Finding Happy * Rescuing An Animal Doesn’t Only Change The Animal’s Life, It Makes A Difference In The Life Of The Rescuer As Well
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
A heartbroken woman saves an injured baby sparrow and forges a once-in-a-lifetime bond that inspires an uplifting journey around the world to explore unique human-animal relationships and find the heart of true connection.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “Finding Happy is a gloriously produced documentary that changed the way I view having unconventional animals as pets. Every story is beautiful and it held my interest from start to finish.” Kaylee H. adds, “The film Finding Happy is the cutest and most wholehearted documentary I have ever seen! This emotional story centers on adorable animals with their human best friends.” Avani M. adds, “The film shows us that rescuing an animal doesn’t only change the animal’s life; it makes a difference in the life of the rescuer as well.” Miral G. wraps it up with, “The film’s message is about how love and kindness can be transformational, for both humans and animals. It shows how caring for other living beings has the power of healing.” See their full reviews below.
Finding Happy
Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Finding Happy is a gloriously produced documentary that truly changed the way I view having unconventional animals as pets. Every story is beautiful and it held my interest from start to finish. From the cinematography, pacing, and the people interviewed, every part shines in its own way.
The storyline follows Maria Bertrand as she tells the story of finding an injured baby sparrow, Happy, during Covid. She documents the bond she created with it during a time when she had no one else, and how she learned to trust it and for it to trust her. Along the way she shares the stories of others with similar experiences, and how their animals, while unconventional, are their best friends.
The interview segments throughout the film are so engaging and help refine the stories being told. For example, whenever Maria is talking about her and Happy, her narration enhances whatever emotion is being conveyed. The other stories she chose to share are also breathtaking – each inspiring in its own way. Everyone shares such beautiful and uplifting experiences. My personal favorite is Zach Skow and his dogs – while dogs may seem like a conventional pet, because of their struggles, they had to overcome and adapt to a new way of living. The visuals in this film are also unbelievable. For example, when Maria talks about how she first found Happy, the visual style switches to rotoscoping which animates the scene in an incredible way. In another scene, when they are talking about animal images drawn on walls, the animals are sketched out slowly giving the illusion that they’re being drawn live.
I particularly enjoyed the pacing. Each individual interview is its own segment, so nothing ever lingers too long. Each scene connects well with the next so the story has good continuity.
The film’s message is that, no matter the animal, we, as humans, have the ability to create a deep connection with every single one. Be forewarned that death is talked about and injured animals are shown.
I give Finding Happy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and streaming on September 1, 2026.
Finding Happy
By Miral, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I love the documentary film Finding Happy because of its message about hope, mental health, and the healing power of nature. The film moved me deeply and made me cry of happiness at the end!
The storyline follows Maria Bertrand, a woman from Montreal, Canada, who moves to Los Angeles and adopts a dog that she names Moon. One day, while she is running, she finds an injured baby sparrow that is only one day old. She brings it home and takes care of him, and names him Happy, for the happiness he brings into her life. Shortly after, Moon passes away and Maria creates an even stronger bond with Happy. This life-changing experience makes her look for other people around the world that, just like her, have one-of-a-kind connections with their pets. This journey is spiritual, uplifting, and very moving.
My favorite aspect of Finding Happy is how the story is presented in an original and interesting way. For instance, the movie presents different people and they share their own stories of how they came across their animals. Maria Bertrand is the director, writer, and also the main focus of the documentary. She shares her story in a deeply personal way. Another person that resonated with me is Sangduen “Lek” Chailert. She is the founder of the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary in Thailand and is known for rescuing elephants and giving them a second chance with love and freedom. Happy the sparrow is often hilarious and makes me want to laugh all the time because of how funny he is and how silly he plays with Maria.
The film’s message is about how love and kindness can be transformational, for both humans and animals. It shows how caring for other living beings has the power of healing. Animals are important for people and people are crucial for animals. It is a two-way relationship that benefits people and their pets. It serves as a general reminder that healing often begins when we shift our focus away from our own suffering to care for someone else, and this in turn, can give purpose to our lives.
I give Finding Happy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 through 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD, AVOD and streaming September 1, 2026.
Finding Happy
By Avani M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14
Finding Happy is a documentary that shares inspiring stories of people who have rescued and cared for animals. I really enjoy how the film brings these stories to life through emotional moments, multiple points of views and a powerful message about the connection between people and animals.
The storyline mainly follows Happy, a sparrow who was injured and found on the roadside. His story is told along with stories of other rescued animals, including Honk, a goose who was abandoned in a pond, and Jenny, a cow who was considered not “useful,” and a woman who has rescued more than 100 elephants. Each story is different, but they all show the importance of giving animals a safe place to live and caring for them. It shows how animals can bring happiness, comfort and support to people while also reminding people why animals deserve to be protected.
