When it’s too cold or snowy to go outside, there’s nothing better than curling up with the family, some hot cocoa, and a handful of videos filled with the pleasures of winter. For The Very Young
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayIn this animated version of Judith Viorst’s classic book, kids cooped up inside will identify with poor Alexander, the youngest of three boys, who’s having a very bad day indeed. (Ages 4 to 8)
Raymond Briggs’ The SnowmanA child and a snowman explore each other’s worlds in this charming, wordless lyrical fantasy. (All ages)
Little Bear’s Winter Tales Little Bear entices his father out into the snow, and they have a wonderful time in this collection of four winter stories. (Ages 4 to 8)
For The Not So Young
Willa: An American Snow White This installment from a terrific series that adapts classic fairy tales into American folklore features Willa running away from her mean stepmother — an actress — to join a traveling medicine show. (Ages 8 to 15)
Never Cry WolfA researcher learns to love the wolves of the Arctic wilderness in this striking film based on Farley Mowat’s book. It’s a great introduction to the study of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things. (Ages 8 to adult)
White FangA teenage prospector in the days of the Alaska gold rush befriends a wild half-dog/half-wolf. (Ages 10 to adult)
For The Young At Heart
Cool RunningsThe true story of the Olympic bobsledding team from the snowless country of Jamaica inspired this Disney-fied, upbeat underdog tale. (Ages 8 to 12)
Seven Brides for Seven BrothersThis musical has some of the greatest dance numbers ever filmed, and is a nice reminder that spring always arrives, even after the snowiest winter. (Ages 8 to adult)
BoycottCelebrate Martin Luther King Day with this outstanding story of Dr. King’s role in the Montgomery bus boycott. (Ages 10 to adult)
— COMMON SENSE MEDIA
(The nation’s leading nonprofit, nonpartisan resource for reviews on all kids’ media.
www.commonsensemedia.org)