Why Do We Call It Christmas? Giveaway and Review

From the makers of What's in the Bible and Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer created a unique one of a kind DVD for children that specifically addresses Christmas and its traditions. Buck Denver is sitting alone in his cabin in the woods and wants to know what all those things we do at Christmas mean to signify the celebration of Jesus' birth. He decides he will invite a few friends over to explore what it all means.

Instead of bouncing our kids between "Jesus Christmas" and "Santa Christmas," wouldn't it be great if they understood how all these traditions fit together? How they ALL point us to Jesus? We think THAT would be a holiday worth celebrating. Topics of cutting down trees, hanging stockings, Santa Claus, are all discussed from their points of origins to show how each of them points to Jesus Christ and His birthday. You might know the Christmas story, but do you know the story of Christmas? Don't miss he whimsical, educational, Christmical party to end all Christmas parties as Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas?

Viewers will understand the significance of why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, the meaning behind the Christmas Tree, St. Nicholas day celebrations, the meaning behind Santa's red suit, where did we get the word Christmas from, what is Hanukkah, and the story of the Upside Down Kingdom. As Buck learns more from his friends as they make their way to his cabin for a Christmas celebration, he begins to understand just how wonderful our Christmas traditions mean and how we can explain them to our friends and family as we celebrate the real meaning behind the season in terms that are easy for kids to understand.

I received Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas? compliments of JellyTelly and Propeller LLC for my honest review of this DVD. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. If you love the What's in the Bible Series, then you will want to pick up this special Christmas addition, just in time for the holidays. The DVD is loaded with all kinds of fun extras from a coloring page, a note from Phil, a special question and answer section to help parents further discuss what they learned from the DVD as well as some incredible bonus features on this 60 minute DVD. There was even information I didn't know until I watched this and it is specifically geared to entertain and teach children about all the stuff we celebrate at Christmas time! Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars.

Now the very best part....thanks to the generosity of the folks at JellyTelly and Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway copy of this DVD to one lucky follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" What's in the Bible Facebook page.

3. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canada shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of the DVD and what question you're hoping to find the answer to along with your email address. Remember if I don't have an email address, I can't notify you if you're the lucky winner.

I will be notifying the winner by email on November 24th, so please be sure to pass along the information on the giveaway. You can enter as many times as you wish!

For more information about Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas?, JellyTelly, or where you can purchase your copy of this DVD, please click on the links below:

Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas?

You can find What's In the Bible on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest DVD's.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Iesodo: Joy - Unto Us a Dove is Born

Iesodo (YAY-sa-doe) is a highly acclaimed Telly Award winning series featuring a cast of animated birds who live in a Cypress Tree on the shores of Galilee. Presented with cutting edge imagery, Iesodo, which means "the way of Jesus", is a wise and gentle dove that gives an allergory to the stories and messages of Jesus with "solid biblical teaching." (American Family Journal). With each and every story, he and his lovable feathered friends "present the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a winsome, compelling way."(MovieGuide.org).

Zaya Toonz, the animation company behind Iesodo, assemble a collaboration of animation experts with the experience in both the children's and Christian markets. Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray who credits consist of the "Muppet Babies," "My Little Pony Tales" and "Ed, Ed, and Eddy," as well as Colin Brady, who credits include "Toy Story," "Toy Story 2" and "A Bug's Life." Brady also served as the former animation supervisor at Pixar Animation Studios. The Iesodo series features the voice of Erin Bethea ("Fireproof," "Amazing Love") as Maggie.

In Joy: Unto Us A Dove is Born, Iesodo and his feathered friends bring your favorite New Testament stories to life in a whole new way including the special re-imagining of the Nativity story. Let your heart take flight and tweet along to the holiday carols and all-new songs! Festivities are in full swing as the flock prepares to celebrate Iesodo's birthday! The Cypress Tree is decked out with holly berries and excitement is in the air. Everyone gathers as Rocky shares the incredible story of Iesodo's birth.

I received Iesodo: Joy - Unto Us a Dove is Born compliments of Capital Christian Distribution and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and received a complimentary copy of the DVD in exchange for my review. This is such a beautiful series. The animation is top-notch and the songs are ones I know your children will be singing long after this DVD ends. I love how they incorporated the story of Iesodo's birth with the New Testament story of the Nativity. We get to see how important his birth is, just like understanding Jesus' birth is to believers. I love the Wise Owls who come riding turtles in search of the king. The animal characters they use to represent the various characters from the Nativity are well thought out and I know this is one that families will love to add to their home library collection. There are also some extras on the DVD such as Bible Connections with Pastor Tim, Christmas at Natalie's Nest, Bible Verses and a Christmas Sing-A-Long. I only wish this was available when my children were younger. By far, this one rates an easy 5 out of 5 stars. I would encourage you to pick up a copy in time for the perfect Christmas gift.

