are doing a fun dance to imitate how bees who have found sources of nectar tell the other bees where to find it.

The film's message is that money and greed are impacting the environment, but that humans can help restore things back to normal.

I give To Bee or Not to Bee 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Pamela L., KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: FeatureFilm

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 16.99
Media: Book

This title has online video!

Runtime: 60 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.96
Media: DVD

This title has online video!

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

From the minds and hands of 5 year olds, 'Dinosaur School' is a story created and partially animated by Urban Wildlife Arts "Animated Storytelling" class.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love the concept of Dinosaur School and love that it was created by the hands and minds of five-year-olds. The characters and animation are interesting and fun.

The story follows a new student who enrolls in Dinosaur School. He doesn't look or act like the other students, but at Dinosaur School, everyone is welcome and he soon makes new friends.

The story is adorable. I would love to see it developed more, but this is a super cute start. The animation style is really interesting; it looks like paper cut outs that move. All the characters are well drawn and interesting. For a film made by pre-school students, the character drawings are quite impressive. The "new student" is particularly interesting, its name is a dead giveaway - E.T. - and E.T. appears to be very alien-like in appearance. I love the scene when E.T. is introduced to the class and the class's reaction to meeting E.T. I also enjoyed all of the backgrounds and there are quite a few. The music and sound effects are fun, lively and appropriate to the story. My favorite sound effect is of the rocketship taking off. In terms of the characters and their interaction, they are all very friendly and upbeat; the voice talent is made up of a group of preschoolers who definitely work together as a tight ensemble cast. That is without a doubt my favorite thing about this film, the young creators who designed and executed the story and the film are truly given a voice and a platform. I love that they are all five-year-olds - very impressive. The photo at the end of film showing this talented group made me giggle. Also to be commended is the director, Dana Leigh Snyder, who portrays The Teacher in the film.

The message of this film is to accept and embrace others who may be different from you and to find common ground.

I give Dinosaur School 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I love the concept of Dinosaur School and love that it was created by the hands and minds of five-year-olds. The characters and animation are interesting and fun.

The story follows a new student who enrolls in Dinosaur School. He doesn't look or act like the other students, but at Dinosaur School, everyone is welcome and he soon makes new friends.

The story is adorable. I would love to see it developed more, but this is a super cute start. The animation style is really interesting; it looks like paper cut outs that move. All the characters are well drawn and interesting. For a film made by pre-school students, the character drawings are quite impressive. The "new student" is particularly interesting, its name is a dead giveaway - E.T. - and E.T. appears to be very alien-like in appearance. I love the scene when E.T. is introduced to the class and the class's reaction to meeting E.T. I also enjoyed all of the backgrounds and there are quite a few. The music and sound effects are fun, lively and appropriate to the story. My favorite sound effect is of the rocketship taking off. In terms of the characters and their interaction, they are all very friendly and upbeat; the voice talent is made up of a group of preschoolers who definitely work together as a tight ensemble cast. That is without a doubt my favorite thing about this film, the young creators who designed and executed the story and the film are truly given a voice and a platform. I love that they are all five-year-olds - very impressive. The photo at the end of film showing this talented group made me giggle. Also to be commended is the director, Dana Leigh Snyder, who portrays The Teacher in the film.

The message of this film is to accept and embrace others who may be different from you and to find common ground.

I give Dinosaur School 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Mini Pet Pals Go To School 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Kira O. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mini Pet Pals Go To School is a sweet, animated show perfectly suited for a preschool audience with its bright colors, cute fantasy characters, clear voices and fun storyline that helps kids know more about musical instruments.

Mini Pet Pals are animated animal characters that go to school and, in this episode, learn about musical instruments and how to make music in the world around them.

Younger children will appreciate seeing all the various musical instruments and hearing their sounds. The animated show also reminds views that it takes practice to play a musical instrument, and you can literally make music with everything - even our bodies.

The animation is very cute with lots of different animal characters. The characters are all animals that kids will recognize - a cat, a dog, a rabbit, a duck, a bird, a fox, plus a pink flamingo, Mr. Sebastian, who is the instructor. Directed by Sergio Manfio, who clearly knows his way around the field of animation, with very capable voice talent (uncredited), this is perfectly suited for preschoolers. My favorite character is Holly, The Tabby Cat, because she is the most energetic at the beginning as she runs around the screen with a blue ribbon.

The message of the story is that practice makes perfect and music is everywhere.

I give Mini Pet Pals Go To School 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Kira O. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

Lost and Found is a stop motion animation short film created by the Star Room preschool class of Growing Place. What started as a storytelling exercise blossomed into a year long production in which the children created storyboards, sewed puppets, made their own props and backgrounds, and composed their own music.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - First of all, this is such an impressive piece of work created by preschoolers! Kudos to the team at Growing Place for making this happen. I love this short animated film, Lost and Found, because its message is about loving being around family.

The story follows Princess Hazel who goes on a walk with the horse Magic Crystal and they meet a friend. The princess and her friend get so involved with different adventures that they fail to notice the horse is no longer with them. The rest of the story is about the adventures they have as they try to find the horse.

What an interesting storyline this has. I love the look of the animation; the characters appear to be made of fabric or paper scraps decorated with sparkly things. I love how they experience a bit adventure, going to the ocean, a Ferris wheel and even a dog house. We see under water critters at the ocean.

The images are quite beautiful and extremely colorful. At times you can see a hand on the screen, but it's not disruptive enough to be a bit issue. I love all the images of castles, the forest and the sky - to name a few. The costuming is terrific and clever, especially the princess dress which is very shiny and bright. The big drawback is the narration, which is done by the four and five-year-olds that created this. At times it's difficult to understand their words. The film is a stop motion animated film created 20 students of the Star Room preschool class of Growing Place. The students created the storyboards, sewed puppets, made their own props and backgrounds and composed their own music. That alone is so remarkable, and the final film is really a joy to behold.

My favorite part is when they all sing Happy Birthday to Magic Crystal.

The film's message is to have fun like there is no tomorrow.

I give Lost and Found 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. This is an extraordinary film made by very young students. By Keila V. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - First of all, this is such an impressive piece of work created by preschoolers! Kudos to the team at Growing Place for making this happen. I love this short animated film, Lost and Found, because its message is about loving being around family.

