Every single dollar counts—and 48 hours remain in our KIDS FIRST! campaign.
We have two quick updates as we enter the final 48 hours of our KIDS FIRST! fall campaign:
First, thanks to our incredible community, we just officially crossed the $3,000 mark! 🎉
Second, I wanted to share a quick moment from earlier today that truly captured the spirit of this campaign. Someone I care deeply about—who happens to be going through a tough patch right now and looking for work—saw our campaign update. Without hesitating, she reached out and said:
“I have a dollar. Where do I send it?”
That is the heart of what we do at KIDS FIRST!
It’s not about huge financial commitments; it’s about a community coming together to back our young journalists, filmmakers, and film festival showcases.
As we make this final push toward our deadline on October 17th, I want to pose that same question to our entire community:
If every single person reading this email donated just $1 today, we would make a massive leap toward empowering the next generation of storytellers.
When a stray dog begins trailing 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she tries everything to shake him. The more they wonder, they more she learns about loyalty, courage, and the kind of friendship she never knew she needed. “Not My Dog” is a heartfelt family film about letting go of fear and opening your heart, one paw-step at a time.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Spencer C. comments, “I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge’s point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.” Julie O. adds, “Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man’s best friend. I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget’s house and her father’s work place.” Julianna S. wraps it up with, “I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and “not her dog,” Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.” See their full reviews below. Note: This film is also available to play at our KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.
Not My Dog
By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
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I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge’s point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.
The storyline follows a stray dog, Nudge, and 12-year-old Bridget, through their small town, as they embark on an unexpected journey, discovering the joy of an unlikely friendship along the way. Bridget is sent to bring lunch to her father at his barbershop when she encounters a stray dog that the Animal Control Officer Phil (Sal Rendino) has chased off.
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As the dog persistently trails her, Bridget insists to everyone she meets that “he’s not my dog.” As they wander together, Bridget’s initial frustration turns into compassion, pulling her away from her phone and teaching her valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and friendship.
The movie is set in Vernon, Connecticut, specifically the Rockville section, during the winter. I can tell it is winter because they all are wearing big winter jackets and there is a lot of snow. Something that stands out to me is the original song that Bridget and Jessie (Analise Scarpaci) sing together, which is written by Analise, an actor in the movie. Something else that stands out to me is how, at first, Bridget does not like dogs, because in most movies there is a big bond between the protagonist and animals. The scenes with Nudge running past the local chess players Chuck (Eric Roberts) and Carl (Jeremy London), store owners, and bullies is funny. My favorite character is Nudge the black German Shepherd, because he is very smart. He can always get away from Officer Phil, knows a lot of simple commands and even seems to understand English. But the real reason I like him is because Nudge is very persistent.
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When Bridget doesn’t like him at first, he just keeps following her. She tells him to stop, but he keeps going until Bridget starts to like him. The turning point in the movie is when a rude woman, Miss Athelia (Marika Domińczyk) teams up with Animal Control Officer Phil to find the dog, and Bridget starts protecting Nudge. I like how the film reminds us that our feelings about someone, or an animal, can change once we actually get to know them.
The film’s message is that the best adventures are face to face instead of through a phone or on a screen.
I give Not My Dog 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Not My Dog is available on VOD, AVOD and Streaming now.
Not My Dog
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
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Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man’s best friend. I like that this movie conveys a lot of meaning with a small cast and a minimal script.
Bridget (Rylie Pennington) is a typical 12-year-old girl who has to walk across town to take her father his lunch. A decision on which path to take – the long way or the short cut, changes her life in an unexpected way. A stray dog joins her on her trip and refuses to leave her side. Along her way she comes across two chess players (Eric Roberts and Jeremy London), a singer, some high schoolers, a dog catcher, and Mrs. Athelia who tries to get Bridget in trouble for having the dog off of a leash.
