KRUSING AMERICA Selected & Reviewed by KIDS FIRST!

KRUSING AMERICA LINDA KRUSE Series: SHORT, AGES 5-12 Topic - Family Description - It's the oldest story known to man -- coming home -- but with a twist. After spending most of his life living outside the United States defending his country, where does a decorated 20-year Army soldier, back from the War, go home to if he's never really had a home? In this docu-series, Lt. Colonel Victor Krus and his family travel the country on a quest to find their home, sweet home. KRUSING AMERICA is the story of an American hero's search for an American hometown. KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This film is part of a series designed for TV or a web series. As a travelogue, it takes the pop of a returning vet and his family who set out to see America. This episode focuses on their experience on Martha's Vineyard. Because it is short, at 24 minutes, I think it works. It's fast faced enough to hold your attention and, I think kids would be interested in watching it. I did test it with one child who said she enjoyed it. She gave it a 3 out of 5 star rating so I will do the same. Recommended for KIDS FIRST! Festival. Runtime: 24 minutes  KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12

KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
The World's Largest Children's Film Festival

Coalition for Quality Children's Media

Mission

Our goals are to: A. Teach children to become critical media users; B. Help adults recognize the importance of teaching critical viewing skills to children; C. Help children identify and be aware of outstanding media programming; D. Develop programs for children with special needs such as low-income, hospitalized or at-risk children.

The Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit (501-c-3) organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children's media.

The Coalition's KIDS FIRST! program evaluates, rates and endorses films, DVDs, audio recordings, TV shows, apps, screenplays and games using volunteer, community-based juries of adults and children from diverse backgrounds and offers a variety of means to showcase and enhance consumer awareness of endorsed products.

The KIDS FIRST! Film Critics are a group of national youth reporters who review most new film releases, interview talent and share their views on entertainment geared for kids. A group of 18 kids, ages 7 to 16, their reviews are seen, read or listened to by more than 4 million people every month.

KIDS FIRST! is supported by teachers, librarians, media professionals, lobbyists, policymakers, child advocates, educators, parents and families nationwide. Support comes from national nonprofit organizations that include the National Education Association, REEL Fathers, National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Council of Women’s Organizations, with a cumulative membership of over 17 million. 

KIDS FIRST!

KIDS FIRST! is the key program of the organization. This program. evaluates, rates and endorses children's media using community-based juries comprised of child development professionals and teachers as well as parents and children from diverse geographic, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. A KIDS FIRST! endorsement is given to titles (films, DVDs, TV shows, apps, screenplays, games) meeting the KIDS FIRST! baseline criteria, approved by adults and recommended by child jurors.

Product reviews reach an audience of more than 6 million through the KIDS FIRST! web site, newsletter, social media as well as through our media partners including: Huffington Post, HDNet Movies kidScene, Kidsville News, Kidzworld.com, Working Mother, GRAND Magazine, Amazon.com, LA Parent, Bay Area Parent, Colorado Parent, Westchester Famiy and 48 other publications.

KIDS FIRST! is a voluntary initiative, only titles that are submitted are evaluated, rated and endorsed. To submit a title for consideration, please visit our submit a title page.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics

KIDS FIRST! has involved kids in reviewing media since its inception. Now in its fourth year, the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics are an integral part of this organization. We currently have 23 kids from 8 states who review most new films, DVDs and other media programming rated PG-13 or younger. They attend premieres, press junkets and press screenings. They interview celebrities both and off the red carpet. Their reviews are seen, read or heard by more than 6 million people every month.

We conduct Search Campaigns, both nationally in the fall and locally throughout the year, to find youth who wish to join our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team. There is a local competition going on now. For more information, visit the campaign page. To receive updated information, subscribe to our weekly e-zine, KIDS FIRST! News.  

You can view the most recent reviews on the KIDS FIRST! homepage and YouTube. Or, go to Voice America Kids to listen to the radio show KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions.. It's live every Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET and 24 hours after that, the archive is available to listen to at any time. Our reviews also run on Huffington Post in the teem section. Our blog is called KIDS FIRST!

Kids Travel 

http://kidsfirst.agenthub.net

PRESS RELEASE: KRUSING AMERICA wins Best Documentary at International Family Film Festival!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES WINNERS: 

**** 

KRUSING AMERICA: Winner Best Documentary 

20th Anniversary a Jubilant Celebration

Hollywood, CA – It was a fitting commemoration of the Platinum Edition of the International Family Film Festival this past weekend at Raleigh Studios. With over 100 films from 17 countries screened -­‐‑ there was something for the whole family. The complete list of festival finalists and winners are available at www.iffilmfest.org. All films and screenplays shared a common thread -­‐‑ the enriching role that family plays in the stories of our lives. 

