Enter to win a $10 Amazon GC in celebration of “The Garden,” a sweet new faith-based cartoon series for kids!! (ends 12/29/22)

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I’m so excited to tell you that there is a fun new addition to the world of faith-based, quality children’s entertainment. It’s called The Garden, created and written by Butch Hartman. I was given the opportunity to watch The Garden‘s brand-new Christmas episode, “The Greatest Gift,” and I believe that both parents and littles will love this!

About The Garden

Here’s a bit from the producer:

The Garden is a Christ-centered children’s cartoon series aimed at teaching your kids the Gospel in a way they can understand. It features LENNY THE LION and LUCY THE LAMB—two best friends who work inside a magical garden where ANYTHING can grow! Each story revolves around them having to accomplish their goals by learning a Bible story or an original song. “The Garden” will take your kids right along on these adventures, too!

The Garden can be streamed now on both Pure Flix and Yippee TV. And soon, a Garden App will be available! 40 episodes of The Garden are being made.

The purpose of The Garden is to entertain kiddos while also teaching them God’s Word. Episodes include original songs, Bible verses (as well as their addresses or locations in the Bible). Best friends Lenny and Lucy play, sing, work, and worship together–as well as listen to God’s voice and direction to resolve the challenge or issue in each episode.

The show’s creator/writer and actors

So–before I tell you about them, I have to tell you a bit about why I’m so excited about them. I spent a delightful number of years with my family as our child began to explore the amazing world of animation. And it IS amazing. I found that once I began to watch with our son, I started to notice repeated names in the writers, directors, and voice actors–overlapping in different series and even different networks. Just so you know, the people involved in The Garden have worked on incredible high-quality programs. Friends, these people are basically animation, writing, and voice acting royalty! (Now, of course, I have to tell you who they are!)

Butch Hartman is the creator and writer, who also worked on Nickelodeon’s The Fairly Odd-Parents, Danny Phantom, Bunsen is a Beast, and Tuff Puppy. The incredible voice cast includes James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Leonardo in TMNT, Looney Tunes Cartoons, and more), Cristina Milizia (Poison Ivy in Batman, Jessica Cruz/Green Lantern, various voices in The Casagrandes and Monster High), and Brian Stivale (voice actor in an enormous number of video games, including Marvel Avengers Academy and Beats by Dre).

I love that these creative people came together to make something so colorful, fun, and faith-building!

My thoughts & impressions

The Garden‘s episode “The Greatest Gift” was fun, charming, and made me really focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas: because of Jesus’s birth, God’s greatest gift to all mankind. I found much to love, in this darling video. Lenny and Lucy are best friends (they’re a lion and a lamb–get it?). They joyfully make Christmas cookies together, and do a little tree decorating. Then, they get an assignment.

They’re to go decorate the concert hall for the upcoming Christmas event. And on the way, they have to pass the grumpiest, meanest person in town. Who scares them! But all that is the preparation for the cool things that God is going to do–through His people.

I don’t want to tell you any more, because I want you to have the joy of watching this, not knowing what is coming. But I do want to tell you some things I loved about “The Greatest Gift.”

• The sweet, clear way that Scripture is woven into the dialogue and the show
• Conversation with God (the Boss) is natural and normal for these characters
• The music! There is a wonderful combination of original music, with styles including pop, jazz, and even, if I’m not mistaken, big band!
• God’s very good purposes in what He asks Lucy and Lenny to do
• The fun animation! Its style (though not its content) is very reminiscent to me of 2D cartoons I grew up with.

Here’s a fun video from Butch & Julieann Hartman

Here’s where you can purchase The Garden’s episode “The Greatest Gift” — and more!

You can purchase this sweet Christmas episode now–for only $1.99! With your purchase, you’ll receive a quality curriculum based on the episode! Just follow these instructions:

• Go to this purchase link for “The Greatest Gift”
• Click on “The Greatest Gift”
• That will take you to a new page. Click on “Add to cart”
• Purchase the episode
• Download PDF
• Open Christmas streaming page with password
• Download free curriculum

And enjoy!

Now, you can enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

In celebration of The Garden and its new Christmas episode, The Greatest Gift, you can enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card! To enter, simply click on the link below that says “Enter here!” That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter to win in a variety of ways. US entries only; must be 18 and older to win. Giveaway closes 12/29/22. Giveaway winners will received their gift card after the new year. Best wishes!

