The movie doesn't always make you cry, but it does feel sad. It isn't hard to be sorry for these poor children. The film never overstays its welcome and can be enjoyed in one sitting. I don't want to call this a bad movie because that wouldn't be true. This is not a bad movie. It's not perfect. But it is very good.

…For more than 20 years, no big book about old standbys has graced the library shelves.