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KIDS FIRST!®
NEWS 2007
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Turning your TV Time into Quality Time
July 17, 2007 Issue #7b
Christine L. Pollock, Editor
Ranny Levy, Publisher
Ranny's blog
IN
THIS ISSUE
Dear
Friends,
 A few weeks ago my husband called the boys and me over to view some baby eagles behind our house. Over Memorial Day weekend my kids were playing with a snake from our yard (see left). It's a great time of year to go out exploring. Nature is incredibly awesome. Who knows that more than Bindi Irwin, who is growing up in a zoo and has dedicated her life to the well-being of animals? This daughter of the late "Crocodile Hunter" and zoologist Terri Irwin has a terrific new show for children on Discovery Kids entitled "Bindi: the Jungle Girl." Bindi and Terry tell us a bit about it in my article below. I hope your family enjoys the program as much as mine does!
And now, for some breaking news, NAPPA Awards and KIDS FIRST! have Teamed UP! Enter the Two Top Children’s Awards Programs … and Save $100 or more!
Enter your DVD in both the NAPPA Awards competition and for KIDS FIRST! endorsement and save:
$25 on the and NAPPA application fee 50% off the KIDS FIRST! application fee. No other discounts apply.
Fill out the KIDS FIRST! form and complete a separate entry form for NAPPA by clicking this link. Forms, product, and payment should be sent each organization separately. The
Promotion Deadlines are: NAPPA - July 30; KIDS FIRST! Aug. 31.
Christine Pollock, Editor
Don't forget to bookmark Ranny's blog for her take on current media events, and give us your own opinions!
KIDS FIRST! WEB STORE FEATURES
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Open your
child's window to the world with quality media educates, inspires
and entertains. The KIDS
FIRST! Web Store offers you the opportunity to customize your
family movie library with confidence through its blend of studio
and independent titles. Search by age or interest and find out what
child professionals and kids themselves have to say about the titles
you choose.
 "The Snow Queen" and "The Wild Swans." Two classic folktales by Hans Christian Anderson, both narrated by Sigouorney Weaver. "Snow Queen" is a powerful tale that follows a young girl's quest to rescue her playmate from the icy palace of the Snow Queen. Music by Jason Miles. "The Wild Swans" tells the story of when Princess Elise is exiled, and her brothers are transformed into wild swans by the envious queen. Elise sets out to find and release her brothers and finds not only must she perform a seemingly impossible task but not speak a word the entire time. Music by Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian ("Hooters").
KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Comments: Beautifully animated with wonderful character voices and lovely music. Excellent role models. The characters express many emotions that children can relate to, such as caring enough for another to put oneself out for them.
KIDS FIRST! Kid Juror Comments: Absorbing. Kids enjoyed the characters' adventures, responded to the story and loved the ending, which reunites the friends. They wanted to watch it again. DVD. 30 mins. Ages: 5-12. Lightyear Entertainment.
 Round the Campfire. Superior recording of a lovely voice with a lot of range. Folk songs have lots of heritage, texture and history. Imminently listenable and sing-along-able. Perfect for music programs in Scouts, schools, churches, or family singing in the car. KIDS FIRST! KID Juror Comments: Loved the cannibal song and wanted to play it over and over, dancing and laughing. Liked songs with kids' voices. "Good variety." Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" was a big hit. "It's very patriotic." "I like the African beat of Kumbaya."
Audio. 30 mins. Ages 6-18. KT Music Productions, Inc.
NEW
ENDORSEMENTS
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The KIDS FIRST! endorsement is one of the most highly recognized film, DVD, audio and game rating programs. Titles are evaluated by members of our adult and child juries. More New Endorsements
can be found on our site.
Ratings key below.
DVD - Ages
2-5
*** "Puppytown, The Movie." An interactive look at puppies, aimed to entertain and teach. Features a puppy quiz to test children's puppy-knowledge. Children will become Certified Puppytown Wranglers. Includes a CD. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Comments: Who doesn't love puppies? There are lots of catchy tunes that are easy for kids to sing along to. This is fun program with great music and cute puppies. It definitely addresses being kind to puppies. Not much cultural diversity is shown as all the children are Caucasian. The CD that comes with it provides a good source for the music that can be listened to in the car or elsewhere. The language is right on target for this age. KIDS FIRST! Kid Juror Comments: Kids loved it, sang along and moved to the music. "They had so much fun that it really had me fooled. When it came time for the puppy quiz, they aced it. They really did learn about puppy care." Children definitely wanted to watch it again when it was offered. They said things like, "Hurray! The puppy show." "My friends would say the puppies are so cute." "I would show it to Bella and all of my friends." "I want it for my birthday and will show it to Kenny and Brian." Kids enjoyed the CD as well and continued singing the songs afterwards. Ages 2-5. Pro Quality DVD, LLC.
