Educational Media Reviews Online

Traveling with young children can be a challenge, but this film shows that it can also be fun and educational. An American family – Mom, Dad, Nathan, and Seamus – travel to areas of Wales in three episodes. Each episode focuses on the places that young, active children will enjoy. The family visits museums, castles, caves, mines, an animal park, a farmhouse, and a dinosaur park, while illustrating how a family can enjoy time together in a foreign country. The boys are charming and natural, and their comments and experiences make up the majority of the scenes; parents and tour guides provide other commentary. The variety of places and experiences throughout the episodes show the children learning about history and science in general, and about Romans, coal, dinosaurs, legends, ecology, trains, and survival skills in particular.

The photography reminds a viewer of home movies, but at a very professional level. Background music is often Celtic and fits the topic. The gorgeous scenery, in combination with the action and adventure, will appeal to families, especially those with children in the 6-to-12 year old range. A few graphics are included: maps, old pictures, and popups that feature fun facts.

Bonus features on the DVD include lists for planning a trip, with places to stay, things to do, and resources; and instructions for activities on how to make a sword and shield and how to learn Welsh.

This film would work well in public libraries, especially those that have families interested in travel. Other DVDs in the Travel with Kids series are available through Janson Media.