VeggieTales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids VeggieTales |
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VeggieTales logo used since 2014
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| Original work | VeggieTales (1993 video series) |
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| Films and television | |
| Films |
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| Animated series |
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| Television specials |
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| Official website | |
| https://www.veggietales.com | |
VeggieTales is a popular American Christian CGI-animated series and franchise for kids. It was created by Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki through Big Idea Entertainment. The show features fun fruit and vegetable characters like Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. They tell stories from the Bible and make funny parodies of pop culture. Each episode also teaches important life lessons based on Christian values.
VeggieTales was one of the first computer-animated shows. It started in 1993 as a direct-to-video series on VHS tapes. Later, it became available on DVD and Blu-ray until 2015. Because the videos were so popular, spin-off TV series were made. These include VeggieTales on TV! (which aired on NBC from 2006 to 2009) and two Netflix series that started in 2014 and 2017. A new series also aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network in 2019. Two movies were also released: Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002) and The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008). The success of the animated shows led to many other products. These include books, music, live stage shows, and video games.
VeggieTales is known as the most successful Christian children's franchise ever. It has sold over 16 million books and 7 million music CDs. It also has over 235 million music streams.
Contents
The Story of VeggieTales
VeggieTales was created by Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki. Their company, Big Idea Entertainment, wanted to share Christian lessons and values with kids. Phil Vischer got the idea in the early 1990s. He was trying out new animation software for children's videos.
At the time, the animation software had some limits. So, Vischer decided to make characters without arms, legs, hair, or clothes. This made them easier to animate. His wife, Lisa, suggested using fruits and vegetables. She thought parents might like characters that promoted healthy eating. That's how the famous veggie characters were born!
Most of the voices for VeggieTales characters were done by Vischer and Nawrocki. They also asked friends and family to help in the early episodes. For example, Vischer's wife voiced Junior Asparagus. The music for the series was created by Kurt Heinecke, who was the music director at Vischer's church.
The first VeggieTales video was Where's God When I'm S-Scared?. It was 30 minutes long and came out in December 1993. The characters were animated using Softimage 3D software until 1999. Then, they switched to a newer program called Maya.
Over the years, there were some challenges for Big Idea. In 2004, Phil Vischer lost control of VeggieTales for a while due to financial issues. Big Idea continued to make the home video series until 2015. Later, in 2021, Phil Vischer shared that his wife, Mike Nawrocki, and Kurt Heinecke had left Big Idea. This was due to budget reasons and changes in how the company worked.
Meet the VeggieTales Characters
The VeggieTales episodes are like plays put on by different fruits and vegetables. They all live on a kitchen countertop! Most of these characters have "real names" and play different roles in the stories. Some of the main characters you'll see often include Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, Junior Asparagus, Laura Carrot, Archibald Asparagus, Pa Grape, and Jimmy and Jerry Gourd. Many of these characters were in the very first videos.
VeggieTales Videos
How the Show Works
Each VeggieTales video usually starts with a problem or question. Bob or Larry might talk about it on the kitchen countertop. Then, the characters act out one or more "films" that teach a lesson. This lesson helps to solve the problem. In the middle of the show, you'll often find Silly Songs with Larry.
Silly Songs are introduced with a special message. A voice says, "And now it's time for Silly Songs with Larry, the part of the show where Larry comes out and sings a silly song." Sometimes, other characters sing silly songs too, with different titles. The Silly Song usually appears in the middle of the show. It might be during an exciting moment or between two stories.
At the end of the show, Bob and Larry come back to the countertop. They talk about the lesson learned. Qwerty the Computer then shares a Bible verse related to the lesson. The show always ends with its famous sign-off: "Remember kids, God made you special and He loves you very much."
Special Editions and Collections
Big Idea has released "special edition" DVDs. These have improved video quality and extra features. For example, there's the Lyle the Kindly Viking Special Edition and King George and the Ducky Special Edition.
Many VeggieTales videos have also been put into collections. These can be double features or big boxed sets. There are also collections of just the Silly Songs. Some video collections let you sing along to the songs. The Ultimate Silly Song Countdown even featured the most popular Silly Songs, chosen by fans!
VeggieTales on TV
VeggieTales on TV! (2006–2009)
VeggieTales on TV! aired on NBC, Telemundo, and Ion Television. It was part of the Qubo children's programming block from 2006 to 2009. This TV show had a slightly different format. It started at Bob the Tomato's house. Bob, Larry, and other veggies would sing the theme song as they hopped to Bob's front door.
Bob and Larry would then wait for Jimmy Gourd, the mailman, to deliver a letter. The letter would describe a problem. The characters would try to solve it with a story from Archibald's Big Book of Oddities, an old film from Pa Grape, or a puppet show from Mr. Lunt. These attempts usually didn't work out! So, Bob and Larry would then show a story from a classic VeggieTales video to teach the real lesson. The show ended with Bob and Larry reviewing the lesson.
