K-Gr 3—Carlos, a curious little caterpillar, often finds himself in difficult predicaments in this animated series. In this episode, all the little bugs are excited that it's time for the state fair, but they have no money to get there. They plan a fair of their own to raise the needed money for train tickets. Meanwhile, with the money they do have, they send Carlos to reserve their seats on the train. On the flip of a coin, Carlos loses the money to Sluggy, and he has to find a way to tell his friends. At their hometown fair, Carlos learns how a magician's coin trick works, takes the magician's coin, and attempts to win his money back. The gamble results in no winners and some pretty dire circumstances. Viewers will learn the importance of making honest choices and honoring friends as well as the benefits of diligence and hard work in attaining a goal. The film is available in English and Spanish with subtitles in either language. The story is set in Mexico and the creatures use a number of Spanish words in the English version, which may require some explanation. Delightful characters, an entertaining story, and an important message make this a fine choice for young children.—Cynde Suite, Barstow County Library System, GA
In this beautiful, heartrending, yet horrifying film, North Koreans tell their stories of imprisonment, sexual slavery, torture, murder, and escape to China or South Korea during the nearly 50-year regime of Kim Il Sung (1912—94). The interviews are illustrated through the interspersion of dance sequences, archival news footage, and drawings. Particularly interesting are the North Korean propaganda films celebrating Kim Il Sung as God and showing in the face of mass starvation happy workers, elaborate military displays, and the creation of a new flower in 1988 in honor of the 46th birthday of Kim's son and successor, Kim Jong Il. A valuable time line traces 20th-century events in Korea. Bonus features include previously unreleased footage of camp refugees. This mesmerizing film displays excellent production values and is highly recommended for Asia collections.—Kitty Chen Dean, formerly with Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, NY
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