For more information about Iesodo: Joy - Unto Us a Dove is Born, Capital Christian Distribution, or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Iesodo: Joy - Unto Us a Dove is Born

You can Iesodo on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest DVD releases.

You can purchase a copy of Iesodo: Joy - Unto Us a Dove is Born at Christianbook.com

Beauty and the Beet - Giveaway and Review

Taking a lesson straight from the Bible and putting it into terms that kids and even adults will love is what has made Veggie Tales so successful. In the episode Beauty and the Beet, Kelly Pickler guest stars as the voice of Mirabelle, the lead singer of a rising band called the VeggieTunes. As they are working hard at finding new and bigger places to sing, they finally get the break they were hoping for, singing in Vegetable Square Garden. Only in order to get their in time, they will need to take the tour bus on the road during a snow storm. Against their better judgment, they find the road conditions are too hazardous to continue and find lodging at the Alpine Sweets Motel.

When they arrive, they find that the motel is friendly enough but there is only one other guest in the motel. With dreary interiors, they decide to stay for one night but they can only afford one room for seven guests. Bob Tomato stars as the hotel cook who prepares a sumptuous feast but when the guest claim they can't afford it, the Beet, makes his conditions known. No one gets anything free in his motel. Unable to pay for the room or the meal, Beet agrees to let the band work to pay for their stay by cleaning the room and performing for the dinner show.

Along the way, sweet potato Mirabelle soon charms her way into the heart of the Beet, whose love for music helps calm the savage beast inside of him. Mirabelle tries to teach him to sing, but soon his temper gets the best of him, and soon the band agrees that it's time to leave. As they make their way to Vegetable Square Garden, Mirabelle feels like they still have some unfinished business to attend to with the Beet and even though he doesn't deserve it, they should still try and help him out especially when an undercover news team shows up in hopes of showing viewers what a low star motel the Alpine Sweets really is. Will Mirabelle be able to help Beet save his reputation? Or will his temper simply get the best of him again? You'll have to pick this one up to find out.

I received Veggie Tales: Beauty and the Beet compliments of FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. Having raised my own daughters on Veggie Tales, I couldn't wait to watch this one. It teaches the value of unconditional love utilizing the idea the no matter how people treat us, we can still show them love just like God shows us. There is even another Silly Song with Larry, "Mac and Cheese" which tells the story of the invention of macaroni and cheese. There are 8 songs in this delightful and truly charming DVD from Kelly Pickler that you will find yourself singing long after the movie is over. Plus there are some great bonus features, a Behind the Scenes with Kelly Pickler, Sing Along Songs from the movie, A Very Veggie Jukebox, Downloadable activities and so much more. The DVD is approximately 56 minutes in length and something you know your kids will enjoy and want to watch over and over. I easily give this one 5 out of 5 Veggie Stars!

Now the very best part, thanks to the generosity of FlyBy Promotions and Propeller Consulting, LLC they are offering a giveaway copy of this DVD to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Veggie Tales on Facebook.

3. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canada shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Veggie Tales: Beauty and the Beet. Don't forget to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of the giveaway via email when it ends on October 27th. Enter as many times as you wish just be sure to comment each time.

For more information about Veggie Tales: Beauty and the Beet, Big Idea Entertainment or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Veggie Tales: Beauty and the Beet from Big Idea Entertainment

You can find Veggie Tales on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest movies and fun.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Iesodo: Faith

Not since Veggie Tales has there been a great series for parents to provide visual entertainment for their children with great lessons to encourage further communication with your kids. Now there is, with Iesodo, pronounced Yay-Sa-Doe, meaning The Way of Jesus, which is a white dove in the bird world that represent the persona of Jesus. As this series begins, we are introduced to the family of birds that reside in a place called Cypress World on the Sea of Gailee that share two episode in each DVD filled with amazing and beautiful animation and music geared just for your kids.

I was invited to review Iesodo: Faith where you introduced to Miracles are Everywhere. The Hopi's are traditionalists and have their own way of doing things sticking to their traditional way of life. When Finch the Snitch conveys that Iesodo and his followers are doing things differently by spreading the good news, they immediately spring into action to put a stop to things. They send the Finch into action trying to find a way to trap Iesodo but when they arrive to speak to a large flock, it seems there won't be enough to feed them all. What will happen? Will they have enough faith to believe in what Iesodo instructs them to do?

In the next episode, The Wind and The Rain, teaches your children what you can do when you are afraid and how having faith helps to know that you can come through things if you remain strong. When the birds venture out on the Sea and the storms begin to get worse, Maggie comes up with a song to help the birds initially but then the waves and wind toss them overboard. They begin to grow afraid until Iesodo reminds them to have faith. He encourages Rocky to step out on the water and come to him in a miraculous retelling of Paul's journey of faith in Jesus. Anything is possible if you just believe.