The story follows Princess Hazel who goes on a walk with the horse Magic Crystal and they meet a friend. The princess and her friend get so involved with different adventures that they fail to notice the horse is no longer with them. The rest of the story is about the adventures they have as they try to find the horse.

What an interesting storyline this has. I love the look of the animation; the characters appear to be made of fabric or paper scraps decorated with sparkly things. I love how they experience a bit adventure, going to the ocean, a Ferris wheel and even a dog house. We see under water critters at the ocean.

The images are quite beautiful and extremely colorful. At times you can see a hand on the screen, but it's not disruptive enough to be a bit issue. I love all the images of castles, the forest and the sky - to name a few. The costuming is terrific and clever, especially the princess dress which is very shiny and bright. The big drawback is the narration, which is done by the four and five-year-olds that created this. At times it's difficult to understand their words. The film is a stop motion animated film created 20 students of the Star Room preschool class of Growing Place. The students created the storyboards, sewed puppets, made their own props and backgrounds and composed their own music. That alone is so remarkable, and the final film is really a joy to behold.

My favorite part is when they all sing Happy Birthday to Magic Crystal.

The film's message is to have fun like there is no tomorrow.

I give Lost and Found 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. This is an extraordinary film made by very young students. By Keila V. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 13 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give The Tiny Tree 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 7, plus adults. Reviewed by Pam L., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Tiny Tree is an amazing film using puppets portraying a father and son astronaut team and delightfully cute space creatures that include a purple bird with one leg. It is based on a 2015 stage play by Honolulu Theatre for Youth. The catchy music made me want to dance with the space creatures!

The storyline follows a father and son astronaut team traveling in a spaceship that has mechanical issues and is forced to land on a planet inhabited by strange, but friendly, space creatures. They find a seed of an unknown plant and try to figure out how to plant and nurture it. The father places the boy in charge of keeping it safe and the adventure begins.

This is a witty and entertaining film that teaches important lessons. The story line is very imaginative and easy to follow. It presents the dynamics between parents and kids along with the importance of not disturbing the universe, even if it is just a little seed. The filmmakers met the challenge of making a film entirely with puppets. While at times you can see the puppeteers, it does not detract from the essence of the film. All the puppets are extremely cute and well suited to the story line.

The materials used to create the spaceship and the planet are all very imaginative. They help make the story fun. The background music is original and very catchy. It definitely drive the pace of the film. My hat's off to director, Annie Cusick Wood, who was the Artistic Director of POLKA Theatre in London for five years before moving to Hawaii and collaborating with Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) as a director and playwright. My favorite part of the film is the scene when the boy finds himself in a hole with cute and friendly space creatures that jump and tickle him.

The film really has two messages -- that parents should listen to their kids and that plants benefit the whole ecosystem and should not be removed from their habitat. That's a good message that relates to ecological issues on Earth as well.

I give The Tiny Tree 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 7, plus adults. Reviewed by Pam L., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 35 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Who is it: Who is singing? 4 out of stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - If this doesn't cheer up your day, nothing will. I admit that I watched Who is it: Who is singing? after a long day of watching films, many of which were pretty tedious and this just perked me right up and made me giggle.

The storyline follows a lion couple who are playing musical instruments together - a wind instrument for him and an accordion for her. Unexpectedly, someone begins to sing along with them. The lion couple are very excited, and embark on a journey with their musical instruments to find the beautiful voice.

I am completely enchanted by the characters and how they are drawn. They are all so darn cute. The bird, the lion couple, frog, the penguins... -- adorable. Plus, the lions play instruments and talk to animals. The colors of this animated short are bright and cheery - yellows and reds and blues. The two main characters are a lion couple - man and wife. They play their music and travel around enchanting other animals along their way who sing and dance with them My favorite part is when they are with the penguins in the snow.

The message of this film is about observing the world around us and sharing our gift, whether music or something else, with others.

I give Who is it: Who is singing? 4 out of stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give Mimi's Good Night 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2-6, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mimi's Good Night will make you smile as you watch the transition from chaos to calm.

The storyline follows a group of young children engaged in a bit of pre-bed chaos until the mom intervenes and bedtime rituals and a calm transition to bedtime takes over.

I really like the animation style that the creator, Jackie Ross, uses. It's whimsical and fun. Her images of the children at the beginning in complete chaotic pillow fight mode are laughable. When the mom steps in and leads the children into following a little bit more regimented bedtime transition, from teeth brushing to star gazing, it makes you appreciate the value of order in our lives. The gentle background music is well utilized in this non-narrative piece, which relies on the music to enhance its mood. The message of the film is that routine leads to calmness, especially at bedtime.

I give Mimi's Good Night 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2-6, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

The message I about taking care of one another and the planet. I give Los Mussi 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This animated short is filled with positive thoughts and words, accompanied by beautiful visuals. It's a "feel good" music video really.

The storyline is about the Mussi, three protective elves that repair and monitor the well-being and balance of humans.

The animation is fun and lighthearted, like a kaleidoscope of goodness. The music track is delightful; the lyrics very positive and encouraging. At four minutes, it makes a wonderful interstitial for any KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

The message I about taking care of one another and the planet. I give Los Mussi 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Giggle Wiggle - Hot Summer Day 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Giggle Wiggle - Hot Summer Day is a cute little animated short from Poland, with English dialogue. It's refreshingly adorable.

The story is about a green gnome, Giggle Wiggle, and a little girl who engage in a constant push and pull of conflicts, but are friends all the same.

The characters are cute as can be, especially the gnome. The little girl is a kick, although I could do without her high pitched squeaky voice. The narrator, on the other hand, has a terrific voice and his narrative pulls together the whole story, as well as its lesson at the end. I love the designs of the characters - they are whimsical and fun. The storyline features how the gnome is reluctant to do anything he is unfamiliar with - starting with not wanting to go into the water. But, once he gets in, he discovers that he loves it and doesn't want to leave. Later, when the moon turns strawberries into ice cream, he doesn't want to try it because he's never had ice cream before. Who does that remind you of? Someone in your life? I can definitely relate to this.

The message of this short piece is about trying things you've never done before.

