It’s nothing new when writers in children’s entertainment use their medium to portray important social or political ideas. In Dr. Seuss’ “The Star bellied Sneeches,” colorful and imaginative characters engage in a battle to prove who is the more powerful race of sneeches.

In Disney’s latest installment of the “Winnie the Pooh” series, Pooh and friends embark on an adventure to capture the dangerous creatures that live in the nearby forest. What ensues is a heartwarming story about growing up — and perhaps more importantly, learning that what is really dangerous is prejudice and hostility toward cultures one doesn’t understand.

These important issues are cleverly woven into the charming kids’ tale, “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie.”

Director Frank Nissen brings back most of the classic characters like Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger and Eeyore, but this time, the story is not about Pooh himself, but young Roo, whose desire to grow up too fast teaches him, and his friends, some valuable lessons.

When the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood wake one morning to a mysterious noise, the little community surges into hysterics about what they believe to be the dangerous Heffalumps who live in a nearby wood. With Rabbit as their leader, the friends ban together and decide to capture the Heffalumps to ensure the safety of the Hundred Acre Wood residents and their honey.

Unfortunately, young Roo, despite his precocious talent for capturing things, is forced to stay home because, according to the “more rational” adults, he is too young for such a dangerous expedition. Naturally, Roo does not stay home and befriends a young Heffalump in the process.

Sure, “Pooh’s Heffalump” is a lighthearted children’s flick, but like so many other children’s films, there is an important message tacked on. As the toddlers in the audience watch the funny characters in awe, they — like Roo — are learning a valuable lesson about prejudice and the dangers of ignorance.

“Pooh’s Heffalump” comes at a perfect time in yet another year of worldwide cultural tension. The manner in which the film’s important message of acceptance and love is presented is touching and simplistic, working for both children and adults.

Unlike typical Disney films, Pooh films are more often constructed exclusively for kids. There are no celebrity voices for the adults to delight in, and the sarcastic, adult undertone is absent. The innocence of the characters, however, and the love they have is so quietly profound that the adult cannot help but absorb the inspiring and important lesson.