Enter here!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure:

Many thanks to Garden Productions for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

“Sons of Thunder: Redemption” ~ a review & giveaway (ends 2/19/22)

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I was thrilled to receive a chance to watch and share with you the second season of the wonderful PureFlix series of Sons of Thunder, thanks to Momentum Influencer Network. It’s called Sons of Thunder: Redemption. Let me tell you about it, plus I have a subscription to PureFlix to give away!

About Sons of Thunder: Redemption

You might have seen my earlier post of the first season of Sons of Thunder, which focused on Simon as he bikes (motorcycle) through Texas. He was formerly a member of the biker gang Devil’s Hand. As he rides through the Lone Star State, he offers assistance to those in need, from a border town rancher and the coyotes he encounters; to a father-in-law and son-in-law who are butting heads, hard; to a small-town “ruler” who treats everyone cruelly; and more. Simon shares his faith and his helping hands, as he thinks back over his time in the biker gang; about the wrongs he’s done, the woman he loves, and how his life has changed, dramatically, since he met Jesus.

Now, viewers get to meet Jacob, another former member of the Devil’s Hand gang. Jacob has just gotten out of prison, where he met Jesus and where his life, too, changed. While some scenes happen back in Texas, where the gang is, Jacob has headed to California to reconnect with Sandy. He finds her at the Gibson Ranch. And now, it’s Jacob’s opportunity to help those in need. Sandy is NOT happy to see Jacob again. And Jacob is still learning, still growing in his faith, walking out his new life. But the Devil’s Hand doesn’t give up its members when they try to leave.

About Season 2, Episode 5: “Loss of Trust”

In season 5, Jacob has been working with the Gibson family for several weeks. They’ve gotten along well and are progressing in the plans for a rodeo, with which they hope to raise enough funds to pay the mortgage on the ranch, which is 6 months overdue. (A former friend and co-competitor of Mr. Gibson’s, played by Lorenzo Lamas, would love to snatch the ranch out from under them.)

Logan is a young man who’s willing to do anything to be accepted as part of the Devil’s Hand biker gang. The gang’s current leader has a huge bone to pick with Jacob, and has sent Logan out to find him. Logan tracked him to the Gibsons’ ranch, where he’s also hired on to work for a few weeks alongside Jacob and the Gibsons. Naturally, he hasn’t shared *that* bit of information with Jacob, or anyone else. And, as Jacob is hoping to mend fences with Sandy, Logan has been flirting with Addison, a friend of the Gibsons’ who is planning to compete in the upcoming rodeo.

But…Logan’s secret is going to come out. And things aren’t going to go well for anyone when it does, including the wannabe Devil’s Hand member.

My overall thoughts

The Sons of Thunder: Redemption (or season 2) has another ex-biker learning to live as a new creation in Christ. Like Simon, he does what he can to serve, and to share what he knows about the life of faith. One thing viewers can see is that the new life in Christ is not always easy, or without its ups and downs. And also, that the “old life” doesn’t always want to release its captives easily. All of that makes this season 2 a fantastic watch. You never know quite what’s coming. There are suspense, gun-running, betrayal, reconciliation, and seeds of faith dropped here and there. There are also kindness, family and companionship, plus horseback riding. (Rodeo style.) I also really liked the relationships; the actors seemed to naturally connect with each other in a fun, friendly way.

And yet, despite the time Jacob has put into healing and a new life, things look as though they might come crashing down on him. Old habits aren’t replaced with new ones overnight, and Jacob has a lot of old habits that he hasn’t worked out just yet. (I’m hopeful for a turn-around though; the season’s not over yet!)

One thing I particularly loved was the way Scripture was woven into the story. Jacob, at least once in each episode, opens his Bible and reads aloud from it, either to himself or to others. And he verbally shares his faith story with those around him. It’s done naturally, and really wonderfully. It’s just beautifully done. And people, often, don’t agree with what he shares, yet he’s never discouraged; he just keeps working, and sharing, when he can, faithfully.

Season 2 is a bit different from Season 1 in that the first 5 episodes focus on Jacob and his interactions with the Gibson family; basically, in one place, over a course of weeks. (In the first season, Simon largely traveled to a new spot in each episode and interacted with new people.) I really liked season 1. But I think I like season 2 even better. The cast is fantastic, the storyline is fascinating, and the two have you rooting for a happy ending. Will there be one though? We’ll have to wait to find out!

