What's In The Bible---review and giveaway

When my older kids were young, Veggie Tales was just beginning to be popular in Christian circles.  By the time our youngest was born, Veggie Tales was our household staple.  I didn't mind the days of our daughter being wrapped up with Elmo and Blue's Clues and our middle son's obsession with all things Bob the Builder.  However, I was thrilled when Veggie Tales became a household favorite.  Animated shows with adorable character and fantastic values, overflowing with HILARIOUS songs that we sang EVERYWHERE we went.  Such a welcomed sight in our household media stash!

However, as much as I LOVED the videos I always felt "something" was missing.  Knowing that my kids absorbed so much from them, I often thought it would be nice if they kicked it up another notch or two and included MORE Biblical reference (though they had made a GREAT start!). 

Over a year ago, our elementary children's minister asked me to preview a DVD to see what we thought about it and if I thought it would be appealing to our 1-5th grade department.  She had just returned from a ministry conference that she was a large part of and  Phil Vischer had been one of their speakers.  She had been introduced to the "What's In The Bible" series.  The creator of Veggie Tales had created a new series that still had fun characters, catchy songs (VERY!), and most importantly REALLY digs deep into the Bible. 

To be honest, the first review I gave her was that it was just too cheesy for our older kids.  I really didn't sit down and watch it, I just caught bits and pieces as I walked through the room while chasing down laundry.  I just saw the characters and pushed it off as "childish". 

Then later that weekend, we were traveling to a gymnastics meet and we let the kids watch it in the van because I honestly had forgotten to see if we could find a family movie to watch on the way.  Let's just say that after listening (I seldom actually SEE movies since I'm typically driving) to the first few minutes of the video, my husband and I were hooked.  Not only did we laugh constantly, but WE were learning incredible amounts of information.  I can't tell you how many times we looked at each other and said "Did you know that?" or "why hadn't we ever thought of that!".  I immediately went home and sent an email about how I was wrong...that we LOVED the series and thought it would be perfect for our kids department.

THAT is why I LOVE "What's In The Bible" and jellytelly! The first episode (Volume 1: Genesis) packs so much information in!  Before the adorable, fun characters EVER talk about the book of Genesis, they explain so many things about the Bible.  How did we get the Bible?  Who wrote it?  It even gets detailed enough to talk about the Pentateuch, Septuagint, and other "big" words explained in FUN ways.   Let me tell you:  I learned TONS of information.  I also can't tell you how many times I've used the relevant information from the video series.

Now that we are back involved in B90 and are digging deep into the Old Testament, I have LOVED to remember the things that "What's In The Bible" have taught as the series progresses through the Bible in "book" order.  We are right in the middle of the law/covenant and the gruesome parts of sacrifices.  Looking back at how the videos explained it has helped tremendously in so many ways.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I've learned so much from a kid's show!  :)

My favorite part of the series is that our entire family from the youngest to the oldest LOVE it.  Though in the beginning I didn't think Bradlee was absorbing much of it, I quickly learned I was wrong.  He began to use words that were explained and used them in the correct way.  He would sing the catchy songs AND know what they meant.  Our older kids love it because it's fun.  We love seeing them learn in an easy, fun environment.  WE love it because sometimes I think we learn as much if not more than they do!  We truly get excited when they release a new disc in the series. 

Here is the neat part:  I have a copy of the first DVD in the series to give to one of my readers.  Focus on the Family provided me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.  Since our family already has a copy, I'm passing the new one along.  One winner will receive DVD 1 in the series:  Genesis.  I'd love to see another family FALL IN LOVE with Buck Denver, Sunday School Lady, and all of the other characters while learning about the Bible at the same time. 

To enter:  just leave a comment that you want to enter to win a copy.  Simple!  The winner must have a US shipping address and must respond to my email within 48 hours (or I will have to choose another winner).  Winner will be chosen at random (by using random.org).  Deadline for entry is January 18th and I will announce the winner the following day.  Please be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if I don't already have it.  If you use the anonymous sign-in, be sure to leave your name and email info!