Two years after charming young and old viewers alike with The Little Bird and the Leaf, director Lena von Döhren returns with The Little Bird and the Squirrel, a magnificent ode to nature. This time the winter chill is gone and viewers instead get to gaze upon a scene replete with warm autumnal colours.
We renew acquaintances with the little bird, still going about his business with his trusty green watering can. On a mission to take care of nature, the nestling goes from tree to tree in search of pretty leaves to water. But an impish red squirrel pinches the watering can and scampers off into the forest. The little bird heads after it, determined to get his property back, launching a perfect adventure with no dialogue and lots of fun. As the soundtrack enhances the dynamic atmosphere, we follow every step of the escapades of the unfortunate bird and the somewhat mischievous squirrel. But as the frantic chase goes on, the adversaries find they have to team up to avoid being eaten by the hungry fox who’s on the prowl.
Aimed at both children and grown-ups, The Little Bird and the Squirrel abounds with action, jokes and humour, all of which make it a delightful animated short film. The colours, primarily yellow, red and orange, light up the screen beautifully while the gentle sounds of nature carry us for a moment close to the forest and its horizons. In this world full of tenderness and gentleness, the story concludes with a wonderful lesson about solidarity, enabling kids to understand that, in spite of misunderstandings that may arise in life, helping each other often makes it possible to forget the past and previous mistakes! Just like the fables of Jean de la Fontaine, The Little Bird and the Squirrel shares a nice universal message.
