Comedy can be a very effective tool for teaching children. I live with one of the funniest people on the planet and, believe me, laughing at the absurdities we might otherwise miss, leads to enlightenment.
So I'm really excited to spread the word about a new movie called Furry Vengeance being released on April 30. This is a family comedy, produced by Summit Entertainment, Participant Media and Imagenation Abu Dhabi, with important and timely messages -- encouraging families to spend time outdoors and to protect wildlife and wild places.
In the movie -- starring Brendan Fraser and Brooke Shields -- an ambitious young real estate developer faces off with a band of angry animals when his new housing subdivision pushes too far into a pristine part of the Oregon wilderness. Led by an incredibly clever raccoon, the animals stymie the development and teach our hero about the environmental consequences of man's encroachment on nature.
And I have to mention that Ken Jeong, who is one of my husband's co-stars on NBC's Community, is also in Furry Vengeance.
What's so great about this film is the Furry Vengeance Activity Guide -- full of specially developed teaching tools for kids and educators to use in the classroom. This wonderful guide features quizzes, games and more to learn about animals and natural habitats. These lessons will encourage students to safely explore the natural areas of their communities while developing skills and a deeper understanding of habitat and animal protection issues. You can click here to download the guide.
National Wildlife Federation has partnered with Participant Media to develop this guide and to create a website rich with information and resources that highlight the importance of kids spending more time outside for improved health; enhanced imaginations and attention spans; better vision and healthier teeth and bones; increased classroom performance; and to make them better stewards of the environment. Visit www.beoutthere.org to learn more.
But that's not all! The filmmakers are also working with Donors Choose and will match funding on all classroom projects related to the themes of the movie at donorschoose.org/furryvengeance. How great is that!
So mark your calendars for April 30, visit the websites I've mentioned for more information, and enjoy the Furry Vengeance experience with your kids -- both in the theater and beyond! Yay!