I give Giggle Wiggle - Hot Summer Day 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Space Bear Friends 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a cute show, with new episodes from a show we have featured previously. It's just as cute as ever.

The story follows Bella and Zaara as they join their classmates Sammy and Fifi and learn about the number one, the letter A and apples.

I find the characters quite charming and the 2D animation well made. The voices are cute; you can imagine these kids in real time. I like the opening showing the kids in outer space, being picked up by the Galactic School Bus. The storybook about apples is a nice inclusion, and helps deliver an educational message for its preschool audience. The background music works well with the show. It's a sweet package, all in all.

The film offers an educational experience for preschoolers in a fun and interactive way.

I give Space Bear Friends 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give Before It's Time to Say Goodnight - A Bedtime Lullaby 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Tiana S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Before It's Time to Say Goodnight - A Bedtime Lullaby is a great video for children to watch and listen to before bedtime. I love the music and the animation. Little ones will be off to sleep in no time after watching this.

The story is about Pansie the piglet who is unable to sleep. So, Fiore the Fairy comes to help her by singing her a lullaby to help her to relax.

This is a perfect short animated film that helps young children wind down for naptime or bedtime! I love listening to music at night; it always helps me go to sleep. The music stands out in this film and is very soothing. So is the voice of Fiore the Fairy (Diane Bauman). The animation really enhances the lyrics of the lullaby; it's easy to watch and follow along. Pansie the piglet seems a bit over-dressed for a pig getting ready for bed, but her outfit is certainly adorable. The sets are perfect for a child imagining where Pansie might be. The entire film is sort of a visual lullaby. The two characters are Pansie the Piglet and Fiore the Fairy; both are voiced by Diane Baumann who is also the director, writer and producer. The film is only three minutes long, so there isn't much time for character development. The only character development really is watching little Pansie the piglet fall asleep and see her dream softly flowing over her head.

The film offers a great inducement to help children learn to relax and gently fall asleep.

I give Before It's Time to Say Goodnight - A Bedtime Lullaby 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Tiana S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 3 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give To Betsy, From Santa 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 10. It will make people happy, especially those that celebrate Christmas. By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - To Betsy, From Santa is very heartwarming and gets you into the Christmas mood. It's long enough to understand, but short enough to hold your attention.

The storyline is about Mira, an elf from the North Pole, who is sent to deliver a very special present to a girl named Betsy whose present was left off the sleigh.

This is a very sweet, uplifting, feel good story. However, the beginning is a bit confusing because there is nothing that informs us about why this is all taking place. As it develops, it's easy to figure out what happened. The camerawork is pretty good, although the lighting is not good at all and most of it is very dark. It does not appear to be in high definition either. The costumes and set are very workable. Mira's elf costume is a bit under stated perhaps. The background music is Christmas music and is only present during the beginning and at the end. The strongest performance is from Madison Steiner who plays Mira. Her cheerful interpretation of an elf is very believable. Betsy's father, played by Ryan Thomas Harris, also has a good performance as you can feel how he cares for daughter, Betsy. Angelina Biron, who plays Betsy, is cute as a button although her performance is pretty bland. My biggest issue is that this film appears pretty grainy and I suspect it is not high definition, which would make it unavailable for play in theaters, but it would work for virtual screenings. My favorite part is the ending because it is very happy and heartwarming, but I can't tell you what happens.

The message is to work hard for those you care about and believe in magic.

I give To Betsy, From Santa 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 10. It will make people happy, especially those that celebrate Christmas. By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-10
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

I give Back to School During the Pandemic 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 through 12. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What is realized during the course of this animated film short, is that the viewer, whether a parent, a teacher or a child, is getting a first rate understanding about what COVID means to kids. From the very simple premise of mask wearing and hand washing, children that watch this film will integrate their disappointment with a sense of health and well being.

Back to School During the Pandemic starts showing elementary school kids in masks, counting the weeks and months to be mask-less again. The animated COVID-19 virus is shown are like little Pac-Mans, troublesome bad guys trying to get into their masks.

The director, Marie Leiner, is a science researcher who has written and produced a number of health education shorts and has made this very relevant topic cute and fun to watch, which hopefully rallies kids to be careful. The final segment also teaches kids how to breathe to relieve their stress. So if, and when, they have to wear masks again, kids will still be able to be happy and curious about life's lessons. There is no narration in this film. The groans, ooh's and ah's are the only sounds we hear. A toddler could understand this film, because the teacher teachers her lessons in incomprehensible mumbles, another cute idea. The music is appropriately timed with the ups and downs of the scenes and helps keep things moving. The animation is a bit stiff, but the content is important enough to quickly make that irrelevant. This short film could be enjoyed by any kindergarten or elementary school child.

The message of the film is that there are germs out there that we are fighting together and we'll do so using science as our guide.

I give Back to School During the Pandemic 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 through 12. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 4 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 18, but only if older people have a sense of humor. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This animated short is fantastical and fun.

The whimsical and magical comedic story follows a llama named Reginald who has dreams of flying. Will Reginald be able to take flight or is he destined to live out his life on land?

Once in a while we all need just a bit of fantasy to brighten our day and this is certainly that. Do llamas really fly? I think now; but in animation and make believe, anything is possible. And so it is with Reginald as he dances and prances across the screen, only to dream of flying while watching the birds in the sky. The music is charming, the poetry in iambic pentameter, the suspense when he jumps off the cliff is sustained and rewarded when he next appears dancing across the sky - no spoiler intended here. I love it and will probably be singing this song for the rest of the day. Da de da da...

Message - never give up on your dreams, however wild they are.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 18, but only if older people have a sense of humor. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-18
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Are you ready for a colorful, playful and interactive adventure that's both fun and educational for the whole family? Then you've got to watch the amazing Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures. In this educational animated series, you'll be inspired to create colorful and magical stories, while developing your critical thinking skills. So, buckle up and get ready for new and exciting adventures that are better than ever!

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is all about exploring Colorforms City with Charlie and his two best friends, Red and Violet. In this series, you go on eight whimsical, interactive, storytelling adventures in Colorforms City while learning about different colors, shapes and sizes. Every story Charlie and his friends create is an adventure, so you never know what's coming next because Charlie is always shaking things up! Whether Charlie's a mechanic or a chef - you're in for a real treat.

