Educational Media Reviews Online

Using their imaginations, two children set out to create an entire world in a sandbox for their stuffed pet Bear. The world comes complete with the stars, the moon and the sun, a forest for Bear, and a stream from which he catches his food. The children begin providing Bear with other animals to keep him company - birds, moose, turtles, butterflies. Everything goes well for Bear, Sister, and Brother until their imaginary world becomes populated by people. The single houses Brother and Sister build for the people grow into whole towns, and the towns become entire cities. The children realize that in the increasing hubbub their beloved Bear has disappeared along with the forest. Brother and Sister agree they must find Bear and set out on different paths to search for him. Quickly they realize the chaotic, noisy and unwelcoming world they helped make.

Later, when Brother and Sister meet up, they catch a glimpse of Bear attempting to catch fish for food only to discard his prospective meal on the river shore and disappear once again. The children discover the pollution created in their new world and realize that there is no longer food or room for Bear, or the other animals they had placed in their world with Bear. This program concludes with the children finally finding a very frustrated and sad Bear on the only unpopulated mountaintop remaining. They return Bear's star (which started the entire world) and ask him, "How should we start this time? What do you think bear?"

Animated with vivid, rich earth tone browns, blues and reds, splashed with accenting yellows and vibrant greens this film definitely captivates its audience with color. Also drawing in the viewer are the unique plays on perspective and angles. The scenes change quickly to entice the viewer to continue watching and never allow attentions to drift elsewhere. Accompanying music and lyrics are also well done and catchy. The characters are extremely likable, and some of the scenes very funny and innocent at times - depicting actions and reactions children display in similar situations. The dialogue is simple, yet drives the point home of the frustration Brother and Sister feel when their world grows out of control and is no longer the pleasant place they created for their friend Bear.

The Sandbox is an excellent educational tool for children ages 4-8. It allows the teacher or parent to engage the young viewer in discussing the affects of pollution on the environment, the animals, and people living in today's society. This reviewer highly recommends The Sandbox for the elementary school library, the academic library supporting a collection of teaching materials, and the public library providing educational videos for young children.