[amazon_link id=”B000NXTHJY” target=”_blank” ]Stellaluna[/amazon_link] was one of the first children’s books that entered my home when I gave birth 12 years ago. It was a gift from a very close childhood friend, and I cherished it. The message of tolerance and acceptance is so sweet, and I have often repeated giving this very gift to other families.

I was excited to receive [amazon_link id=”B00018YC2S” target=”_blank” ]Stellaluna[/amazon_link] DVD.

A baby fruit bat finds her world turned literally upside down after getting separated from her mother and adopted by a family of birds in this Scholastic film, based on Janell Cannon’s award-winning children’s book. A “warm and sultry forest far, far away” is the setting for the animated tale of friendship and self-discovery as Stellaluna attempts to fit in with Pip, Flap, and Flitter, three baby birds, and their mother. Thinking herself a bird as well, Stellaluna tries hard to obey the rules of the nest–which prohibit hanging upside down and flying at night–yet she is confused by her struggles to belong. While retaining the beauty and spirit of its namesake book, the film embellishes the plot with a few enjoyable characters, including a pair of talkative toucans and, later, a superhero spider who helps save the day. Cannon’s important message shines forth brightly, to celebrate individuality while embracing each other’s differences. (Ages 4 to 10) –Lynn Gibson

The spider and toucan characters are not in the book, and I am not really sure how they fit in.  They do try to maintain the theme of self-acceptance; however, I am a purest when it comes to this beloved story.  I hate to see it tampered with at all.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.