This cast is filled with so many talented actors throughout the series. Jacob Soley plays Charlie, your creative, fun companion. He connects with his character in such a way that you all will be best friends instantly. Tyler Barish plays one of Charlie's best friends, Red. He is engaging and really connects with his character. Saara Chaudry plays Violet who delivers a dynamic performance. She is my favorite character because she always looks on the bright side of things. My favorite episode is "Mystery Charlie" because someone is stealing all the color from Colorforms City! Charlie and his friends have to work together using their problem solving and critical thinking skills to solve the mystery and save the day. Oh! And I just love the animation and music. The theme song is so catchy! When you hear it you can't help but jump to your feet and dance.

The intent of this DVD is to motivate kids to learn more about colors, shapes and sizes. With Charlie's imagination leading the way, you'll be inspired to create colorful and magical stories, while developing your problem solving skills. Charlie also teaches friendship skills such as being kind, respectful, supportive and being an active listener.

I highly recommend Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures for ages 2 to 6 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. This DVD is available now so, jump to it because you've got a great story to create!

By Ella M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is a new DVD where we get to revisit our good friend Charlie who is back and more creative than ever. With new stories and new adventures, young kids will feel like they are a part of the journey too!

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is about a young boy named Charlie (Jacob Soley) who loves to go on adventures and create stories. He lives in a very vibrant and fun place called Colorforms City, where everyone is friendly and works together. In this DVD, Charlie does things he's never done before, like becoming a cowboy and having his own restaurant. Kids will learn so much as they join Charlie on his colorful journeys!

Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures is a show that will teach kids valuable lessons. I've seen previous episodes of Charlie's Colorforms City, but this new DVD has a uniqueness of its own. The main thing that sets this DVD from previous ones is the new storylines. We all know that Charlie is very fond of stories and in the episode "Sick Charlie" we see a plethora of stories in a short amount of time. That's because Charlie has a case of "story sneezing." Yup, that means every time Charlie sneezes, he is transported into another story. This is something Charlie has never experienced before, which can be a welcome adventure for fans of the show. It definitely shows off his out-of-this-world imagination. Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventure is geared towards younger audiences. Kids who are just starting school may even be watching this show, which is perfect if they want to have more practice learning about shapes, colors and using their minds to entertain themselves. Because the characters and the objects are two-dimensional, it's simpler for young kids to understand. Audiences will never be overwhelmed when watching this DVD; they'll only want more.

The message of this show is that you don't have to wait to be creative. You can be creative anytime, anyplace. No matter where Charlie is, he's thinking ingeniously and wondering what he can do next. This is very family-friendly and is perfect for parents to watch together with their young children.

I rate Charlie's Colorforms City: Fantastick Adventures 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. The DVD is available now, so make sure you check it out!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 90 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
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I give Dr. Daddy 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 16. I recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it delivers an important message of inclusivity while unveiling the harsh realities of COVID-19. It caters to a younger audience as the main actress is a young, bright child who loves making puns and telling silly jokes. Yet, it seeks to expand the perspective of the young audience by revealing the plight of her father who is suffering from COVID-19 despite his calm and kind exterior. This qualifies as an Asian American or pandemic special interest topic. Reviewed by Sahiba K., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Dr. Daddy skillfully balances a message of family and bravery with loss and suffering in only six minutes. The music and production are simple, yet are thoughtfully incorporated to let the storyline and acting shine. As I watched the ending, the message changes the light-hearted tone of the film to one of pain. The connection that I made with the main character in only a few minutes enhanced the emotional effect of the ending. Dr. Daddy has a clear goal to convey, which guides the directors, actors, writers and production team to success.

Directed, produced and written by Soeun Park, Dr. Daddy follows Carrie Lee (Kyriana Kratter), a young girl who is excited to speak to her father Henry Lee (Henry Mark) who is also a doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I like that the story is well thought out, because the ending illuminates certain scenes that seem mysterious or foreboding. For example, during an online video call, Henry mutes and goes off camera for a moment. Later, we discover Henry has COVID-19 and is trying to hide it from his daughter. Another heartbreaking scene occurs as Henry promises to make his daughter her favorite dish when he comes home, but the reality of the situation is that he might never be able to. Within six minutes, the writer masterfully designs a short film that offers a tribute to the healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19 in a subtle way. The message left me thinking about the doctor's bravery and sacrifices long after it had finished. The camera work is primarily focus on the actors' faces for most of the film. These close-ups allowed the viewer to feel deeply for the characters and their conversation, leading to an emotional bond with them. After only a few minutes, I already felt as if I understood them and their personalities. The end shot zooms out from the father and reveals that he most likely has COVID-19. As the shot backs away from him, we see that Henry is in his car on a deserted street, a worrisome image that shows how isolated he is. The cinematography escalates the emotions of the story while illuminating certain facts that convey its message. Watching the father and daughter communicate via an online video call was prominent for many families during the pandemic. Furthermore, I expected Henry to at the hospital, yet seeing him in his car depicts his struggles. It is used as a kind of "show-not-tell" to indicate what Henry is going through and is very successful in doing so. There are only two instances where background music is used - the beginning and the end. And in both cases it is well executed and appropriate to the story. The music at the start is uplifting and joyous while the music at the end is solemn. The juxtaposition between these two tones highlights the gravity of the situation, because the uplifting tone is representative of Carrie's excitement to see her father while the solemn tone is representative of Henry's worrisome future. Therefore, despite the background score's simplicity, it is used effectively to convey a deeper meaning of family and the bravery of frontline healthcare workers. Kyriana Kratter plays Carrie Lee and she grabbed my attention from the start. She rushes into the room and her excitement is easily visible. She made me curious as to why she was excited and what story I was about to enter. Kyriana continues her mastery of acting as she speaks with her father in the story, successfully exhibiting a wide range of emotions from worry to joy. Henry Mark plays Henry Lee. He also kept me engaged because it seems as if he was hiding something throughout his conversation with his daughter. He maintains a certain dignity throughout the conversation with his daughter and afterwards, his face becomes solemn. It is implied that he has COVID-19 through his terrible cough and the shift in his character is clear and well communicated. Soeun Park's clear vision and message elevates the simplicity of the acting, production, music and locations. She utilizes every aspect of the production so that it engages and elicits a thought-provoking response from the audience. Additionally, while each aspect tells us something new about the story, they are all united by a common theme that gives the film the final bang it needs to make an impact. The film begins from the perspective of Carrie Lee and thus, the music, cinematography and sets are focused on Carrie's side of the story. However, it ends from Henry's perspective and thus, the music, cinematography and sets are focused on his side of the story. The stark contrast engenders the separation of father and daughter and the comfort of their video call falls away, leaving the viewer to revisit the meaning of the call. My favorite part of the film was watching Carrie and seeing her sweet character. She feels very authentic and her puns made me quickly warm up to her.

