KIDS FIRST! New Endorsements

Description:

Filmed at the San Diego Zoo, it features little kids, baby animals and lively sing-a-long. Children visit toddling tigers, fuzzy orangutans, furry gorillas and other little newborns. Comes with a CD of just the music. English and Spanish tracks.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Fun sing-alongs, appropriate for the target audience. Many super visuals to match the lyrics of the songs. How could you not love seeing these darling baby animals? Engaging to adults as well as children. Well paced, excellent graphics, delightful characters, fun facts and music. Wonderful encyclopedic directory of animals from the San Diego Zoo. Promotes compassion for zoo animals learning about them. Menu allows scene selection which lets you revisit a scene without having to go through the entire program. One juror said, "yes I would buy this and recommend it to others."

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Children enjoyed it. Loved the animals and loved the catchy songs. Kids sang along and made comments. "We sang together." They also called out the names of the zoo animals as they saw them. "Elephant," "Baby elephant," "Giraffe," etc. Many got up and moved to the music. Afterwards, they talked about carousels. Fun for kids, easy to follow along, great characters.

Description:

Put your whole body into it with your favorite Sesame pals! Move and groove with personal trainer Grover, visit the dentist with Frazzle Monster, and play Bert's "Oatmeal Game." Sesame friends engage preschoolers in interactive fun while teaching healthy habits such as exercise, brushing teeth, eating right and getting plenty of rest.

Description:

Emma Watson leads and all-star cast that includes Emilia Fox, Victoria Wood and Richard Griffiths in the adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's enchanting novel about three orphans who embark on an exhilarating journey to realize their dreams.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Visually appealing period piece that takes place in the 20s. The storyline about three orphaned children and the woman who raises them does everything to encourage their character and career development. Starring Emma Watson (Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films) who plays one of the three sisters. It deals with the struggles of a poor English family during the depression and what they needed to do to survive whether it be lack of food or making their own clothing. The sisters rise above their situation to pursue their dreams - providing good role models for young people.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

This inspiring story of three orphan girls takes place in England in the 1920s. The orphans are each brought to Ms. Brown by her paleontologist guardian and she raises them in an impoverished home. In desperate need of money Ms. Brown rents rooms to people who turn out to be good influences to the children. She enrolls the girls into a performance school where the girls subsequently discover and pursue their dreams. Their dreams are to become a pilot, a ballerina, and a Hollywood movie star. The girls sacrifice for each other so each can pursue her dream.

Description:

This interactive DVD teaches children about Hawaii's beautiful ocean and magnificent sea life. Using stunning photography, amusing toys, fun graphics and animation and authentic music of Hawaii makes this a truly unique tour of paradise.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Engaging and entertaining for both parents and children. Appropriately paced, pleasant background music. Holds your interest throughout. Good cinematography, technical and artistic values. It broadens a child's global perspective, teaching the Hawaiian language while exploring the geographical beauty of the islands. The scenes of marine life - turtles swimming, dolphins jumping - are engaging. It uses toy characters of people. The Hawaiian children in their grass skirts and the older surfers are smiling, athletic and respectful of their culture. Kids might find it interesting to learn that Hawaiians have a different language. One juror compared this DVD to Baby Einstein with a Hawaiian theme.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Kids loved the music and the graphics. It motivated discussion among the children about flying to Hawaii and they went to the globe to figure out where it is located. The kids chattered away about the marine animals, toys and puzzles and the cool surfers. Each little boy said, "I'm that one" as the surfers went through the waves. The adult leaders primped the kids to repeat the Hawaiian words shown on screen.

Description:

A journey along the monarch butterfly trail with colorful characters along the way. Featuring original songs and drawings from host/musician/cartoonist Matthew Craig. Nature lessons presented by Miss Lydia (Lydia Konecky), a park naturalist in the Pittsburg, PA area.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Matthew is like the new Mister Rogers. His quiet demeanor reminds you of the master. Yet, this up-to-date show has all the elements of today in it. The talking tree, Miss Lydia. Here is a wonderful show just in time for Earth Day 2008.

