Talespinners, for ages 5-9, includes seven tales of children who confront challenges with ingenuity and creativity. Each story brings facets of a different cultural community to the screen, through a setting, accent, folk element, tradition, particular food or vocabulary. Young viewers will be captivated by the adventures and determination of the Talespinners’ children. This collection includes four original tales and three inspired by books. The stories have particular appeal to modern kids growing up in a complicated world.
This animated short by Theodore Ushev combines warmth, humour and magic in a story about a young girl who misses her grandmother. When Lili finds a tzaritza (magic shell) along the seashore, she hatches a plan to bring her Grandma from Bulgaria to Montreal to make her father happy. Part of the Talespinners collection, the film features music by Normand Roger.
Ages 5 to 9
English Language Arts - Children's Stories/Fables
An animated short that tells the tale of Lili and how she misses her grandmother, who lives in Bulgaria. A magical seashell keeps her connected to grandmother. Students who are separated from family members or friends will relate to this story and may wish to share or reflect on their own experiences of missing others. Discussion questions include: Why is the tzaritza so special to Lili? What are some of Lili’s favourite things to do with her grandmother? Why does her father dive into the water? What do you notice about the photographs at the end of the film? How do you stay connected to someone you are missing?