The message is that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline healthcare workers have exhibited bravery and strength as they have left their families and risked their lives for the wellbeing of others. Since Henry, the doctor, is Asian American, the film also addresses the Asian American violence that began when COVID-19 was suspected to have originated in China.

I give Dr. Daddy 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 16. I recommend it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it delivers an important message of inclusivity while unveiling the harsh realities of COVID-19. It caters to a younger audience as the main actress is a young, bright child who loves making puns and telling silly jokes. Yet, it seeks to expand the perspective of the young audience by revealing the plight of her father who is suffering from COVID-19 despite his calm and kind exterior. This qualifies as an Asian American or pandemic special interest topic. Reviewed by Sahiba K., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this one 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The short is cute and captivating, with interesting symbolism. The animation style of My Box of Memories is extremely charming. It reminds me of a picture book or a soft pastel painting.

The story follows a girl collecting rays of sunlight to keep in her box of memories. One day, a sad memory escapes the box and she must confront this memory so she can heal.

Even though this film is aimed at younger children, it portrays a very deep and adult message. Thus, it teaches children about an important topic. Most of the animation is unremarkable, but I really like the scene where the girl is facing her traumatic memory. The backgrounds are not that unique, though the colors are nice. I like how calm the music is, and how it becomes more ominous when the sad memory is introduced. I did find that the audio level of the background music sometimes made hearing the voiceover difficult as it overshadowed it a bit. The slow pace of this film fits with the childlike aesthetic that the visuals represent. The characters do not have clear personalities and I find it difficult to address the voice-acting because it is in Spanish and I am not fluid in that language. However, the subtitles are very clear and easy to read. The art style as well as the color palette. It's very cute and appealing.

The message is that you can heal from a traumatic experience by acknowledging the pain and confronting it.

I give this one 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 6 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7. It would make a sweet addition for a youth film festival. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - What a fun little short film; a bedtime story about a fictional family of nine young bear siblings. I love how these critters are anthropomorphized by giving them a home, complete with all the accoutrements you would expect in a human home, clothing on the older family members, and relationships with their extended family.

The story is a simple one about this fictional family of bears following their interactions with the world around them throughout the seasons. We watch them interact with their siblings, their parents and their community in a charming and sweet way.

The images in this film are stunning; the opening looks like a watercolor that has come to life; the bears are adorable, and each one is suitably named. I really love the voice of the narrator, which is soothing and clear. I like how the filmmaker makes use of simple graphic enhancements to grab our attention. The storyline is easy to relate to - well, if you have 8 siblings. We observe the lives of these adorable nine bears as they wander the forest meadow, the blueberry patches, the bubbling stream, and observe all that they experience in their natural environment. The motion of the bears is perfect, as they run and jump across the forest, dance around a tree, and fall asleep at the end. The locations are delightful, from the forest, to their charming home. We watch the seasons change and the behavior of the bears change with the seasons. The guitar-strumming background music suits the film; I particularly enjoyed the ending song which left me humming along after the film ended.

What I took away from this film is the simplicity and beauty of nature, and the critters that live in it, even fictional ones.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7. It would make a sweet addition for a youth film festival. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this one 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 14. The film is educational and fun to watch; it's sure to be a hit with families across the globe! By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Clever Pranksters educates and enthralls viewers. Rich in Kazakh culture and beautifully animated, each character has its own special personality, accentuated by unique voice talent and an easy to follow plot.

In the Alatau mountains of Kazakhstan, four neighbors and friends, Maral, Bulan, Suyr and Insin are preparing for the Nauryz Festival, marking the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year. The four build an altybakan swing and are looking forward to eating special Nauryz kozhe, but Maral, Suyr and Insin's impatience nearly ruins the holiday.

I did not know much about Kazakh traditions, and this show enlightened me about how Kazakhs celebrate Nauryz. Additionally, even though the characters are animals, they show human values which makes watching the show even more fun and relatable. The animation is well executed; the shots of the friends' village in the mountains are picturesque, and the motion graphics (while not reflecting real life) are engaging as well. The characters have some exaggerated movements, but its fun for a kids' animated short. The show is set in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan, but one wouldn't necessarily know from the animation, as it could be set in any hilly area. The universality of the setting is a bit at odds with the plot, which focuses heavily on Kazakh culture. I would have appreciated a more definitively Central Asian backdrop, but it's lovely nonetheless. The sets are well animated, with some lifelike plants and houses, and other details that stretch your imagination. The background music doesn't necessarily drive the action of the film. It's a flute piece with a constant tempo throughout the film and seems like stock music. On the other hand, the title track is carefully composed by Galymzhan Sekeev and sung by Yerzet Ramazanov. It's my favorite piece of music in the film, but I wish it had subtitles. Dinara Abikeeva, Tolykn Nurbekova and Daniyar Bazarkulov are the voice actors in this film. They provide a unique dimension to each character, speaking clearly, with some unique twists depending on the character. Though the film is in Kazakh, their clear diction lines up perfectly with the closed captions, making the film an easy watch. It's evident that the producer, Bakytkyzy Moldir, and director, Dilshat Rakhmatullin, have taken the utmost care in weaving together the film. I love the final scene of the film, with the constructed altybakan and bright colorful lights gleaming as the sky darkens. It's a lovely ending that brings the plot and several themes of the film together.

The message is "haste makes wastem" as Bulan says. Also, the film promotes cultural appreciation of Nauryz and Kazakh traditions. It does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate such as when the characters are shown trying to play on a half-built swing.