Description:

An educational and entertaining program starring all puppies. Children are exposed to timeless life lessons through a series of vignettes played out by playful puppies and scored by music inspired by classical composers.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Absolutely adorable puppies should be a hit with kids. Learning to get along with others and learning how to appreciate the true worth of an individual is emphasized. It's very cute and easy to watch and listen to. The stories are cute. Puppies play out scenes to a background of classical music. There is no narration. Its only fault is to try to have more of a complex storyline that it really needs. But, overall, puppies learning about life and how to get along with one another is as suitable for young children as it gets. The close ups on the puppies faces, expressions and body movements are priceless. If you are an animal lover, this will be heart-warming.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Everyone loved it but many got antsy after a while. "I liked when they came to take the puppy home." Many wanted to watch it a second time, but they wandered after a while on the second viewing as well. The older kids could follow the storyline, but it was lost on the younger ones. The kids weren't overly interested in the music so the effort to introduce them to classical music seems like it doesn't really make an impact. Basically, the best part was simply watching these cute puppies. Shorter would be better.

Description:

Featuring the characteristic animation of HBO Family's Peabody and Emmy Award-winning Classical Baby franchise, Classical Baby "I'm Grown Up Now" The Poetry Show presents timeless treasures from the world of poetry, including classic works by William Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Langston Hughes. With an all-star cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Susan Sarandon, Geoffrey Wright, Andy Garcia and John Lithgow, this all-new half hour will plant the seeds for a lifelong love of the sound of words!

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Set to classical music, this collection includes classic poetry such as "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost, "The Swing" by Robert Louis Stevenson, "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams, "Grass Grass Grass" by Woodie Guthrie, "The Owl and the Pussy Cat" by Edward Lear, and many more. The part I loved most about is were the live action segments of real children expressing their thoughts about the poetry. "I like poetry because it can have a lot of different meanings to it." "It's like music in your head when you read it." A group of elementary-age children candidly talk about how the poetry affects them and their comments ring so true. "Poetry is a pretty way of saying something." "It's like music. It has a beat, a rhythm … just like music. Obviously, these kids have thought about it a bit. "Sometimes you have to read it more than once to really get it." "Maybe you love somebody so much that there are no words for it. You just have to write down what you feel." And, they don't miss a beat in terms of execution. "You don't have to put in a period, a comma, or an exclamation point. You just put it down the way it comes out of your head. That's the way it is." Summary - "It's just beautiful." Try it, you'll love it. At $9.98, it's a great value for introducing your kids to poetry.

Description:

Inspired by a true story, this film chronicles the journey of Professor Melvin Tolson, a brilliant but volatile debate team coach who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small African American college in the deep south into a historically elite debate team. A controversial figure, Professor Tolson challenged the social mores of the time and was under constant fire for his unconventional and ferocious teaching methods as well as his radical political views. In their pursuit for excellence, Tolson's debate team receives a groundbreaking invitation to debate Harvard University's championship team. Directed by Denzel Washington; starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, and Kimberly Elise. Written by Robert Eisele and Tom Epperson; Produced by Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey and Joe Roth.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This inspiring film captures a time in history that is difficult to remember where racism was rampant in our country. Denzel proficiently tackles the story in a compelling fashion with high drama that at times makes you cringe, yet brings a smile to your face at the end. There are some graphic depictions of violence but they are paramount to telling the story and historically accurate.

Description:

Jacob becomes obsessed with solving the mystery in his Malty McGuffin book which is supposed to lead to a real secret treasure. However, he is followed by library ninjas intent on getting the book back. Jacob and friends use their combined brainpower to follow the trail of the secret treasure. Created by Nelvana. Play in the U.S. on Qubo and NBC Saturday mornings.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Fun storyline. Kids love solving riddles such as the story offers. The library ninja aspect offers up an interesting twist and guess who the ninjas are? The mystery of who stole the book keeps you guessing and in solving it, helps emphasize the idea that things aren't always the way they look.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Loved it. Good storyline that held the kids' attention. Liked guessing who stole the book. Loved the library ninjas. "I wonder if my library has ninjas."

