The Jesus Movie: Read & Share DVD Bible

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

MY REVIEW:

This is 80 minutes of entertainment and teaching based on the life of Christ.  It is a good overview of the life of Christ in a format that kids – specifically ages 3 to 6 – will enjoy.  The cartoon style will capture their attention and the story format of the movie – vs telling of events – will draw them in.

I like the way that the Read & Share Bible series puts things on a child’s level.  However the only draw back I have is that some of the stories are added to.  They take a few verses and use them to create a story board for the DVD.  While I do not have a problem with thinking about what it might have been like back then, I also think it’s important that we – especially young children – don’t get fiction confused with fact.  This is not necessarily a “don’t watch”, but rather a “watch with discernment”.  Used in the proper context – personally I say not in a church setting – it would make for a great way to read the Biblical passage – or portion thereof – and then watch the story acted out on this sweetly animated DVD.

DVD OVERVIEW:

Based on the art style of the Read and Share^® Bible, The Jesus Movie transports children to Nazareth for the story of Jesus’ birth, follows his life and miracles along the shores of Lake Galilee and ends in Jerusalem with his arrest, crucifixion and resurrection—all in one dramatic 80-minute movie. The excitement and joy of Jesus’ life, the danger and conflict with the Pharisees, the challenge and growth of the disciples—it’s all here in a simple, straightforward narrative.

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This review DVD was provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson but the opinions expressed are my own.

The Flo Show Creates A Buzz DVD

MY REVIEW:

Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends series is a fun, upbeat, wholesome, and creative show for kids to watch. The kids and I enjoy the bright characters who entertain and teach Biblical truth in an easy-to-understand way.  The catchy tunes stick with the kids and I often hear my kids whistling or humming them around the house.  The characters stretch kids imagination (talking bugs!) while pushing them to think through their little lives and how they can love, obey, be kind, etc… In this episode, the theme of forgiveness and apologizing is well portrayed. And just for silly fun, don’t forget to watch the cartoon short “Little Red Hermie in the Hood”!  Adults will enjoy these family friendly DVDs just as much as the kids!

DVD OVERVIEW:

When Flo gets her own TV talk show, she is positively thrilled!  She has to think about what to say, what to wear, and who to invite as guests.  What she isn't thinking about are other people's feelings.  After insulting every guest on her show, she finally realizes that she needs to apologize for the means things she said.  Flo learns that words are very powerful.  In fact, the words "I'm sorry" can make all the difference.  Children will learn that by saying you're sorry, you are asking foregiveness and fixing your friends with another person.

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Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing the review copy.  The opinions expressed are my own.

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 More Great Resources:

The Way Home DVD (readornotread.blogspot.com)
Gigi's Big Break {GIVEAWAY!!!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)
The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis (readornotread.blogspot.com)

Gigi and the Royal Pink Circus DVD

MY RATING: 4 Stars

 MY REVIEW:

Gigi has become a well-loved character for both my 7-year-old and 5-year-old daughters.  And I have to admit that my 3-year-old son gets a kick out of the boys in the series, too!

Gigi and her “all-things-princess” attitude connects with my girls who love make-believe and princess.  However, this series is more than just about pink,, purple, frills, lace, and fancy stuff – it’s about being God’s little princess.  As a Mom I appreciate the message that little girls are not just some fashionable title of “Princess” as we see slapped on clothing for girls of all ages, but a treasured gem of God. 

This DVD sends that message big time as the first episode is about showing love towards others and then the second episode features the truth that our true beauty is found only in God.  I highly recommend this DVD and any of the 5 prior to it.  You and your daughters will not be disappointed.  And it would be something fun to show at a princess tea party or themed birthday party!

The running time on this is a little over 60 minutes total and is best for 8-year-olds and younger.

DVD OVERVIEW:

Two episodes in one DVD!

The Royal Pink Circus: Gigi and Frances are both excited to go see the traveling circus.  They’ve heard that it is the only circus in the world with princess tightrope walkers and pink tigers. Well, that last part may or may not have been accurate. The girls learn that getting everything 'right' is not as important as showing love and caring for our friends.