I give this one 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 14. The film is educational and fun to watch; it's sure to be a hit with families across the globe! By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 7 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-15
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this one 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7. The story moves a bit slowly and is most suitable for younger kids. It promotes positive messages while being entertaining. Reviewed by Kyla C., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Tickleberry Place has adorable animation, excellent voice overs and incredible embedded education. Along with this, there are fun and meaningful songs and kid-friendly, important messages that are crystal clear. Being educational and entertaining at the same time. I'm impressed by it.

The storyline follows a few young characters baking a cake and they must take turns in order to make a delicious treat. Along the way, they learn some important life lessons; in this episode, the lesson is about patience.

The story is definitely appealing and great for young kids. However, it doesn't have much detail, so keep that in mind. The 2D animation is well executed and brightly colored. The music is definitely one of the strong points of the show; it creates a joyful environment that makes learning and understanding life messages fun. There are a couple of songs that I really liked, the first one introduces the characters and setting, later, there is one that emphasizes importance of patience. The voiceover actors are very good with lively and relatable dialogue and fun singing; all of which makes the show enjoyable.

The show addresses issues such as problem-solving, cooperation with friends and others, and more. It includes some basic math, spelling, vocabulary skills as well as life lessons such as patience.

I give this one 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7. The story moves a bit slowly and is most suitable for younger kids. It promotes positive messages while being entertaining. Reviewed by Kyla C., KIDS FIRST!
Runtime: 15 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

I give City of Ghosts 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 2 to 6. This was definitely a highlight of the New York International Film Festival and is available now on Netflix.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: TV

This title has online video!

By Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 will bring much entertainment to young dino-lovers. The animation is colorful, the storyline is full of adventures and the message is always positive.

This DVD follows the travels of four young dinosaurs named Rocky (Dylan Schombing), Bill (Nicholas Holmes), Tiny (Aine Sunderland) and Mazu (Nahanni Mitchell), who live in the Cretaceous period. Episodes include The Floating Stone, Racing Giganto, A Tiny Favor, Crying Wolfasurus, and How Giganto Got His Roar. This DVD has four hours of fun with 26 episodes.

I found the animation very appealing and really unique. It has vibrant backgrounds and a distinctive style that looks like the characters are hand drawn, but also look 3D. The voice work is very well executed. Mazu, voiced by Nahanni Mitchell, is a clever Ankylosaurus that always has a plan. Rocky, voiced by Dylan Schombing, however, just goes for it. Even his voice sounds adventurous. Aine Sunderland has a peppy and bubbly voice that fits Tiny's character perfectly. Bill, who is a shy Brachiosaurus, is voiced wonderfully by Nicholas Holmes. My favorite character is Tiny, the playful Triceratops, because she has a fun personality and I think I would be most like if I was a dinosaur in the Cretaceous period. My favorite episode is An Artist is Born, which is about Tiny's older brother finding a new passion. The award-winning series is produced by Cyber Group Studios in France and directed by Olivier Lelardoux.

There are many positive messages throughout this DVD, including the benefit of helping others and having patience, learning from trying new things and, of course, the power of teamwork and friendship.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 3 to 8. Dinosaur-lovers will really enjoy is. This DVD is available now, so look for it!

Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 is a very unique DVD, based on the TV show. It has four main characters, plus Gigantosaurus, who does not speak.

This show is about four little dinos, Rocky (Dylan Schombing), Tiny (�ine Sunderland), Bill (Nicholas Holmes) and Mazu(Nahanni Mitchell) who go on all sorts of adventures together such as frozen party and finding a flower. Gigantosarus is a dino that does not talk; he only growls and roars and is generally seen as a big, mean, scary and green dino. Once you get to know him he is not such a bad guy, but he often gets blamed for things he didn't do.

This DVD is amazing. This show has truly fascinating characters and storyline. All the voice actors are really terrific. They are all adult actors yet, in the show, they sound like kids. If you listen to them and then see what they look like in person, you would be surprised. This show has lots of cool animation. It is very clear and cool looking. The background scenes are like nothing I have seen before. All are unique to this show and include scenes that show us jungle where the dinosaurs live. The growls and roars made by the dinosaurs are really amazing. They sound like a real dinosaur made them.

The message of this show is that friendship is what matters. In the end, friends will always prevail and you can count on them for anything. If you can't, they are not real friends. You should always be able to trust your friends and rely on them.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 8. The DVD is available now, so look for it. This could also be a fun family show to watch with younger kids.

by Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 is a beautifully animated, lively and positive DVD that kids will surely enjoy! With crisp voiceovers, sweet messages and lovable characters, you'll find it difficult to tear yourself away from the screen.

The show follows the life and times of four dinosaurs - Rocky (Dylan Schombing), Bill (Nicholas Holmes), Tiny (�ine Sunderland) and Mazu (Nahanni Mitchell), who live in the adventurous Cretaceous period. And of course, the title character - Gigantosaurus. Known by the four as Giganto, this seemingly scary, yet actually kind giganotosaurus aids the four dinosaurs in their efforts. This DVD includes 26 "Dino-mite" episodes that, in total, span four hours. Episodes include "The Shortest Day," "The Best Crest," "Coco Bill" and "Patchy Sees the Light."

This DVD has some amazing, vibrant animation that goes perfectly with the tone of the episodes; that's my favorite part of the whole viewing experience. All elements are intricately drawn, including details like water droplets, nostrils and even skin texture. The voice actors show their talent in their portrayal of the various characters; you feel the emotion in the characters' voices throughout the show. When Tiny is dejected, you too feel sad. When Rocky is off on another adventure, you feel like you're along for the ride with him, and are absorbed by his happy-go-lucky tone. My favorite character is Mazu, because he's pragmatic and a great role model for kids. That's one clever Ankylosaurus! I love all the episodes, but one of my favorites is "The Best Crest," because it encourages perseverance and resourcefulness, and promotes the message that even things that seem disadvantageous have an upside.

This brings me to the values and morals that Gigantosaurus promotes. Each episode has a different focus, but courage, teamwork, friendship, perseverance, kindness and selflessness are just a few of the amazing lessons that kids are taught in this DVD.

