Story

Although they once lived together, the star-bellied and moon-bellied Sneetches now live apart; each convinced they are better than the other. The ‘stars’ live in trees, while the ‘moons’ live out at sea, but Stella Sneedly (voice of Amari McCoy), a young star-bellied Sneetch, questions the old beliefs that keep their worlds divided.

Defying her community, Stella heads to the forbidden beach, where she meets moon-bellied Sneetch Pearl Puddlesnuff (voice of Sophie Petersen). While Pearl is initially frightened and apprehensive, the two quickly realise they have lots in common and form a close friendship. Together, they create a machine that can change the symbols on their bellies.

When Stella and Pearl use the machine to enter each other’s world, they bring the two groups face-to-face once more. Conflict breaks out on the beach, but when a powerful storm hits, the Sneetches must decide whether to cling to their old beliefs or work together to survive.

Themes

Racism; natural disasters

Violence

Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches has some violence. For example:

• A crab pinches a monkey and Sneetch with its claws.
• The star and moon-bellied Sneetches meet on the beach, where they begin arguing and shouting at each other.

Sexual references

There are no sexual references in Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

There’s no substance use in Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches.

Nudity and sexual activity

There’s no nudity and sexual activity in Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches.

Product placement

There’s no product placement in Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches.

Coarse language

There’s no coarse language in Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches is an animated musical adaptation of the classic book by Dr Seuss. Although the movie takes inspiration from the original story, there are several key differences, including the removal of the ‘class war’ between the star and plain-bellied Sneetches, and the absence of Sylvester McMonkey McBean, the capitalist Sneetcher who profits from the Sneetchers’ conflict. Due to mild violence, themes, and scary scenes, the movie is unsuitable for children under 4 years, and parental guidance is recommended for children aged 4-5 years.

The main message from Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches is a child-friendly lesson about not thinking some people are better or worse just because they look different. It shows that having a moon or star doesn’t make any Sneetch better – what matters is who they are on the inside.

Values in Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches that you could reinforce with your children are friendship, acceptance, inclusion, cooperation, curiosity and open-mindedness.

Dr Seuss’s The Sneetches could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the real-life consequences of prejudice and discrimination.