How you can sign up for a free trial of PureFlix streaming service

You can sign up for a free 7-day trial of PureFlix streaming service, where you can watch Sons of Thunder: Redemption, its predecessor Sons of Thunder, and tons of other faith-based films and television shows. Audiences of all types are served by PureFlix: there are shows for children (like Veggie Tales in both film and tv episode versions, or The Sugar Creek Gang), drama (including God’s Not Dead, Letters to Juliet, The Mighty Macs, Unbroken Path to Redemption, Overcomer, and more), old classics (like Little Rascals, Roy Rogers, My Favorite Martian), family series (Little Men, Austentatious, The Power Couple), and more. There are SO many fun choices. Including PureFlix originals!

Just click on this link to sign up for your free trial, where you can watch all of these and more!

Free 7-day PureFlix trial signup: LINK 

And, now you can enter to win a 3-month PureFlix subscription!

To enter to win, simply click on the pink “Enter here!” link below. That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter in a variety of ways. Giveaway closes on 2/19/21. One entrant will win a 3-month PureFlix subscription. Best wishes!

Enter here!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a temporary subscription for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

“A Show About Anthem Lights” Part 2–and a PureFlix giveaway! (ends 2/5/22)

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Thanks to PureFlix and Momentum Influencer Network, I’ve recently had the opportunity to watch the streaming service’s brand-new show about the Anthem Lights band. (You can check out more about the band in this post.) The new animated series is called “A Show About Anthem Lights.” Let me tell you more about this fun show, plus I’ll have a giveaway for you at the end of the post!

About the show

“A Show About Anthem Lights” is an animated series from PureFlix streaming service. It’s for both adults and kids, so it’s perfect for family viewing. It’s a show about the band Anthem Lights, clearly; but it’s about the animated version of them. It’s definitely a comedy, filled with humor that both kids and parents will be able to relate to. What is it like being in a 4-member boy band? This show answers that question, humorously! There will be 20 episodes in the series, (episodes drop 4 at a time every other week) with each one running around 12-14 minutes in length. The four members of Anthem Lights (Caleb Grimm, Chad Graham, Joey Stamper, and Spencer Kane) perform themselves as they both voice act and sing in the episodes. Each show starts with the series’ theme song, performed by the group. The series was developed by Rob Hawkins, and it’s part of Sony Affirm Originals.

The Anthem Lights have their office/studio on a city’s main street. Their arch rivals, the Handsome Knights, have rented a studio across the street. Now, the Anthem Lights guys have no idea that they even have arch rivals, but the so-called competition between the two bands (which is really only in the minds of the Handsome Knights) provides lots of comedy fodder for each episode. Some of the episodes’ issues include:

• Auditioning for a reality show
• Getting an unfavorable comment on a video
• Fans and social media
• Rivalry (over…you know…shoes)
• What happens in a musical when one Anthem Lights member is the star, and everyone else is a supporting character
• And more

The problems do tend to be on the less-serious side and each one gets resolved before its episode’s conclusion. I got to watch Vol. 1, Episode 2, and here are my impressions!

“A Show About Anthem Lights, Vol. 1, Episode 2”

In “Oil of Algorithm,” the band has a problem. Chad is hoarse and can’t sing those high notes he normally hits easily. And neither can anyone else! The mighty Algorithm (no one’s quite sure what that is) must be appeased; they have to have their new song uploaded to the internet by 8:00 P.M. There doesn’t seem to be an obvious solution. But wait! What about drenching Chad in essential oils? Surely that will help his voice get back to normal!

There’s also a side story about the Handsome Knights, and the way they think they can get themselves noticed by throwing shade.

My thoughts about this episode

Overall? Entertaining. Playful. Engaging, and super-fun to watch!

It is a really creative idea; making an animated series about an actual band, and having that band voice themselves. The show’s animation is simple and mostly two-dimensional with 3D effects here and there. Occasionally, there’s some lettering (like on cell phone faces, or in character identification). The story was lighthearted, giving the boy band an online deadline that seems impossible to meet. There is a “scary” costume; I don’t think it’s really scary, but it’s supposed to be, and I think kids will get the joke.

The “villain” band, the Handsome Knights, have a Porta-Potty in their office (a bit of the gross factor some kids will think is hilarious). The lead singer speaks with an Aussie accent and the other three band members just mumble. I actually thought they were pretty funny with their cluelessness!

