Leon’s Animated Stories: Leon in Wintertime, Molly in Springtime/ Le Printemps de Melie, Bonifacio in Summertime/ L’ete de Boniface, Poppety in the Fall/ L’automne de Pougne 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Pascal Le Notre, Marie-Josee Corbeil, and Christine Cote
Directed by Pierre-Luc Granjon, Antoine Lanciaux, and Pascal Le Notre
DVD, color, 27 min., DVD in English and French
K-6
Animation, Graphic Design, Storytelling
Date Entered: 07/31/2014
Reviewed by Deidra N. Herring, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OHAll four films are an absolute charming mix of storytelling and 3D puppet animation. Even though the video is recommended for younger audiences, viewers of all ages will appreciate the artistic material. The medieval tales are delivered by the mischievous storyteller, Bonifacio, who happens to set the stage for the adventurous storylines in each animated performance. The cast of characters also includes a royal family, Leon the 8 yr. old bear, an elephant and a pair of loveable hedgehogs.
While the unique videos can be purchased as a set, each television episode can be watched separately and complement each other well. The graphics are of exceptional quality with Leon in Wintertime receiving the Award of Excellence 2008 Alliance for Children and Television.
Downloadable options are available for purchase based on institutional usage. The DVDs are highly recommended for any school, public, or academic library.