DVD - Ages
8-12
 ** "Learn Magic With Lyn." Master Illusionist, Lyn Dillies, shows a new way to teach children magic using ordinary household items. Features eleven uncomplicated but impressive tricks that any child can learn. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Comments: Magic tricks are clearly laid out so the child can learn the steps involved with doing them on their own. Common objects are used so any child can participate. Instructions are clear and easy, using language that almost any child can comprehend. Very respectful of children, with children participating with the magician as well as in the audience watching. No diversity shown as everyone was Caucasian. Simple production style though it doesn't detract from it. KIDS FIRST! Kid Juror Comments: Really enjoyed it, especially those interested in magic. "I can't wait to try those tricks on my mom." "Now I know how to do those. Great tricks." "I would watch this with my little brother or my friends." "I understood all of the tricks though some were harder than others." "I liked how she showed us what was behind her back." Ages 8-12. Lyn Dillies.
SELECTIONS
FROM KIDS FIRST! FILM FESTIVAL
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The
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a showcase for new and classic children's
films from studios, independent producers and youth producers worldwide
that exemplify qualify media for children. The Festival travels
year round and is hosted locally by more than 100 different venues
including established film festivals, art and children's museums,
nonprofit film centers, libraries, schools and local organizations.
Venues include: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Newport Beach
Film Festival, Avalon Theater in Washington D.C., Belcourt Theater,
Brooklyn Children's Museum, Denver Film Society and Starz Denver
International Film Festival, Film Center at the Cinema Cafe. To
find out what is being played in a venue near you, visit this link .
For a complete list of all Festival titles currently being shown,
visit here.
 "All Aboard America." L. 39 mins.
Join Rudy, the giant Bald Eagle, as he flies across America with his friends to visit the country's most awe-inspiring landmarks. Ages 4-12. Bald Eagle Media, Inc.
 "Bear Wants More." L. 9 mins.
When springtime comes, Bear wakes up very hungry! His friends help him find good things to eat, but will his hunger ever be satisfied. Narrated by Karma Wilson, with music by John Jennings. Ages 3-8. Weston woods Studios/Scholastic.
 "I Could Do That! Esther Morris Got Women the Vote." L. 16 mins.
This is the true story of Esther Morris, who started out life believing she could do anything, and then proved it, by building her own business, raising a family in the Wild West, working to get women the vote for the first time, AND becoming the first female judge and the first woman in the US to hold a political office! Ages 3-9. Weston woods Studios/Scholastic.
NEW
AND RENEWING MEMBERS
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American Animation Studios creates 3D animated stories of historical
figures (Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, Amelia Earhart to start). Their goal
is to bring American history to children in a fun and modern format.
Whistlefritz LLC produces fun and educational
DVDs that teach Spanish to children, ages 2-6.
MEMBER
NEWS
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Congratulations to Twila Liggett and "Reading Rainbow"
They just won two more Emmys for a total of
26 national Daytime Emmys for "Reading Rainbow" out of which are 10 for Outstanding Children's Series. "Showplace" the current Emmy winner, is all about family trees & highlighted LeVar, his wife Stephanie, and daughter Michaela who, as "cohosts," trace their family history along with a moving segment featuring a woman who tells how she and her family survived the Holocaust.
History Lovers Rejoice - "Bundle of Compromises" Receives Awards and Funding
"Bundle of Compromises" receives Fiscal Sponsorship from Bay Area Video Coalition, which has allowed individuals and foundations to contribute tax-deductible dollars.Recently, they received a $45000 matching grant. See Information.
Congratulations to Kid Guides on the Following Awards:
Two Emmys for Youth Programming from the NATAS Capital Chapter. Both
the "Best Of" and "Certified Kids Camp" episodes won the award. This was a
very rare occasion for them to award two Emmys for the category, and they
received both of them over the competition; Winner 2007 International Family Film Festival - TV  Educational Short
(Best Of Episode); Finalist at the World Media Festival, Children's Edutainment Category -
Hamburg Germany; and Silver Remi - Houston Film Festival, Children/Family TV Series.
