When Madeleine Kelly Toomey was 13, she traveled for a year with her family on a small boat. While on her journey, she discovered just how much trash there is in in the ocean. Madeline describes how she helped pick up some of the trash and encourages audiences to do the same.
The story is poignant and brings to the forefront the fact that, even in the middle of the ocean, there is a vast amount of trash. Madeleine was shocked to discover trash in every corner of the world and her message to the viewer is to mindful of your waste, change a few habits and YOU can be the change our oceans need.
The animation is simple and well executed. The locations are well illustrated. The message is very clear and frightening. The background music is light and easy, nothing remarkable, but it works. The key character is Madeleine, the narrator, who grows from not being all that interested in living on a boat to working to save the ocean from trash and caring about our planet. Madeleine is the producer, director, and the narrator; the story is based on her personal experience. Her contribution in this area is outstanding. My favorite part is the ending - the fish floating around in trash and Madeleine narrating gives the viewer a wakeup call and wanting to do their part to help.
The message is to pick up after yourselves, be mindful of your waste, change a few habit and save the ocean and its wildlife.
I give My Journey Across the Ocean 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 16, plus adults. This would play well in any festival focused on oceans, ecology, and protecting the Earth and wildlife. Reviewed by Heather S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
When Madeleine Kelly Toomey was 13, she traveled for a year with her family on a small boat. While on her journey, she discovered just how much trash there is in in the ocean. Madeline describes how she helped pick up some of the trash and encourages audiences to do the same.
The story is poignant and brings to the forefront the fact that, even in the middle of the ocean, there is a vast amount of trash. Madeleine was shocked to discover trash in every corner of the world and her message to the viewer is to mindful of your waste, change a few habits and YOU can be the change our oceans need.
The animation is simple and well executed. The locations are well illustrated. The message is very clear and frightening. The background music is light and easy, nothing remarkable, but it works. The key character is Madeleine, the narrator, who grows from not being all that interested in living on a boat to working to save the ocean from trash and caring about our planet. Madeleine is the producer, director, and the narrator; the story is based on her personal experience. Her contribution in this area is outstanding. My favorite part is the ending - the fish floating around in trash and Madeleine narrating gives the viewer a wakeup call and wanting to do their part to help.
The message is to pick up after yourselves, be mindful of your waste, change a few habit and save the ocean and its wildlife.
I give My Journey Across the Ocean 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 16, plus adults. This would play well in any festival focused on oceans, ecology, and protecting the Earth and wildlife. Reviewed by Heather S. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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