KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common … but they are also very different. Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common, but embracing the things that make you different. Since our differences are what makes us special, Frog and Toad celebrate what makes them unique! 

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keila V. comments, “I love how this series constantly reminds me of how opposites really do complement each other. The animation is adorable, although some scenes are quite unrealistic. The storyline is terrific and the voice actors are fantastic. The voice actor for both Frog and Toad (Kevin Michael Richardson) is so enthusiastic.” See her full review below.

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

Frog and Toad is a new TV series based on the classic fictional children’s story. In every episode Frog and Toad go on a new adventure and each adventure provides a valued life lesson.

The story follows a very joyful Frog and a groggy Toad on unique journeys around their neighborhood. Frog and Toad are the best of friends and spend every day together. Toad loves to bake, relax and enjoy his life at a slow pace; while Frog, on the other hand is an outgoing, upbeat and cheerful character. The main theme of the story in all the episodes is how Frog and Toad always help each other and never leave one another’s side.

I love how this series constantly reminds me of how opposites really do complement each other. The animation is adorable, although some scenes are quite unrealistic. The storyline is terrific and the voice actors are fantastic. The voice actor for both Frog and Toad (Kevin Michael Richardson) is so enthusiastic. Throughout the series we see the characters really being authentic to what they are trying to say and, in one particular scene, Frog is trying to convince Toad to wake up from hibernation on the first day of spring (even though toads hibernate until late spring).

My favorite scene of the series is in the episode called “The Letter” where Frog hears Toad say that he has never gotten mail before. Frog goes back home to write Toad his very own first letter and after he finishes it, he brings it to the town’s post office and tells the little postman (a snail) to take the letter as fast as he can to Toad’s house. As you know, snails are awfully slow, so when Frog goes back to see Toad he is lying in bed and feeling upset that he isn’t getting any mail and thinks he never will. Little does he know Snail is on his way, but definitely taking a while to bring his letter. Frog is a true friend to Toad because he waits two days with Toad waiting for Snail to come and bring his very first mail. You just have to see it!

The message of this series is to always enjoy our friends and appreciate our life; we only have a certain amount of time. Another message is to love the outdoors, just as we see Frog and Toad love spending their time going on walks and having a picnic. This teaches children not just to be on their electronics but to also savor the great outdoors!

I give Frog and Toad 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. It is releases on Apple TV+ April 28, 2023.

Inspired by the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr. in a tour de force performance) rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) and her court.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic David E. comments, “I really like Chevalier, because of its story about segregation in France when Black people were slaves. I like the violin aspect of it as well.” See his full review below.

Chevalier
By David E., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

I really like Chevalier, because of its story about segregation in France when Black people were slaves. I like the violin aspect of it as well.

The story takes place in 18th century Paris and is inspired by the incredible life of composer Joseph Bolognue, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bolognue, rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) and her court.

I really enjoyed the storyline. It is amazing and really shows us what life was like in the 18th century. The pace is intentionally slow and that’s what makes it so good. It reminds me of a great meal that you would just want to savor. You can really imagine it taking place in your mind. The camerawork is excellent; it makes you feel as if you are in parts of the scene. Production on this film began on September 7, 2021, in Prague, Czech Republic and ended in November 2021. The setting was supposed to take place in France and the sets and locations really look very French. Kelvin Harrison Jr. gives a tour de force performance as Joseph Bolognue / Chevalier. He blew me away with his performance.

Samara Weaving’s portrayal of the Queen uses a rude and not too shabby voice and she changes sides like when you flip a light switch. Lucy Boynton, the love interest of Bolognue, seems to be a typical woman who men fall in love with. I didn’t feel the inclusion of her as his love interest added much to the storyline. I don’t particularly care for the film’s ending, but it does kick off the French revolution.

The message of this film is never try to get rid of a Black man.

I give Chevalier 4.5out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in movie theaters beginning April 21, 2023

Giving God’s Love To Others: How To Show Christian Love Behavior  is a book designed for Christians and Christian leaders that discusses the importance of showing the love of God. Oftentimes Christians’ behavior does not reflect the type of love that God wants us to show. This book addresses the importance of taking time to assure that we show loving behavior and uses Bible verses to illustrate that.

KIDS FIRST! reporter Gavin S. comments, “This book is very inspirational! Something that I enjoyed about it and I think others will enjoy, is how the author uses Bible verses in every chapter and how they explain what it means and gives a lesson based on it.” Ashleigh C. adds, “This book provides excellent guidance on how to show the love of God through our behavior. Author Arlette-Thomas-Fletcher skillfully highlights the importance of reflecting God’s love in our actions and reactions towards others, emphasizing that it is not enough to know the right scriptures, but we also should live them out in our daily lives.” Eunnet C. wraps it up with, “Giving God’s Love To Others is a simple book, but detailed enough for someone to understand and reflect on ways of giving a Christian type of love to others. It’s suitable for kids because they can easy understand the content and it even includes pictures that most will find entertaining.” See their full reviews below.

Giving God’s Love to Others
By Gavin S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Something that I enjoyed about Giving God’s Love to Others and I think others will enjoy, is how the author uses Bible verses in every chapter and how they explain what it means and gives a lesson based on it. This book is very inspirational; I believe it will encourage others to turn to God in tough times.

This book reminds us how important it is to show your love of God, and to behave in a way that reflects the love that God wants us to show. We are sometimes unaware of how out of line we are in our behavior toward others and, by quoting scripture this book reminds us of how God wants us to behave. It teaches us to love everyone the same way God has loved us.