The film shows us that rescuing an animal doesn’t only change the animal’s life; it makes a difference in the life of the rescuer as well. One of the strongest parts of Finding Happy is the different points of view it explores. Instead of only focusing on the animals, the documentary really examines the people who have rescued and cared for them. Each person portrays themselves and we hear their passion and emotion as they talk about their pets. The stories show how much animals can mean to people, especially during difficult times. Happy’s story is especially emotional because the relationship between him and his rescuer, Maria, shows how helping an animal can help bring happiness and purpose to someone’s life.
This film explores themes of kindness, compassion, connection and protection of animals. Its biggest message is that animals do a lot for people, and people can give back by helping animals who are hurt, abandoned or in danger. We are reminded that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
I give Finding Happy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases to VOD and streaming on September 1, 2026.
Finding Happy
Kaylee H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
The film Finding Happy is the cutest and most wholehearted documentary I have ever seen! This emotional story centers on adorable animals with their human best friends. It shows how much light and positivity animals can bring into our everyday lives through forming close bonds, while also demonstrating that animals can help with healing from painful emotions.
Maria Bertrand is an animal and nature lover who experiences many difficult challenges. As she is out jogging, she finds an injured baby bird, including a broken beak, which she finds will not allow him to return to the wild. Maria opts to keep the baby bird, names him Happy, and they quickly create a unique bond that helps her to find herself, look inside herself, and find joy. Maria decides to travel the world visiting other people who have animals as their best friends, listening to their stories about how their animal companions helped them get out of a dark place in their lives.
Maria Bertrand is the writer, director, and the star of this program. She is great at exploring everyone’s background stories, including those of their animal best friends, while displaying a common thread throughout all of the narratives. I enjoyed how she doesn’t just focus on dogs and cats as people’s pets, but she explores all animals. She meets people whose “best friends” are a cow, a goose, and a chicken. Maria even travels to Thailand to meet a lady who is friends with many elephants. This documentary made me smile, laugh, and understand various bonds that people have with their animal friends. None of their bonds form in the same way, which enhances the uniqueness between the pairs and the uniqueness of this film. My favorite part is where fun songs are added to the videos of Happy and other animals. These moments highlight how charming and entertaining these animal partners are.
The film’s message is expressed by Maria at the beginning – all animals, no matter how big or tiny, are unique, equal, and have a story to tell. They all have the ability to connect with us, communicate with us, heal us, and love us. If we can pause and start listening, they can light a pathway to a kinder, better, and happier world. Be forewarned that the film does mention suicide and curses once, but it is censored out.
I give Finding Happy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available on VOD, AVOD, and streaming on September 1, 2026.
The iconic children’s animated series Stories to Remember is officially back! Newly remastered and re-released by Lightyear Entertainment, this award-winning collection brings beloved storybooks to life with stunning artwork, star-studded narration (James Earl Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Mia Farrow, Kevin Kline), and musical scores by legendary artists like Stewart Copeland (The Police). You can watch the entire collection for FREE right now on Tubi at 
Noah’s Ark
The Snow Queen
Beauty and the Beast
Merlin and the Dragons
al selections shine on the global stage! Huge congratulations to three incredible films from our lineup that recently took top honors at the Children’s International Film Festival in the UK.
A Powerful International Partnership 🌍
KIDS FIRST! is pleased to announce the addition of eight new reporters to its national KIDS FIRST! Film Critic program. Ranging in age from 9 to 15, these talented young journalists hail from across the U.S. and Canada, including Washington D.C., Houston, Miami, Arkansas, and Alberta.
Nylah A. (age 15) lives in the DC area and is the reigning Miss Fairfax American Junior Teenager. As a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, she enjoys expressing herself through writing, public speaking, pageantry, and movie reviews. Joining KIDS FIRST! has strengthened her confidence, on-camera presence, and film analysis skills. In her free time, Nylah enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, running track, shopping, traveling, and studying law and criminal justice. Her favorite film, Bones and All, deeply moves her through its exploration of loneliness, identity, and acceptance. Her favorite actress is Taraji P. Henson, whom she admires for bringing strength, emotion, and authenticity to every role. One of Nylah’s proudest accomplishments is earning her pageant title and completing the KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Boot Camp. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in law while continuing to explore media, interviewing, and entertainment opportunities. She is excited to share thoughtful perspectives and keep growing through every experience.
Tanaysha F. (age 12) is a dancer, actress, model, and new KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. She joined KIDS FIRST! to try something new and learn more about the entertainment industry. In her free time, Tanaysha enjoys roller skating, swimming, playing sports like soccer and basketball, and making imaginative art. Extremely creative, she loves turning ordinary items into something special—even designing clothing and accessories out of printer paper and recycled materials! Her favorite movie is Five Nights at Freddy’s because of its suspense, characters, and storyline. One of Tanaysha’s greatest accomplishments is dancing. Expressing herself through movement comes naturally to her, and people often note that her entire body tells a story when she performs. While she isn’t completely sure about her future career yet, Tanaysha is interested in becoming an artist or exploring sports. One fun fact about Tanaysha is that she absolutely loves mozzarella sticks!