Peter Gundling Meets the Clokeys, the Originators of Gumby (See Gundling and Clokey on left).
KIDS FIRST! board member, Mary Lou Bono, was kind enough to make the initial introduction to the Clokeys when eight-year-old Peter needed the rights to use the Gumby character in his first film, Toys: The Homemaker’s Tale. Gundling has a new film that KIDS FIRST! just accepted for this quarter entitled "Super Kitten and the Great Cheese Robbery."
MEDIA
NEWS AND CONTESTS
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"VIVID.ID" Celebrates Black Women Filmmakers and Black Women in the Film Industry
It is the International Black Women's Film Festival's ("IBWFF") debut online publication and is available for free download through a Creative Commons license. More than just another entertainment magazine, "VIVID.ID" focuses on articles about today's, yesterday's, and tomorrow's black women filmmakers and actresses. Content includes insightful articles on classic films, emerging filmmakers, news, and events. Free information and download Link.
Starz Home Entertainment Brings First U.S.-Made Anime Series to DVD
"Kappa Mikey," currently airing on Nicktoons Network and on Nickelodeon channels worldwide, will debut with the 66-minute release of "Kappa Mikey: Lost in Transportation." It arrives on DVD on September 18th, 2007 (pre-order date August 8th). More Details.
Children's Exposure to Food Advertising on Television
The Kaiser Foundation has published a side-by-side comparison of results from recent studies by the Federal Trade Commission and the Kaiser Family Foundation. While the two studies are similar, this analysis documents how they compare, both in terms of findings and methodology. Read Side-by-Side.
FAMILY
AND PARENTING NEWS
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Time-Saving and Stress-Reducing Parenting Help
Want to find the best baby shower present ever? Check out top parenting resource and product winners of the 9th Annual National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Parenting Resources competition online.
House Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Ed Markey Addresses Obesity in Advertising
After recommending good companies to follow the footstpes of Kellogg in their advertising, the Representative also says that TV shows that carry junk food advertising should not be allowed to qualify as an FCC friendly program. Read More.
FEATURE
ARTICLE
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Bindi: The Jungle Girl
by Christine Pollock
 Sometimes I feel as if I live in a zoo, but Bindi Irwin actually does. The vivacious eight-year-old grew up in Australia Zoo. Now she is bringing her knowledge of animals to TV screens across America in a new Discovery Kids series, “Bindi: The Jungle Girl.” As Bindi talks about the show, her voice bubbles over with enthusiasm. That same enthusiasm makes her show unique from many other nature programs for children. Her mother, Terri Irwin, points out that this passion comes naturally since this is her life. It's not a part-time job, it is a full-time way of life -- enjoying nature and trying to protect it.
During this fast-paced, action-packed, informative show, Bindi swings on vines, strokes her pet snakes (she sleeps with a corn snake), and tells the children on the other side of the screen about animals that are dear to her and her family and friends. The show is definitely a family affair, inspired by the late Steve Irwin, aka The Crocodile Hunter, Bindi’s daddy, who was on the early shows with Bindi. Terri frequently pops in with some interesting facts. Even three-year-old Robert joins in some of the action. He plays near a large snake in the opening episode and makes them laugh during filming. One time, when Bindi was filming for “Planet’s Best,” her tongue kept getting tangled around the words “Arctic wolves.” After many takes, they got to the point where Bindi was supposed to say it, and Robert, who was watching from the sidelines, chimed in “Arctic wolves!"
While Bindi really enjoys her life of filming, traveling and taking care of animals, she is also very serious about the conservation message she is promoting. When asked what children can do to help, even if they don't have many animals nearby, Bindi had some terrific suggestions:
- First and foremost, do not buy animal products such as clothing and accessories. Most of the products come from illegal trade. Even if the tag says that the material comes from farmed animals, you still should not support it. Many of the animals that are farmed are kept in a little enclosures, and the way they are treated is “very sad," according to Bindi. In fact, Bindi believes in this so strongly that when she bought a doll last week and discovered it had animal print clothing, she called the company to object.
- You can plant trees.
- When you go to a beach or park, bring bags so you can pick up garbage and put it into the bags.
- Remember, even little things can help. Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth.
- Use soap and water instead of chemicals when you are spraying too keep bugs off your plants. Bugs don't like soapy water.
- Take a family vacation and use that time to volunteer at a zoo. Help animals in some way either financially or through your time. Australia Zoo has volunteer programs for people over the age of 16 where you can work in an area you are passionate about, dealing with specific animals.