Gigantosaurus: Season 1, Volume 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 2 to 7. This DVD is great for dino-lovers and is available now.

By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Runtime: 286 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: DVD
      Buy Here (Amazon.com)

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 2 to 18. It would make a sweet addition to a film festival for youth and families. Reviewed by Ayden P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Goldilocks and the Three Families of Bears takes a story that we have not heard in a long time and does something new with it, making the story into a song. Also, it includes three types of bears which is something the original does not do - Polar, Panda and Grizzly.

The story line is sort of a cross between Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It follows Goldilocks going to three different bears' houses, all different types of architecture, and she samples stuff in each house while they are not there like their food, beds and chairs. When they get home they notice their stuff has been used.

I like the innovative twist on the classic story here. The puppets are adorable. The camera work is quite good. The main shot that impressed me is the one of their houses - a Japanese style home, an igloo and a log cabin - where you can see both the inside and the outside. I also like how detailed the sets and the locations are. What really stands out to me about the music is that it comes from London and the singer has a British accent. The best part things about it are the music and the puppets. Gemma Storr's voice is quite wonderful.

The message is that individual actions can hurt others, like when one person destroys or uses someone else's property. The only warning is that Goldilocks does go into people's houses when they are not there, which isn't so cool.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 2 to 18. It would make a sweet addition to a film festival for youth and families. Reviewed by Ayden P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 2 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A BethJean Daydream - Gnomes Find a New Home is pretty cute and silly. I think that young children would find it enjoyable. The concept of having gnomes live in a hole in the wall is a very original idea. The rhyming words of the script add a fun element.

The storyline follows two gnomes living in a hole in the wall and want to find a new place to live. A lady starts talking about her greenhouse and the gnomes overhear her, knowing where their new home should be. They make a daring adventure towards the greenhouse, only to be greeted by the lady with welcoming arms. The two gnomes live happily ever after in the greenhouse. The problem and plot of the story promotes kindness. There is a problem that the gnomes are able to fix which involves problem solving skills. The camera work for this short film is great. I like all the different backgrounds and the combination of live action and animation. The sets and locations are bright, have fun colors, and are quite whimsical. I really enjoyed the part where the gnomes travel through the carpet. My favorite part is when the gnomes land in the greenhouse and the lady finds out she has gnomes living in her house.

The message of the film is to never give up. The gnomes do not give up, even when their adventure to the greenhouse gets difficult.

I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 5 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO

This title has online video!

By Ayden P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: CDROM
      Buy Here (Amazon.com)

This title has online video!

By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I especially love the DVD Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie because of the interactive adventures! This show promotes imagination, games, colors, shapes and much more.

The storyline is about Charlie (Jacob Soley) who takes you on a whimsical adventure while introducing colors, shapes, sizes and all you need to know about creativity. Throughout the story Charlie also introduces other friends such as Violet (Saara Chaudry) and Red (Tyler Barish). With your help, you and Charlie get to create new stories filled with imagination.

I enjoyed the fun personalities of all the characters and the way they are so inclusive. Charlie loves to interact with his friends and the viewers, which keeps the audience engaged. I also got to build new inventions and talk with Charlie. Each new shape-filled story is repetitive enough to promote fun learning. My favorite episode is the first one, "Charlie the Pancake Chef," because it involves problem solving skills. Each new short story promotes behaviors of kindness and sharing. This series is perfect for a good role modeling. The backgrounds in the show are bright and whimsical. There are many areas where one can participate and spot out shapes. I really enjoyed the catchy and bubbly introduction in each new short story. There are four segments with two short stories ranging from ten to fifteen minutes in each episode. An entire episode is around twenty minutes long. This is perfect for the intended audience. I love the way that Charlie's Colorforms City can help kids learn so much about the world around them.

I got lots of messages from the show, although the one that keeps going with the theme is to stay active and creative. I really like how this DVD is trying to encourage kids to use their imagination more. With each colorful adventure they will have loads of fun.

I give Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. I also think that this would be great for families to watch together.

Reviewed by Avery P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Are you ready for a fun filled, colorful, interactive adventure? Then you have to check out Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie In this animated series, your creative imagination will flourish. So, buckle up and get ready for a fantastic animated adventure that's both fun and educational for the whole family.

Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie is all about going on unpredictable, interactive, storytelling adventures in Colorforms City with Charlie and his best friends, Red and Violet. Every adventure is different and unique, so you never know what to expect. Charlie is always shaking things up. With Charlie's imagination leading the way, you'll be inspired to create colorful and magical stories, while developing your critical thinking skills.

The cast is filled with many talented actors. Jacob Soley (Charlie), Tyler Barish (Red) and Saara Chaudry (Violet) all connect with their characters throughout this series and deliver awesome performances. I love the colorful animation and music. Sometimes, I just jumped to my feet and start dancing. My favorite part is when Charlie uses his imagination to build a rocket ship using different shapes, sizes and colors to travel to outer space in order to send his friend home. And, I absolutely love the part, when he can't decide which pet to have; so his solution is to build one mega-super pet by using various shapes along with one trait from each animal he wants.

The intent of this DVD is to inspire kids to learn about different colors, shapes and sizes as well as work on their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Charlie also teaches friendship skills such as being kind, considerate, respectful, supportive and being an active listener. I wish I lived in Colorforms City, don't you?

I highly recommend Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie for ages 2 to 6 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. This DVD is available January 19, 2021. Look for it, you've got a great story to create!

By Ella M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

The Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie DVD is a compilation of episodes from the educational TV series that will have kids laughing and learning the whole time! It combines shapes, colors, creativity and music to entertain watchers and teach them how to problem-solve and create stories. This is a show with a lot of concepts that are easy to understand.

Charlie's Colorforms City is about Charlie, a very silly and creative friend. Charlie invented Colorforms City from his imagination. It is a city full of colors and shapes that can make anything you dream of. From making pancakes to finding the end of a rainbow, Charlie and his best friends Violet and Red go on CRAZY story quests and solve the problems that get in their way.

