Families of Canada

The entire catalog—18 titles so far—of the PBS-aired Families of the World series (reviewed in VL-11/04, VL-3/03, VL-9/02, VL-7/99, VL-1/99, and VL-11/97) is now available on DVD, including the newest addition, Families of Canada. Following the time-tested franchise formula (following a day in the life of one boy and one girl; one rural and one urban), the program starts off with seven-year-old Hannah, who lives in Nova Scotia and rides a ferry with her older sister to her small school. Hannah's day includes schoolwork, a piano lesson, and a fish dinner (and young viewers will also learn a bit about conservation while watching Hannah's lobster fisherman father check his traps). Next, we join 11-year-old John, who lives in a suburb of Toronto—the biggest city in Canada—and, along with his two older brothers, plays games, makes music, goes to church and school, and celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday (which is held in October, although since it appears to be just like the American holiday, it would have been nice to hear an explanation of how the two differ). Like the other programs in this well-produced series, Families of Canada is definitely recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (E. Gieschen)