"It was truly an honor to not only win for 'Best Documentary' but to have my brother, Lt. Colonel (RET) Victor Krus (the focus of my documentary) with me to accept the award. Although this is our 31st award in four months – it is the family film festival awards that mean so much to me. 

I made KRUSING AMERICA for families all over the world."

Linda Kruse, creator KRUSING AMERICA

BEST DOCUMENTARY – U.S.

*Krusing America

Director/Writer/Producer:  Linda Kruse    

Atticus Productions, Inc. 

http://www.iffilmfest.org/

KRUSING AMERICA Kid Approved for Kids First! Festival

Dear Linda,

Congratulations! We are delighted to notify you that your film, KRUSING AMERICA has been selected for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

Screenings of your film are available to more than 50 venues that partner with KIDS FIRST! We will include your film as part of the KIDS FIRST! Film Critic for two years.

On behalf of the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, I wish to express our sincere congratulations and appreciation for the opportunity to include your film as part of our 2015-17 KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

Sincerely,
Ranny Levy
Founder & President
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival

KIDS FIRST! / Coalition for Quality Children's Media 

http://www.kidsfirst.org 

Supporting Quality Media for Children Since 1991 

KIDS FIRST! YouTube Channel * KIDS FIRST! Huff Post * KIDS FIRST! News * KIDS FIRST! Radio * Become a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic * KIDS FIRST! Facebook

September is CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS Month because kids can't fight Cancer alone!

Families, caregivers, charities and research groups across the United States observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., 15,780 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year; approximately 1/4 of them will not survive the disease. A diagnosis turns the lives of the entire family upside down. The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and – importantly – to help raise funds for research and family support.

And did you know:

• 1 in every 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer
• In the U.S., one out of every five children with cancer will not survive
• The vast majority of kids who do survive will suffer long-term side effects
• 14,583 kids will be diagnosed with cancer this month alone

And every single one of them is hoping that the next treatment is the one that will save their life. 

For more information visit: http://www.acco.org/awareness-advocacy/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

http://www.stbaldricks.org/blog/post/get-involved-in-september-for-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

Because kids cant' fight Cancer alone!

Media Monday: KRUSING AMERICA "Official Selection" to the San Diego International Kids' Film Festival!

Official Selection Announced Congratulations! The Official Selections of the 2015 San Diego International Kids' Film Festival have been announced and KRUSING AMERICA has been selected! We have selected 51 Short Films from 15 countries this year. Check out the full list of selected finalists below! Congrats to our filmmakers! We are currently collecting the film information and materials. We will send you another separate email if we need anything else about your film. Another detailed email regarding the festival attendance and involvement will be sent to you soon. We will give your directions of how to attend and get involved in our film festival. Please stay tuned with us. Thank you very much for joining us at the 2015 San Diego International Kids' Film Festival! Looking forward to seeing you at the film festival!

Saturday Study: 10 Things Children Can Teach Us

In my search to find interesting and useful articles I came across a website called MGB (Mind/Body/Green) Their mission is to revitalize the way people eat, move and live!

One article in particular - was perfect for my Throwback Thursday blog post on things we learned as a child. As a Creator and Director of Family Programing, I work with kids a lot and there is also a lot we can learn from them. Below are a few ways we can learn from the little ones in our lives. They are unencumbered by the baggage we adults carry around with us.

The inherent wisdom of children can teach us so much about mindfulness.

Here are 10 Things Children Can Teach Us About Mindfulness

1. Children naturally live in the present moment.

You will rarely find a 4-year-old ruminating over the past, or fretting too far into the future. Their lives tend to be focused in the here and now, and this is reflected in the absolute attention they give to their activities. Watching a child engaged in their “flow,” whether building with blocks or drawing a picture, is a lesson in living in the present.

2. Children move their bodies without even thinking.

Young children don’t sit still for very long. They instinctually need to move, and they love challenging their bodies in all sorts of ways. Kids are drawn toward physical activity and movement, using their bodies as a way to self-regulate and express themselves.

3. Children use all of their senses with excitement.

Kids get messy. They gravitate toward mud and paint, and smells and textures that enhance their senses. Children are able to fully immerse themselves in their experiences through their sensory activities.

