All Together

Unity, sisterhood, brotherhood: these are the goals that ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner and his multicultural group of witty puppets suggest that young viewers strive toward. Geffner and his sassy wooden charges (Shmendrik, Danny, Ezra, and others) perform a series of stand-up comic routines which emphasize cooperation and taking responsibility for one's words and actions. Learning toleration and respect for others at an early age will hopefully prove to be a strong barrier against the influence of others who may discriminate against various ethnic, social, or religious groups. Geffner and his puppets do a fine job exploring the nature of prejudice on a level that children will easily understand, and his ventriloquist skits on his visits to Israel, Egypt, and Japan, while celebrating the differences between cultures, firmly underscores the similarities of all people. An excellent choice for elementary schools; larger public libraries should also consider. Highly recommended. Ages 4-8. (R. Pitman)