Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Every Child

film

Every Child

1979

This animated short follows an unwanted baby who is passed from house to house. The film is the Canadian contribution to an hour-long feature film celebrating UNESCO's Year of the Child (1979). It illustrates one of the ten principles of the Declaration of Children's Rights: every child is entitled to a name and a nationality. The film took home an Oscar® for Best Animated Short Film.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The theme of child abandonment and being unwanted may feel unsettling to young children.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The tramps show the courage to care for someone when others would not.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The use of mime and sound effects to tell a story is a creative stylistic choice.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story presents a universal childhood-rights message, but the available evidence does not show a broad range of backgrounds, abilities, or identities portrayed in depth.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

It illustrates a principle from the Declaration of Children’s Rights: every child deserves a name and nationality.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is the central theme of the film.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly promotes the message that all children deserve love, care, and a sense of belonging.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The tramps demonstrate kindness and empathy by taking in the abandoned child.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Every Child would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Every Child, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating