KIDS FIRST!
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CAMILLE SHORT Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Camille, a little shy girl who feels lonely, bakes a mountain of cupcakes in order to make friends, but the situation doesn't turn out as she expected. From Mexico, No dialogue, animation KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like the stylized animation of Camille and the message, which is a good reminder to not give too much. The storyline follows Camille, who is alone at school and excluded from the other children on the playground. She makes cupcakes in an attempt to make friends, but she endangers herself in the escalating attempts to be accepted. Social isolation at school is a real issue and I admire this little girl making an attempt to step forward to be accepted. However, she goes over the top in her quest to have others like her to the point that she endangers herself and her health. The animation is very good and the kids' faces are very expressive. Background music begins rather sad and you can emphasize with Camille's sense of isolation; it gets happier when she is baking and interacting with her cat. As the film progresses we see her getting tired, overwhelmed and then frightened. The music really moves the story forward - it is critical to the film since there is no dialogue. However, Camille's face is very expressive so you can feel the emotion of Camille as well as the others. My favorite scene is when Camille comes home from school and is greeted by her cat, who is likely her best friend. The film's message is about fitting in at school, or elsewhere. Showing how Camille is taken advantage of by the other children in her search for friendship is a reminder to not over extending yourself. I give Camille 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows Camille, who is alone at school and excluded from the other children on the playground. She makes cupcakes in an attempt to make friends, but she endangers herself in the escalating attempts to be accepted. Social isolation at school is a real issue and I admire this little girl making an attempt to step forward to be accepted. However, she goes over the top in her quest to have others like her to the point that she endangers herself and her health. The animation is very good and the kids' faces are very expressive. Background music begins rather sad and you can emphasize with Camille's sense of isolation; it gets happier when she is baking and interacting with her cat. As the film progresses we see her getting tired, overwhelmed and then frightened. The music really moves the story forward - it is critical to the film since there is no dialogue. However, Camille's face is very expressive so you can feel the emotion of Camille as well as the others. My favorite scene is when Camille comes home from school and is greeted by her cat, who is likely her best friend. The film's message is about fitting in at school, or elsewhere. Showing how Camille is taken advantage of by the other children in her search for friendship is a reminder to not over extending yourself. I give Camille 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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DAN KELIN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - This is a story of a pupu kani oe (Hawaiian tree snail) named George and a tiny, yet vital, battle against extinction. Presented in shadow puppet style, the story follows Lonely George struggling to survive invasive threats as an endling, the last of his species. Deep within the forests of Hawai'i, pupu kani oe maintain a harmonious relationship with their environment, caring for the flora until invasive creatures sail in, disrupting the tiny island creatures' trusting lifestyle. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the last of his species. For more than ten lonely years, George struggles to survive, waiting for a mate. On New Year's Day, as the world celebrates a new beginning, Lonely George's wait ends, as his species comes to an end, begging the question, "How will we carry on the story of Lonely George?" KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like After The Endling! It's a wordless fable with pretty remarkable, shadow-puppet like animation. A baby snail is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. The story line is about a baby snail, the Hawaiian pupu kani oe named George, who is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. Presented in shadow puppet style, we watch George struggle to survive invasive threats to his own life. In Hawai'i, these snails have maintained a harmonious relationship with their environment, until invasive predators arrive. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the very last of his species. Great short! I love the animation, the story, and its message about the environment. This story is not particularly complex, but it's certainly relevant to our planet today, with issues of extinction and sustainability and is presented in an entertaining animation that definitely kept my attention. The animation is really, really cool; the 2-D figures that look like cut out pieces of paper traversing a flat, but colorful world are oozing with charm. The backgrounds add an enormous amount of atmosphere to the story. The background Hawaiian music complements the story well, including a haunting piece after a tragic event that really stands out. My favorite scene is the one where George is out on his own after the death of his parents. I give After The Endling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! A baby snail is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. The story line is about a baby snail, the Hawaiian pupu kani oe named George, who is left in a state of shock when both of his parents are taken from him by a formidable predator. Presented in shadow puppet style, we watch George struggle to survive invasive threats to his own life. In Hawai'i, these snails have maintained a harmonious relationship with their environment, until invasive predators arrive. Upon his parents' death, George becomes an endling, the very last of his species. Great short! I love the animation, the story, and its message about the environment. This story is not particularly complex, but it's certainly relevant to our planet today, with issues of extinction and sustainability and is presented in an entertaining animation that definitely kept my attention. The animation is really, really cool; the 2-D figures that look like cut out pieces of paper traversing a flat, but colorful world are oozing with charm. The backgrounds add an enormous amount of atmosphere to the story. The background Hawaiian music complements the story well, including a haunting piece after a tragic event that really stands out. My favorite scene is the one where George is out on his own after the death of his parents. I give After The Endling 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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MARY HAWKINS Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Description - I love working with type and I started making this set of hand-drawn, animated letters representing New York City's subway lines as a love letter to NYC. I've pulled the imagery from the neighborhoods that our trains move through, used common items in the subway as textures, and found shapes in the architecture and sights around us as we get where we're going. I've been drawing these on the trains, and other subway riders have peered over my shoulder as I work and started conversations with me about the lines they take to live, play and work and the communities we move through. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The animated short, Love Letters For The Subway, clearly tells a compelling and interesting story about NYC subways, with great background music and flawless animation. In her animated film Love Letters for the Subway, Mary Hawkins uses hand-drawn letters to represent New York City's subway lines. The images in the film are inspired by the architecture, geography, and everyday life of the neighborhoods through which the trains run. The clever concept and great visuals of Love Letters for the Subway are perfectly suited to the New York City subway system. Each letter or number tells a story, from the Ferris wheel to the protest signs, buildings, staircases, subway pillars, flowers, the pond with ducks, and subway rails. I had to watch the film multiple times to appreciate all of its nuances. The background music by Carlos Dengler is also well-suited to the film, giving it a sense of motion and excitement. Love Letters for the Subway is a love letter to New York City and its inhabitants. The film captures the richness and diversity of life in the city, from the hustle and bustle of the subway to the quiet moments of reflection in Central Park. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the city that we call home. I give Love Letters for the Subway 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! In her animated film Love Letters for the Subway, Mary Hawkins uses hand-drawn letters to represent New York City's subway lines. The images in the film are inspired by the architecture, geography, and everyday life of the neighborhoods through which the trains run. The clever concept and great visuals of Love Letters for the Subway are perfectly suited to the New York City subway system. Each letter or number tells a story, from the Ferris wheel to the protest signs, buildings, staircases, subway pillars, flowers, the pond with ducks, and subway rails. I had to watch the film multiple times to appreciate all of its nuances. The background music by Carlos Dengler is also well-suited to the film, giving it a sense of motion and excitement. Love Letters for the Subway is a love letter to New York City and its inhabitants. The film captures the richness and diversity of life in the city, from the hustle and bustle of the subway to the quiet moments of reflection in Central Park. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the city that we call home. I give Love Letters for the Subway 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 through 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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TECA E TUTI Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - The tiny clothes moth Teca lives with her family and pet dust mite in a sewing box. What they love most is to eat paper, but when Teca learns to read, she notices that books cannot be eaten; after all, they keep stories that she loves. Committed to solving a great mystery, Teca and Tuti part towards the library, searching for the most important story of their life. From Brazil; Dialogue in Portuguese, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really enjoyed watching Teca & Tuti: A Night at the Library. It has a wonderful family-friendly storyline and a strong message about the importance of reading. The storyline is about a moth named Teca (Luy Campos) and her little pet Tuti (Hugo Picchi) who understand the importance of reading instead of eating a book. I love the story line because it shows the importance of reading and talks about how kids are forgetting to read daily. This film is a combination of animation and live-action. Both are done perfectly --I love how the camera shows the scenery of the city during the live-action parts and in the animation we always get a perfect angle of the characters. For example when Teca turns to a book character the quality of the animation is on point. The costumes are perfect. Teca has a great outfit and always appears with a bow on her antenna. The locations for the live-action are great and the backgrounds of the animation are very well done. The music follows the story line perfectly. Every scene when Teca or another character has a strong feeling the music fits their mood quite well. Zico (Micael Gomes Matos) and his Grandmother (Nelma Nunes) love to read every night and Teca learns how to read and appreciate a book by listening to its story. The Directors Eduardo Perdido, Tiago M. A. Lima, Diego M. Doimo made an amazing film with a very compelling storyline and message to all. My favorite part is when Teca meets her mother. The film's message is that we all should go more to the library and read constantly. I give Teca & Tuti: A Night at the Library 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! The storyline is about a moth named Teca (Luy Campos) and her little pet Tuti (Hugo Picchi) who understand the importance of reading instead of eating a book. I love the story line because it shows the importance of reading and talks about how kids are forgetting to read daily. This film is a combination of animation and live-action. Both are done perfectly --I love how the camera shows the scenery of the city during the live-action parts and in the animation we always get a perfect angle of the characters. For example when Teca turns to a book character the quality of the animation is on point. The costumes are perfect. Teca has a great outfit and always appears with a bow on her antenna. The locations for the live-action are great and the backgrounds of the animation are very well done. The music follows the story line perfectly. Every scene when Teca or another character has a strong feeling the music fits their mood quite well. Zico (Micael Gomes Matos) and his Grandmother (Nelma Nunes) love to read every night and Teca learns how to read and appreciate a book by listening to its story. The Directors Eduardo Perdido, Tiago M. A. Lima, Diego M. Doimo made an amazing film with a very compelling storyline and message to all. My favorite part is when Teca meets her mother. The film's message is that we all should go more to the library and read constantly. I give Teca & Tuti: A Night at the Library 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8, plus adults. By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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JULIETTA ZAMORA LAM Series: COLLEGE STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - A 3D Animated Short film in which a young girl learns to shed her guilt about her absent father. This student short film features an experimental flat character in a 3D environment with a toony rendered look. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A Trace is my new favorite film of the day. Beautifully animated and addressing a difficult topic of absentee fathers - or parents. The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom. Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration. The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life. I give A Trace 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a little girl whose father has left the family and her feelings about that. Ultimately, she is able to let go of him and realize that her family is herself and her mom. Great animation. Beautiful rendered. I love how the little girl is created and the backgrounds are also quite wonderful. But, the focus here really is on the storyline, which is told amazingly well, without narration. The film's message is about being able to let go and move on when someone walks out of your life. I give A Trace 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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LORA BATCHELOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Series: MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - This is an animation film made with crayons. It is inspired by Cinderella. Middle School student film. Animation KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Crayonerella is a fun twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, featuring crayons as characters. The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons. The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film. This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings. I give Crayonerella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The middle student-made animated film is inspired by the Cinderella story and told with crayons. The narrator, Elia Defore, is really good; I enjoyed listening to her tell the story. She is also the writer, director, producer and cinematographer. The camera work is pretty good - all the images are clear. I like the ending, when a human hand comes onto the screen to turn the page and close the book. The backgrounds are very basic - white! The audio is very good; it's nice and clear. I particularly enjoyed the voice inflection by the narrator. I love the ending where Elia Defore tells what inspired her to create this short film. This film reminds me how creativity and imagination are blessings. I give Crayonerella 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Selene W., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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TARA STRICKLAND Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5 -12 Topic - Description - As society races faster and louder towards modernity, Gorjuss is a nostalgic reminder of the human psyche; a gentle nod to our childhood courage, hidden insecurities and innermost thoughts. 'Little Luna' is the very first Gorjuss girl to be brought to life. She manifests an inspiring narrative for us all, encouraging girls everywhere to defy expectations. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a lovely short fantasy animation this is. Perfect for letting your imagination wander. The story follows a little girl, Little Luna, as she explores her imagination and travels to a host of magical places. This short is part of the Gorjuss Anthology, which is a series of bedtime stories for children using the image of a Gorjuss doll. The film's animation is stunningly beautiful. Luna is so cute you relish her every movement and the narration, in iambic pentameter suits her so darn well. The background music is quite lovely although it often overshadows the narration, making it difficult to understand what is being said. The images of Luna's fantasy are spectacular - outer space, dancing, dreaming, discovering worlds beyond our own and finding a star in her pocket, a string from a magical moonbeam. She dreams so big that she makes them come true. The film's message is to dream big and allow your fantasies to materialize in whatever way possible - be it real or make believe. I give Little Luna 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a little girl, Little Luna, as she explores her imagination and travels to a host of magical places. This short is part of the Gorjuss Anthology, which is a series of bedtime stories for children using the image of a Gorjuss doll. The film's animation is stunningly beautiful. Luna is so cute you relish her every movement and the narration, in iambic pentameter suits her so darn well. The background music is quite lovely although it often overshadows the narration, making it difficult to understand what is being said. The images of Luna's fantasy are spectacular - outer space, dancing, dreaming, discovering worlds beyond our own and finding a star in her pocket, a string from a magical moonbeam. She dreams so big that she makes them come true. The film's message is to dream big and allow your fantasies to materialize in whatever way possible - be it real or make believe. I give Little Luna 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for age 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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DARREN PAUL FISHER Series: ELEMENTARY STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Eight-year-old Miles loves the idea of swearing, but wants to investigate people's attitudes to using 'bad' language. He has a big question to ask: should children be allowed to swear? KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This documentary is part fun and part serious. The young filmmaker (elementary school) take a serious look at whether or not children should be allowed to swear. The many interviews with adults and kids are insightful and well shot, for the most part. The outdoor scene lacks a windscreen so the audio is distorted. But, for the most part it is well made. I admire this young man for taking this on and giving it a thorough overview. There are no hard and fast conclusions. He ends with, "what do you think." The film's message is about whether or not kids should be allowed to swear. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Marissa S. The young filmmaker (elementary school) take a serious look at whether or not children should be allowed to swear. The many interviews with adults and kids are insightful and well shot, for the most part. The outdoor scene lacks a windscreen so the audio is distorted. But, for the most part it is well made. I admire this young man for taking this on and giving it a thorough overview. There are no hard and fast conclusions. He ends with, "what do you think." The film's message is about whether or not kids should be allowed to swear. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Marissa S. KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SHIHYUN WANG Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - A Korean man vowed to be a Kungfu master before proposing to his dream girl. However, he had a second thought after going through meditation for love. From Korea, Dialogue in English KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Warrior Intern's Quest for Love tells a story of devotion and love. The storyline follows a Korean man who vowed to be a Kungfu master before proposing to the woman he loves and then has a second thought after meditating. This is pretty well produced, although the parts where the man is talking with the Kungfu master outdoors suffers from not having a windscreen on the microphone so there is a lot of audio distortion. The blend of animation with live action is well done. The film's message is to be true to yourself. I give Warrior Intern's Quest for Love 3,5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a Korean man who vowed to be a Kungfu master before proposing to the woman he loves and then has a second thought after meditating. This is pretty well produced, although the parts where the man is talking with the Kungfu master outdoors suffers from not having a windscreen on the microphone so there is a lot of audio distortion. The blend of animation with live action is well done. The film's message is to be true to yourself. I give Warrior Intern's Quest for Love 3,5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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BLANCA PICTURES Series: FOREIGN ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - When it turns out that Vanilla is behind in the monthly courier ratings he takes a delivery to The Tundara, a dangerous icy desert populated by the "savagelings" in hopes of getting ahead in the ratings. But at the last minute gets scared and grabs a different package. Ginji sets out to help Vanilla and encounters all kinds of adventures on the way. From Cyprus, English dialogue KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Another wonderful and lively episode of The Savagelings: Ginji Series. This series, filmed in Armenia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, United States, and directed by Slava Ushakov delivers a beautifully produced animated show that just wows me! This episode takes our protagonist, Vanilla to the Tundara in hopes of improving her rating as a courier. Ginji accompanies her and the adventure escalates from there. I am totally enchanted by the animation in this show. It is everything that great animation should be - unique characters, great movement, great backgrounds... and a fun storyline. Vanilla's way of moving through the world is commendable as she always leads with kindness, even when those around her are less so. Her innocence is partly why we love her so much. And her backpack Ginji is equally awesome. I love how it turns into a flying machine. It's crazy and wacky and fun. Vanilla reminds us that kindness matters and helps you navigate the world better than anything else. I give The Savagelings: Ginji series, Episode 7 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This series, filmed in Armenia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, United States, and directed by Slava Ushakov delivers a beautifully produced animated show that just wows me! This episode takes our protagonist, Vanilla to the Tundara in hopes of improving her rating as a courier. Ginji accompanies her and the adventure escalates from there. I am totally enchanted by the animation in this show. It is everything that great animation should be - unique characters, great movement, great backgrounds... and a fun storyline. Vanilla's way of moving through the world is commendable as she always leads with kindness, even when those around her are less so. Her innocence is partly why we love her so much. And her backpack Ginji is equally awesome. I love how it turns into a flying machine. It's crazy and wacky and fun. Vanilla reminds us that kindness matters and helps you navigate the world better than anything else. I give The Savagelings: Ginji series, Episode 7 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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WEI HUNTER Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Chinese American kids grow up torn between two cultures and don't always understand the importance of their heritage, but learning Chinese helps them connect with the past, grow in the present, and set the stage for their future success. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - All You've Got gives us insight into a mixed cultural family dealing with teaching their child the father's native Chinese language. The story follows a young boy whose dad is Chinese and mother is American. The dad wants him to learn Chinese and thinks it will help connect him with his past and help him in the future. The boy resists until the Dad finds a way to motivate him. Bribery always works with kids and, in this case, definitely makes an impact. This is a well produced short film with a simple message and is relevant not only to Chinese Americans but any mixed cultural family. The camerawork is good, so is the audio and the acting is spot on. Nothing is too dramatically unique here, it's just a good short film with a simple message. The film's message is about the importance for bi-cultural children to be taught the native language and culture of both sides of their family. I give All You've Got 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows a young boy whose dad is Chinese and mother is American. The dad wants him to learn Chinese and thinks it will help connect him with his past and help him in the future. The boy resists until the Dad finds a way to motivate him. Bribery always works with kids and, in this case, definitely makes an impact. This is a well produced short film with a simple message and is relevant not only to Chinese Americans but any mixed cultural family. The camerawork is good, so is the audio and the acting is spot on. Nothing is too dramatically unique here, it's just a good short film with a simple message. The film's message is about the importance for bi-cultural children to be taught the native language and culture of both sides of their family. I give All You've Got 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SARA KEY Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5 -12 Topic - Description - Molly, soon 9, wishes for a Barbie doll for her Birthday . Her parents are having a good time, and she too wishes to grow up! She wants to have a Barbie doll so she can dress her with clothes and shoes just like her mothers. Molly's brother Peter is a nuisance and he is always trying to sneak into her room to try to steal her stored candy that she is keeping in a jar. Birthday comes with a surprise she has to deal with, in her own way, in the manner of the calm days of 1970�s. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The cinematography in Skip Her is beautiful, but the storyline is really unclear. If I hadn't read the synopsis, I wouldn't have understood what was going on. There is very little dialogue, which is fine as the action mostly describes what is transpiring. However, the one thing that is unclear to me is understanding why the parents don't feel that Molly is not old enough to have a Barbie. The background music is great and represents Molly's emotions, but doesn't help us connect to her. The story follows Molly (Lilou Traista), who wishes for a Barbie doll for her ninth Birthday. She is seen oogling over them at the shop where they are sold and clearly keen on having a Barbie of her own. The story is about how Molly handles her disappointment when her parents give her a Skipper doll instead of a Barbie. It's a challenge to understand what is really going on between the family members in this film, particularly with Molly's parents. I can't relate to the idea that a 9-year-old girl is not ready to play with a Barbie doll since many girls much earlier than age 9 do, so that premise is completely lost on me. The cinematography by Niklas Ribbarp is really beautiful. I love the lakeside scene where everything is grayscale except for one woman, I imagine it is her mother, who is wearing a bright red skirt. The cinematography really evokes the 1970s timeframe and emotions typical of that era. The costumes definitely are reminiscent of the 1970s and take us backwards in time. The background music by Arnaud Drieu is beautiful and somewhat melancholy. It is a beautiful score and perhaps is supposed to depict the sadness of Molly's situation. I definitely didn't feel the joy and anticipation that a young girl would have for an upcoming birthday. And, Molly's pesky brother's (Albin Goq) behavior doesn't seem to relate to the overall purpose of the story. There is not much character development shown in Molly, which makes it difficult for me to connect with her character, although I do appreciate her decision at the end to put the doll that she has no use for into a jar - presumably to never be played with. That is when Molly takes control of her situation. Sara Key is the writer, director and costume designer. I really like the costumes and feel they are one of the strengths of the film - they really take you back to the time period. My favorite scene is the introduction which shows all the period Barbie dolls and sets the nostalgic scene and feeling. The film's message is about managing disappointment and I do love how Molly does that in the ending scene. I give Skip Her 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Selene W. and Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The story follows Molly (Lilou Traista), who wishes for a Barbie doll for her ninth Birthday. She is seen oogling over them at the shop where they are sold and clearly keen on having a Barbie of her own. The story is about how Molly handles her disappointment when her parents give her a Skipper doll instead of a Barbie. It's a challenge to understand what is really going on between the family members in this film, particularly with Molly's parents. I can't relate to the idea that a 9-year-old girl is not ready to play with a Barbie doll since many girls much earlier than age 9 do, so that premise is completely lost on me. The cinematography by Niklas Ribbarp is really beautiful. I love the lakeside scene where everything is grayscale except for one woman, I imagine it is her mother, who is wearing a bright red skirt. The cinematography really evokes the 1970s timeframe and emotions typical of that era. The costumes definitely are reminiscent of the 1970s and take us backwards in time. The background music by Arnaud Drieu is beautiful and somewhat melancholy. It is a beautiful score and perhaps is supposed to depict the sadness of Molly's situation. I definitely didn't feel the joy and anticipation that a young girl would have for an upcoming birthday. And, Molly's pesky brother's (Albin Goq) behavior doesn't seem to relate to the overall purpose of the story. There is not much character development shown in Molly, which makes it difficult for me to connect with her character, although I do appreciate her decision at the end to put the doll that she has no use for into a jar - presumably to never be played with. That is when Molly takes control of her situation. Sara Key is the writer, director and costume designer. I really like the costumes and feel they are one of the strengths of the film - they really take you back to the time period. My favorite scene is the introduction which shows all the period Barbie dolls and sets the nostalgic scene and feeling. The film's message is about managing disappointment and I do love how Molly does that in the ending scene. I give Skip Her 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Selene W. and Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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DANA LEIGH SNYDER (NORA 6592) Series: STUDENT SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - "It all began at Donut World. Just a regular donut shop in a regular town. But if you're a day old donut, you get to go to the real Donut World." A stop-motion animation created by 5 to 7-year-olds. Part of Urban Wildlife Arts Animated Storytelling class at Village Community School in Manhattan, NY. Winter 2023. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Donut World is an absolute delight. This is so cute I could gobble it all up - pun intended! The premise of day-old donuts discovering a magical world is incredibly endearing, striking the perfect balance between whimsy and imagination. This stop-motion animation was created by 5 to 7-year-olds, which is rather remarkable and shows how their creativity brings fantastical ideas to life. Donut World follows heroic donuts in a whimsical town battling evil Vamp Jelly to save their community. I love this film's endearing storyline, youthful creativity, and upbeat themes. The simplicity of the animation and its heartfelt message about teamwork make it appropriate for young audiences. The stop-motion animation with the concept of donuts entering a magical world is unique and captivating. The emphasis of unity, friendship, and collaboration is a strong point. Using artwork by young children adds an adorable and authentic touch to the film. The innocence and imaginative qualities of their creations enhance the overall charm of the story. The characters' costumes align well with the storyline's whimsical nature that resonates with the film's magical theme. The characters spring to life and evoke empathy and relatability. It even has a villain, Vamp Jelly - which bodes well for creating conflict resolution. The sets and backgrounds in seamlessly blend with the narrative, crafting a captivating visual realm that enriches the storytelling. Bursting with vibrant and imaginative details, they transport viewers to the fantastical realm of the day-old donuts' adventures. The background music and sound effects exhibit a simplicity that suits a younger audience. I especially like the song at the end, which plays under the credits - it's upbeat and fun, with great lyrics and left me singing it afterwards! Donut World's charm lies in its handcrafted approach, which adds authenticity and a sense of creative innocence. While the film may not have intricate visual effects, its endearing and imaginative qualities stand out and works for its intended audience, making it a remarkable showcase of youthful creativity. My favorite part is when they capture Vamp Jelly and send him off. The donuts' triumphant unity, resourceful plan, and satisfying resolution showcase the film's heartwarming message of teamwork and creativity. The film's message revolves around the power of teamwork. Through the unity of diverse characters - the donuts - the film highlights the strength that emerges when individuals collaborate, utilizing their unique talents to overcome challenges. I give Donut World 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Hanadie K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Donut World follows heroic donuts in a whimsical town battling evil Vamp Jelly to save their community. I love this film's endearing storyline, youthful creativity, and upbeat themes. The simplicity of the animation and its heartfelt message about teamwork make it appropriate for young audiences. The stop-motion animation with the concept of donuts entering a magical world is unique and captivating. The emphasis of unity, friendship, and collaboration is a strong point. Using artwork by young children adds an adorable and authentic touch to the film. The innocence and imaginative qualities of their creations enhance the overall charm of the story. The characters' costumes align well with the storyline's whimsical nature that resonates with the film's magical theme. The characters spring to life and evoke empathy and relatability. It even has a villain, Vamp Jelly - which bodes well for creating conflict resolution. The sets and backgrounds in seamlessly blend with the narrative, crafting a captivating visual realm that enriches the storytelling. Bursting with vibrant and imaginative details, they transport viewers to the fantastical realm of the day-old donuts' adventures. The background music and sound effects exhibit a simplicity that suits a younger audience. I especially like the song at the end, which plays under the credits - it's upbeat and fun, with great lyrics and left me singing it afterwards! Donut World's charm lies in its handcrafted approach, which adds authenticity and a sense of creative innocence. While the film may not have intricate visual effects, its endearing and imaginative qualities stand out and works for its intended audience, making it a remarkable showcase of youthful creativity. My favorite part is when they capture Vamp Jelly and send him off. The donuts' triumphant unity, resourceful plan, and satisfying resolution showcase the film's heartwarming message of teamwork and creativity. The film's message revolves around the power of teamwork. Through the unity of diverse characters - the donuts - the film highlights the strength that emerges when individuals collaborate, utilizing their unique talents to overcome challenges. I give Donut World 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Hanadie K. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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AVERY ROUDA Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - This is a story about a girl finding her place in the world, personified through a cactus who judges herself and compares her truth to the Poppy flowers around her. When the Sun comes out to remind the Cactus how to open her heart and trust in her own unique soul's expression, this little prickly cactus finally learns the power of self-love, softening the walls around her heart so she can BLOOM IN. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sweet film with a sweet message. This storyline follows a cactus who is concerned that she hasn't bloomed, when all the poppies around her have. She is reminded by the sun that she will bloom when the time is right. And it happens. Love the animation. Very bright and colorful. Nice VoiceOver voices. Great message. The film's message is that we all bloom at different times, depending on when we are ready to. I give Bloom In 3.5 out of 5 stars an recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! This storyline follows a cactus who is concerned that she hasn't bloomed, when all the poppies around her have. She is reminded by the sun that she will bloom when the time is right. And it happens. Love the animation. Very bright and colorful. Nice VoiceOver voices. Great message. The film's message is that we all bloom at different times, depending on when we are ready to. I give Bloom In 3.5 out of 5 stars an recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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CHASE STEWART Series: INDIE SHORT AGES 2-5 Topic - Description - "Learning with Remy Raystar" is a captivating and meticulously crafted TV show designed to captivate young minds and take them on a thrilling educational journey. The show revolves around an entertaining alien captain named Remy Raystar, who, alongside his friends AID, the Artificial Intelligence Device, and Clay, the Robot, embarks on a mission to teach kids from across the universe about Earth and its wonders. The pilot episode offers a delightful exploration of the English alphabet through song, games, and jokes, engaging young viewers in an immersive learning experience. On this transmission, Captain Remy Raystar teaches kids about the English Alphabet! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Interesting take on introducing the alphabet to preschoolers. This is a TV show starring Remy Raystar, who, with his buddies, embarks on a mission to teach kids from across the universe about Earth and its wonders. The show offers uses songs, games, and jokes to engage young viewers in an immersive learning experience. In this episode, Captain Remy Raystar teaches kids about the English alphabet. Pretty well produced. There are some inconsistencies in the lighting, but the overall experience is good. Remy Raystar makes an interesting host, with his Google-looking glasses. I can't help but wonder what he is seeing the entire time. The letters are introduced one at a time, by Remy or one of the other characters. There are songs to sing and silly jokes that you can share. The film's intent is to teach preschoolers the English alphabet. I give Learning with Remy Raystar - ABC 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! This is a TV show starring Remy Raystar, who, with his buddies, embarks on a mission to teach kids from across the universe about Earth and its wonders. The show offers uses songs, games, and jokes to engage young viewers in an immersive learning experience. In this episode, Captain Remy Raystar teaches kids about the English alphabet. Pretty well produced. There are some inconsistencies in the lighting, but the overall experience is good. Remy Raystar makes an interesting host, with his Google-looking glasses. I can't help but wonder what he is seeing the entire time. The letters are introduced one at a time, by Remy or one of the other characters. There are songs to sing and silly jokes that you can share. The film's intent is to teach preschoolers the English alphabet. I give Learning with Remy Raystar - ABC 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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HALBE PITER CLAUS Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - When a magical comb falls into the hands of the helpful barber's son Bartele, not only does the hair of his customers grow, but also his father's greed accelerates, until a sorceress comes to Bartele's aid. Bartele is a boy who always and everywhere finds all sorts of items and stashes them in his trouser pocket (buse). He has amassed a whole collection of objects under his bed. At home, they consider his finds to be nothing more than dirty junk. But Bartele pays no mind to this. With every discovery, a magical world unfolds that completely captivates both Bartele and his family. Bartele Buse - The Comb of Miss Lize is the first part of a series of short films based on the European award-winning Frisian children's book Bartele Buse. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is fun and magical. Well made. When a magical comb falls into the hands of the barber's son Bartele, not only does the hair of his customers grow, but also his father's greed accelerates, until a sorceress comes to Bartele's aid. Beautifully shot - excellent video and audio. Good story. I'm a fan of fairy tales and this has the feeling of one, starting with the story of Miss Lize and Bartele finding the magic comb. When the bald guy has hair down to his shoulders, it's a kick! Then dad comes on way too strong, filled with greed and not wanting to stop. Meanwhile, Bartele is reaching out to kids who are bald from cancer or illness. Fortunately a sorceress shows up just in time. The film's message is about believing in magic, but keeping the lid on it. I give Bartele Buse - Miss Lize's Comb 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! When a magical comb falls into the hands of the barber's son Bartele, not only does the hair of his customers grow, but also his father's greed accelerates, until a sorceress comes to Bartele's aid. Beautifully shot - excellent video and audio. Good story. I'm a fan of fairy tales and this has the feeling of one, starting with the story of Miss Lize and Bartele finding the magic comb. When the bald guy has hair down to his shoulders, it's a kick! Then dad comes on way too strong, filled with greed and not wanting to stop. Meanwhile, Bartele is reaching out to kids who are bald from cancer or illness. Fortunately a sorceress shows up just in time. The film's message is about believing in magic, but keeping the lid on it. I give Bartele Buse - Miss Lize's Comb 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JEREMY SLADDIN Series: FOREIGN ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Described by its director Jeremy Sladdin as "not your normal bedtime story", UNDER THE BED is a cheeky short with a spooky twist that is sure to appeal to kids (and big kids!) everywhere. Told entirely in verse, this one minute film explores the age old question of what might be lurking in the dark when the bedroom light goes out. Its distinctive visual style brings together traditional hand drawn animation, miniatures and modern digital techniques. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I love the short animated film, Under The Bed. The story is entertaining and I love the unforeseen surprise ending. The storyline follows a little boy who is scared of what lurks under his bed, but when he asks his parents to check and turn off the light... The story is entertaining and relatable -- from the fear of what is under his bed to the common "there's nothing there" response from the parents. The animation style is cartoony with the thick lines and soft colors. I also enjoy the animated life like objects such as the boy's bed and toys in the background. The boy's attire is a classic blue button-up collared pajama top, which makes it easy for kids to relate to because most kids have seen PJ's like this before. The setting in the boy's bedroom is wonderfully simple as it keeps the viewer engaged on the narrator. The background music is very non-intrusive. The squeaking of the cupboard door leaves the viewer full of anticipation. It is clear that there is an anxious boy in the bed. The quick editing and the narrator's last lines really add to the overall impact of the film. The final few seconds showing the boy's reaction and the cupboard mysteriously opening will stick with me long after this review is over. The film's message is that parents don't always make things better. I give Under The Bed 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Madeleine K., KIDS FIRST! The storyline follows a little boy who is scared of what lurks under his bed, but when he asks his parents to check and turn off the light... The story is entertaining and relatable -- from the fear of what is under his bed to the common "there's nothing there" response from the parents. The animation style is cartoony with the thick lines and soft colors. I also enjoy the animated life like objects such as the boy's bed and toys in the background. The boy's attire is a classic blue button-up collared pajama top, which makes it easy for kids to relate to because most kids have seen PJ's like this before. The setting in the boy's bedroom is wonderfully simple as it keeps the viewer engaged on the narrator. The background music is very non-intrusive. The squeaking of the cupboard door leaves the viewer full of anticipation. It is clear that there is an anxious boy in the bed. The quick editing and the narrator's last lines really add to the overall impact of the film. The final few seconds showing the boy's reaction and the cupboard mysteriously opening will stick with me long after this review is over. The film's message is that parents don't always make things better. I give Under The Bed 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Madeleine K., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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WILL KIM Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-18 Topic - Description - Remembering the filmmaker's grandfather who was a blind man and walking weather forecast, Will Kim interviews ocean experts and brings his perspective on the impact of climate change and ocean warming. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I loved Disappearing Jewels enough to watch it twice, that's how much I marveled at it! Choosing to do the animation as a series of flowing watercolor illustrations underpins the subject of consequences to marine life as a result of augmented patterns of warming weather amplified by human patterns of behavior. The narrator briefly introduces his subject matter by opening with a description of his grandfather, and then he removes himself to let the story tell itself through his artful presentation of scientific material gathered from experts in the arena of marine climate...nothing preachy, just objective data analysis coupled with a sincere passion for sea life, and life on this planet in general. Most importantly, this piece not only presents a clear view of consequences, but also offers solutions -- small things every person can contribute, as well as using our collective economic and political power to effect change now before things worsen. The narrator, Will Kim, introduces the audience to his blind grandfather, who had an uncannily accurate understanding of worsening weather patterns, and then weaves together testimony of scientific experts to explain consequences on marine life and our future relationship it. The science is not dumbed down in any way; rather, the experts explain facts in a non-condescending way that kids can get a sense of, even if they are on the younger end of the scale. The watercolor visuals and their graceful flow is stunning, enchanting, and invites the audience to swim along in the presentation. It is truly gorgeous and breathtaking. The instrumental music, mostly Korean style, calls attention to the story rather than to itself, and is aesthetically integrated. The speakers let their sincere concern and expertise shine when presenting their knowledge. The narrator steps out of the limelight and lets their content prevail. The opening and closing scenes function like a necklace that is opened and then clasped -- we learn about the narrator's grandfather to set the opening scene, and then we see the narrator standing on the beach, wishing that his grandfather could be there to "see" how much he has learned from him. In a beautiful way, his grandfather is also a "disappearing jewel." There's a deeply embedded motif of blindness and sightedness in this film. It starts with one expert saying how much she loves cuttlefish because they are colorblind yet change colors expertly to match their environment. There are multitudes of subtle references to things so small they can barely be seen but have an enormous effect on the largest creatures and populations on earth. It invites the audience to see things as they are, not to be intentionally blind to what we have done to damage the environment. Near the end, one expert invites the audience to go outside, to feel and see beautiful things small and large for themselves. This would be glorious on the big screen; it would feel like you are in the ocean among all the moving watercolor images. The film's message is to adjust our vision to 20/20 perspective of where we are in relationship to climate change and do what we can to practice good stewardship of our Earth. I give Disappearing Jewels 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It provides an opening for kids and adults to talk with each other about what they've learned, and what they might want to do with that knowledge. By Debra L., KIDS FIRST! The narrator, Will Kim, introduces the audience to his blind grandfather, who had an uncannily accurate understanding of worsening weather patterns, and then weaves together testimony of scientific experts to explain consequences on marine life and our future relationship it. The science is not dumbed down in any way; rather, the experts explain facts in a non-condescending way that kids can get a sense of, even if they are on the younger end of the scale. The watercolor visuals and their graceful flow is stunning, enchanting, and invites the audience to swim along in the presentation. It is truly gorgeous and breathtaking. The instrumental music, mostly Korean style, calls attention to the story rather than to itself, and is aesthetically integrated. The speakers let their sincere concern and expertise shine when presenting their knowledge. The narrator steps out of the limelight and lets their content prevail. The opening and closing scenes function like a necklace that is opened and then clasped -- we learn about the narrator's grandfather to set the opening scene, and then we see the narrator standing on the beach, wishing that his grandfather could be there to "see" how much he has learned from him. In a beautiful way, his grandfather is also a "disappearing jewel." There's a deeply embedded motif of blindness and sightedness in this film. It starts with one expert saying how much she loves cuttlefish because they are colorblind yet change colors expertly to match their environment. There are multitudes of subtle references to things so small they can barely be seen but have an enormous effect on the largest creatures and populations on earth. It invites the audience to see things as they are, not to be intentionally blind to what we have done to damage the environment. Near the end, one expert invites the audience to go outside, to feel and see beautiful things small and large for themselves. This would be glorious on the big screen; it would feel like you are in the ocean among all the moving watercolor images. The film's message is to adjust our vision to 20/20 perspective of where we are in relationship to climate change and do what we can to practice good stewardship of our Earth. I give Disappearing Jewels 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It provides an opening for kids and adults to talk with each other about what they've learned, and what they might want to do with that knowledge. By Debra L., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JOHN BLOCK Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Michael dreams about his favorite dessert as he anticipates his 12th birthday party. His powerful imaginings, coupled with a sprinkling of his grandmother's creepy fairy dust, send him and his friends on a perilous, but wacky adventure. The entanglement also cuts Michael's hectoring little brother down to proper size, and finally bridges the divide between the fractious siblings. Told from the point of view of an adult looking back on his childhood, Brownies in the Dark is written and co-directed by 12-year-old Anthony De Jesus Block. His grandfather co-directs. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is the epitome of what you might call a family film, as it's made by a family and retells the story of Grandpa's 12th birthday. Michael dreams about his favorite dessert as he anticipates his 12th birthday party. His powerful imaginings, coupled with his grandmother's fairy dust, send him and his friends on a perilous, but wacky adventure. The entanglement also cuts Michael's little brother down to size, and bridges the divide between the siblings. Told from the point of view of an adult looking back on his childhood, Brownies in the Dark is written and co-directed by 12-year-old Anthony De Jesus Block. His grandfather co-directs. This short film looks backwards in time at Michael, when he turned 12. It's a joint production between Anthony de Jesus Block and his grandfather John Block. It's beautifully produced with great video and audio, and great acting, especially by Anthony who plays his grandfather when he was younger. This is a family production with other cast members from the Block family and the producer and directors are John Black (grandfather) and Maria Gonzalez-Block (grandmother). I love when the giant brownie shows up and every one pretends they are something else, but Michael is dragged away by the brownies anyway - and the salsa music takes over to support the ensuing craziness. When the brownies take on human qualities and take over the house, we've reached the pinnacle of crazy. Cool ending with dancing and silliness. The film's message is really about family and fantasy. Get our head out of the computer and go make a movie with your family. I give Brownies in the Dark 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This is pure fun. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Michael dreams about his favorite dessert as he anticipates his 12th birthday party. His powerful imaginings, coupled with his grandmother's fairy dust, send him and his friends on a perilous, but wacky adventure. The entanglement also cuts Michael's little brother down to size, and bridges the divide between the siblings. Told from the point of view of an adult looking back on his childhood, Brownies in the Dark is written and co-directed by 12-year-old Anthony De Jesus Block. His grandfather co-directs. This short film looks backwards in time at Michael, when he turned 12. It's a joint production between Anthony de Jesus Block and his grandfather John Block. It's beautifully produced with great video and audio, and great acting, especially by Anthony who plays his grandfather when he was younger. This is a family production with other cast members from the Block family and the producer and directors are John Black (grandfather) and Maria Gonzalez-Block (grandmother). I love when the giant brownie shows up and every one pretends they are something else, but Michael is dragged away by the brownies anyway - and the salsa music takes over to support the ensuing craziness. When the brownies take on human qualities and take over the house, we've reached the pinnacle of crazy. Cool ending with dancing and silliness. The film's message is really about family and fantasy. Get our head out of the computer and go make a movie with your family. I give Brownies in the Dark 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. This is pure fun. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JEFFREY N. JOHNSON Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5 -12 Topic - Description - "Lessons" is intended to inspire a youth audience (ages 4 - 10) to explore music and the arts. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - As someone who is deeply connected to the arts, I connected first to Lessons first for its musical element. I definitely relate to the quote: I obviously won't be taking lessons for the rest of my life, but I will definitely be playing for the rest of my life. This short film gives an overview of two children playing the piano and includes off-camera quotes from each of them talking about how much they enjoy playing. They also share their sometimes frustrating experiences, but the passion they feel when they play is what captures them. This brief short supports the concept of why the arts are needed, especially for young people. These children grow up to become adults and, without the arts, they would become adults lacking a place to express themselves. I really connected to the quote about not taking lessons your whole life but knowing that you will play for the rest of your life, as that is exactly how I feel about music. The film follows two children, Ava A. Johnson and Phineas J. Johnson, both of whom very naturally play themselves. I would have liked to know more about each of them, but you can see that they are both talented. During the credits, we learn that this film was shot on an Apple iPhone 6s. The camerawork is a little shaky at times and, there are a lot of fade to black transitions. I particularly enjoyed the recital scene where the point of view is from the audience. The recital location and home settings where the children practice are authentic. Snippets of music by classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Luigini, Beethoven, Dvorak and Pachelbel are all featured. The film is produced and directed by Jeffrey N. Johnson, whom I presume is the father of the two children. He is a writer, director, background actor and a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. My favorite scene is definitely seeing the children play at their respective recitals. The film's message is that even though you may love something, it can be hard work. But if you love it enough, then that hard work becomes worth it! I give Lessons 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Bria H., KIDS FIRST! This short film gives an overview of two children playing the piano and includes off-camera quotes from each of them talking about how much they enjoy playing. They also share their sometimes frustrating experiences, but the passion they feel when they play is what captures them. This brief short supports the concept of why the arts are needed, especially for young people. These children grow up to become adults and, without the arts, they would become adults lacking a place to express themselves. I really connected to the quote about not taking lessons your whole life but knowing that you will play for the rest of your life, as that is exactly how I feel about music. The film follows two children, Ava A. Johnson and Phineas J. Johnson, both of whom very naturally play themselves. I would have liked to know more about each of them, but you can see that they are both talented. During the credits, we learn that this film was shot on an Apple iPhone 6s. The camerawork is a little shaky at times and, there are a lot of fade to black transitions. I particularly enjoyed the recital scene where the point of view is from the audience. The recital location and home settings where the children practice are authentic. Snippets of music by classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Luigini, Beethoven, Dvorak and Pachelbel are all featured. The film is produced and directed by Jeffrey N. Johnson, whom I presume is the father of the two children. He is a writer, director, background actor and a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. My favorite scene is definitely seeing the children play at their respective recitals. The film's message is that even though you may love something, it can be hard work. But if you love it enough, then that hard work becomes worth it! I give Lessons 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Bria H., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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CHRISTOPHER KOSAKOWSKI Series: STUDENT SHORT, COLLEGE, AGES 5-18 Topic - Description - When a gigantic apple appears in her kitchen, a recently widowed old woman must reconcile the joy the fruit brings with its inevitable decay. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Oh my goodness, I just watched this and it's my absolutely favorite film of the week. The animation is terrific but the storyline is even better. It made me smile, cry and think - all in less than 4 minutes. This student-made film by a university student shows such depth in a short time. The illustrations are beautifully created, down to Granny Smith's tears! The story shows the great amount of love that GS puts into baking her pies and, when the apple is down to the core, her despair -- only to bake yet a few more pies and then, finding the seeds to plant a new apple tree. It is really about resilience and love and community - as she feeds pie to her neighbors for free. Love it. I give Granny Smith 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It's a gem. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This student-made film by a university student shows such depth in a short time. The illustrations are beautifully created, down to Granny Smith's tears! The story shows the great amount of love that GS puts into baking her pies and, when the apple is down to the core, her despair -- only to bake yet a few more pies and then, finding the seeds to plant a new apple tree. It is really about resilience and love and community - as she feeds pie to her neighbors for free. Love it. I give Granny Smith 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It's a gem. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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MONIKA SALTER Series: INDIE ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - Two stop motion mini-shorts following our blue slug buddy, Sydney, as he experiences a few misadventures during his day. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Misadventures of Sydney the Slug is pretty adorable. The only shortcoming is that I really wanted to see more... But, it's cute enough to show at the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. This is comprised of two really short snippets, starring a blue claymation slug. The first one shows the slug waking from his nap in a field of green leafy things with red fruit. I think he's in heaven there! The second shows our friendly slug on a book shelf when the book is pushed in and squishes him - fortunately, he is able to change form and escape. His vocalization is sort of squeaky, but with intonation that kind of give us an idea of what he is thinking. The film might make you think about what life is like as a slug. I give Misadventures of Sydney the Slug 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! This is comprised of two really short snippets, starring a blue claymation slug. The first one shows the slug waking from his nap in a field of green leafy things with red fruit. I think he's in heaven there! The second shows our friendly slug on a book shelf when the book is pushed in and squishes him - fortunately, he is able to change form and escape. His vocalization is sort of squeaky, but with intonation that kind of give us an idea of what he is thinking. The film might make you think about what life is like as a slug. I give Misadventures of Sydney the Slug 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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SUMEDH JADHAV Series: FOREIGN SHORT, AGES 5 -12 Topic - Description - Extremely poor Addu is a class topper. His mother also wants to start working but father doesn't allows her. Addu requires to make a kandil (Lantern) it's necessary to get good grades. His friends are going to purchase Kandil (Lantern) making kit for 250 rupees. Addu asks his mother for help, she tries her best but gets rejection from her husband. Financially failing father doesn't wants to spend unnecessarily. Mother finds out her own approach to make ?a kandil (Diwali lamp). Her unique creation garners admiration from both the community and the school, highlighting Her resilience and resourcefulness in the face of challenges. From India, Dialogue in Hindi, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a perfect film for KIDS FIRST! - great values and well made. Extremely poor Addu is a class topper. His mother wants to start working but her husband won't allow her. Addu is required to make a lantern to get good grades. His friends plan to purchase lantern making kits for 250 rupees so Addu asks his mother for help, but her husband rejects the request. The Mother finds her own approach to make the lantern and her unique creation garners admiration from both the community and the school, highlighting her resilience and resourcefulness in the face of challenges. What a lovely and touching story. It really shows the resilience of the children and the resourcefulness of Addu's mother. It also shows how disenfranchised poor children are in this village, where the teacher threatens to deduct grade points if the children don't make a lantern for the festival. Great camera work, good audio, good editing. This is a solid film that gives us a look into another culture. Perfect for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The closing music is absolutely hauntingly beautiful. And when his mom embraces him at the end, we see the love between them. The film's message is about the love between Addu and his mother and her creativity in solving problems. I give Entirety One's Fulfillment 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST! Extremely poor Addu is a class topper. His mother wants to start working but her husband won't allow her. Addu is required to make a lantern to get good grades. His friends plan to purchase lantern making kits for 250 rupees so Addu asks his mother for help, but her husband rejects the request. The Mother finds her own approach to make the lantern and her unique creation garners admiration from both the community and the school, highlighting her resilience and resourcefulness in the face of challenges. What a lovely and touching story. It really shows the resilience of the children and the resourcefulness of Addu's mother. It also shows how disenfranchised poor children are in this village, where the teacher threatens to deduct grade points if the children don't make a lantern for the festival. Great camera work, good audio, good editing. This is a solid film that gives us a look into another culture. Perfect for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The closing music is absolutely hauntingly beautiful. And when his mom embraces him at the end, we see the love between them. The film's message is about the love between Addu and his mother and her creativity in solving problems. I give Entirety One's Fulfillment 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. By Julie s., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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STYLO MONIKER Series: INDIE ANIMATED SHORT, AGES 2-8 Topic - Description - Elephant loves his new bicycle! But when his friends accidentally crash it, he discovers what he loves most of all! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - What a fun short animated film Elephant's New Bicycle is! Perfect for the youngest viewers and charming enough for their parents to enjoy. The story is about an elephant who enjoys his bicycle but it breaks and he and his friends find a surprising solution to creating a bicycle that will hold him. I love the illustrations for this and, even though the animation isn't full motion it's short enough that isn't an issue. The colors and design are terrific. The narrator is superb -- his voice changes as he takes on multiple characters. The background music is peppy and fun and pushes the action forward. This film's message is about finding creative solutions and helping your friends. Teamwork makes the dreamwork as they say. I give Elephant's New Bicycle 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! The story is about an elephant who enjoys his bicycle but it breaks and he and his friends find a surprising solution to creating a bicycle that will hold him. I love the illustrations for this and, even though the animation isn't full motion it's short enough that isn't an issue. The colors and design are terrific. The narrator is superb -- his voice changes as he takes on multiple characters. The background music is peppy and fun and pushes the action forward. This film's message is about finding creative solutions and helping your friends. Teamwork makes the dreamwork as they say. I give Elephant's New Bicycle 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. By Marissa S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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JURE BUSIC Series: FOREIGN FEATURE, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - This is a story about Paulina P. - a strong, emotional and witty protagonist of this movie and her life in which we follow her adventures in class and at home, as well as all the problems she successfully overcomes during a school year. The movie is based on Paulina's diary, and she talks about her friendship, love and family-related problems from a critical perspective and through comic situations. The plot of the movie itself is set in the real world, with a touch of "magic". From Croatia; dialouge in Croatian, English subtitles KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I like The Diary of Paulina P. The heroine is very interesting -- I like a girl who loves fantasy but also uses it for adventure. The plot is light, fun and not too brutal, so it's great for families. My favorite scene is at the beginning when the teacher tells the students to name their hobbies; it's very cute seeing that a bunch of kids have different hobbies. The story follows the daily life of Paulina, a third grade girl, her relationships with her friends, her relationship with her parents, and her adventures over one year. I like the story line. The plot is not that strong and one can think of the film as a compilation of small everyday stories in the life of an elementary school girl. A lot of the plot has to do with her fantasies. For example the story of Paulina's parents' separation is something many children can relate to, but the way Paulina and her parents resolve it is much softer and less cruel. The camerawork is good; the costumes suit the story. Since Paulina's imagination runs a bit wild, some special costumes are well utilized. Also, the kids' costumes are very suitable. The sets suit the story, including some fantastical sets that Paulina imagines. Most of the sets are very brightly colored, with bright shades of yellow-orange and other colors in the background. They render a feeling of a happy childhood. The background music is quite cute and it changes as the plot changes. I really like Paulina (Katja Matkovic). This actress is so young that I am surprised by her excellent acting skills, which is very fitting for her character and has a lot of spirit. Unlike other child actors, she comes across like a real person. My favorite part is after Paulina and her friend Nikolina have a fight, Paulina gets sick and has dreams about Nikolina for a week. Her dreams start with Nikolina being unlucky, but at the end, Paulina's subconscious still loves her friend. This part of the movie that really touched me, is the innocent and lovely relationship between a little girl and her friend. The film's message is about friendship and relationship with parents, which are portrayed in a very positive light. I give The Diary of Paulina P. 