 Bindi wants humankind to get the message that animals are important. She states, "I don't want to grow up without animals." As Bindi gets older, she hopes to continue doing exactly what she is doing now. She wants to care for her animals and walk into her parents’ footsteps because, as she says, "They are my heroes." Closing the interview, Bindi reminds me of her father’s quote, which she has now taken on as her own, "My life revolves around conservation. That is my work. That is my life, and I'll die doing that."
CRAFTS
AND ACTIVITIES
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 Paper Spiral Snake Craft for Kids
Materials: Paper plate, pencil, crayons, scissors
1. Color both sides of the plate.
2. Starting from the outside, cut a spiral towards the middle. The outside will be the head.
3. (optional) Cut a small arrow out of red construction paper and paste on for a tongue.
For other craft/activity ideas,
go to our craft index.
EVENTS
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July 2 - August
30 - Hollywood, CA. The International Family Film Festival Presents
the FreshiFilm Camp and FreshiFilm and Screenplay Festival this
summer. Application information or call for information at 661-257-3131 Patte Dee McKee or 661-993-3152
Kim Turney.
July 9 - 13
- Ithaca, NY. Project
Look Sharp is offering a
5-day intensive media literacy workshop includes both the theory
of media literacy and hands-on practice with digital/computer technology
(Mac-based). More.
 August 10-12 -Omaha, NE. The National Association for Family & Community Education. Our Ranny Levy is speaking in seminars entitled: Turn Movie Watching Time into an Educational Experience and Look Out for the New Technologies on the Pikeline! Read About It.
October 13 - Los Angeles, CA. KIDS FIRST! Best Day and Awards Ceremony. Save the date! This event is held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in collaboration with the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival.
SPECIAL
OFFERS
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KIDS FIRST! Cares
Through the combined efforts of Corporations for Character, KIDS
FIRST!, and your generous donation, we can fulfill our mission to
provide positive, encouraging movies into each of more than one
million children's hospital beds. This effort will provide entertainment
for children while they are confined in a hospital. To support KIDS
FIRST! Cares, go to www.kidsfirstcares.org. All credit card transactions are secure.
SUPPORT
THE COALITION
*********************************
 Become
a Member - If you've found our e-zine and web site helpful, please
consider becoming a member of KIDS FIRST! By doing so, your contribution
helps help underwrite the various projects of this organization. The Coalition relies on the generous support of its members and
donors to support its programs. An individual/family membership
is only $25/year. An organizational membership is $100/year. An
independent producer membership is $200. To join, visit our site or contact our office at 505.989.8076. KIDS FIRST! Travel Site - Support KIDS FIRST! by booking your travel on our
travel website. Prices
compare with those of Travelocity and KIDS FIRST! earns a commission
on any travel booked here. What a great way to support a nonprofit
without having to write a check. Become
an Affiliate of the KIDS FIRST! Web Store -
By linking with our online store which sells films from our independent
producers, you can earn a commission off of each sale.
VISIT
OUR MEMBERS' SITES
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Support our members. Visit
their sites by visiting our members' page.
ABOUT
CQCM AND KIDS FIRST!
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The
Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit
organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children
critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability
of quality children's media. More.
Our
Ratings:
*** = Titles receiving the highest scores are given a three-star
rating. ** = Titles that meet or exceed the criteria receive a two-star
rating. * = Titles that meet the baseline criteria but require some extra
consideration on the part of the viewer receive a one-star rating.
VISIT
OUR MEMBERS' SITES
************************************
Support our members. Visit
their sites by visiting our members' page.
ABOUT
CQCM AND KIDS FIRST!
****************************************
The
Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit
organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children
critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability
of quality children's media. More.
Our
Ratings:
*** = Titles receiving the highest scores are given a three-star
rating. ** = Titles that meet or exceed the criteria receive a two-star
rating. * = Titles that meet the baseline criteria but require some extra
consideration on the part of the viewer receive a one-star rating.
KIDS
FIRST! News Archive: 2006 January / Mid January / February / Mid February/ March / Mid March / April / Mid April / May / Mid May / June / Mid June / July / Mid July / August / Mid August / September / Mid September / October / Mid October / November / Mid November / December / Mid December
2005 January / February / March / April / May / June / July / August / September / October / Mid
October / November/ December / Mid December
Copyright
2007 by Coalition for Quality Children's Media
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