This book is an awesome way to learn new things, with lots of entertaining elements that make learning fun. It makes it easy for kids to learn new words. I enjoyed the stories from the Bible, like the story of Joseph, The King of Dreams, and I like the use of Bible verses throughout the book. As the title says, it is about spreading god’s love and loving others. I also like that the author explains how she went through some tough times, and then ultimately turned to God, and she explains how God helped her. She also explains that people who are hurt need time to recover.

The storyline flows very well, however sometimes the words get very advanced, words such as wherewith or thenceforth, but I still enjoyed the book. The book itself teaches lots of positive life lessons, like loving everyone. During one of the chapters, it talks about Joseph and how his brothers hated him, but later they forgive each other.  The problem solving in this book is definitely suitable for young people and we can relate to the stories like the one about Joseph and his brothers. The cover of the book is very attractive; it shows people holding hands in the sunset. One thing that I like about the book is how pictures are used at the start of each chapter. Also, there is a sidebar that lets you scroll through different chapters and pages. What makes this book suitable for a youth audience is how it teaches positive lessons, and how it teaches to love everyone.

The message of this book is that we should treat everyone the same, with love.

I give Giving God’s Love to Others 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available now through online booksellers.

Giving God’s Love To Others: How To Show Christian Love Behavior
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 19

Giving God’s Love To Others: How To Show Christian Love Behavior is an excellent resource that, as a Christian, I found valuable. The author’s use of relatable language, clear scriptural references, and practical examples makes this book a practical tool for anyone who desires to live a life that reflects the love of God.

This book provides excellent guidance on how to show the love of God through their behavior. Author Arlette-Thomas-Fletcher skillfully highlights the importance of reflecting God’s love in our actions and reactions towards others, emphasizing that it is not enough to know the right scriptures, but we also should live them out in our daily lives.

The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it an excellent resource for both seasoned Christians and new believers alike. Ms. Thomas-Fletcher uses relevant examples and anecdotes to drive home the message that showing love is a deliberate action that requires intentionality and mindfulness. The book also provides clear scriptural references that serve as a roadmap for those who desire to walk in love. The book also does not shy away from addressing the common pitfalls that Christians encounter.

The message of this book is that love should be at the core of every Christian’s life and it should be reflected in their behavior.

I give Giving God’s Love to Others: How to Show Christian Love Behavior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available now at online booksellers, so check it out.

Giving God’s Love To Others: How To Show Christian Love Behavior
By Eunnet C., KIDS FIRST!

Giving God’s Love To Others: How To Show Christian Love Behavior is a simple book, but detailed enough for someone to understand and reflect on ways of giving a Christian type of love to others. It’s suitable for kids because they can easy understand the content and it even includes pictures that most will find entertaining.

Giving God’s Love To Others shows ways in which Christians can properly spread the type of love that God wants us to have. It includes Bible verses Bible and stories that help you to further understand the topic and also grasp your attention.

The book begins by discussing the history of how the book came into being. As Christians we might unintentionally act against our way of truth in spreading love. The various Bible verses help reinforce the concept of love and how to properly obtain it at your own pace. It gives a clear explanation on what love is and how to achieve it. The Bible verses help you stay on track. The story line flows well from the beginning and held my interest from the very first page to the last page. I like that there even is a place to write your thoughts or to journal your thoughts at the end. I read it as an E-book and it doesn’t have any special features; however its table of content is quite useful. Its educational impact is in helping someone understand the importance of giving Christian love and how to even achieve that. Readers will clearly take away an understanding of how to show love to those around them and will be able to recognize and remove any bad behavior they might have in spreading love.

The book’s message is about what love is and the different types of love a Christian is meant to portray.

I give Giving God’s Love To Others: How To Show Christian Love Behavior 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to18, plus adults. It is available now through online booksellers.

Jane, a 9-year-old budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. Using her powerful imagination, Jane takes her best friends David and Greybeard the chimpanzee on epic adventures to help protect wild animals all around the world because, according to her idol Dr. Jane Goodall: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.”

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Dominic D. comments, “To all nature and environmental enthusiasts, sit tight because a great mini-series is coming your way! Jane, a new 10-episode action adventure series is the “complete package” full of imagination, thrills, and a whole lot of education, inspired by the work of famous conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall.” See his full review below.

Jane
By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

To all nature and environmental enthusiasts, sit tight because a great mini-series is coming your way! Jane, a new 10-episode action adventure series is the “complete package” full of imagination, thrills, and a whole lot of education, inspired by the work of famous conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall. Viewers are in for a real treat.

The series takes us through the imaginative short journeys of Jane Garcia (Ava Louise Murchison) and her best friend and partner-in-crime, David (Mason Blomberg), who set out to save the world’s vanishing species.  While on their quest to help these species, this dynamic duo educates viewers about threatened wildlife and explains the importance of making a change for generations to come. Following each journey, these young environmentalists are joined virtually by a research scientist who not only shares so much information about specific species, but also shares their own experiences, which adds excitement to each episode. From bees to bats and bears, the Jane series is exceptional!

Each episode is so inspiring which is what I like most about Jane. Of course the adventure, action, and creativity are also enjoyable, but what makes this series stand out is the education we get about diminishing species and what can be done to save them.  The visual effects also deserve a mention. The live action/CGI-blended scenes are outstanding. Set locations are perfectly chosen, allowing viewers to feel they are right there alongside the animals.

The Jane series delivers a message of hope. Each of us, no matter what age, needs to be committed in order to make positive change for our ecosystems. Every species is important on our planet, and if we can gain a better understanding of the problems that exist within nature, maybe we can fix them.  We’re all in this together, and together we can make change –future generations are counting on us!

I give Jane 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12.  Jane makes its global debut on April 14, 2023 on Apple TV+.  Mark your calendars—this series is great!