This TV show was very successful for NBC. It helped NBC get more viewers for its Saturday morning kids' shows. However, NBC decided to edit the episodes. They removed some religious messages, including mentions of God. The famous sign-off, "God made you special and He loves you very much!", was changed. This was to make the show neutral for all viewers. Phil Vischer, the creator, was disappointed but understood NBC's decision.
In The House and In the City (2014–2017)
A new series called VeggieTales in the House started on Netflix in 2014. Mike Nawrocki and Phil Vischer continued to voice their main characters. However, other voice actors took on the roles of the other characters.
This series expanded the kitchen countertop world. The characters lived in a full city on the counter. Bob and Larry were roommates in an apartment. Many stories happened at a general store run by Pa Grape. The show still taught lessons based on Christian ideas like forgiveness and generosity.
In 2017, VeggieTales in the House ended. A new series called VeggieTales in the City then continued on Netflix.
The VeggieTales Show (2019–2022)
In 2019, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) started airing a new VeggieTales series. Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki returned to work on this show. It was called The VeggieTales Show.
This version of the show focused on the VeggieTales characters acting out Bible stories in a theater. Mr. Nezzer returned as the owner of the theater. The first episode was a Christmas special called The Best Christmas Gift. It aired on TBN on Christmas Day 2019. The series was also available on streaming services like Yippee TV, Minno, and Pureflix.
VeggieTales Movies
- Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002): Archibald Asparagus plays Jonah in this Bible story. The Veggies learn that God gives second chances, and we should too. We need to be kind and forgiving.
- The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008): Three lazy wannabe pirates travel back in time. They fight real pirates and become heroes. They learn that you don't have to be big and strong to be useful.
- LarryBoy (2026): A new LarryBoy movie is planned for release in 2026.
- The Bob and Larry Movie (To Be Announced): This movie would tell the story of how Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber met. It would explain how they got their own show and how vegetables can talk! This film was planned a long time ago but faced delays. Phil Vischer hopes it will be made in the future.
Other VeggieTales Fun
Live Stage Shows
VeggieTales Live was a series of stage shows. They toured across the U.S. and brought the VeggieTales characters to life. The shows featured large, inflatable character costumes. Six different versions of the shows toured over the years, with the last one in 2015. There were also special shows at theme parks like Dollywood and Silver Dollar City.
Video Games
Many VeggieTales themed games have been released. You can find them on computers, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). Some games are based on specific episodes, like LarryBoy and the Bad Apple. Others feature new stories with the characters.
PC Games
- The Mystery of Veggie Island (2002)
- Veggie Carnival (2002)
- Jonah: A VeggieTales Game (2002)
- VeggieTales Creativity City (2003)
- Minnesota Cuke and the Coconut Apes (2003)
- VeggieTales Super Silly Fun! (2005)
- VeggieTales Dance Dance Dance (2006)
Console Games
- LarryBoy and the Bad Apple, PlayStation 2 (2006)
- LarryBoy and the Bad Apple, Game Boy Advance (2006)
Mobile Games (Android and iOS)
- VeggieTales Just for Me Personalized App (2009)
- Step-by-Story presents: The Goofy Gift (2011)
- VeggieTales Spotisodes Collection (2012)
- Step-by-Story presents: Larry's Missing Music (2012)
Music Albums
Over 45 music albums have been released for VeggieTales. Some albums collect songs from the videos, like the VeggieTunes series. Others have brand new songs or classic songs. There are holiday albums like A Very Veggie Christmas and sing-along albums. You can also find worship albums and albums where Bob and Larry sing popular songs from the 70s and 80s.
Merchandise and Products
Toys
Many VeggieTales toys have been made over the years. Fisher Price introduced toys in 1998, including talking veggies and a LarryBoy doll. These were sold at major stores like Walmart and Target. Later, Blue Box Toys also made many VeggieTales products. In 2011, new partnerships brought out more items. These included kids' meal promotions at Chick-fil-A, wooden puzzles, balloons, stickers, and even children's guitars.
Books and Comics
VeggieTales also has many books. In 2014, plans were announced to create a VeggieTales comic series.
Podcast and Documentary
On May 17, 2022, a new weekly audio podcast series was launched. It's called Very Veggie Silly Stories. Bob and Larry host the podcast with their friends. It features new stories, interviews, and songs from the VeggieTales music library.
A special documentary called VeggieTales: Behind the Scenes aired on TBN in August 2022. It included old interviews with Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki. It also highlighted The VeggieTales Show.
See also
In Spanish: VeggieTales para niños
