Winnie the Pooh: Growing Up [VHS]
There are two animated films in this video, which address the themes of growing up. In the first, Christopher Robin learns to take responsibility for his mistakes when he breaks a bust of his great grandfather while the animals are helping him clean his room. At first, he attempts to hide in his friends' houses, but he can't fit in any of them. Then he runs away with Pooh. But after a good talk with Eeyore, who explains that "everybody makes mistakes, we just have to face up to them," he decides to go home. This film shows the importance of friendship, as well as being honest and responsible--both good lessons for young children. More mystifying is the second feature in this video, which opens as Christopher Robin gets dressed up for a big party because "girls will be there". His animal friends, upset by this development, fear Christopher may leave them forever for the grown-up world. They build a grown-up house for him and even recruit a girlfriend in the person of a scarecrow. For any lover of the classic children's books, the thought of Pooh and Christopher Robin thinking about dating is strange, and most small children wouldn't have it on their minds, either. At this age, "growing up" should be more about developing social skills than finding a date. Also, the idea that an inanimate scarecrow is an acceptable substitute for a real companion is not a positive message for either girls or boys to receive.--Elisabeth Keating