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Cincinnati, OH (December 3, 2002) -
Two new titles in the acclaimed and multi-award-winning Families of the World VHS series offer a reality-based “day in the life” look at how people live in Egypt and France from a kid’s eye view.” “Families of Egypt” and “Families of France,” are the latest releases in this growing and comprehensive collection.
Families of the World seeks to build global understanding between children, offering a documentary-style look at the home and school lives of youngsters in various countries, narrated by peer voices.
“Families of Egypt” provides a fascinating look inside the lives of two children in this country steeped in ancient tradition and Muslim culture. Six-year old Hesham lives in Luxor, famous for its monuments and the Valley of the Kings tombs. Hesham and his father pray together, shop in a colorful and noisy market, watch women bake “sun bread” in traditional clay ovens, and go on a boat trip on the Nile. School lessons are in Arabic and he enjoys playing video games with his friends. Kids will sense the closeness of this family as Hesham’s dad tells a funny bedtime story to him and his sister.
Seven-year old Yasmine lives near Cairo in a modern house near a golf and tennis club where her mother manages the tennis program. Her father is a manager for an international oil company. Their suburban life will look familiar to North American viewers, as Yasmine and her younger brother play games, shop with their mother in a supermarket, and buy toys for a birthday party. At Yasmine’s private school, children learn at least three languages and most classes are taught in English. On Saturdays, the family visits both sets of grandparents in a culture where family ties are very strong. |
“Families of France” shows what life in the country is like for nine-year old Camille and her family. She is a distant ancestor of American Revolutionary hero Lafayette, and the family lives on a historic Beaujolais vineyard where the soil yields many fossils! Dad runs the guesthouse and Mom has a job in Lyon, where she works for a technology company. At Camille’s school, students recite Moliere and a local restaurant caters lunch. As the family celebrates “Three Kings Day” and attends catechism class, we learn a little about how the Catholic religion influences their lives.
Ten-year old Emilien lives with his sisters and father in the large city of Lyon. Emilien and his family enjoy a breakfast of fresh bread and chocolate, and then, it’s off to school on the city bus with his younger sister. Dad commutes via scooter and train to his job. Emilien’s mom is a professional musician and the kids enjoy music with her at her apartment. We see Emilien and his sister at school, practicing basketball with a city league team, shopping for organic produce and singing folk songs with their cousins. We catch a look at wider French society as their routine takes them across the path of a worker’s strike. Little sister Lucie even practices counting out Euros on her toy cash register.
The previous 14 Families of the World titles have won repeated acclaim including awards from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Parents’ Choice, and NAPPA (National Parenting Publications of America); and endorsements from KIDS FIRST! and selection as one of Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Products.
Families of the World videos are distributed by Master Communications and are available for $29.95 each. To order call 1-800-765-5885, or visit www.familiesoftheworld.com.
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