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I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget’s house and her father’s work place. I really enjoyed the slower pace of the film and the detail put into all of the interactions Bridget has on her journey. Most of the film is shot with close-ups, which gives a first person feeling. I love the use of the colors black, white, and red. The ground is covered in snow, the stray dog is black, and several of the characters wear red hats. These colors provide a nice contrast. I also like that Mrs. Athelia is dressed to look like Cruella from 101 Dalmatians. She wears a bright red hat and a long white and black fur coat. Every time she runs into Bridget there is conflict about the dog and her costume helps make her character larger than life.
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My favorite part of the story is whenever Bridget runs into Carl, one of the chess players in the park; he always imparts some life wisdom using chess as an example. He always says, “Life is like chess…”
The film’s message is that the unexpected can open new opportunities. I also like how the movie emphasizes the power of community and building relationships. This is a family friendly movie.
I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available to stream on VOD and AVOD now.
Not My Dog
By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
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I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and “not her dog,” Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.
The storyline follows Bridget (Rylie Pennington), a guarded, sarcastic 12-year-old girl living in a small town. Her mom sends her on an errand to take lunch to her father and Bridget’s day takes an unexpected turn when a stray dog begins following her. After many attempts to get rid of him, she eventually takes him on and names him Nudge, based on the fact that he won’t leave her side. She repeatedly tells people that he is “not my dog,” but he becomes intertwined with different relationships with various people, who all comment on the dog. While Nudge begins the story as an annoying interruption to Bridget’s chore, he becomes something much more meaningful.
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The person who stands out to me the most is Rylie Pennington, who plays Bridget. Pennington portrays Bridget’s stubbornness and sarcastic-ness perfectly, while still showing a softer, more scared side of her character. At the beginning, Pennington demonstrates feeling annoyed by Nudge, and her body language shows us how she does not want to take responsibility for him. However, as the film develops, Pennington physically and emotionally opens up more to Nudge and her surroundings. I love how she shows Bridget’s emotions through her facial expressions! I was also impressed by Inkosi, the dog that plays Nudge. Even though he cannot speak, his expressions, movements, and reactions make him feel like an important character rather than a simple dog.
Inkosi develops a connection with Bridget, making their relationship feel authentic and sweet. Together, these two create a friendship that has a natural feel and produces heartwarming moments.
The film’s message is that sometimes, relationships we never expect can become the most important. Bridget begins her story trying to push away Nudge, but he ends up teaching her about loyalty, responsibility, and being kind and open to others. This film reminds us to be more open to the world, and take a chance beyond first impressions.
I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Not My Dog is available now on VOD, AVOD, and streaming platforms.
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Time is officially running out! There are only 3 days left to enter the KIDS FIRST! 35th Anniversary Grand Sweepstakes. The deadline is this Saturday, October 17, and we don’t want you to miss out on these incredible rewards.
Every single donation directly empowers the next generation of youth media critics—and puts you in the running for a truly world-class lineup of prizes:
✈️ The European Escape: A dream vacation for two to beautiful Portugal!
🌵 The Luxury Getaway: Two nights at a posh Airbnb in historic Santa Fe, NM, just blocks from the plaza!
💡 The Masterclass Experience: A private business consultation with Kenn Viselman—the legendary entertainment executive who brought Teletubbies and Thomas & Friends to the U.S.!
🐑 The Nostalgia Prize: A private, magical afternoon with Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop!
When two quick-witted sisters suddenly find themselves entangled in a full-blown jewelry heist in Las Vegas, they must recruit a jaded security guard, survive bumbling henchmen, and thwart the mastermind behind it, all before their parents realize they’re missing.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kennedy P. says, “Get ready for a wild ride through Las Vegas because Double Trouble is a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with action, comedy, family, and plenty of sisterly chaos! What I love most about this movie is the chemistry between real-life sisters Madeleine McGraw and Violet McGraw.”
