Animation For Kids

When a guy spends three years in the jungles of Borneo making a documentary that is eventually sold for upwards of $200, I can understand the high price tag. But when a "how-to" that was most likely shot over a one or two day schedule is priced at $175, I'm a little less understanding. The daunting price is particularly unfortunate in the case of Animation for Kids since it's not only a wonderful little film but it also has a potentially wide audience. Animator Patrick Jenkins and a group of five young students demonstrate how anyone can duplicate the essential aspects of animation with simple paper and pencil. The kids make a thaumatrope, flipbook, zoetrope, and other precursors of modern film projection, creating mini-epics of swimming fish, diving airplanes, and even a baseball game. For those willing to spend the money, this is highly recommended for ages 5-12. (R. Pitman)