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST! The story follows the daily life of Paulina, a third grade girl, her relationships with her friends, her relationship with her parents, and her adventures over one year. I like the story line. The plot is not that strong and one can think of the film as a compilation of small everyday stories in the life of an elementary school girl. A lot of the plot has to do with her fantasies. For example the story of Paulina's parents' separation is something many children can relate to, but the way Paulina and her parents resolve it is much softer and less cruel. The camerawork is good; the costumes suit the story. Since Paulina's imagination runs a bit wild, some special costumes are well utilized. Also, the kids' costumes are very suitable. The sets suit the story, including some fantastical sets that Paulina imagines. Most of the sets are very brightly colored, with bright shades of yellow-orange and other colors in the background. They render a feeling of a happy childhood. The background music is quite cute and it changes as the plot changes. I really like Paulina (Katja Matkovic). This actress is so young that I am surprised by her excellent acting skills, which is very fitting for her character and has a lot of spirit. Unlike other child actors, she comes across like a real person. My favorite part is after Paulina and her friend Nikolina have a fight, Paulina gets sick and has dreams about Nikolina for a week. Her dreams start with Nikolina being unlucky, but at the end, Paulina's subconscious still loves her friend. This part of the movie that really touched me, is the innocent and lovely relationship between a little girl and her friend. The film's message is about friendship and relationship with parents, which are portrayed in a very positive light. I give The Diary of Paulina P. 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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WEN-YUAN HSIEH Series: DOCUMENTARY SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - "Let's Go! 48 Hours" is one of only a few reality television programs in Taiwan in which children are truly 'in charge'. Each season features a new set of 10 kids selected from across the country who learn through each unhosted episode to work as a team and accomplish a variety of challenging assignments. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like Let's Go 48 Hours - It's Okay To Be Dirty For A Day and am very interested in the concept of children visiting a farm when they are young and trying different farm work. It's a great way for them to learn where food comes from. The kids in this program are adorable and responsible for accomplishing the task. This is one of only a few reality television programs in Taiwan where children are truly 'in charge.' Each season features a new set of 10 kids selected from across the country who learn through each un-hosted episode to work as a team and accomplish a variety of challenging assignments. The children play some games related to Hakka culture and also do some farm work at the chicken farm. I like the story line of this show because it doesn't feel scripted and seems very realistic. Kid-driven reality shows are more of an unknown; you don't know what the children are going to do or how they're going to react to things. The kids are not initially comfortable with the farm work and have their own ideas about what they want to do, but in the end they work their way through the tasks. The children are responsible and caring -- they encourage each other instead of blame each other. That's shows good character modeling. Not only that, but I enjoyed one of the kids' description of the radish, even though he doesn't like the touch or the taste. This particular episode also gives close-up of the different chickens in addition to shots of the kids, which is sort of fun. My favorite child is Yen-feng, because she's particularly cute and very dramatic when she speaks. The location is very authentic. It's not like it was created just to film an episode of a reality show, and the kids do indeed come real farm to experience doing farm work. The music is childlike and upbeat. I give Let's Go 48 Hours - It's Okay To Be Dirty For A Day 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST! This is one of only a few reality television programs in Taiwan where children are truly 'in charge.' Each season features a new set of 10 kids selected from across the country who learn through each un-hosted episode to work as a team and accomplish a variety of challenging assignments. The children play some games related to Hakka culture and also do some farm work at the chicken farm. I like the story line of this show because it doesn't feel scripted and seems very realistic. Kid-driven reality shows are more of an unknown; you don't know what the children are going to do or how they're going to react to things. The kids are not initially comfortable with the farm work and have their own ideas about what they want to do, but in the end they work their way through the tasks. The children are responsible and caring -- they encourage each other instead of blame each other. That's shows good character modeling. Not only that, but I enjoyed one of the kids' description of the radish, even though he doesn't like the touch or the taste. This particular episode also gives close-up of the different chickens in addition to shots of the kids, which is sort of fun. My favorite child is Yen-feng, because she's particularly cute and very dramatic when she speaks. The location is very authentic. It's not like it was created just to film an episode of a reality show, and the kids do indeed come real farm to experience doing farm work. The music is childlike and upbeat. I give Let's Go 48 Hours - It's Okay To Be Dirty For A Day 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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FIRST CITY FILMS Series: FEATURES, AGES 5-12 Topic - Description - This year's Invent-A-Con could be the last. Teams have three days to create an invention to save their contest. Before joining his new team, Bull is confronted by his former teammate about leaving. Bull tries to take charge. Liz explains they need to work together but Bull works on his own. Liz & Bull disagree on a shortcut. Liz sees Duffy has adjusted his recharger. With hours left, their device explodes. Bull's idea caused it. Team 2 wins, but, it doesn't meet the requirements to save Invent-A-Con. All are devastated. Bull suggests they combine the two inventions. The judges approve. There won't be enough power for the new invention. Bull offers to sacrifice his power. It won't be enough. Duffy remembers his recharger increases power. The teams work to combine the inventions. Bull apologizes to Liz and Henry. They remove Bull's power and insert it into the new invention. It works! Judges approve! They connect their power together to save Bull. We pull out to see a large lab with pleased handicapped kids equipped with devices that have been controlling our avatars. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Inventors has a good, not great, premise. It definitely took me a while to engage, and though pretty predictable, I definitely wanted to see it through to the end. The ending, however, is a bit disjointed>The story follows two teams of scientific-minded characters that attend Inventacon and vie to create a device that will save all of mankind. There's teamwork and tension along the way to the final reveal, where the future of Inventacon is at stake. The opening credits and music are flashy and make the viewer want to enjoy the film. For the most part, the storyline abides by the principle of Chekhov's gun, introducing an item or arc that will be used or resolved by the story's end. This is a stop action film in which the characters are presented by doll-like figurines with quite realistic faces. They seem to be cyborgs, and the reason for that is completely unclear. All the voiceover actors are excellent. I especially enjoyed the character of Duffy (Tom Clark),who had a history of being bullied, so he developed the ability to do vocal imitations of Arnold Schwarzenegger and many more famous actors and comedians--great comedic relief! The figurines over gesticulate while talking, which is a bit distracting. The costumes of these characters pay great attention to detail in their wardrobe choices, including the shoe styles. One character, Bull, has a Mohawk which is so obviously glued on that it draws the viewer's attention too much to it, especially since the character has a mannerism of rubbing his hair when thinking or stressed. The backgrounds are lively and vibrant, using a palette of bold primary colors. The story requires lots of scientific props, and these things are wildly creative! Some are recognizable daily objects such as beads or copper scrubber pads--very fun! Other props, such as tools, had to be made to scale. This aspect is wonderfully done. All of the songs are catchy and well composed, and introduced seamlessly during appropriate scenes. The lyrics are somewhat more pedantic than necessary--kids can get the point from the storyline's action. The ending, however, is somewhat perplexing. We discover a whole world outside the world we've been following. It breaks the fourth wall and introduces the human judges of CreAtech, as well as a live audience. It is a bit disconcerting. Also, it morphs to a PSA sort of message that is more heavy handed method than necessary. The ending is just odd and doesn't seem to quite fit the storyline--it's so abrupt in its placement and presence! The message is very obvious: teamwork makes the dream work--if everyone can set aside differences and focus on the goal, anything can be achieved. The secondary message in the ending is that we need to get off social media and interact with our fellow human beings in earnest. I give Inventors 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Debra L., KIDS FIRST! The opening credits and music are flashy and make the viewer want to enjoy the film. For the most part, the storyline abides by the principle of Chekhov's gun, introducing an item or arc that will be used or resolved by the story's end. This is a stop action film in which the characters are presented by doll-like figurines with quite realistic faces. They seem to be cyborgs, and the reason for that is completely unclear. All the voiceover actors are excellent. I especially enjoyed the character of Duffy (Tom Clark),who had a history of being bullied, so he developed the ability to do vocal imitations of Arnold Schwarzenegger and many more famous actors and comedians--great comedic relief! The figurines over gesticulate while talking, which is a bit distracting. The costumes of these characters pay great attention to detail in their wardrobe choices, including the shoe styles. One character, Bull, has a Mohawk which is so obviously glued on that it draws the viewer's attention too much to it, especially since the character has a mannerism of rubbing his hair when thinking or stressed. The backgrounds are lively and vibrant, using a palette of bold primary colors. The story requires lots of scientific props, and these things are wildly creative! Some are recognizable daily objects such as beads or copper scrubber pads--very fun! Other props, such as tools, had to be made to scale. This aspect is wonderfully done. All of the songs are catchy and well composed, and introduced seamlessly during appropriate scenes. The lyrics are somewhat more pedantic than necessary--kids can get the point from the storyline's action. The ending, however, is somewhat perplexing. We discover a whole world outside the world we've been following. It breaks the fourth wall and introduces the human judges of CreAtech, as well as a live audience. It is a bit disconcerting. Also, it morphs to a PSA sort of message that is more heavy handed method than necessary. The ending is just odd and doesn't seem to quite fit the storyline--it's so abrupt in its placement and presence! The message is very obvious: teamwork makes the dream work--if everyone can set aside differences and focus on the goal, anything can be achieved. The secondary message in the ending is that we need to get off social media and interact with our fellow human beings in earnest. I give Inventors 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Debra L., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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APPLE TV Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-18 Topic - Family Description - One-of-a-Kind Marcie follows Marcie, an introvert who loves her solitude but also enjoys helping her friends. During the school golf championship, Marcie assists Peppermint Patty as her caddie, offering thoughtful and deliberate advice to help her win. Meanwhile, back at school, Marcie is nominated for class president and starts to observe other friends and classmates needing help -- from traffic jams in the hallway to not having enough to share with everyone at lunch. Full of great ideas, Marcie wants to offer help but struggles to share them in a way that doesn't force her to be in the spotlight. She is eventually empowered to buck other people's expectations and embrace her own unique way of doing things -- allowing her to help her friends in her own way out of the spotlight. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-kind Marcie is truly one of a kind! In the new and first feature film about the infamous and brilliant Marcie from the Peanuts gang, the true essence of the beloved character is revealed. It's quite different from the style and messages of previous Peanuts films but still with the look and feel we've come to love of the classic franchise. In Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, Marcie (Arianna McDonald), the main character, is an introvert who struggles with using all her amazing ideas to help solve problems for her friends and classmates on the big stage ... from wanting to solve the pizza shortage at her school, to helping Peppermint Patty (Lexi Perri) with playing golf. Peppermint Patty suggests Marcie run for Class President since she has such great ideas; however, since Marcie is too shy, she doesn't want to do it. Throughout the film, we get to see the challenges Marcie faces while trying to juggle being an introvert and wanting to help everyone. My favorite aspect of this film is what the director Raymond S. Persi refers to as "still picture" scenes, which are used to show Marcie's feeling when talking about not wanting to run for Class President. She goes into her own little world surrounded by black shadows that appear to be "coming for her." This film is unique because the other films tend to focus on Charlie Brown, the whole gang, or characters who are popular, special events, and holidays. Instead this one highlights a personality type and Marcie's challenges. I love that the Executive Producer and son of Charles M. Schultz, Mr. Craig Shultz, drew inspiration for the film from the movie Hidden Figures and wanted to make a film about a smart girl with big ideas that just needed a way to show them off! The message of this film is to just be yourself, be one-of-a-kind. Even if you are introverted, you can do anything and even if you feel overwhelmed, that's okay. You can find other ways to get your ideas out there! In the film, Marcie speaks about this multiple times to herself and to her friends. Don't let your personality type stop you in life. I give Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-kind Marcie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it on Apple TV+ starting August 18, 2023. By Tiana S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
