Simon Says “Let's Stop Climate Change!”

Oh no! The snow on Mt. Kilimanjaro, where Simon the big red hippo lives, is melting! Along with Peep and Suzanne, his bird friends, and a very skeptical rat named Bob, Simon goes off to find out why this is happening. Along the way, the four animals—and a herd of extra friends—learn about climate change, or more specifically, global warming. Through short original songs (such as “The Power of Poop” and “The Food Chain Song”) and colorful characters (the villains here are nasty clouds of carbon dioxide), creator/songwriter/cartoonist Denis Thomopoulos explains concepts such as the greenhouse effect and carbon footprint reduction in age-appropriate fashion. The film emphasizes making “good everyday choices” and remembering that individual actions have far-reaching consequences, while also conveying the familiar Reduce-Reuse-Recycle message. In addition to a teacher's guide and accompanying curriculum, DVD extras include a message from Thomopoulos, and a collection of 30-second “cartoonlets” featuring the characters. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (E. Gieschen)