Now…the song that the Anthem Lights play. They’re missing their tenor, so that is played for the comic effect. The video touches that are added are fun. I have to say that I thought the lyrics sounded a bit stalkerish. (Parents could discuss this with their kids.) There’s also a running gag about essential oils.

Overall, I really did enjoy it. There are a lot of jokes that kids today will totally get, and find hilarious, and the same goes for adults. The band members have great comic timing, and “A Show About Anthem Lights” is very fun to watch.

The best things? We all know we are living in a TOUGH TIME. I can’t believe that we are coming up on nearly two years in a worldwide pandemic. And “A Show About Anthem Lights” couldn’t be a more perfectly-timed show. It is fresh, fun, sometimes silly–really, it’s just a treat. And we could use more happy and fun these days!

And–you can enter to win a PureFlix subscription!

I have a wonderful giveaway to offer you! PureFlix is going to give someone a 3-month subscription! The winner will be able to watch “A Show About Anthem Lights” and everything else on the PureFlix streaming service. That includes series, movies, kid films–tons of things you can watch together with your family.

To enter, simply click on the pink “Enter here!” link below. That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter in a variety of ways. Giveaway closes on 2/5/22. Best wishes!

Enter here!

Trailer and opportunity to try PureFlix free!

So, PureFlix wants to offer you the opportunity as well to try out a trial membership for free! Just click on the link below to sign up. You’ll receive a free trial membership which can be cancelled at any time.

PureFlix Trial Membership

And, here is the trailer for “A Show About Anthem Lights.”

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a temporary subscription for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

“Sons of Thunder: Redemption” Coming Soon to PureFlix

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Have you had a chance to watch Sons of Thunder on PureFlix? Well, if you haven’t yet, you’ll want to, because PureFlix is premiering a brand-new spinoff to it called Sons of Thunder: Redemption. PureFlix and Momentum Influencer Network provided the opportunity for me to see the first series already…and I’ll be sharing with you about the second soon!

About Sons of Thunder

Sons of Thunder is an unusual crime drama involving a former biker gang member and combat veteran and his rides across Texas. He runs into various families and individuals who need the help that he can provide, as he is learning to know Jesus. Simon’s also trying to make up for the wrongs he’s done in the biker gang, as he helps those in need. The show is a dual-timeline series, where Simon is assisting people in the present but remembers his struggles and choices while with the gang.

There are seven episodes in Sons of Thunder:

• “Mi Casa Es Su Casa,” where a border town rancher and his son come up against dangerous criminals
• “The Blind Fighting the Blind,” in which a family’s members are set against each other for unknown reasons
• “Hunter Hunted,” when a woman’s livelihood is threatened by poachers
• “Time and Chance” brings Simon face to face with a corrupt and powerful man, who runs his town and everyone in it cruelly
• In “Deep Water,” a charter boat captain hires Simon to help as he takes passengers out on the Gulf. But a bickering couple might cause either life…or death, for those on the boat
• “Brother’s Keeper Part One” and “Brother’s Keeper Part Two” bring Simon back face-to-face with his former gang, and lives will be at stake. (And also, boxing.)

The storyline is very interesting, as Simon’s current experiences and past life contrast dramatically. It’s just him, his motorcycle, his Bible, and Jesus, leading him from place to place and situation to situation. Each one provides opportunities for the new believer to think about God and what He would lead Simon into. His faith is present and growing, but the series’ presentation of faith is never heavy-handed. It’s refreshing to see Simon’s choices and watch him connect with others. (Here’s the Sons of Thunder Pure Flix link.)

And now that you’ve got a glimpse of what Sons of Thunder is, welcome to Sons of Thunder: Redemption!

About Sons of Thunder: Redemption

In Sons of Thunder: Redemption, viewers will meet Jacob, who was sentenced to prison for the biker gang’s crimes he committed. Before he is released, he meets Simon…who changes his life for the better. Executive producer Anna Zielinksi shared that they wanted to stay true to the original Sons of Thunder and introduce new characters and an exciting adventure at the same time. This time, former biker gang member Jacob will be in the starring role. Here’s the official trailer to whet your appetite!

Sons of Thunder: Redemption will premiere on PureFlix on January 13, 2022.