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NOAH GLENN Series: INDIE SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - An anxious eight year old must save her BFF from an alternate dimension. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I really like Bike Lane Ends. The sci-fi concept is fun. I love how bikes are incorporated into the main story and I love that the least likely person to become the hero becomes one. The storyline is about a girl who worries about her BFF and convinces her that they should learn telepathy in case she is ever in trouble. Along comes Riley who tells them about a mysterious realm called Bike Land Ends - and their adventure takes off! This short film offers sci-fi to young viewers in a storyline they can easily get into. It's well shot and the young actors (who are the filmmaker's own kids and neighborhood kids) are quite charming. They are easy to understand without being cloyingly childish. The whole idea of learning telepathy to communicate is fun and fantasy all tied together. I wasn't quite sure exactly where the bike lane portal is - you can only get in if you're on a bike. Rumor has it that someone entered it and never returned. When Tilly disappears in the portal, she reaches out to Iris telepathically - magically so - and we are privileged to observe them as they converse telepathically, but in whole body. The visuals of the portal are fun and realistic. Safety is always taken into consideration -- the kids wear helmets on their bikes, and Iris's bike has training wheels. The camera work is quite good, from long shots to close-ups. The background music is terrific, with appropriate spooky sounds every now and then as the tension builds. This is a terrific short for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it fits right in! It's fun and adventurous, exciting without being scary. I give The Bike Lane 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By David E. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! The storyline is about a girl who worries about her BFF and convinces her that they should learn telepathy in case she is ever in trouble. Along comes Riley who tells them about a mysterious realm called Bike Land Ends - and their adventure takes off! This short film offers sci-fi to young viewers in a storyline they can easily get into. It's well shot and the young actors (who are the filmmaker's own kids and neighborhood kids) are quite charming. They are easy to understand without being cloyingly childish. The whole idea of learning telepathy to communicate is fun and fantasy all tied together. I wasn't quite sure exactly where the bike lane portal is - you can only get in if you're on a bike. Rumor has it that someone entered it and never returned. When Tilly disappears in the portal, she reaches out to Iris telepathically - magically so - and we are privileged to observe them as they converse telepathically, but in whole body. The visuals of the portal are fun and realistic. Safety is always taken into consideration -- the kids wear helmets on their bikes, and Iris's bike has training wheels. The camera work is quite good, from long shots to close-ups. The background music is terrific, with appropriate spooky sounds every now and then as the tension builds. This is a terrific short for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it fits right in! It's fun and adventurous, exciting without being scary. I give The Bike Lane 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By David E. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: VIDEO |
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This title has online video!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - THEATRICAL DIVISION Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Sometimes the hero you are meant to be lies just beneath the surface. This summer, DreamWorks Animation dives into the turbulent waters of high school with a hilarious, heartfelt action comedy about a shy teenager who discovers that she's part of a legendary royal lineage of mythical sea krakens and that her destiny, in the depths of the oceans, is bigger than she ever dreamed. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a hilarious film with a captivating story -- I couldn't even get up for more popcorn! It is illustrated by bright and interesting characters that you will root for and evil ones you'll be afraid of. I love the music chosen for the film, but my favorite part is definitely the animation. The storyline follows 16-year-old Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a kraken girl who just wants to be a normal teenager, but the universe has other plans for her. When she accidentally sends Connor (Jaboukie Young-White), the boy she had planned to ask to prom, overboard and dives in after him, she discovers that she is not only a giant kraken, but underwater royalty, granddaughter of the kraken queen (Jane Fonda). With the help of her new kraken superpowers and her Uncle Brill (Sam Richardson), she uncovers her family history and the ancient rivalry between the krakens and the evil mermaids, all while trying to maintain her friendships and avoiding the monster-hunting sailor, Gordon Lighthouse (Will Forte). You need to know that the kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the power-hungry mermaids. The characters in Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken immediately drew me in. Viewers will cheer Ruby on from the beginning because of her determination and her vivid personality. Her little brother, Sam, has a contagious happy energy that made me feel more awake when I watched him destroy his opponents at dodgeball. Uncle Brill is so effortlessly hilarious, even when he doesn't mean to be -- such as when he accidentally reveals Ruby's lineage to her. His goofy antics kept me entertained throughout the film. It's hard not to adore Connor, with his big eyes and innocent personality. The wicked mermaid (Annie Murphy), on the other hand, is malicious and terrifying. The soundtrack of Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken features upbeat songs that many teenagers will find relatable, such as I Just Wanna Shine by Fitz and the Tantrums. What I find most stunning about the film is the animation. I love the way the mermaid's hair is like a glowing white mist -- and how all the krakens' markings glow in the dark. The underwater Kraken Kingdom is beautifully constructed, and I love the way the main building is designed with a skylight. The lights and darks and the animation's color scheme make a huge impact on the film as a whole. Even the fast-moving scenes, such as the fight for the trident, are seamlessly animated, and it almost feels like a three-dimensional experience. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken reminded me that anyone can do anything, regardless of their age or species! Our differences don't make us weird; they make us special. We can't all have laser eyes, but everyone has a superpower unique to them, just waiting to be unlocked. I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The movie releases in theaters June 30, 2023. By Ella S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14 The film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is great! I like that they center the film on a 15-year-old and her struggles as a teenager. The film also has some really talented voice actors and hilarious characters that made it really fun to watch and a great time at the movies. The film is set in a seaside town where Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) is a teenage kraken just trying to fit in when, after an accident, she turns into a giant kraken! She is embarrassed about her newfound power and desperately wants to hide it. The conflict arises when Ruby tries to learn about her powers, but her mother (Toni Collette) tries to stop her. Ruby decides to learn anyway and finds out that she is much more than just a giant kraken. Thematically, this film explores coming-of-age and how to treat each other nicely. There are a ton of great things about the movie. To begin, the animation is very creative and colorful. While mostly CGI, it includes traditional 2D animation mixed in. The design of the town is well crafted, and the krakens are very interesting because they have tentacle-like arms and legs that stretch and bend in hilarious ways. The voice actors are great in this film, as well. Annie Murphy's portrayal of Chelsea really covers a wide range of personalities, from sweet to menacing. One of the funniest characters is Uncle Brill, who is just trying to help but always seems to end up getting bonked. My favorite scenes are all the ones under water, because of the wide variety of creatures we see. The ending has a bit of a plot twist. The film's message is very uplifting -- to answer the call and discover your true self. It's a very positive social message, especially for teenagers. Be aware that there is one mildly disturbing scene where a character almost drowns. I give Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is available now in theaters. By Connor S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT PRODUCTIONS Series: BOOK, AGES 2-8 Topic - Family Description - We love cats because they are fun, playful, warm, soft, and cuddly animals! There is a lot of fun in The Cat-Faced Cat, a book about a cat looking for a place to live and a family to love. The Cat-Faced Cat Named Benny is the first of a series of inspirational tales. It's time to start the journey of The Cat-Faced Cat with this first book. Children will love following him on his exciting adventures with his wonderful new family! KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Do you love cats? Are you interested in the daily life of a cat? The Cat-Faced Cat is a book that touches on the love and enjoyment a person gets from being around cats. The book's simple sentence structure and pictures makes it eye-catching for a child to read and understand the story. This book follows the journey of a street cat that grows up alone as a kitten and has a keen determination to find a family. Throughout all the difficult obstacles it has to face the Cat-Faced Cat remains strong. In this book we are taken on the difficult journey of a kitten that starts out all by itself, following its path and its determination to avoid being alone ever again. We see the kitten's constant determination and positivity and its journey in search of a loving family. The story is easy to follow and understand. Its main character is a cat, which is very relatable as the kitten has a hard time growing up alone. In spite of growing up alone, the Cat-Faced Cat shows love and affection to every little thing around him, which is quite admirable. From the perspective of a little kitten the book encourages kids to show affection to all animals and points out that, even in difficult moments, your determination will pay off. I give The Cat-Faced Cat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus adults. It is available through online booksellers now. By Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST! This wild, heartwarming adventure follows the Cat-Faced Cat, who starts life alone, wanting to find a family of his own. He finds different places to sleep, new toys and eventually a new friend; but in this case, not everything is permanent. All the Cat-Faced Cat wants is a new family and, when you read the book, you will answer the main question: does the Cat-Faced Cat ever find a place to call "home?" The elements I love most about this book are the graphics. The cats are absolutely adorable and, even though there isn't much detail in the drawings, it makes it so much better for younger children who read this. The people also have simple facial expressions, which helps clarify things for the reader. The only shortcoming for me is the lack of rhyming or alliteration. There are small segments of the book where it does rhyme, but the majority of the book does not, so the "younger child" in me missed that. Other than that, what I like about this story is that it promotes perseverance and the importance of family, human or not. The message of The Cat-Faced Cat is that, at one point in life, you will find people that are like family to you, blood related or not. This book proves this because at the end, the struggling, lonely cat finally finds a place, and a family, to call home. I give The Cat-Faced Cat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5. It is available in both paperback and e-book format at online bookstores, so look for this cuteness overload! By Ari P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 The Cat-Faced Cat is an adorable book by Arlette Thomas-Fletcher about an adorable cat. It's written in a rhyming style which makes it much fun to read aloud and the illustrations by Kristina Stansell are so cute. The Cat-Faced Cat is a tale that follows the journey of a little kitten in his quest to find a loving home. Benny is a cat that longs for companionship. As time passes, he grows older and starts exploring the town in search for it, going on adventures, seeing all sorts of things and meeting all kinds of people. While this may not be the most complex story, its simplicity and heartwarming message make it a worthwhile read for young children. The illustrations are great. I especially love the detailed appearance of the cat. At the beginning, he's a young kitten and, at the end, an adult cat. I don't know how Kristina did it but you can clearly tell it's the same cat, just older. Ms. Thomas-Fletcher's writing makes the readers feel something. This book, although not for my age group, even made me feel bad for the poor kitten that wanted some friends, family or a home. He's so cute, how can anyone not want him? My favorite part is the illustration on page 7. And I know that doesn't say much because you can't see it -the illustration of Benny in that page melts my heart. He looks so happy and adorable. The book fosters a sense of compassion and understanding as it encourages readers to empathize with the cat's longing for a loving home and family. Additionally, the story emphasizes the impact of simple acts of kindness. It demonstrates how a chance encounter and a genuine connection can change someone's life. The book promotes the idea of finding one's place in the world and serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the importance of human connections and the joy that comes from finding a place to call home. The message of The Cat-Faced Cat revolves around themes of perseverance, companionship and the search for a place to belong. It highlights the importance of not giving up, even in the face of loneliness and adversity. I give The Cat-Faced Cat 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, plus parents. It's available now at online book retailers. By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-8 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: Book ISBN # 780971551060 |
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This title has online video!