4. Children don't have to think twice about playtime.

In the world of early education, many believe that children learn through play. They are natural explorers, and play opens up the world to them. Even the simplest materials like rocks and sticks can become tools for hours of fun.

5. Children are humanitarians by nature.

Children are kind. They may be developmentally egocentric but at their core, kids want to make others feel happy and included. They seek out community and feel comforted to be part of a group of peers.

6. Children seek out new experiences.

Children see the world through fresh eyes. Everything is new and they embrace this novelty. They don’t get bogged down by expectations of how an experience is “supposed to be.”

7. Children let go easily.

Learning to be a member of a group can be hard. Kids fight over who’s first in line, who ruined the game, who accidentally broke their project, or who hurt their feelings. But children can forgive their offender and move on from the affront very quickly. They don’t carry and grudge. They accept “sorry” and move on. Children want fast resolution to conflicts and invest in the repair.

8. Children express uninhibited joy.

Being amongst children is to experience happiness by osmosis. Their natural state, when they feel supported, is one of unbridled glee. Because children don’t have the sense of self-consciousness that adults do, they are free to express joy and silliness like no one is watching.

9. Children enjoy meditation!

It is remarkable to see how quickly and easily children take to meditation. Kids need quiet time to settle their bodies and minds, and they crave the time to be able to do it.

10. Children teach us that tomorrow is a new day.

Kids have countless melt-downs and abhorrent behavior. Inevitably, the next day, they appear with a smile on their face, a cooperative spirit, and a willingness to start over with a clean slate.

From an article by Kate Kane  / For more information visit: 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20921/10-things-children-can-teach-us-about-mindfulness.html

Thursday Throwback: International Children's Month / NATURAL LEADERS Foundation & CLU Network

In researching this topic I noticed there are so many organizations for children - I will only mention a few today but I will feature more amazing organizations specifically for kids on Thursdays in the future.

Did you know that June is INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S MONTH and although JUNE has past - every day should be a day for kids. So my Throwback Thursday highlights include: International Children's Month, Natural Leaders Foundation and The Clu Network.

• IINTERNATIONAL CHILDREN LOVE EARTH: Cultivating loving relationships with the Earth, Gardens, Water, Food, Bees... 
• CHILDREN'S ACTIVISM
• SAVING THE RAIN FOREST AND IT'S RESIDENTS
• INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GLOBAL WAVE OF LOVE
• NATURAL LEADERS
• THE CLU NETWORK

NATURAL LEADERS FOUNDATION: 
Investing in Local & Global Community, cultivating growth through meaningful connections & inspiring children to lead. This program shows love in action:

• Leadership 
• Nutrition
• Healing
• Fun
• Community 
• Nature
• Self Love

http://youtu.be/iaP01LEr31s

http://www.naturalleadersfoundation.com

CLU NETWORK is a TV/Web Network produced by children. They direct, shoot, write, produce, host, sound engineer, light and edit highest quality magazine style productions featuring uplifting, healthy lifestyles and brands.

http://www.clunetwork.com

Millions joined together to make this the biggest year yet! World Yoga Day, World Peace and Prayer Day, Aboriginal People's Day, and Children's Global Wave of Love. An estimated 10 million + took part in a day of prayer/ meditation and intention. Each person taking care of 700+ miles per heart. Beautiful images and video will be shown on CLU NETWORK hosted by INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S MONTH.

http://www.internationalchildrensmonth.com

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We’re committed to building a better future and highlighting the best of the best of us. 

We're always looking for great places and great people to feature on this blog…

Please send a message

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation, 

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to see more!

www.youtube.com/KrusingAmerica

Thanks for watching and subscribing, 

Linda Kruse

KRUSING AMERICA

Creator / Producer / Director

FOLLOW us on Twitter @KrusingAmerica  @lindamkruse   @AtticusProd

LIKE us on Facebook

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Throwback Thursday: NO KID HUNGRY: End Child Hunger in America – Summer is the hungriest time of the year!

When I was a child growing up - we would play outside all day and then run into the house and find something to eat. Growing up in an Italian household - there was always enough food to go around. In fact, our house was the place all the kids hung out because my Mom always had enough food for everyone. Today kids aren't as fortunate. The statistics of hungry children in the US are astounding. In fact, 1 out of 5 kids go hungry. 

My friend, Billy Harris of HANGING WITH HARRIS has been involved with the NO KID HUNGRY campaign for years. 