Now, keep your eyes out in the coming days for more on Sons of Thunder: Redemption, as I’ll be sharing an exciting opportunity!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: FINCHNWREN may receive a free product or service in exchange for our honest opinions expressed in our blog. We are not required to write a positive or glowing review, nor are we additionally compensated for these reviews. We share our own opinions, and our family’s opinion, of these products. We’re disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.

My favorite Anthem Lights songs–and more fun to come!

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What are your favorite Anthem Lights songs? I’ve had such a wonderful time listening to this band’s original and cover songs, and I’ve got more fun about the band to tell you about! Momentum Influencer Network and PureFlix gave me this opportunity to tell you about an upcoming series as well as share my own musical faves with you. First, let me tell you more about the band!

About Anthem Lights

Anthem Lights is an American Christian group formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. The band started as a solo project for the vocalist Chad Graham. He and Alan Powell were writing music for the project when they thought the songs would be better performed by a group. They came together with vocalists Kyle Kupecky and Caleb Grimm and formed the band Yellow Cavalier releasing one self-titled EP in 2009 before changing the name to Anthem Lights. The group signed with the label Reunion Records and in 2011 released the self-titled EP Anthem Lights and the full studio album with the same name. The first track from the EP “Can’t Shut Up” reached number 42 on Billboard’s Christian Songs chart. Together the band released 7 studio albums, Anthem Lights, You Have My Heart, Escape, Hymns, Painted Skies, Hymns Vol. II, and Worship. They also released 3 EPs, 5 compilation albums, and 9 singles. The bands current members are Chad Graham on vocals, Caleb Grim on vocals, Spencer Kane on vocals, and Joey Stamper on vocals, piano, guitar, and drums.

What I love about Anthem Lights

Two things: songs I love, delivered by Anthem Lights’ perfect harmony!

Anthem Lights is known for both their original songs (I love “Live This Day” and “You Will Always Be My Son”) and their fantastic covers (“Bless the Broken Road,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and more) and medleys. Their harmony is so beautiful and pure, and it is a delight to listen to their songs. (Especially as a former choir geek myself.) The background music is wonderful, but the purity of the vocals on each song just fills the listener with joy. The band has also sung covers of lots of my favorite Christian/worship singles and hymns (“My Jesus, I Love Thee,” “Hymns Mashup: Come Thou Fount/I Need Thee Every Hour/This is My Story”).

Anthem Lights also has a YouTube channel, where you can find all of their wonderful songs in video format. I definitely recommend that you check this out! (And when you do, don’t miss the “Easter Medley,” which features Nicole C. Mullens’ “My Redeemer Lives” among other inspiring resurrection songs.)

I’m thrilled to share some of my own favorites with you! First, “In Christ Alone.” I love how this song carries the worshipper from Jesus’s birth, life, and crucifixion, all the way to victorious resurrection.

Another of my favorite Anthem Lights songs is this “Hymns Medley.” We don’t (at least in many contemporary worship churches) get to hear a lot of hymns these days. But in this medley, the guys sing a mix of some of my own childhood favorites that still have a special place in my heart. It will make YOUR heart sing, too!

Last, I’d like to share with you this fun one: the “Friend” medley, which blends radio faves “Stand By Me,” “Lean on Me,” “Time after Time,” and more. The end result is seamless, amazing, and a wonderful listening experience.

And now, for PureFlix streaming service’s new show!

Soon (as in tomorrow, January 12, 2022!), PureFlix will be releasing their fun new animated series featuring Anthem Lights! Exclusively on PureFlix, families (including parents and kids) will be able to watch “A Show About Anthem Lights.” This fast-paced and sometimes-zany animated show is PureFlix’s own, developed to add to families’ fun times together. The show is all about the band members of Anthem Lights, as they go about their days, and features the four band members in the lead voice acting/singing roles. I’m so excited to watch this myself. And, I’ll be sharing more soon about this new project, so stay tuned!

You can find out more at PureFlix.com/AnthemLights.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Momentum Influencer Network and PureFlix for the opportunity to share about Anthem Lights and this upcoming animated series!

Introducing “Cubekins” – a fab new Christian kids’ animated series! (review & giveaway; CLOSED)

**Congratulations to winner Ken O.!**

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Hi there!