The Princess Hair ‘Do: Gigi sees a TV special about a princess from another country who has short hair and decides that getting her hair cut short will make her both gorgeous and more princess-y.  Ever get a haircut you weren’t happy with?  In the end, Gigi learns that beauty is only skin-deep and that, no matter what, she is still a princess in God's eyes.

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This review copy was provided by Tommy Nelson, but the opinions expressed are strictly that of my own.

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• Gigi's Big Break {GIVEAWAY!!!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• His Princess Girl Talk with God by Sheri Rose Shepherd {Giveaway!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)

The Way Home DVD

MY REVIEW:

It’s the nightmare of every parent.

This movie – based on a true story – will have you taking a second look at your life as did the real-life character, Randy, when his own son disappeared. 

The Way Home is a great – yet gripping - drama that made me stop and think about life and priorities.  I had tears in my eyes many times through out the 90 minutes because as a parent I could put myself into the plot and sympathize with something I hope I never know in real-life.

I enjoyed the well done production and presentation of the storyline.  Dean Cain is a great actor and brings to life his character so well as do the many other actors.  While the story line is not complicated, and in fact may seem slightly boring or easily predictable at points, it is very thought-provoking, and uplifting on several levels.  The encouragement and outpouring of help from the community in this story is amazing and remembering that this really happened will make it hit home even more so.

I highly recommend The Way Home for families to watch together but with a word of caution about younger children.  It may be best to preview this before allowing you kids to watch it as it may be a bit too much for them to handle emotionally.

DVD OVERVIEW:

A missing child. A family in crisis. A faith tested. In their darkest hour, God gives hope.

Dean Cain stars as Randy Simpkins, a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and family. Asked by his wife to watch their two-year-old son, Joe, for a few minutes, he becomes distracted by work. When he returns, Joe is gone. He and his wife search desperately for their missing son through the vast countryside. But as their fear grows, the community responds – hundreds of supporters uniting behind the family in a powerful spiritual journey that will test the couple’s love and faith, and forever change a community.

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This review copy was provided by Thomas Nelson but the opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Life And Miracles: DVD Read and Share Bible

The Read and Share Bible is a great children’s Bible to read to your young family.  Now you can add some great DVD’s to their viewing repertoire as well. 

Based off of the Read and Share Bible, this videos bring the stories to life in animation.  They are simple and yet teach the basic concepts and accounts to young minds.  My children (7, 5, & 3) enjoyed watching it, but I do have to say that it is more appealing to younger children around the ages of 2 to 4.  It is 30 minutes in length and a great DVD to use before nap time or when you want them to settle down rather than stir them up!

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Thanks to TommyNelson for providing today’s DVD for review!  The opinions expressed are my own.

Gigi’s Big Break {GIVEAWAY!!!}

My Rating: 4 stars

DVD OVERVIEW:

Two new, fully-animated heart-warming stories and a fun sing-along song.

The White Lie: Sheila Walsh reminds little girls that it’s no fun getting in trouble. But when we do wrong and try to cover our sin, things only get worse and our hearts get heavy with guilt. But we have a God who knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. Teaches the lesson of 1 John 1:8-9 “If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive...and cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” (ICB)

The Pink Surprise: Sheila Walsh says: “Isn’t it fun to be the first in line? When I was young, all the kids would run to get as close as possible to the front. It’s a little like being the only child in a family—you get one hundred percent of your parents’ attention, and can sometimes even feel like the world revolves around you. But it turns out that there are other blessings in life besides being first, and Gigi has been blessed with an adventure that will last a lifetime.” Teaches the lesson from Jesus’ prayer in Luke 10:21 “Father, you have hidden things from the people who are wise and smart... but shown them to those who are like little children.” (ICB)

MY THOUGHTS:

I like the fun, yet Biblical, approach in both episodes of this newest Gigi DVD.  My girls really enjoy the fun antics of this “all things princess” girl and they learn from her, too. This DVD not only entertained my children, but taught them and opened up an opportunity to talk about lying when my 4-year-old daughter asked about Gigi’s lying.  I felt that for an entertaining kid’s DVD it did a good job of presenting Biblical truth and principles in an understandable manner for kids.  I would recommend this DVD to kids 3 to 7 and specifically for girls.  However, boys who have sisters may enjoy watching it as well.  There is a boy character in it to make it a little more appropriate for boys who do happen to be watching this one.

