Related to the ordinary garden slug (invertebrate mollusks), the Giant Banana Slug is a vital link in the chain of life in western North American forests.

The film is designed to encourage young children to examine nature closely, as it joins youngsters on a walk in California's redwood forests where they share their feelings on encountering this unusual wild animal. The film shows the children's first reactions when they touch the slimy body, and then as they learn more, we see them beginning to admire the gentle slugs.

The film will make children laugh and will show them a unique life form, while dramatically demonstrating how knowledge and understanding change attitudes.



Grade Level: P-3
US Release Date: 1988     Copyright Date: 1988
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-852-X     VHS ISBN: 1-56029-000-5

Reviews "Oozy, yellow creatures climbing along the bark of trees in a California forest are the subject of this delightful video and folk song. With spontaneous comments and gentle actions, a group of children wonderously learn about these gastropods, whose eyes are located at the end of retractable tentacles. Both children and adults will delight in this sticky bit of nature." Starred Review, Booklist "Excellent filming.... The narration is done by children and the behavior of the youngsters is completely natural." School Library Journal "This video is designed for use in early childhood programs. Science is shown as students investigating nature, collecting data, reflecting on ideas, expressing the joy of new found know-ledge and wondering about...the world." The American Biology Teacher