I have a fun new kids’ animated series called Cubekins to share with you! Collide Media Group and Momentum Influencer Network provided me with the first episode of this series, “Invasion of the Cubecumbers,” plus an additional digital screening link of the episode to share with one FINCHNWREN reader. It is super-fun and exciting! Let me tell you more!

About CUBEKINS

Cubekins is a brand-new Christian video series that’s perfect for kids! Fantastic animation (using Blender and Unreal Engine, for anyone who’s into computer animation), cheerful music, songs sung by the characters, and a fun story shares Christian family life from the kids’ perspectives. One person suggested that its tagline should be: “Veggie Tales meets Mayberry!” That perfectly describes Cubekins’ whimsy, design, faith, and small-town feel where everyone knows each other.

The characters include:

• 7-year-old Kip, who’s lively and energetic
• His sister Kara, the pet-lover
• Dad, who’s always got a new job idea
• Mom, who loves her family and helps remind them to pray and love others
• The baby
• And, Kip’s best friend Finn

• 

• 

• 

• 

Developed by 2 homeschool dads and their families, Cubekins is a fun animated kids & family show that’s designed especially for children aged 3-8. Its stories are interwoven with Scriptures that are applicable to different moments in the show, and the family clearly loves and supports each other. All the characters are cubes stacked in various lengths; the adults are 3D rectangles, the kids are smaller rectangles, and the baby is one cube. The animation, voice acting, and sound design are exceptional and, once the story starts, viewers forget they’re watching geometrical talking objects and just enjoy the show! The computer animation is truly beautiful; the shading and textures are gorgeous. (I especially loved the look of the cubecumbers, and the characters’ hair!)

This is a show that the whole family can watch together and enjoy. The lessons learned are things all of us learn ourselves, so they make real sense and are personally applicable to viewers. I’m truly blown away by the professionalism and beauty of the show while deeply appreciating its purpose: to share God’s World, entertainment, and life with kids and families. It totally succeeds!

“Invasion of the Cubecumbers” Episode

“What could go wrong, right?”

That’s what Dad says when he presents his newest idea to the family at the dinner table; growing and selling cubecumbers. Kip pipes up and says he’d LOVE to help out! So the project is handed over to him, and he invites his friend Finn to help out. Finn loves to follow the directions but Kip refuses; he thinks he can figure it out on his own and is both rueful and surprised when things don’t go quite as expected.

Several characters share Bible verses, and talk about how they can be applied. Viewers get to see the family pray together, confess mistakes to each other, and readily forgive each others’ wrongdoing. It’s very clear that they love and care for each other. Both Kip and Kara have a chance to sing songs, about Kara training her pets and Kip experiencing the unexpected consequences of his decisions. There’s also a scene in a church, where a brief bit of the sermon is shown. The pastor explains a Bible verse and later, encourages reading the Bible aloud to really grab on to its meaning. In the end, kids learn how God answers prayer and how Scripture really does apply to our lives.

It’s a delightful show, and one that families, and their children, will love!

As a former homeschool mom myself, I want to mention a fantastic area of the Cubekins website. Found at Cubekins Resources, it contains tons of neat family activities, curriculum, games, Bible verses, encouragement for parents, and recipes. This can add some fun and different activities for your homeschool days.

What others are saying about CUBEKINS

I wanted to share with you some of the places that media organizations, and individuals, are talking about Cubekins. You’ll get a great sense of its reception!

Dove.org Article
Testimonials on the Cubekins website
Videos on Faith Talk Live and Faith Talk Live
PaxTV Livestream
Christian Casting
WHNT-19 News

How to enter to win the giveaway

I have one digital episode link of Cubekins to give to one reader! To enter, simply click on the “Enter here!” link below. That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter in a variety of ways. Giveaway closes 3/11/21. One winner will be selected to win. Best wishes!

Enter here!

And, if you don’t happen to be the winner, you can purchase or rent this episode at Cubekins. You can also become a Cubekins member at the same website, which enables users to access special bonus content that’s exclusive for members, like coloring books, videos, and more.

Enjoy! –Wren

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Brainy Pixel for providing this product/product information for review.  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.

From Mike Nawrocki: “Dead Sea Squirrels” Book Set, Giveaway, and Kickstarter Opportunity (giveaway closed)

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**Congratulations to Laura R!**

Hi there!