Description:

Dragon is feeling sick, very sick with a pig disease: curly tail. It is curable but the antidote is a difficult quest away. Jane volunteers for the quest and Theodore assigns Gunther to quest with her. Meanwhile, Dragon is proving to be a very difficult patient.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Great story, wonderful animation. This was created by the same New Zealand company that brought us the outstanding "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The detail of the medieval sets are lovely. Jane is an extraordinary young girl who has her difficulties. The king, the king's daughter and all the king's court have distinct characteristics, especially the king's son. Jane's problem-solving skills are tested in this short story and I think you'll like the solution.

Description:

According to legend, Butch Cassidy died in Bolivia. But what if he made it back to the States under an assumed name with a fortune in Ortega gold? Young Roy Parker aims to find out after discovering an old belt buckle that once belonged to his Great Uncle Leroy (a.k.a. "Butch Cassidy"). Roy's determined to redeem the family name, learn his uncle's true fate - and find Butch's stash of buried treasure - with the help of his best friend, his arch rival and the girl who has stolen his heart. But they're not alone, a dastardly villain is hot on their trail and he will stop at nothing to get his hands on the fabled loot!

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This is really a fun "kid caper." Set in the West, during the time when cool high school boys were Eagle Scouts, the story is just fun with adventure, suspense and great characters including several nasty villains. Four friends work together (or in some cases, not) to solve the mystery of young Roy Parker's uncle (Butch Cassidy) who ruined the family name. So hold on for a wild twist on the Butch Cassidy legend.
The thing I liked most about this film is Roy Parker's persistence in proving that his Great Uncle Leroy (AKA Butch Cassidy) wasn't as evil as legend says he was. His quest to redeem his family's name leads him on a wild adventure where he learns that there isn't always a solid divide between determining what is good and what is bad. We learn that the man who actually wants to keep Butch Cassidy's infamous label as an outlaw is a greedy thief himself and we see Butch Cassidy's name in a positive light as well, which shows that while not everybody is fully good or fully evil, we are ultimately the ones who decide which side we want ourselves to follow.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

A big hit with kids. They loved the adventure, the connection with Butch Cassidy and the storyline. "The personalities of the main characters are cool, witty, and adventurous; good role models." "The presentation of this film was carried out well for the genre of the film. The action and chase sequences were effective in achieving the desired edge-of-your-seat reaction." "The art direction and set design of this film were one of the most outstanding strengths of this film. Making the set look and feel as if it was set in the 1950's was executed well and the landscape shots were amazing." "Dares to show how 'bad' people (i.e.. Outlaw, Butch Cassidy) aren't always 100% 'bad.'"

Description:

A Spanish boy yearns to be the greatest bullfighter of all time, only to discover his affinity for all living things.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Very clean, good role models. Enjoyed seeing a different culture and never knew that bulls were used for gymnastics before reading this. The gore is kept to a minimum and serious topics are discussed thoroughly so children watching will not be traumatized. Greatest strength is the interaction between the characters, especially the grandfather and Sebastian. There is a strong sense of family. One is immediately drawn into the story from the first two pages. The conflict is almost immediately apparent, but is resolved in a manner you don't anticipate. It unfolds in a natural manner. While you understand the father and his actions based on his own career, you are also concerned about Sebastian and get nervous for Bandido. There is a fine balance of dialogue and action that seems very realistic. When Bandido is in the ring, you feel horrible for him. Therefore, the ending, where Sebastian uses his gymnastic abilities with Bambido and the bull is saved, is extremely satisfying. The loose ends are tied up and the strong family bond is preserved. Definitely a page-turner. Good pace. Particularly good for kids who feel pressured by their parents to pursue a certain talent, although their heart lies in another area. Good three dimensional characters. Mix of Spanish and English well done so viewers learn some Spanish words but don't feel lost. You admire the mother for supporting her husband in a dangerous career. You understand that the father really thinks he is doing the best ting for his son. You see how the grandfather accepts his son, even though they disagree and he is very close to his grandson. You see the love between Sebastian and Bambido and the affection between aunts, uncles and cousins. It makes you care for al of them.