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Disney and Pixar's "Elemental" is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire, Water, Earth and Air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The voice cast includes Leah Lewis as the fiery Ember; Mamoudou Athie as the water-guy Wade; Ronnie del Carmen as Ember's soon-to-be retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember's love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade's stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O'Hara as Wade's welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember's admiring neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I absolutely love the movie Elemental! It shares an uplifting message that's perfect for the younger generation. The animation is visually captivating, too. The whole concept and plot of the film (and the forbidden love story) is very clever and well-written. The film takes us on the journey of a girl from the fire side of Element City meeting a guy from the water side. They try their best to solve a serious problem without conversing much. Who knows what happens when fire and water mix? The main characters are Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), Wade (Mamoudou Athie), Gale Cumulus (Wendi McLendon-Covey), Cinder (Sheila Vosough), Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen), Brook Ripple (Catherine O'Hara) and Alan Ripple (Matthew Yang King). The fire people usually stay away from all the other elements, so when Wade starts conversing with Ember, her parents don't approve. Wade could extinguish Ember, and Ember could make Wade evaporate. All in all, it's not a good mix. The concept of water and fire mixing is so clever and I applaud Pixar / Disney for this new idea. It represents everyone's differences and the idea that each element is special. Also, Ember learns to control her anger issues, which is a lesson many people can learn from. This movie appeals to me visually as well as emotionally. The animation is incredible and it looks realistic even for being animated. Element City is beautiful and looks like a futuristic city. I felt like I was in the city with them while watching it. There's a drastic change between the city and Ember's hometown solely for fire people. I like the sets and how they relate to the elements. For instance, Wade's house is mostly underwater, while other elements in the city live in trees. My favorite part of the film is when Wade starts the wave at the air basketball game they're watching. All the water residents turn into an actual wave! All these pieces come together to make the movie entertaining, emotional, funny and captivating. The film's message is to follow your dreams and ignite your passions. It encourages others to do what they want to do with their life, rather than doing what other people ask them to do. In other words, be true to yourself. It also celebrates everyone's differences. I give Elemental 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. It releases in theaters June 16, 2023 and is expected to start streaming on Disney+ shortly thereafter. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13 Elemental has so many wonderful 'elements,' such as its detailed animation, playful voice-acting, and hilarious lines. The storyline is about Ember (Leah Lewis), a girl who has lived in Firetown in Element City her entire life and dreams of one day taking over the family shop, run by her father (Ronnie Del Carmen). When a city inspector, Wade (Mamoudou Athie) bursts through the pipes under the shop he notices many violations in the shop and threatens to send notes of these violations to the city. Ember chases him throughout the city to get the notes back but it's too late. After hearing her story he decides to help her, and the two eventually develop a bond. But can fire and water ever be together? The best thing about this film is the intricate detail put into every bit of animation. The city has so many different parts and the animation provides a look into every nook and cranny. Also, there are many element-related puns in every scene. This attention to detail and creativity is seen everywhere, but I particularly noticed it in the scene where Wade and Ember go to an air ball playoff game. From the team names to the game itself everything is so well crafted. Leah Lewis has so much emotion as Ember and her personality really shines throughout the film. The chemistry between Wade and Ember is remarkable for an animated film. We only hear their voices but the two voice-actors work so well together. My favorite part of Elemental is the scene where Ember and Wade try to touch for the first time. They don't exactly know what is going to happen since they are fire and water so the audience is left in anticipation. The theme of Elemental is that differences shouldn't separate people, and you should not judge somebody because of theirs. Throughout the film grudges are held against Ember due to her being from Firetown. Water and fire are not allowed to be together, but the love Wade and Ember share overcomes the differences that were supposed to keep them apart. I give Elemental 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theatres June 16, 2023. By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 Elemental is a beautiful animated film that fills the screen with color and excitement and is a great viewing experience for audiences of all ages. The animation is definitely the highlight of the film; the plot leaves a little to be desired. Elemental tells the story of Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), a fire element who lives in the Element City, where water, land, fire and air residents live together. Ember lives in the fire neighborhood and hopes to take over her dad's fire shop, but her anger issues and inability to control her temper is standing in her way. One day, Ember meets Wade (Mamoudou Athie), a water element who tries to shut down her dad's business. After convincing Wade by explaining what the business means to her family, Wade tries to help her; only it's too late since the paperwork has already been sent to his boss. Wade and Ember must work together to save her dad's business, and along the way, they discover more than they ever knew was possible. Elemental is a beautiful film to watch. The animated creation of Elemental is incredible; every scene is filled with vibrant colors. I love all the elements that they incorporate into the city's design, especially with the multi-cultural neighborhoods like those that you would find in an actual city. The character animation is also great, especially with Ember; it is fascinating to see her flames become brighter and change shape depending on the weather. My favorite scene of the movie is the one underwater, as those visuals are the best in the film. However, the plot leaves a little to be desired. There are a lot of conflicts that are fixed quickly, so none of them feel that significant. Although I love Wade and Ember together, it is a little confusing since it is shown multiple times that water and fire shouldn't touch, so it feels counterintuitive to what is being stated in the film. Gale Cumulus (Wendi McLendon-Covey) is very funny and I loved watching her and wanted more. Also, Clod (Mason Wertheimer) is absolutely adorable; it was nice watching other elements to see how they operate, not just fire and water. My favorite relationship in the film is between Ember and her father (Ronnie del Carmen) -- it was heartwarming to see the respect the two have for each other and the love they share. Elemental conveys the message of family, respect and loving others. It also has underlying messages of not discriminating against others, which is important in a world where some people are not always treated fairly. I give Elemental 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters on June 16, 2023. Emma D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16 \ KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: FeatureFilm |
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This title has online video!
DISNEY CHANNEL Series: TV SERIES, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - Hailey Banks, a risk-averse but resourceful teenager on a mission to complete every item on her long list of challenging (and sometimes impractical) tasks in order to save the world. Hailey will be pushed outside her comfort zone to discover the greatness within as she systematically conquers her fears, whether she is winning a sand-building competition, wrestling a honey badger, eating a raw onion, or facing her ever-growing and complicated feelings toward her best friend, Scott. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - see youth comments KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Hailey's On It is an incredibly fun and entertaining animated comedy-adventure series that captivated me and is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. With its unique premise and engaging characters, this Disney production showcases creativity and humor in every episode. From the very first scene, it's clear that Hailey's On It is a delightful series. The combination of risk-averse yet resourceful teenager Hailey (Auli?i Cravalho) and her futuristic sidekick Beta (Gary Anthony Williams) create a dynamic duo that viewers will instantly connect with. The chemistry between the characters is charming, and their interactions provide a perfect balance of comedy and heart. The series revolves around Hailey's mission to complete a list of challenging tasks, some of which may seem impractical but ultimately contribute to saving the world. While the overarching storyline is compelling, the show wisely balances it with episodic adventures that allow for individual character development and exploration. Each episode of Hailey's On It introduces a new item from Hailey's list, presenting unique challenges that require her problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. The plotlines are well-crafted, keeping viewers engaged and eager to see how Hailey and Beta navigate each task. Hailey's On It is a family-friendly series that promotes positive social behavior. The characters treat each other with respect and support, and the show emphasizes the value of teamwork and problem-solving. Hailey's determination serves as positive examples for young viewers, encouraging them to embrace their own abilities and take on difficult tasks. The lead characters, Hailey and Beta, steal the show with their distinct personalities and relatable traits. Hailey's relatability lies in her risk-averse nature, which many viewers will find endearing and familiar. Beta, the AI from the future, adds a delightful futuristic touch to the series, providing both comedic relief and technological prowess. AI has recently become woven into all of our lives and it is great to see Disney jumping on the bandwagon so quickly. The animation in the show is top-notch, with vibrant colors, smooth movements, and detailed backgrounds. The visual aesthetic perfectly complements the adventurous tone of the show, creating an immersive viewing experience. The underlying message of Hailey's On It centers on the importance of facing challenges head-on, even when they seem daunting. I give Hailey's On It 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. The series releases on Disney+ and Disney Channel on June 8, 2023, so mark your calendars and get ready for an adventure-filled journey alongside Hailey and Beta! By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 19 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media: TV |
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ASHLEIGH CLYDE Series: EBOOK, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - The Adventure Prayer Journal: For Kids is an innovative and exciting tool designed to help children ages 5 to 12 learn how to pray and engage with God in a fun and meaningful way. This prayer journal is unlike anything else on the market, offering a unique combination of comic-style illustrations, easy-to-read text, and interactive exercises that guide children through the Book of Genesis. With its colorful and engaging visuals, the book brings the Bible to life in a way that young readers will love. The journal features a series of comic-style illustrations that help children visualize the stories and characters of the Book of Genesis. Each illustration is accompanied by easy-to-understand text that explains the story in a way that is accessible to young readers. includes a variety of interactive exercises that help children learn how to pray and connect with God. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a cute and colorful comic-book style journal that offers guidance to young people to give thanks for pretty much everything that their world revolves around - family, sunshine, a wonderful day, and more. It asks for God's blessing and safety when they go outside, go to school, go to lunch. The prayers thank God for loving them even when they make mistakes. As a non-Christian, I was curious about this book, not sure if I was the right person to review it. However, having recently returned from Bali where the Hindu people there give thanks and make ceremonies for just about everything in their life, I saw the similarities. Perhaps that is what I find so charming about the content here. It is not religious in the sense of knocking you over the head. Hey, it does quote Biblical verses, but in a calm and respectful way. I do feel that children today oftentimes lack guidance in being respectful of the world around them and some are never taught what good manners are, which is reflected in some of the terrible ways that people behave. This book delivers a message of gratitude and respect in beautifully illustrated pages. It invites the reader to create their own prayers and has pages in the book where they can write them. The young characters, both male and female, gently guide the reader and offer sage advice that easily applies to people that follow any faith. I love that. It's unclear exactly who the illustrator is; the book credits Kristine and Broma Clyde. Its pages include prayers for different times of day - morning, night and any time of day. The book's characters are young people that anyone could relate to. They are adventurers that guide us through the book and take us snorkeling, to the soccer field, the baseball field and more. The book's message is quite simple: Be thankful and praise God. I give The Adventure Prayer Journal for Kids 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It is available through online retailers. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST! This book is about a group of kids called the Adventure Team. They take us on a journey through the book of Genesis where we have lots of fun. The team members, Ashley, Tamia, Daniel, Peter and Braylon, teach us prayers and lessons. During one of their adventures they encounter a snake that tries to get them to eat fruit from a forbidden tree. Their next journey experiences a flood where they meet Noah, his family and pairs of animals. After that journey they teach us more about God and praying. At the end of the book there are coloring pages and activities for the reader. Now your adventure begins! This book makes lots off sense. The storyline flows very well and it definitely held my attention from start to finish with interesting things happening on every page. All the characters reflect great behavior and are kind to one another. However, the snake is bad. The problem solving is very appropriate for young people and teaches kids good lessons. The vocabulary in this book is definitely suitable for a youth audience. The cover is also very appealing and has lots of colors. Something I found very interesting is how the book has pages where you can write down your own prayers. I also like how the author put coloring pages and other activities at the end of the book. The book's message is about learning how God's presence is in everything we do and how we can communicate with Him through prayer. This book could help kids learn new words, pray every day and make good decisions. I give The Adventure Prayer Journal for Kids 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. The e-book is available online. By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12 KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ 25 Media: Book |