Taysha F. (age 13) is an actress, singer, dancer, and new KIDS FIRST! Film Critic from the DC area. She joined KIDS FIRST! because she loves movies and enjoys sharing her opinions with other kids and families. In her free time, Taysha enjoys singing, dancing, acting, writing songs, and spending time with her family. Her favorite movie is Annie because of its music, story, and Annie’s positive attitude—a role she has dreamed of playing since she was little. Her favorite actress is Ariana Grande, who inspired her to start singing. One of Taysha’s greatest accomplishments was being cast as the child lead in a feature film, alongside appearing in commercials for Kalahari Resorts. She is also proud of her growth as a dancer; through hard work, she transformed her early struggles into solo roles and now enjoys choreographing and mentoring others. In the future, Taysha hopes to become a successful singer, actress, and director who inspires others to pursue their dreams.
Anais G. (age 12) lives in South Texas. She loves learning, having fun, and spending quality time with the people she cares about most. An eager learner who tries her best every day, Anais keeps busy with school while exploring creative hobbies like drawing, crafting, writing stories, reading, and listening to music. In her free time, she enjoys playing games, riding her bike, going outside, and making lasting memories with family and friends. She strongly believes in the power of respect, honesty, and positivity. Looking ahead, Anais is focused on exploring new talents, setting personal goals, and making a positive impact on those around her. She hopes to continue building her confidence, working hard, and inspiring others to be kind, curious, and true to themselves while enjoying every step of her journey.
Bailey G. (age 11) lives in the DC area and has a twin sister. She joined KIDS FIRST! because she wants to meet celebrities and gain more familiarity with the entertainment industry. She also thoroughly enjoys researching films, their casts, character backgrounds, and behind-the-scenes stories. Outside of the film biz, Bailey loves to sing, act, and write. She stays busy auditioning for different roles and crafting her own stories. Her favorite film is the original Descendants movie because she loves exploring what happens to the classic Disney princesses and villains, as well as learning who their children are today. Her favorite actress is Jenna Ortega, whom she admires for her immense talent. Believe it or not, Bailey’s proudest moment was winning 3rd place at the County Science STEM Fair. However, her true passion lies on the stage—she has loved performing in several plays and dreams of one day becoming a professional actress, singer, and author.
Miral G. (age 12) is from Miami, Florida. She wanted to join the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Team because she loves being in front of the camera, staying up to date with the latest movies, and meeting her favorite actors. In her free time, Miral enjoys crocheting, swimming, and participating in Girl Scouts. One of her favorite films is The Parent Trap, which she loves for its story about separated twins reuniting at summer camp. Her favorite actress is Miranda Cosgrove, whom she admires for her work in iCarly—and because they share the exact same birthday! She also looks up to KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Abigail L. for her energetic, charismatic camera presence and clear delivery. Miral’s greatest accomplishment recently was being selected for 7th-grade Algebra 1. She is excited to challenge herself in math, earn a spot in the National Junior Honor Society, and get a head start on college. When she grows up, Miral wants to become a lawyer so she can help others and impart justice.
Kaylee H. (Age 13) Hailing from Arkansas, Kaylee H. joined the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team to gain deeper insight and hands-on experience in the film industry—an opportunity she considers her proudest achievement. Academically driven, Kaylee takes great pride in earning her place in advanced classes. When she isn’t studying or reviewing films, she stays active through basketball, volleyball, track, and her church youth group. Kaylee loves expressing her creativity through art, music, video editing, and contributing to her school’s yearbook, though spending quality time with family and friends remains a top priority. Her favorite movies include The Breadwinner and 13 Going on 30 for their balance of heart, humor, and exceptional performances. She also admires actor Walker Scobell for his sharp comedic timing and ability to bring characters to life. Looking ahead, Kaylee hopes to turn her passion into a lifelong career in the entertainment industry.
Nora Jane U., is a nine-year-old aspiring film critic from Alberta, Canada. Known to her family by the nickname “Monkey Man James,” Nora lives with her younger sister, Anna (6), and their lovable Bernese Mountain Dog, Maggie. Nora joined the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team because she loves sharing her honest opinions and helping others discover great movies. When she isn’t watching films, she enjoys arts and crafts, reading, drawing, and family movie nights. Her favorite movie is Incredibles 2 for its mystery and exciting plot twists. She also admires Jenna Ortega’s performance in Wednesday and loves tuning into KIDS FIRST! podcasts to hear reviews from fellow young critics. One of Nora’s proudest accomplishments is performing in theatre productions that combine singing and acting. Looking to the future, she hopes to become either a lawyer or an actress. She also loves attending big parties and special events where she can dance and celebrate with family and friends.