Description:

Learn how to say hello and good-bye, follow a schedule, make masks representing different emotions, recognize what others are feeling, use your words to ask for what you want and accept things that do not go your way.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Very animated adults and children, not to mention a cute dog (puppet) make this visually appealing. Characters are colorful, animated and inviting. The songs are fun. Good flow from fast to slow songs and offers a variety of ways to introduce different topics. Very positive behaviors, definitely best suited for children who need extra help expressing themselves appropriately, such as kids with autism. Good sets, good visuals, good audio.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Mixed reviews. Some thought it was fun, others found it boring. The dancing and singing were a hit. "We liked singing and dancing to this one." Kibbles, his owner, Miss Angela and the kids were all enjoyed by our kid jurors. "They all treated each other nicely." They liked the electric guitar. Favorite part: playing checkers, playing together, doing puzzles.

Description:

Discover Paris with the Roberts family. Climb the Eiffel Tower, soak in art at the Louvre, try a chocolate crepe, learn some French, ride the subways and more. Includes crafts and recipes to try at home.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Well done. Great travelogue, that shows Paris can be a great place for families to visit, and offers helpful hints about how to see the city. If offers a kids' point of view with charming visuals, an incredible range of activity suggestions, and great music accompaniment. It is well synthesized, covering everything from practical elements such as their recommendation to fly into London and take the Eurostar Chunnel train. It's filled with historical facts, maps and stories which add educational value. Focuses on things that kids would enjoy such as food, fun places to tour, and pony rides. The pace is very quick, way too fast for younger viewers but just right for older family members. The people filmed interacting with the family responded very positively to those efforts. The Mom taking time to try to learn a bit of French and teaching her children to respect the country and the people by trying to speak their language helps dispel the Ugly American stereotype. One of the things that they took advantage of was the Hop On Hop Off bus which is a great way to get around many cities around the world. Says one adult juror, "I've watched other travelogues for kids and personally found this to be the best I've seen." "After watching this, I'm motivated to visit Paris and France." "Loved the bakery shots." "Loved the shots from the Eiffel Tower."

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Our older kids loved it, found the scenes fascinating, loved the beheaded king, the towering stairs, the music - many commented on the music. One 9-year-old asked to keep the DVD as his own. They liked seeing the family on vacation and hear what they had to say about their vacation. "The mom and dad did fun things like creating a scavenger hunt to help the kids enjoy the museums." "The family was really nice to each other and did stuff that everyone liked." One of the older kids asked to watch it again because he felt he missed some. "It moves a bit too fast." Favorite parts: Trying out the recipes and exploring the extra sections gave kids ideas they wanted to try.

Description:

Erase test-taking anxiety with Marko the Pencil! Students go through a practice test with Marko and learn his effective tips for scoring higher on multiple-choice math tests. This animated pencil may be a No. 2, but he will help make any student #1.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This is a super tool for teachers to use with classes preparing for standardized tests. It covers everything students would need to know and shows good examples. Wonderful explanations of different types of math problems that children may encounter. Great animation, great audio - nice and clear and easy to understand. The music accompaniment is very upbeat, the onscreen child is engaged as an active learner. "As a Math Teacher for 12 years, I really appreciated specific aspects to this video. For example, marko explains in problem #1, 'don't be tricked by the number 4, she must count herself too - divide the 20 by 5.' The very next problem includes parallel wording which encourages kids to apply what was just taught." The only drawback to this show is its length. At 55 minutes, it's a bit too long for the attention spam of the target age for one sitting. If used in the classroom, it would be better to stop it frequently and allow the students time to work out the problem before the explanation is given and use the video over several days.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Enjoyed it. "This is fun! I love this video - it's a fun way to practice and I love writing the answers on the screen to see if we are right." "I liked it because it taught us a let of skills for math tests." "The pictures are colorful and show what they are talking about - like 'staying in the lines.'" "This video gives kids good strategies for taking tests. It helps a lot!" "I liked the bouncy pencil, Marko - he is like a teacher only fun." Most all of the kids who viewed it loved it. They were engaged and learning. They felt good about themselves even when they gave the wrong answers. You don't feel embarrassed when Marko explains the right answer like you do when it's the teacher telling you that you're wrong. Great show.

