Do Unto Otters

When the Otters move in next door, Mr. Rabbit doesn’t know what to do. Mr. Owl helps him learn how to be a good neighbor and friend: Just do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you!

The film Do Unto Otters is based on the book of the same name, written and illustrated by Laurie Keller. Galen Fott adapted, directed, and animated. Ken A. Priebe contributed the hand-drawn animation for the “Considerate” sequence. The music is composed and performed by Rusty Young and Jack Sundrud. The film is produced by Linda Lee, Paul R. Gagne, and Melissa Reilly at Weston Woods Studios. Running time is 12:06.

TO VIEW/PURCHASE:

VOICE CAST

Mr. Rabbit: Jack Sundrud

Ms. Otter: Diana Canova

Gray Otter: David de Vries

Brown Otter: Rusty Young

Mr. Owl/Mr. Bee: Galen Fott

AWARDS AND SCREENINGS

American Library Association ALSC 2009 Notable Children's Video

WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Gold Remi Award

KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival -- 3rd Place, Best Short Ages 5-8

Anima Mundi

London International Animation Festival

REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival

Children’s Film Festival Seattle

Saugatuck Children’s Film Festival

KidFilm Festival

Belmont World Film Family Festival

Film Festival Zlín

Kids World Film Festival

Chicago International Children’s Film Festival

Asheville International Children’s Film Festival

Breath of Life Animation Festival

Mountainfilm in Telluride

Oxford Film Festlval

The Belcourt Theatre, Nashville

REVIEWS AND PRAISE

“This manners lesson is a lively romp...Keller’s colorful illustrations have been animated, bringing each animal to life. A witty and wonderful book has been made into an even more engaging and entertaining film.” -- Starred review, School Library Journal

“Using a spoonful of whimsical cartoon sugar to help the behavioral medicine go down, this is both fun and instructive.” -- Video Librarian

“Wonderful bluegrass-style music and voices...” -- ALA Notable Video Committee

“The underlying message of this entertaining video is easy for younger viewers to grasp. Bouncy guitar and dulcimer music is catchy...and kids are likely to be singing it after the video ends.” -- Catholic Library World

“The best of these episodes is in my opinion the Do Unto Otters story, which focuses on manners and getting along with others. My children on the other hand would probably politely disagree and vote for The Scrambled States of America Talent Show.” -- Video Vault online review of “The Scrambled States of America and More Stories by Laurie Keller”