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This review copy was provided by Tommy Nelson.  The views expressed our my own.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

I have 1 copy to giveaway!  Comment on this post - and don’t forget to leave a way for me to contact you incase you win – and I will draw a winner tonight.

What’s In The Bible? – Wanderin’ In The Desert

MY REVIEW:

Wanderin’ In The Dessert is the third DVD in a series created by Phil Vischer that walks kids (and parents!) through an overview of the Bible. This episode covers the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

While I can’t say I agree with every last detail, I still appreciate this video for the great teaching it does offer.  It has a variety show feel with fun and likeable characters that attract both kids and adults.  In my opinion it is a great way to study Bible Overview with kids.  It presents facts in a fun way that will not only hold their attention but have them remembering them for years to come.

As a Mom of 3 children – 7, 5, & 3 – I am always looking for creative ways to teach my children here at home.  Our kids attend a Christian school but we feel very strongly about our responsibility to teach our children in the home as well.  I have, and plan to continue to use this series as a fun way of spending time with my kids while they learn.  It will give us a great starting point for some excellent conversations about topics and information that many people don’t know until their later adult years.

I enjoy What’s In The Bible and would recommend this to any family.  However, I do think it’s best used in a family setting rather than a Sunday School or church setting.  For more information be sure to check out the website: www.whatsinthebible.com.

DVD OVERVIEW:

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.
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 on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.  The opinion expressed is strictly my own.  Be sure to check out my review of episode 1 and 2!

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You can watch this video clip from the first 2 episodes to get a feel for the great format Phil Vischer has created.

Be sure to join me next week for T.V. Tuesday with a GIVEAWAY!!!

Antonio Meets His Match {GIVEAWAY!!!}

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

While books are my favorite form of media and entertainment for both myself and my children, I also find that Biblically based movies can have a place in teaching, too.  This newest release from Thomas Nelson does a fine job of teaching children – and even some adults – about loving others. 

When some new Ants move into town it looks like Antonio may be loosing his spot as top ant.  However, through love – even when he doesn’t feel like it – he wins some friends instead of enemies.  Just as in real life, some of his friends don’t understand why he is choosing love. 

While this movie ends good, unlike some of real life’s experiences, it proves to be a great source of encouragement, Biblically based teaching, and wholesome entertainment for the whole family.  It teaches lessons on a topic that all kids will face at one point in time and gives parents a great way to begin some discussion or refer to as an example in conversations with their children.

Don’t turn off the T.V. when the credits roll or you will miss the short film of “Caterpilla” which my daughters thought was so much fun!

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Thanks to Tommy Nelson for the review copy.  All opinions expressed our purely my own.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

I have 1 copy of this great kids DVD to giveaway!

To have your name entered to win, please leave a comment.  Please leave a means of contacting you when you leave your comment.

The winner will be drawn late tonight/early tomorrow.

Who Is In Charge Anyway? a Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends DVD

Who Is In Charge Anyway? is another DVD in the Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends series.  This hour long DVD about growing up with God will entertain and teach 3 year olds to 8 year olds and even beyond.  Even adults will enjoy the cute antics of a garden variety of bugs who bumble their way through life while learning about their Creator.

In this episode of Hermie, Freddie the flea learns about how God created each creature with a special purpose.  Through flashbacks of scenes from classic episodes to new scenes shown of the characters “childhood years” you learn about how God taught each of them lessons that made them who they are today.

My children think the world of Hermie and all his friends and they truly learn an important lesson each time they watch.  This is something I’m glad they watch.

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Thanks to TommyNelson for the review copy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

TV Tuesday At To Read, Or Not To Read

This summer I am going to do a series on DVD’s for kids.  Even though my niche is all about books, I do enjoy reviewing Kids programs and allowing my children to benefit from the wholesome shows that are available.  So join me on Tuesdays starting July 6th for highlights about special DVD’s that will be great watches for your kids...’cause as a Mom I know how important it is to watch what you watch!

Thanks go out to Tommy Nelson for providing all the review copies for this series!  Be sure to check out all the great resources they have to offer to keep the summer blues away from your home!