Description:

Marko the Pencil will show you how to captivate readers, ace writing tests and express yourself clearly. His Writer's Toolbox, packed with easy-to-implement strategies will take your writing from mediocre to magnificent!

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Great presentation, colorful characters and great explanations for writing ideas. Marko and the writer lead viewers through the steps to writing a good story, explaining different techniques available to writers and show how they are used. Clever and corny jokes add to the entertainment. Good ideas and tips for writing well. The story that the character writes about is something many students can relate to. The information she uses to write her story is relevant. Good pace, good explanations. It's like an entire writing unit in one video. Good resource for teachers and students. Content is very suitable for target age group. The information presented is very important for children to learn in order to develop good writing skills. The subject is presented very well - but if you watch it all at once, it could be overwhelming.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Very good. "It tells you just how to make your writing more interesting and showed us wonderful skills." "I learned how you need to make your story more interesting so others will like it more." One commented, "it's not very exciting but it's good for learning." The kids also mentioned that there is a website attached to this show that has great posters you can download and they are helpful reminders of what is taught in the video.

Description:

Episode 125 includes: "Camping with Hundley" - George loves his very first camping trip so much that he wants to go again as soon as possible; "Curious George vs. The Turbo Python 3000" - George isn't tall enough to ride the greatest rollercoaster of all time, The Turbo Python 3000, so George looks for different ways to grow.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This book-based show is terrific! It is true to the original story, with great 2D animation, excellent voice talent, pace, and humor. Any festival would be thrilled to play this. The live action segments such as with the kids going orienteering, are a great asset which would tend to inspire kids to learn to use maps and compasses. The creators look for ideas that center around things that might interest the target age group. Certainly, the fact that George always manages to get himself into a pickle is something they can identify with. There is a lot of care taken to show how people are treated respectfully, within the context of a cartoon. Not much emphasis is put on race and culture.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Loved it. All the children were engaged throughout. "Curious George is so funny." "I liked when he got to go camping." "I liked the part about the roller coaster." All the kids said they would watch it again. "Yeah, I love Curious George." After watching, many of the kids wanted to do things they saw onscreen. "I want to go camping." "I want to roast marshmallows." "I want to ride a roller coaster." The kids had run with these episodes. Although the kids of the jury loved the show, one juror mentioned that when they chose something to watch on their own, Curious George wasn't the first show they selected.

Description:

Episode 220 includes: "Curious George Beats the Band" - At the symphony, George is lost in his daydreams; "Hats and a Hole" - A hard hat, a shovel, a wheelbarrow and a ladder – George learns that all four items are necessary when digging a gigantic hole.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

"Beats The Band" - Wonderful classical music choices. It's great how they show George using his imagination to create stories in his head as he listens to the music. Good math and music concepts. They demonstrate conducting wrong, but it's still fun. "Hats and a Hole" - George did a good job listening to the adult's warning to not go into the hole even when it was very tempting. His solution was creative. I loved it because I couldn't predict the ending. It is a good challenge for the kids to figure out what the hole is for.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

"Beats the Band" - "This is my favorite Curious George ever!" "I loved it because I love the music." "Look at the meteors." "It's silly that the dog thought the conducting wand was a toy." "They got the right wands at the end." "Hats and A Hole" - "It was funny when the hats started floating up." "Can you really make a pond like that?" 'Are they looking for treasure?" The children got excited for George when the hats were near the top, encouraging him to get the hats and turn the water off quickly when the water reached the top of the hole.

Description:

Episode 219 includes: "Sea Monkey" - George and the Man with the Yellow Hat are overjoyed when Professors Wiseman, Einstein and Pizza invite them onto a submarine trip to retrieve a small weather satellite that crashed from space; "Old McGeorgie Had a Farm" - Oscar, the Renkin'sprize pig, is in the State Finals but a disappointed Mr. Renkinsis too busy with the farm to attend the big fair. Enter George and the Man with the Yellow Hat who volunteer to take over his work and save the day!