Ashish S. adds, “There are a lot of great things about this film…Each character is engaging and important to the plot. Specifically, I love the dynamic between the McGraw sisters who anchor the movie with a comedic vibe and also provide a heartwarming storyline with their relationship. Jack Griffo’s performance as the arrogant Juniper is also excellent, and it is great to see not only his acting skills, but his singing skills in this movie.” See their full reviews and interviews below.
Double Trouble
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Get ready for a wild ride through Las Vegas because Double Trouble is a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with action, comedy, family, and plenty of sisterly chaos! What I love most about this movie is the chemistry between real-life sisters Madeleine McGraw and Violet McGraw. Their relationship feels natural, funny, and believable, which gives the movie a lot of heart underneath all the action.
The storyline follows sisters Charlotte (Madeleine McGraw) and Willow (Violet McGraw), two quick-witted girls who find themselves caught up in a dangerous Las Vegas jewelry heist. When a valuable diamond gauntlet becomes the target of a master thief, the sisters team up with David (Andrew Koji), to recover it. What starts as an unexpected adventure quickly turns into a race against time filled with secrets, surprises, danger, and plenty of trouble. Set against the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, the sisters have to work together and discover that they may be more capable than they ever realized.
The cast is definitely a big highlight of Double Trouble. Madeleine McGraw and Violet McGraw bring a wonderful sisterly dynamic to the screen and, knowing they are sisters in real life, makes their chemistry even more fun to watch. Charlotte and Willow may get themselves into plenty of trouble, but they also learn that working together and trusting each other can help them overcome challenges that seem impossible. Andrew Koji adds action and humor as David, while Jack Griffo, Jesse La Flair, Struggle Jennings, Brynne Kurland round out the cast.
The movie was filmed entirely at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, which gives the film an authentic Vegas atmosphere. From the casino setting to the glamorous surroundings, Las Vegas almost feels like another character in the story, perfectly matching the movie’s heist-filled adventure. There are plenty of laughs, exciting moments, and twists along the way, making Double Trouble an entertaining movie for families, kids, and anyone who loves a good holiday heist adventure.
The film is about more than a diamond and a heist. It delivers a message about family, teamwork, trust, and believing in yourself. The film reminds us that sometimes the people standing beside you are your greatest strength. Double Trouble is a fun reminder that when you stick together, even the biggest trouble can be faced as a team.
I give Double Trouble 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters October 9, 2026.
Double Trouble
By Ashish S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Double Trouble is an amazing action-comedy holiday film that is filled with twists, turns, and laughs. I love this film so much due to the performances from the actors, the writing, and the holiday vibe.
The film follows two sisters, Charlotte (Madeleine McGraw) and Willow (Violet McGraw) as they get lost in a casino in Las Vegas. They meet a security guard, David (Andrew Koji), and get caught up in a high-stakes heist situation involving pop-star Juniper (Jack Griffo). He wears an expensive pair of jewels to a holiday concert at the hotel, which two thieves are trying to steal. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Willow’s mom, dad, and little sister go on a Christmas-themed tour, but get trapped when their bus breaks down.
There are a lot of great things about this film, starting with the actors’ performances. Each character is engaging and important to the plot. Specifically, I love the dynamic between the McGraw sisters who anchor the movie with a comedic vibe and also provide a heartwarming storyline with their relationship. Jack Griffo’s performance as the arrogant Juniper is also excellent, and it is great to see not only his acting skills, but his singing skills in this movie. The writing is a blend of comedy, action and drama, and delivers a wholesome message. My favorite part is the storyline involving David, and how Willow encourages him to reunite with his daughter for the holidays – that is particularly sweet.
The film’s message revolves around family, working together, and perseverance. While the familial relationships are initially strained, the storyline allows them to come together as a family in time for the holidays. Working together, they overcome the obstacles that they face, even the most difficult.
I give Double Trouble 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film is available in theaters beginning Friday, October 9, 2026.
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Your support over the past three decades has made all the difference—and today, a simple gesture from you helps us keep providing trusted guidance for the media your family loves.
