Speaking Out: VeggieTales -- A new era

Calling all VeggieTales fans! If you have ever wished for more VeggieTales content, then you’re in luck. 

The creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer, is releasing new episodes of the computer-animated TV show as well as a book, Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids: The Gospel in 52 Five-Minute Bible Stories. 

VeggieTales, which was first introduced in 1993, is about the characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber who, through their adventures, teach youth about important virtues like honesty, kindness and forgiveness. 

Over the years, the U.S.-produced program has spawned best-selling videos and several feature films, earning both praise and awards. 

Even though it had been out of production for several years, the program continued to generate fans with its videos, games and DVDs. The launch of the new TV series with Trinity Broadcasting Network this month ties in nicely with the book launch that introduces the Bible to a whole new audience.

Through The Laugh and Learn Bible, children will learn what it means to be a child of God. They can learn that prayer and commitment are things to look forward to in a fun and inviting way.

The book will be fully illustrated to grab the attention of all its readers. It will guide readers from Genesis to Revelation, retelling well known and educational stories.

The Laugh and Learn Bible will definitely benefit young children, who need all the help they can get connecting to God in a world where bad news and bad influences abound each day.

The Laugh and Learn Bible will be different than any other children’s Bible books out there in 2019. It is always easier to learn something when you are engaged, intrigued and having fun. This Bible includes all of those aspects along with understanding and overcoming hard-to-answer questions such as “What is Sin?” and “What is the Trinity?”

The content on every page is fun and age appropriate, giving families a safe and child-friendly environment in which to share a faith journey.

This book is destined to be a good influence on the children. Growing up in a Catholic community, I have seen some of my own friends drift away from God, but I believe with new ideas like this, this Bible can help youth stay close to God in their daily lives. After all, the Bible is the Good News, the inspired word of God.  

The Catholic community has been growing smaller over the last few years and the only way to try and rebuild our holy family is to start teaching young people using some fundamental building blocks. Those building blocks include practising our faith by going to church, learning traditional prayer and developing a strong and healthy relationship with God that can last forever. 

I encourage all families, Catholic or not, to watch VeggieTales and read The Laugh and Learn Bible with their children. These simple vegetables, like Bob and Larry, can do more than just strengthen our bones and entertain us — they can strengthen our spiritual connection with God.  

(Dias, 14, is currently a Grade 9 student at St.Joseph’s Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School in Toronto.)