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

"Sea Monkey" - Interesting lessons about satellites and underwater sea exploration. Great humor. Curious George demonstrates the importance of following directions to keep safe. Good message of how little people can help in big projects. Great teamwork used in problem-solving. "Old McGeorgie Had a Farm" - Great teamwork. It's a bit dangerous for Curious George to get on the tractor alone. This shows the efforts farmers put into their work, proving farming is no easy task. Great math concepts such as separating the milk into quarts to equal a gallon. The live part of the episode has children measuring water while cleaning a fish tank--something even city kids can relate to.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

"Sea Monkey" - Kids commented on the fact that Curious George was going to become curious about something as he went into the coral reef. They giggled when they discovered they were right and he was distracted by an octopus. "George didn't have to worry about the sharks even though they looked a bit scary. They didn't want to eat him." "Wow!" The kids were concerned that he would drown under water, but decided he was fine with the scuba gear. They thought the dancing crabs were funny and loved the sea turtle. Older kids liked the live segment at the end, but the younger kids lost interest. "Did you see Dorrie fish when he was under there?" "Old McGeorgie Had a Farm" - "It was funny when the pig was on the roof." "The chicks are so cute. "I knew that he was going to try to milk the cow from the back and not the side. Good thing he didn't get hurt." "I think it was really funny when everything went wrong," "I love the jumpy squirrel." "Uh, oh, he's gonna get in trouble. Curious George always gets in trouble." "I learned that cows kick when they get nervous." "The man with the yellow hat wore his slippers outside! That's so funny." "I can count ten fingers and two fingers--that's a dozen."

Description:

Andy Meets the Blue Angels is episode 1 of the animated series which follows Andy an 8 year old boy and his best friend Yaygrr a black footed ferret as they travel the world in different aircraft to learn history, geography, culture and science.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Enjoyable animation, good storyline, chocked full of information though these's a lot of technical terminology. Good sound quality - you feel like you are actually there flying planes with Andy. Yaygre, Andy's pet ferret provides a bit of comic relief for the show.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

A child's dream for the six-year-old boys who really liked it. They were very enthusiastic but glad when it was over as it is a bit long for this age. The kids talked about pretending to be Blue Angels and how it would be like to actually fly a jet. For kids interested in the topic, it's right on target. For those who aren't - it's simply not.

Description:

Fairness, one of the six pillars of character, is presented through the point of view of a middle school blogger named Chloe. In the video, Chloe presents some teen discussions and two documentaries in her exploration of fairness.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Good presentation, shows lots of different kids who speak out about what they think is fair or not fair. Wonderful and real discussion about what is fair. Looks at lots of possible sides of different problems. Good scenarios, interviews, questions and answers. All showing differing opinions and points of view. Very positive. Shows how to handle problems in ways that are fair to all. Student are very participatory in the show. Great pace. Great visuals. Hopefully, when a child finishing viewing this, they will have a new perspective about fairness. One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to discuss the topic in ways that are relevant and engaging to upper elementary and middle school age students. Strong production values.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Good response from kids. Keeping in mind that it is not an entertainment title, the kids liked it. Some loved it. "It shows us the truth about being fair." "It's interesting, smart and logical." "It's flashy and exciting." "It made me think about accidents and things like that." "It made me think about when I wrote bad things to my sister." One word - judging. It made me think about that." "I like students being involved in making decisions."

