My Congo. (Nature). 53 min. Dist. by PBS. 2016. $24.99. ISBN 9781627898737.

Gr 5 Up –It pays to travel with a professional photographer. Stunning images of the landscapes, wildlife, and people of the Republic of the Congo grace this wonderful film that draws viewers into a world of beauty and diverse cultures. Wildlife filmmaker Vianet D’jenguet spent his childhood there before moving to Europe. His return to his homeland is moving and informative. The film takes viewers on a tour of the country, including the capital, Brazzaville, and other towns, various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and the tribal lands of D’jenguet’s ancestors. The welcome that his tribe bestows on him (they remember his great-grandfather) is quite emotional. Scenes of chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, forest buffalo, and a variety of birds, along with information about the conservation challenges some of them face, add to the importance of this program. VERDICT For geography, social studies, and environmental studies classes, as well as for those who enjoy travel films.–Cynthia Ortiz, Hackensack High School, NJ

This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2017 issue.