This series has many components that make it as good as it is - for one, the musical part. I love performing and music. Music is always around me. This show includes upbeat songs and background music. For example, the theme song is SO catchy, explains what the show is about, and, by the way, has impressive vocals. Something else I noticed with this series are the storylines. They are easy to follow and are entertaining. They're not too complex but they also get you thinking. That's a nice balance, so props to the creator, Angela Santomero, and the writers of the show. Like a lot of shows for young kids, Charlie's Colorforms City has "call and response." I love how this element is used in this show. It allows kids to be included in the story. When I was watching this I thought: "Wow! These characters sound excited!" It's all thanks to the voice actors. The actor who plays Charlie, Jacob Soley, really stands out to me. He is always enthusiastic and caught my attention immediately. My favorite episodes of this series so far are "Charlie the Pancake Chef" and "Adventure Charlie." They are intriguing and they have the best storylines. Who doesn't love pancakes and a little adventure?!

The messages of Charlie's Colorforms City are: creativity can lead you anywhere, and learning can be fun! Whenever the characters run into a problem, they use creativity and imagination to solve them. There is nothing inappropriate in this show and it is kid-friendly.

Overall, Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie is an incredible DVD for kids! With it being fun and educational, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 6. It's also a good series for parents to watch with their kids! The DVD releases nationwide January 19, 2021. Check it out, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

From the series we all know and love comes Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie. I was entertained and delighted with this spectacular DVD. Follow along with me, so I can show you how this story provides color and brightness in a time like this when we are surrounded by gray darkness.

Charlie's Colorforms City: Meet Charlie is an eight episode DVD. The episodes consist of Charlie the Pancake Chef, Rock Star Charlie, Racer Charlie, Adventurer Charlie, Starry Charlie, Birthday Charlie, Knight Charlie and Charlie's Pet. Each episode tells a fun and uplifting story about our the character, Charlie, trying new things. From adventuring to the other end of the rainbow, to eating a pancake, Charlie's stories make us smile and laugh along with him. Watch to see how Charlie and his friends use their imaginations to create their own worlds from stories.

When I watched Charlie's Colorform City: Meet Charlie, something I noticed right away was how wonderful this show can be for kids who are still learning about shapes and colors. This show teaches them about those things in a fun way, where they can use their imaginations. The show encourages creativity in a way that is different from other kids' shows. Charlie creates a city out of his imagination and the possibilities are endless. Kids should be learning from a young age that imagination is the key to following your dreams. Charlie's Colorforms City demonstrates that by making wonderful stories and taking you on his adventures. Another thing I like is the design of the show's animation. The bold colors and easy shapes of buildings such make it appeal to the target audience. For example, Charlie's whole neighborhood is filled with light blues, purples and greens. Young children will be drawn into this fabulous world of neon colors and hexagons.

The message of this show is to use your imagination to create wonderful things. Kids love to imagine things and when Charlie creates Colorforms City, he shows the audience how to put your mind to something and make it happen.

I give Charlie's Colorform City: Meet Charlie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 11. This DVD is available January 19, 2021.

By Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age, 14

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: CDROM

Bernie Dingledorf - an average kid in an average town living an average life . . . With one minor exception: Only he can save the world! Contacted by T.W.I.T., a spy agency so secret it doesn't exist, Bernie and his friends -- Lens Cap, a director who wants to win her first Oscar by 13, -- I.Q. whose A.D.D. is off the charts, and Splat, the canine eating machine - are hurled into one hilarious obstacle after another in their attempt to stop the evil genius, Dr. Chuckles, from firing his giant Giggle Cannon which will send the entire world into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is not my favorite film, but some might enjoy it more. I found the odd clown characters confusing. There are awkward moments when the humor seems unnatural. This is certainly not a film for people that have clown issues. I don't have clown issues and found it creepy.

The story follows an evil clown who tries to stop the World Peace Meeting by corrupting everyone with laughter. Dingledorf accidently eats a substance that makes him immune to the laughter and gives him and his two friends the ability to take on the unfriendly clowns and try to save the world.

My biggest issue with the film is that the plot is unclear and it jumps around from topic to topic. The cinematography is excellent from the action scenes outside to the interior shots. This is really a professionally made production. The clown costumes are interesting and well executed. Most of the movie takes place in a suburban setting. The clown property is quite imaginative. The amusement park-like structures give the sets more interest. The background music reminded me of circus music at times. It works for the odd clown characters and their antics. The special effects are not realistic, but that doesn't quite matter. I enjoyed the acting. Ryan O Quinn plays a believable evil clown. Zachary Arthur plays Secret Agent Bernie Dingledorf and, although he starts out with very little confidence, his likable personality will have viewers cheering him on as the film develops. The other supportive roles are played by three young actors, all of whom give commendable performances. My favorite scene is the one when IQ is trying to figure out the agent's tools that are left behind in the T.W.I.T bag. He has to figure out the cellphone socks, remote control, banana peel and slow motion bomb.

The message of the movie is that people can change for the better.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is not my favorite film but some might enjoy it more. I found the odd clown characters confusing. There are awkward moments when the humor seems unnatural. This is certainly not a film for people that have clown issues. I don't have clown issues and found it creepy.

The story follows an evil clown who tries to stop the World Peace Meeting by corrupting everyone with laughter. Dingledorf accidently eats a substance that makes him immune to the laughter and gives him and his two friends the ability to take on the unfriendly clowns and try to save the world.

My biggest issue with the film is that the plot is unclear and it jumps around from topic to topic. The cinematography is excellent from the action scenes outside to the interior shots. This is really a professionally made production. The clown costumes are interesting and well executed. Most of the movie takes place in a suburban setting. The clown property is quite imaginative. The amusement park-like structures give the sets more interest. The background music reminded me of circus music at times. It works for the odd clown characters and their antics. The special effects are not realistic, but that doesn't quite matter. I enjoyed the acting. Ryan O Quinn plays a believable evil clown. Zachary Arthur plays Secret Agent Bernie Dingledorf and, although he starts out with very little confidence, his likable personality will have viewers cheering him on as the film develops. The other supportive roles are played by three young actors, all of whom give commendable performances. My favorite scene is the one when IQ is trying to figure out the agent's tools that are left behind in the T.W.I.T bag. He has to figure out the cellphone socks, remote control, banana peel and slow motion bomb.

The message of the movie is that people can change for the better.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
Runtime: 92 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: -
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: VIDEO