Description:

One day while home alone, a cute and very curious little Jack Russell Terrier named Abbygail uncovers a fortune cookie that magically brings all her stuffed animals and toys to life. They embark on an adventure of fun, safety and new friendships.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Cute dog tale, no pun intended. The story is well structured and has a lot of positive messages. Each character is introduced so you get to know something about their personalities. The dog's adventures are fun. The content is very age appropriate - showing how you can dream of adventures and your dreams may come true. It also shows how we are all unique and everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. The only drawback is that the narration is very monotonous. This bothered adult jurors but not kids. This story addresses believing in your dreams, helping your friends and not doing dangerous things without proper safety equipment. If you love dogs, you'll love this. Presents "stranger danger" in a new, non-scary way.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Kids enjoyed this tremendously. "We liked it. We liked seeing the dogs work together with horses too." This is similar to reading a story to a child with dogs acting out the story. "It was really funny how Abby thought her toys were real and then they came to life." "I really liked the story. The woman (narrator) told me what the dogs were doing." "They were nice and helped each other." "My friends would like it because I liked it." They loved Abbygail. "Because she is so little, can run fast, jump high and swim." One five-year-old retold pieces of the story for 20 minutes after it was over. He was very excited and upbeat in the end and wanted to talk about everything he saw.

Description:

This interactive and entertaining video game teaches children to eat healthier foods, be more active and manage how much time they spend in front of the computer and TV. Weight management experts worked with a design team who has designed for Cartoon Network, Warner Brothers and Nickelodeon.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

This titles covers an important topic - nutrition. Set in the context of an investigation, it provides an interesting storyline that draws you in. it fun and interesting so the kids are inspired to play and learn more. It's easy to start and operate, the child can control the pace of the material, and the information is appropriate for the intended age. This is a fun way to learn health concepts and ways that some habits might be harmful. The graphics aren't outstanding but they work. Good representation of diverse background with the kids. Music and tone are fun and mysterious. Overall, it's the pace that is the weakest point. It is slow and very basic.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Easy to play. "I clicked on the picture and it started right away. It is easy to play." "It's kind of slow. I like the mini games like Hungry Hound where you have to get all the fruits to beat it and the hound can help." For people who like sports, there's soccer, baseball and basketball." "I liked learning about nutrition from this better than studying the food pyramid at school." "The narrator's voice is awful." "It's kind of weird. Its like Indiana Jones as a food detective. A strong point is that they have good questions about food and everything. But, the graphics are very bad."

Description:

Uses entertaining immersion methods to introduce children to words and phrases in French for conversing about mealtime.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Good kid-friendly introduction to another language. Good style and presentation. Definitely suitable for preschoolers. Flows nicely, with a pattern that makes sense to the kids: breakfast, lunch, dinner, each with a short review. Gives parents a way to introduce kids to another culture or language. Obviously, kids aren't going to learn everything in one sitting so repeat viewing would be required if you really wanted to make the lessons stick. Good production quality. Learning about people from different backgrounds can only be a plus for kids as it helps them understand how everyone is different.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Mixed reactions from kids. The 3-5's really did parrot their way through this and come out without any words they remembered. The good news is that most loved watching it. The animated parts were just as appealing as the real life scenes and something about the bear got them talking. One group who had just watched a show with a Spanish speaking host responded much more positively to this DVD that the other.

Description:

Interactive DVD allows kids to create their own travel adventure! Viewers choose their start and destination locations and a custom adventure is created. Features 25 unique destinations.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Very good presentation, interesting and educational. It broadens the child's world by letting him/her take a look at what it is like in other parts of the U.S. Not all states are included and some states only have one fact presented. It is not boring because there are a host of activities that hold the viewer's attention. It offers a great snapshot of our vast country. Many of these places are famous destinations but some are destinations that aren't as well known which kept it interesting. The on screen child guides, Alex and Emily are perfect - the right age for 8-12-year-olds to look up to and appear knowledgeable when explaining facts. And, they are funny. Good structure, particularly because you can jump around to different areas. Good production quality. Entertaining.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Kept the kids engaged. "I liked it." "If I was going on a trip or learning about a place in school, this is a DVD I would turn to." They liked how you could pick your destination if you wanted or watch it all at once. The kids related to the child hosts, Alex and Emily. They loved seeing "all the different places in the U.S." They also liked the parts where they could answer the questions. It made them want to go explore different places like the ones shown. "This DVD shows us all kinds of cool places right here in our own country that are worth visiting.

