All year round, there are special months, weeks and days to celebrate—but is there anything more rewarding than sharing time with family? August is Family Fun Month and a good time to consider putting aside the many things that interfere with quality family time to celebrate the joy of being together with family… and friends too! Family Fun Month just happens to coincide with the August 6th DVD release of the multiple award-winning half-hour animated family film, Room on the Broom, from NCircle Entertainment.
Based on the #1 best-selling children’s picture book in America, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (the same author and illustrator team that created the critically acclaimed The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child), Room on the Broom is filled with humor and adventure, and teaches the importance of family, friends and teamwork!
Why not kick-off Family Fun Month with Family Movie Night? In Room on the Broom, the witch and her cat couldn't be happier, flying through the sky on their broomstick—until the witch drops her hat, then her bow, then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals—a dog, a parrot and a frog—find the missing items and all they want in return is a ride on the broomstick. But is there room on the broom for so many new friends? The kindly witch thinks there is—much to the frustration of her cat. But when disaster strikes, and the witch is about to be eaten by a fearsome dragon, she is saved by the gang of animals, all working together. The witch’s cat learns the importance of friends and family, and the witch rewards her new friends with a magnificent broom that is big enough for everyone!
Beautiful CGI animation brings the book’s drawings to life under the direction of Max Lang. Gillian Anderson (The X Files) provides the voice of the witch; while Timothy Spall of Harry Potter fame, lends his voice to the dragon. Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) narrates the story which also features the recognizable voices of Martin Clunes, Rob Brydon and David Walliams portraying the helpful animals that comprise the witch’s family. Room on the Broom is produced by Magic Light Pictures (the team behind award-winning animations The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child).
My Experience: I received a copy of the Room on the Broom picture book, as well as the DVD for review for my six year-old son, Braxton. That very day, Braxton and his sister, Myelie watched the DVD and they loved it! That night, when Braxton was in bed, I read him the book. I was very impressed with the colorful illustrations, and I love the way the story is written. It is written in a beautiful poetic rhyming stance similiar to that of Dr. Suess. Everything flows together so very perfectly! It is so much fun to read. The story in itself is very cute and completely entertaining. Such an adorable story and endearing characters. I have read this book to Braxton every night since we received it and he falls asleep to the 'melody' in my voice. We both absolutely love Room on the Broom!
Braxton with his Room on the Broom Collection
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD and book to review and to keep. The opinions are my own.