Private Eyes

Nicola Lemay's animated short Private Eyes—a 2012 ALSC Notable Children's Video—is a mostly black-and-white (with brief splashes of color) adaptation of Gilles Tibo's 1999 children's book about a visually-impaired boy named Matt, who draws on his other senses (the “eyes” in his ears, nose, fingers, and toes) to snoop around for his birthday present. Scenes begin with shots of Matt, before filling in his surrounding environment as he interacts with various objects, such as reaching for the recorder he uses to take notes, or following him as he rifles through closets. In true private eye fashion, Matt continues to badger his parents for clues, learning that his present will be something he has wanted for a long time and that it will be soft and warm. While the gift itself is not much of a surprise, Matt's quest will surely resonate with similarly curious young viewers. Presented with both the English and French language versions on the same disc, this solid story about a resourceful tyke is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)