Description:

See the Bumblz Gang use friendship, cooperation and the power of the imagination to overcome the odds! This gift set includes the CD, "Songs in The Key of Bee" and the companion DVD, "Clubhouse Friends. Save $5.00 over retail price when you buy them together!

Description:

Harry is an energetic six-year-old who is taking his first martial arts lesson. He quickly learns that martial arts is not just about punching and kicking, but is also about treating people with respect and learning self-control.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Good educational value, similar to the "Character Counts" program which is a Family and Community Education lesson promoted in schools. Some 4H agents also promote that and this would fit right in. Bright colors, very positive information. Moves very quickly. Everything is well organized. For example, the teacher starts by telling the rules of martial arts, then the creed and then the moves. It emphasizes respect throughout. Language is very positive. There are no put downs or insults. The teacher at one point realizes the age of the child he has may not know how to read so he asks him and waits for an answer. Harry says he can read a little so the teacher sits on the floor with him and reeds the creed so that Harry can understand. It enforces the idea of self esteem by getting kids to clean their rooms and keep them clean, having them stand at attention and listen. It promotes healthy food lifestyles and positive feelings.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Enjoyed it. It is engaging and entertaining for the children and grandparents or parents who watched along with the kids. All in one group wanted to watch it again. "It was good - I take Tae Kwon Do and the information is just like what I learned in my class." They really felt they learned a lot about how to not punch and hit people just because they wanted to. They felt they learned things about being courteous to their family and friends. One boy said he remembered that you should eat right and not just eat candy. "The colors and graphics were great."

Description:

A beautiful film spanning two centuries which allows a glimpse into Indian history and traditions. This love story involves an English woman who marries an Indian king in the 1850s. He is too progressive for his peers and is murdered. The wife is accused and disappears. Later, the couple reappear in contemporary India. When they recognize one another, you ask - have they been reincarnated or what was their destiny? Directed by Kruti Majmudar. Actors: Emily Hamilton and Parvin Dabas.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Very interesting film that exemplifies live 200 years ago in India. It's a bit confusing when it switches to current time with the same characters in different roles. But, overall, the artistry, the production values, and the presentation are compelling and well worth watching.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Played this with older kids who had mixed reactions. They were definitely confused when the time jumps from the 1800s to current time. It generated a lot of conversation afterwards between the kids who, once they got it, were onboard.

Description:

Since losing her arm to a tiger shark at 13, Bethany Hamilton is using her experience to become an inspiration to others. In these downloads, she shares her courage and enthusiasm for God, inspiring girls to take on life & be strong in their faith.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Animated story based on Bethany Hamilton's story. Inclusion of Scripture passages relate to everyday life experiences. It has a Christian focus, with references not just to the Bible but to Jesus. Jurors commented, "I particularly liked the Scripture passages for each day and found them as appropriate for myself as for the target audience. The DVD starts with a prayer and devotional." Colorful 2D animation, short segments and very respectful of audience. Very suitable for a Christian Bible study leader.

KIDS FIRST!® KID Juror Comments:

Big hit with Christian children. "I liked it. It was awesome." "It was cool - Bethany has some good ideas to share." The viewers commented on the animation and how much they enjoyed it. Others felt it wasn't glitzy enough and didn't hold up to what they were accustomed to. Several said they would use this as it was intended - as a daily devotional. Others said "Bethany Hamilton is a great role model because she is living her life for God, regardless of personal circumstances."

Description:

Pretending is so much fun with Elmo, Zoë and their friends! Dance with Grover, bake make-believe cookies with Prarie Dawn and Cookie Monster and help Bert scare away monsters in Ernie's bedroom. Comes with a CD-ROM that contains 60 minutes of games and activities which is like getting two programs in one.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Imagination is something you don't have to encourage in preschoolers - it's just there! Whether they are making up stories, playing pretend, dealing with imaginary monsters or the dark - they're part of a preschooler's imagination. In this show, familiar Muppets explore a wide variety of real life situations that are typical for this age which are funny and educational at the same time.

Description:

Nanny is going on a much needed vacation with her brother Gavin, that means Eloise gets a temporary nanny - the young