I received Iesodo: Faith DVD compliments of Zaya Toonz, Rollman Entertainment, Capital Christian Distribution and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. This is such a brilliant series that you will want to make sure you collect all three, Love, Faith and Believe in the series. Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray whose credits consist of Muppet Babies, My Little Pony Tales and Ed, Ed, and Eddy, as well as Colin Brady, whose credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life. Brady also served as the former animation supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios. Producer Eric S. Rollman, President/CEO of Rollman Entertainment, formerly served as President of Production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy Nominee and writer/producer for McGee and Me! Christmas Lamb, Kids 10 Commandments and Touched by an Angel. The Iesodo series also features the voice of Erin Bethea (Fireproof, Amazing Love) as Maggie. So as you can see this is a collaborative effort utilizing some of the best talents to bring you something wonderful for teaching your child biblical concepts that they will LOVE. I easily give this series a 5 out of 5 stars. My only complaint is that I wish this was available when I was growing up! Run time is about 55 minutes and contains some great bonus features like Bible verses, music videos and much more.This has received the Dove Approved Seal.

For more information about Iesodo DVD's,  Capital Christian Distribution, or where you can pick up these DVD's today, please click on the links below: 

Iesodo: Faith DVD

You can also find Iesodo on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest DVD releases. 

You can purchase this DVD on Amazon by clicking here. 

• Actors: Tony Oliver, Erin Bethea, T.W. Gibis, Joey Lotsko, Ron Allen
• Directors: Brian E. Ray
• Format: Full Screen, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Zaya Toonz, LLC
• DVD Release Date: January 21, 2014
• Run Time: 50 minutes

 

Iesodo: Love DVD Review

Not since Veggie Tales has there been a great series for parents to provide visual entertainment for their children with great lessons to encourage further communication with your kids. Now there is, with Iesodo, pronounced Yay-Sa-Doe, meaning The Way of Jesus, which is a white dove in the bird world that represent the persona of Jesus. As this series begins, we are introduced to the family of birds that reside in a place called Cypress World on the Sea of Gailee that share two episode in each DVD filled with amazing and beautiful animation and music geared just for your kids.

I was invited to review Iesodo: Love where you introduced to Birds of a Feather, Fish Together. Jacob and Jack, pelican brothers, seem to have nothing in common besides their ability to argue. It seems that the fish they have been tasked to gather for the Finches wedding will go unfulfilled unless they can find a way to work together instead of constantly remaining competitive. But it will take the wisdom of Iesodo to teach them that they can be more successful if they can put their differences aside and help the Finches by providing an abundant source of fish for their wedding.

In the next episode, Love Your Enemies, teaches your children what it is like when people are treated with kindness over being treated with greed. When the birds have to provide taxes to Zacheus, the Tax Collector, they find that no matter how much they provide, he still wants more. It shows what happens when selfishness takes over someone's life and of course, Iesodo comes along to show him how far a little kindness goes instead.

I received Iesodo: Love DVD compliments of Zaya Toonz, Rollman Entertainment, Capital Christian Distribution and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. This is such a brilliant series that you will want to make sure you collect all three, Love, Faith and Believe in the series. Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray whose credits consist of Muppet Babies, My Little Pony Tales and Ed, Ed, and Eddy, as well as Colin Brady, whose credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life. Brady also served as the former animation supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios. Producer Eric S. Rollman, President/CEO of Rollman Entertainment, formerly served as President of Production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy Nominee and writer/producer for McGee and Me! Christmas Lamb, Kids 10 Commandments and Touched by an Angel. The Iesodo series also features the voice of Erin Bethea (Fireproof, Amazing Love) as Maggie. So as you can see this is a collaborative effort utilizing some of the best talents to bring you something wonderful for teaching your child biblical concepts that they will LOVE. I easily give this series a 5 out of 5 stars. My only complaint is that I wish this was available when I was growing up! Run time is about 55 minutes and contains some great bonus features like Bible verses, music videos and much more.

For more information about Iesodo DVD's,  Capital Christian Distribution, or where you can pick up these DVD's today, please click on the links below: 

Iesodo: Love DVD

You can also find Iesodo on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest DVD releases. 

You can purchase this DVD on Amazon by clicking here. 

• Actors: Tony Oliver, Erin Bethea, T.W. Gibis, Joey Lotsko, Ron Allen
• Directors: Brian E. Ray
• Format: Full Screen, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Zaya Toonz, LLC
• DVD Release Date: January 21, 2014
• Run Time: 50 minutes