What's in the Bible #3

Phil Vischer

In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create a group of characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would go on to revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in every three American households with young children. Phil is highly respected by key leaders across the Christian landscape, from Joel Osteen to James Dobson. His company, Jellyfish Labs, provides faith-based daily programming via the Internet at jellytelly.com. The characters from the What's in the Bible? series are featured, but the content is not specifically from the DVDs. Phil continues to pursue innovative ways to integrate faith and storytelling through Jellyfish Labs. He chose the name Jellyfish as a reminder to remain pliable to God's plans and not his own. Phil lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three kids in Illinois.

 About the DVD

In What’s In the Bible #3, Wanderin’ in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the Bible—Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—helping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of God’s people. The question “Did this stuff really happen?” is also answered. 

What is a “Pentateuch” and why does it have so many weird rules?

Part 1:  Don’t lie, don’t cheat... don’t TRIM YOUR BEARD?  The Old Testament is full of rules, and some of them are kind of, well, weird.  Learn why God gave all these rules to Israel and which ones still apply to us today!

Part 2:  What is a “Pentateuch”?  Learn about Israel’s 40-year “time-out” as we finish the first five books of the Bible!  Plus, discover why we can believe what the Bible says - even though we weren’t there to see it happen!

From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer and a boatload of new friends on a wild and zany journey through the world’s most amazing book!

My Review:

I love Phil Vischer and VeggieTales, but I had never seen or heard of this dvd series, so when I was asked to review one of them, I was so excited.  We not only have 5 kids, 2 of which are still homeschooling, but my husband is a Children’s Pastor and we have been involved in that ministry, in some form, for lots of years.  That being said, I am thrilled to say, this dvd series is wonderful.  It is fast-paced and keeps everyones attention, it doesn’t matter the age, 3 year old granddaughter loves it, my twin 10 year olds love it, my 19 year old loves it, my husband loves it, and I love it.  We have all been caught singing the songs, which are cute and snappy.  I love all the new characters and I love that Phil Vischer interacts so much with them.  I think it would be a great add-in with any homeschool curriculum, or in a Children’s Church setting.  I would probably write curriculum to go with it though.

The only negative thing I could possibly say about it, is the kid riding in the car before and between parts is somewhat disrespectful to his mother, at times.  Not terribly, just more than I would allow from my kids.  I thinks as long as parents explain that this isn’t appropriate behavior and use it as a teaching tool, it would still be okay.  

I would highly recommend this dvd series to any family to watch as a family, to any homeschool family to use in their school, to any family with kids in any school, to any Children’s Church, I would pretty much recommend it to anyone.  It is fun and witty.

This is what my twins have to say about it:

Adam:  What’s in the Bible is a funny and educational video that is good for all ages .  All the characters are very different and everyone has their own special personality.  It really explains the bible in an easy way to understand.  My favorite characters are the Sunday School Lady and The Bentley Brothers.  I loved it and you will too!!

Isaac:  I think this series of bible videos will be good for kids and adults.  My favorite characters are Buck Denver and The Bentley Brothers.  It might be a little hard to understand for little kids but I thought it was really good and funny.  I am anxious to watch the rest of the them.

For more information about this dvd series go to www.whatsinthebible.com

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishers for giving me a complimentary copy of these videos in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!