Although it isn't always easy to interest young children in history, this series of 40 animated programs on the American Revolution and the founding of the United States—which aired on PBS in 2002-2003—should definitely appeal to the young target audience. The episodes cover major events from 1770 (the Boston Tea Party) to 1787 (the drafting of the Constitution) from the perspective of three kid reporters—working in Benjamin Franklin's print shop—who investigate key stories and sometimes participate directly in the action. Walter Cronkite voices Franklin in his inimitable avuncular style, while more surprising cast choices tackle their roles with spirit (including Ben Stiller as Thomas Jefferson, Billy Crystal as John Adams, and Sylvester Stallone as Paul Revere). Obviously the treatment here eschews historical complexity in favor of an essentially simplified heroes vs. villains approach (although slavery is repeatedly cited as a persistent problem in the colonies), and the animation is relatively uninspired. But as a primer on the subject for ages 7-12, Liberty's Kids offers a fine introduction to Revolutionary America. DVD extras on this complete series set include the 160 short pieces used to divide up the episodes during original broadcasts—”breaking news” reports delivered by Franklin, puzzles asking kids to identify people and events from spoken or illustrated clues, and “now and then” comparisons between the 18th century and the present—as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes and a booklet. Recommended. Aud: I, P. (F. Swietek)
Liberty's Kids: The Complete Series
(2003) 6 discs. 900 min. DVD: $59.99 (booklet included). Shout! Factory (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 978-1-60399-131-5. Volume 24, Issue 1
Liberty's Kids: The Complete Series
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