I have the coolest and the most unique opportunity and giveaway to share with you today! If your family is at all like ours, you spent years watching and loving the animated kids’ series, “Veggie Tales.” Well, one of the creators of “Veggie Tales” and the voice of Larry the Cucumber himself, Mike Nawrocki, has penned a fantastic series of children’s books about some brand-new heroes of his own creation: “The Dead Sea Squirrels!” And not only is there a book series…but a Kickstarter campaign which will enable the book series to be turned into a video series, starting today!

 

 

Mike Nawrocki, producer Steve Taylor, and Disney animator Tom Bancroft (who all teach in the film/arts department at Lipscomb College) are banding together to bring this fun and family-friendly book series to life in video.

THE DEAD SEA SQUIRRELS tells the story of Merle and Pearl, 2,000-year-old squirrels from Israel who were petrified in sea salt in the caves of the Dead Sea, where 12-year-old Michael discovers them 2000 years later and sneaks them into his backpack to bring them home. The zany adventures of this salty couple and their new friend are full of adventure, humor and character-building lessons. And just as with VeggieTales, Nawrocki once again uses high quality animation to teach biblical principles that families can trust.

 

About the books

Authored by Mike Nawrocki (you remember, the creator of Silly Songs, the voice of Larry the Cucumber and Veggie Tales co-creator), The Dead Sea Squirrels Book Set is a chapter book series for kids in grades 1-5 (ages 6-10). Each book is approximately 128 pages long, making the book series perfect either for family read-alouds or for children reading on their own. Merle and Pearl are a pair of Dead Sea Squirrels (yes, THAT Dead Sea) from Israel, that Michael found on a trip there. They were petrified, so he thought they’d make a fantastic souvenir. Turns out when they were exposed to rain back in the U.S., they un-petrified and came to life!

The pair of squirrels lived during the life of Christ, and had the privilege of seeing many of His miracles and teachings, which they are able to relate to Michael. Because of course, all those lessons from the Bible really do help us today with our own struggles, issues, and relationships. Here’s a short list of the book titles:

• Book One:  Squirreled Away 
• Book Two:  Boy Meets Squirrels
• Book Three:  Nutty Study Buddies
• Book Four:  Squirrelnapped! 
• Book Five: Tree-mendous Trouble
• Book Six:  Whirly Squirrelies

Each book is written by Mike Nawrocki and accompanied by Luke Séguin-Magee’s marvelous and colorful illustrations. Mike’s quirky and hilarious humor is evident, as he take issues kids face, turns them into fiction, and adds words of wisdom from the Bible (and Dead Sea Squirrels!). These would be a fantastic addition to any family library, and you can easily see why they’d make such an exceptional video series!

The Dead Sea Squirrels Book Series on Amazon will show you more!

 

 

 

About the Kickstarter & how you can be involved

The team has already completed the pilot video episode of The Dead Sea Squirrels. Now, they’re using crowdfunding to raise money to create and produce the rest of the season! If you’ve seen Veggie Tales (ever or at all), you know Mike Nawrocki’s history. Together with Tom Bancroft from Disney, and producer Steve Taylor (who worked on Blue Like Jazz and with band Sixpence None the Richer), the team is creating Christ-focused, hilarious, God-honoring great animated stories featuring Merle and Pearl the Dead Sea Squirrels as they look on the life of Jesus and His ministry. (That’s all after they’re encased in Dead Sea salt, discovered by Michael and tucked into his backpack on a trip to Israel, and flown back to the U.S. Where, they get caught in a rainstorm and come back to life to share adventures with Michael and his family and friends!)

Starting February 16, 2021, the Dead Sea Squirrels Kickstarter campaign begins! Just click on the Kickstarter link below for more information. There is a ton of very cool and fun swag for donors! You can make history as a Founding Backer, helping to bring The Dead Sea Squirrels to life. If 8,000 people each give $25, that would pay for an entire episode of the new video series. (Although you could certainly donate more, or less.) Their goal is to raise just over $1 million, which will enable them to create an entire first season. What would that cover? Animation, production, audio, direction, staff creators…and so much more. All the way to the finished product!

Visit the The Dead Sea Squirrels Kickstarter campaign here

 

You can also follow The Dead Sea Squirrels on social media! Mike Nawrocki will have huge announcements to make about The Dead Sea Squirrels there. And, please share the links! If you loved Veggie Tales, I know you can certainly see the potential in this video series.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter

 

And, watch this entertaining video with Mike Nawrocki, Disney producer Tom Bancroft, and producer Steve Taylor all about the DS Squirrels and the Kickstarter campaign!

