Watch Kids' Reviews of
PARADISE IN A PENCIL

I like how this reveals the inner thinking of a young teen as she adapts to emigrating and the difficulties that come with that.

This is a clever use of mixed media, with an outstanding narration. I love how Emily incorporates her craft making skills into an emotional release for herself - very clever. I also like the blend of images, all of which reveal the depth of her personality and her working through her issues. The only downside for me was that the background music at times is too loud and overshadows the narration and it ends abruptly - it just cuts out - no credits, no real ending. If this came from an adult filmmaker it would not make it due to that. We are a bit more forgiving with student filmmakers but still... find an ending, end with credits.

That being said, I give Paradise in a Pencil 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!

I like how this reveals the inner thinking of a young teen as she adapts to emigrating and the difficulties that come with that.

This is a clever use of mixed media, with an outstanding narration. I love how Emily incorporates her craft making skills into an emotional release for herself - very clever. I also like the blend of images, all of which reveal the depth of her personality and her working through her issues. The only downside for me was that the background music at times is too loud and overshadows the narration and it ends abruptly - it just cuts out - no credits, no real ending. If this came from an adult filmmaker it would not make it due to that. We are a bit more forgiving with student filmmakers but still... find an ending, end with credits.

That being said, I give Paradise in a Pencil 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Janet S., KIDS FIRST!

When I first moved from Beijing to Palo Alto when I was seven, my classmates treated me like a pariah for being Chinese, and that's when learning to become an artist and making beautiful things for others became my salvation.