Our Story Began at Tsankawi– In 1991, five founders gathered at the Tsankawi Prehistoric Sites. Standing among ancient rock art and cliff dwellings, Peggy Charren—founder of Action for Children’s Television—remarked that ancient storytellers didn’t have to worry about the content of media. Their stories were true to their lives, carved straight into the rock walls for future generations.
Inspired by that truth, the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media and its signature program, KIDS FIRST!, were born. At the time, major media outlets were trying to convince Congress that The Flintstones taught history and The Jetsons taught the future to satisfy educational television mandates. It was a massive stretch. Shortly after, an influx of hyper-violent video games and media left families with few places to turn for honest guidance.
Guided by leading child development specialists, media educators, and librarians, KIDS FIRST! created a rigorous evaluation system. We trained adult and youth reviewers to work side-by-side evaluating, rating, and recommending media worth your family’s precious time.
That effort evolved into our flagship KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program—empowering youth ages 9 to 18 to deliver honest, peer-to-peer reviews of the latest movies, TV shows, and digital content.
Impact by the Numbers (Last Year Alone)
500+ films, TV shows, and digital media projects evaluated
200+ cast and crew members interviewed
1,000+ video reviews published across YouTube and social media
All of this is offered to the public 100% free of charge—made possible solely through the generosity of supporters like you.
Celebrate 35 Years With Us: Donate & Enter Our Sweepstakes!
Every day, more families reach out to us because they are tired of content that relies on hostility, drama, and a talking-down tone. To celebrate 35 years of championing quality media, we invite you to make a special anniversary gift of $35, $350, or $3,500.
As a token of our gratitude, every donation enters you into our Fundraising Sweepstakes!
Grand Prize: A trip to Portugal to spend an afternoon with Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop!
Since 1991, our mission has been to empower kids to become critical viewers, make quality entertainment easily accessible, and inspire young filmmakers. That promise has never mattered more than it does today.
Thank you for serving kids and families with the care, respect, and humanity they deserve.
With gratitude,
The KIDS FIRST! Team
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Every single dollar counts—and 48 hours remain in our KIDS FIRST! campaign.
When a stray dog begins trailing 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she tries everything to shake him. The more they wonder, they more she learns about loyalty, courage, and the kind of friendship she never knew she needed. “Not My Dog” is a heartfelt family film about letting go of fear and opening your heart, one paw-step at a time.
Inkosi develops a connection with Bridget, making their relationship feel authentic and sweet. Together, these two create a friendship that has a natural feel and produces heartwarming moments.
When two quick-witted sisters suddenly find themselves entangled in a full-blown jewelry heist in Las Vegas, they must recruit a jaded security guard, survive bumbling henchmen, and thwart the mastermind behind it, all before their parents realize they’re missing.
The film is about more than a diamond and a heist. It delivers a message about family, teamwork, trust, and believing in yourself. The film reminds us that sometimes the people standing beside you are your greatest strength. Double Trouble is a fun reminder that when you stick together, even the biggest trouble can be faced as a team.
Double Trouble is an amazing action-comedy holiday film that is filled with twists, turns, and laughs. I love this film so much due to the performances from the actors, the writing, and the holiday vibe.
There are a lot of great things about this film, starting with the actors’ performances. Each character is engaging and important to the plot. Specifically, I love the dynamic between the McGraw sisters who anchor the movie with a comedic vibe and also provide a heartwarming storyline with their relationship. Jack Griffo’s performance as the arrogant Juniper is also excellent, and it is great to see not only his acting skills, but his singing skills in this movie. The writing is a blend of comedy, action and drama, and delivers a wholesome message. My favorite part is the storyline involving David, and how Willow encourages him to reunite with his daughter for the holidays – that is particularly sweet.
The film’s message revolves around family, working together, and perseverance. While the familial relationships are initially strained, the storyline allows them to come together as a family in time for the holidays. Working together, they overcome the obstacles that they face, even the most difficult.
Dear Friends,
Go Here to Donate and Enter the Sweepstakes: 