Childhood hunger is a major problem in America, but it is a solvable one. NO KID HUNGRY is building a nationwide network of problem solvers to end childhood hunger and we all should help. 

www.nokidhungry.org

Using proven, practical solutions, we are ensuring that every child gets enough healthy food every day. NO KID HUNGRY developed public-private partnerships made up of elected officials, corporate and community leaders, parents, educators, chefs, and concerned citizens to generate the will and skill to help communities feed children in need every day of the year.

When we stand together and take action to connect kids to the nutritious food they need, we're also creating a stronger, healthier, smarter America.

BE APART OF THE SOLUTION

Join us and help end childhood hunger in America.

WATCH THE VIDEO
Together We are Feeding the Future 

IN THE SUMMER,  SCHOOL MEALS DISAPPEAR AND KIDS GO HUNGRY

Many kids who rely on school meals struggle to get enough to eat during the summer months. It's time to improve the way we feed kids when school is out of session.

THE FACTS

• The summer meals program was created in 1968 to help kids in need get healthy food when school is out.
• The current program operates under a set of one-size-fits-all regulations that don't work in many communities.
• Transportation challenges, inclement weather and bureaucratic hurdles means five out of six kids who may need these meals aren't getting them.

AS CONGRESS CONSIDERS THE REAUTHORIZATION OF CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS THIS YEAR, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THE SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM SO IT HELPS LOW-INCOME KIDS NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE.

Visit the Website: NO KID HUNGRY

On Twitter @nokidhungry

On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nokidhungry

DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED 

DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR BY THE ARBY'S FOUNDATION, UP TO $150,000.

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We’re committed to building a better future and highlighting the best of the best of us. 

We're always looking for organizations or people to feature on this blog…

Please send a message

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation, 

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to see more!

www.youtube.com/KrusingAmerica

Thanks for watching and subscribing, 

Linda Kruse

KRUSING AMERICA

Creator / Producer / Director

FOLLOW us on Twitter 

@KrusingAmerica  

@lindamkruse   @AtticusProd

LIKE us on Facebook

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Media Monday: DOVE Review gives KRUSING AMERICA & Linda Kruse highest rating for Family-Friendly Content

KRUSING AMERICA

   Dove "Family-Approved" / 

   Suitable for any age

DOVE WORLDWIDE REVIEW:

This is an awesome two-disc set. The docu-drama is about Lt. Colonel Victor Krus and his wife Lori, daughter Anna Marie and son Anthony. The movie focuses on their travels across America to find the place they want to live. They go to several different locations and cover each and every one. The scenes include Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and Smithfield, Virginia, as well as Stuart, Florida, and Sonoma, California. Washington at Port Townsend and Hannibal, Missouri are also featured in the documentary.

The cinematography and landscapes are awesome and terrific. We see the family in every day settings such as their shopping trips, sight-seeing, eating meals at restaurants, on boats, and so on. You will enjoy this two-disc DVD set and this family! We are happy to award this terrific documentary five Doves, our highest rating. Travel with this family and relive their journey!

Synopsis:

"Krusing America" is the oldest story known to man -- coming home -- but with a twist. After spending most of his life living outside the United States defending a country he's never really lived in, where does a decorated 20-year US Army soldier, back from the War, go home to...if he's never really had one? Not your typical travel show, "Krusing America" is the story of an American Hero without an American Hometown.

With the war coming to an end, no story resonates more than the story of coming home. In this family travel docu-series, Lt. Colonel Victor Krus and his family cross the country on a quest to find their home, sweet home. Designed to touch the heart of the viewer, ignite the pride of its citizens, and inspire a country, "Krusing America" offers a twist on the classic feeling of 'coming home'.

Reviewer: Edwin L. Carpenter
Writer / Producer / Director: Linda Kruse
Genre: Documentary Runtime: 153 min.
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Starring: Victor Krus, Lori Krus, AnnaMarie Krus, Anthony Krus - Host: Linda Kruse

From ChristianCinema.com by The Dove Foundation

Like Us on Facebook 

THE DOVE FOUNDATION is a nonprofit pro-family organization established to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment. The Foundation, free from commercial pressures, awards a blue and white Dove Seal to any movie or video that is rated "family-friendly" by its film review board.

The late Steve Allen, entertainer and Dove advisor called the Dove Seal, "the Good Housekeeping Seal for Family Entertainment."

Business, civic, religious and pro-family leaders nationwide have expressed support for The Dove Foundation and its seal of approval.