The Dead Sea Squirrels Promo Video on Vimeo

This all sounds amazing! But, a caveat: like all Kickstarter campaigns, The Dead Sea Squirrels campaign is open for a limited time only. Here’s the note from Kickstarter: All or nothing. This project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by Thu, April 1 2021 10:59 PM MDT. So, if you’d love to see an amazing new video series with the quality, joy, and Christ-honoring stories, consider joining the campaign and helping bring The Dead Sea Squirrels to life!

 

 

And, how to enter the book set giveaway!

To enter the giveaway to win the book set of The Dead Sea Squirrels, simply click on the “Enter here!” link below. That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter in a variety of ways. Giveaway ends 2/23/21. One winner will win the book set. Best wishes!

Enter here!

 

Enjoy…and don’t forget to check out the Kickstarter campaign! –Wren

 

DISCLOSURE: Disclosure: Many thanks to Momentum Influencers for providing this product/product information for review.  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.

Prison Fellowship’s New Program Addresses Reentry and Recidivism: The Academy and Jonathan’s Walk

#sponsored #partner

Are you familiar with Prison Fellowship?  Started by Chuck Colson in 1976, Prison Fellowship serves prisoners behind bars and their families (as well as former prisoners) in the world outside.  FlyBy/Propeller Promotions sent me the first part of Prison Fellowship’s new documentary entitled “The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk,” which shares the story of one man and his experiences as part of Prison Fellowship’s new program, The Academy.  Read on for more!

 

 

About Prison Fellowship and Jonathan’s Walk

So…what does Prison Fellowship do?  Here’s what I found at their website (you can check it out yourself at Prison Fellowship’s Our Beliefs page).  They believe that:

• All people are created in God’s image
• No life is beyond God’s reach
• Those affected by crime can be reconciled to God, their families, and their communities (that’s actually Prison  Fellowship’s vision)
• Jesus can bring the most broken situations and people to be whole again
• Those who broke the law can be restored and healed to serve

So what does this ministry and service look like?  Prison Fellowship serves both people convicted of crimes and in prison for those crimes, as well as the families of those people who are separated from those they love.  This can look like:

• Prison Fellowship Academy, in certain prisons across the country, where inmates can participate in programs designed to help them transform and grow
• Angel Tree, where donors purchase gifts for children on behalf of parents who are in prison, to give to these kiddos for Christmas
• Re-entry programs for inmates who are about to be released
• And more

 

About “The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk”

This inspiring new documentary from Prison Fellowship introduces us to Jonathan, who has been in prison for years because he was literally in the wrong place at the wrong time; and who became involved in a carjacking and was then arrested and incarcerated for that crime.  During the years since that time, he has been separated from his wife and family.  He has missed so many moments that parents treasure with each other and with their kids; the first day of school, his daughter’s serious facial injury from a burn, his wife’s being alone during their daughter’s healing, and the daughter’s needing to transfer schools because of bullying.

However, Prison Fellowship has been there to support him, to aid in his transformation, and to help him to prepare to be released from prison and to be reunited with his wife and daughter, as well and giving him tools to stay away from the devastating cycle of returning to crime (recidivism) and prison.

Did you know that over half of all release prisoners commit crimes and return to living lives of incarceration?  According to Prison Fellowship, the U.S. is home to only 4% of the world’s population.  But at the same time, U.S. prisons contain more than 20% of the world’s prisoners.  So, Prison Fellowship has created a new program for prisoners called The Academy.  It is designed to combat incarceration and recidivism.  And “The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk” introduces us to one man who has participated in this program.  We meet Jonathan and his wife, as well as his daughter, as they prepare to be reunited again.

‍This series is fantastic.  It offers and provides hope not only for incarcerated prisoners, but for their families, for a life after separation and division; and for a life not marred by repeat offenses, crimes, and a return to prison.

 

 

So you can watch…

Prison Fellowship has provided a video so that you can check out the first part of this documentary series yourself!  Simply click on the arrow in the video above to watch the first part of this encouraging and inspiring series.

In addition, if you’d like to see the whole 5-part series you can sign up at Jonathan’s Walk entire.  That is completely free, and you’ll also receive access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Thanks so much for checking out this neat series and ministry to prisoners and their families!

 

–Wren

 

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 video.   I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.