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The Reluctant Deckhand.
Written and Directed by Jan Padgett. Illustrated by Amanda Forbis.
Subject Headings:
Grades 3 - 6 / Ages 8 - 12.
***1/2/4
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THE ANIMATED VERSION of The Reluctant Deckhand is a
thirty-three minute film in six parts (the accompanying novel and teacher's guide are also reviewed in this issue). Each part, indicated by a new log
entry, details significant event in Tess's summer.
The animation has
the clunky cuteness of a moving watercolour. The reason is the "cut-out"
animation technique uses. The figures are drawn, painted, cut out, and
re-attached with joints that are manipulated bit by bit under the camera
to create movement. The result is deliberately two-dimensional and
choppy.
A short
documentary about the making of the film follows. In it we are introduced
to the real Henry Bay, the boat that inspired the story. We meet
author and director Jan Padgett, who describes the conception and
execution of the idea in the film. We also meet designed and animator
Amanda Forbis.
The animated film
and documentary will be enjoyed by students eight to twelve years old.
The documentary lends itself well to story-making and art-enrichment
activities.
Recommended.
Leslie Millar is a substitute teacher and volunteer in Winnipeg schools.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cmeditor@mts.net.
Copyright © 1996 the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364