Saturday Study: This Day in History / July 11, 1922 Hollywood Bowl Opens & Today – SummerSounds for Kids

The Los Angeles Philharmonic first played at the Hollywood Bowl at an Easter Sunrise Service in 1921 and inaugurated the first official Hollywood Bowl season, called "Symphonies Under the Stars," in July of 1922. The Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic ever since.

Video: Archival Footage 1932–1958

On this day in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl, one of the world’s largest natural amphitheaters, opens with a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Since that time, a long, diverse list of performers, including The Beatles, Luciano Pavarotti and Judy Garland, have appeared on stage at the Hollywood Bowl. The venue has become a famous Los Angeles landmark and has been featured in numerous movies.

As the official summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl has hosted such famous conductors as Arthur Rubinstein, Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Horowitz, along with opera singers Jessye Norman, Beverly Sills and Placido Domingo. Dancers from Fred Astaire to Mikhail Baryshnikov have graced the stage, as have entertainers including Abbott and Costello, Al Jolson, Billie Holiday, Garth Brooks and Elton John.

When the Hollywood Bowl opened, its stage was a wooden platform with a canvas top and audiences sat on movable benches set on the hillsides of the surrounding canyon. In 1926, a group of Los Angeles architects built the Hollywood Bowl’s first shell. Since that time, various architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, Lloyd Wright, and Frank Gehry, have made improvements to the venue’s structure and acoustics. Today, the Hollywood Bowl seats nearly 18,000. Its paid attendance record of 26,410 was set in August 1936 for a performance by French opera star Lily Pons.

As a Los Angeles icon, the Hollywood Bowl has been featured in a number of films, including A Star is Born (1937) and Beaches (1988). In one particularly memorable appearance, in the film, Olly Olly Oxen Free (1978), according to the Bowl’s official Web site, Hollywoodbowl.com: “Katharine Hepburn, having refused a stunt double, lands a hot-air balloon herself in front of the Hollywood Bowl stage during a performance of the 1812 Overture.”

Today, besides the regular summer schedule the Hollywood Bowl hosts SummerSounds - World Music for Kids every July for 5 weeks. 

SummerSounds is a fun-filled, four-week series of lively concerts combined with art workshops. Join our dynamic hosts as they lead you on a journey to discover music, dance and art from cultures around the world.

Situated in the intimate setting of the Hollywood Bowl Museum patio, SummerSounds features four different programs, each highlighting a distinct music tradition – a new show every week! Two performances daily.

For more information on the Hollywood Bowl today: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com

And SummerSounds: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/summersounds-2015

Information provided by: 

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/philpedia/hollywood-bowl-history/symphonic-music-and-opera

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hollywood-bowl-opens

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Every Saturday is what we call Study and Learn Day so I try to feature history and/or kids - 

If you know of any organizations for children or by children, please let me know. 

Happy to promote them here on my Krusing America blog. 

Thank you,

Linda Kruse

Creator / Producer / Director 

Krusing America 

Throwback Thursday: You're so "Chocolate Bar" – Small Kid with BIG Ideas…Changing the world one book at a time!

CHOCOLATE BAR

Changing the world one book at a time

by 8-year-old 
Dylan Siegal

"Chocolate Bar" means awesome to 8-year-old Dylan Siegel who has raised more than a 1,000,000 dollars thru sales of his book – all toward curing his best friend Jonah's rare liver disease. 

I met Dylan at a YouTube SpaceLA Creator Academy course last month. Although Dylan was the youngest in our class – you could tell right away that he was not your typical 8-year-old kid. 

Dylan's mission is to cure his best friend Jonah's rare disease and show kids everywhere that their big ideas can change the world.

Most of what I tried to do with Throwback Thursday is feature kids doing great things in the world. What a great kid, a great friend to Jonah and a perfect person to feature on my Thursday blog post.  If only we could all remember what it was like to be fearless: To think - why not?! And then write a book that raises over a million dollars to help cure a disease. Why NOT be so "Chocolate Bar".

Chocolate Bar:
Changing the World one book at at time

Dylan & Jonah: An incredible story of friendship

WATCH THE VIDEO

BUY the BOOK / DONATE / GET INVOLVED

Website:

 http://www.chocolatebarbook.com

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/Chocolatebarbook

Twitter: 

@sochocolatebar

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/chocolatebarbook



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We’re committed to building a better future and highlighting the best of the best of us. 

