Chincoteague: Virginia's Island Treasure

Every now and again librarians come across gems that are much more than genre fodder. Oh sure, it'll get stuck off in the travel section (even though children would love viewing it) with the "armchair travel" tapes--the kind that put you to sleep in your armchair--though it could easily be classified in nature, current events, history, or sociology sections. In short, this is one to talk up to as many patrons as possible. The wild ponies of Chincoteague Island were made internationally famous by Marguerite Henry's Newberry Award winning book Misty of Chincoteague. Since the book's publication in 1947, the town and island of the same name have become tourist destinations, reviving the local economy even as the native watermen have slowly been squeezed out of their generations-old livelihood. The video does not ignore these tensions, but instead, sensitively explores them. Add to this the absolutely gorgeous videography by Michael Marton, the informative script, excellent production values, and the sheer exuberant joy of families at the pony round-up, and you have an absolute winner for all ages. Highly recommended. (R. Reagan)