We're always looking for great places and great people, just like Dylan to feature on this blog…

Please send a message

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation, 

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to see more!

www.youtube.com/KrusingAmerica

Thanks for watching and subscribing, 

Linda Kruse

KRUSING AMERICA

Creator / Producer / Director

FOLLOW us on Twitter @KrusingAmerica  @lindamkruse   @AtticusProd

LIKE us on Facebook

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Throwback Thursday: Gino Cucino, a 2-year old teaching kids to eat healthy

I created and directed a really fun kids cooking series not long ago that many never saw. Initially the Executive Producers wanted to go in a different direction but I thought a kid teaching kids to cook would be an effective way to get children to learn and eat healthy.

The short version goes like this: I was hired to create a kids cooking pilot based on literally a clown-chef in Arizona that the Producers thought kids would like. However, when I met him - I just didn't think he would connect with kids. Since I've worked with a lot of kid actors over the years - I knew there had to be a better way…and then I met GINO.

He was actually the Executive Producers child and ordinarily I would not suggest hiring the producers kid - once you meet Gino, you'll know why I choose him. He is exactly as you see him in the pilot episode of GINO CUCINO.

Whole Foods and Whole Foods Kids in Arizona was gracious enough to sponsor our shoot since they too met and loved Gino. It was the beginning of some of my best directing work with kids. I wanted then and still do today - to create authentic shows with amazing real personalities that are bigger than life in a very genuine way.  A good director only needs to guide so if you're true to your subject - even a two-year-old can shine.

I'm considering a revamp of this idea with a healthier spin…Please take a look and let me know what you think: Would you watch? Would your kids watch? Subscribe to my YouTube channel below and let me know. Happy Throwback Thursday!

Watch GINO CUCINO

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We’re committed to building a better future and highlighting the best of the best of us. 

We're always looking for great places and great people to feature on this blog…

Please send a message

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation, 

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to see more!

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Saturday Study & Learn: KINDNESS 100

Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association: “To help all By teaching our children the value of kindness and doing a few simple things, we may together build a better world for our animals….and ourselves.”

To celebrate the centennial of “Be Kind to Animals Week®,” the American Humane Association created  KINDNESS 100 which includes a series of pre-K-5 curricula to teach children compassion in all areas of life. I've included the curriculum below in my Saturday Study & Learn blog post as well as downloaded options.

To learn more and join the movement and please visit www.Kindness100.org

Teaching the Future

Building a better world for animals starts with teaching our children the value of kindness. To help, the  created a series of teaching sheets for parents, teachers, and other adults involved with young people. Each grade level covers four areas relating to the Kindness 100 Humane Pledge and supports Common Core Standards. Please click on the appropriate age group below to download these fun, helpful, and informative materials.

PRESCHOOL

Lesson plans and activities A Forever Home pet adoptions; Down on the Farm animal safety; Spotlighting Animal Actors treating animals with kindness; and Wonderful Wildlife endangered animals.
Download

KINDERGARTEN

Activity sheets Fewer and Fewer, math sheet about endangered sea turtles;Good for Cows, Good for Us words about dairy cows; Play Every Day, writing about pet adoption; Plenty to Eat, math about animal actors.
Download

GRADE 1

Activity sheets that teach your students how to be kind to animals through A Happy Hen math problems; Love a Pet language sheet; On the Big Screenwriting activity; and Tiger Talk problem solving.
Download

GRADE 2
Help your students make real-life connections to words, interpret information, compare numbers, and problem solve with Animal All Around,"Egg-cellent" Choices for Hens, Love Those Animals, and Top Dog.
Download

GRADE 3

Math and language worksheets about choosing humanely raised food, Kind and Gentle Treatment; which movies treat animal actors well, Movie Marathon; helping wild animals, Save the Sharks; and pet adoption, Sharing and Caring.
Download

GRADE 4
Reading, problem solving, and division worksheets encouraging students to Be a Farm Animal Fan; Be Prepared for pet adoption; know how to treat Furry, Feathered, and Famous friends; and know The Word about Wildlife.
Download

GRADE 5

Creative writing and math worksheets help students learn about humanely raised food, A Big Job; protect animal actors, Lights, Camera, Action, create a Pet Protection Plan, and conserve the world's animals, We're for Wildlife.
Download

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We’re committed to building a better future and highlighting the best of the best of us. 

We're always looking for great places and great people to feature on this blog…

Please send a message

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation, 

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to see more!

www.youtube.com/KrusingAmerica

Thanks for watching and subscribing, 

Linda Kruse

KRUSING AMERICA

Creator / Producer / Director

FOLLOW us on Twitter @KrusingAmerica  @lindamkruse   @AtticusProd

LIKE us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/KrusingAmericaTV