Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this product, free of charge, from Zaya Toonz, via Edify Entertainment, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
Perfect for the Easter basket is a new animation series, based on biblical stories, brought to you by the people behind such great animated movies like Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life!
IESODO (YAY-sa-doe) is a highly acclaimed Telly and Accolade Award winning series featuring a cast of animated birds who live in a Cypress Tree on the shores of Galilee. Sound familiar yet? Presented with cutting edge imagery, Iesodo, which means “The way of Jesus”, is a wise and gentle dove that shares Jesus' tales and biblical teachings, in a very accessible, entertaining way for children.
“Children learn from, and sometimes even emulate, the actions and personalities of loveable animated characters such as Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse, and we want them to do the same with Iesodo,” said executive producers Jared and Natalie Hankins. “The Iesodo character is a representation of Jesus, and the stories shared throughout each episode are based on Jesus’ teachings.They are universal principles we hope all parents wants to instill in their children, such as loving one another, conquering fear, sharing and being kind.”
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.
Check out the trailer:
We were sent 2 of the videos for review:
- “Birds of a Feather, Fish Together”– The wedding of Freddie and Fiona finch is headed for a disaster! Iesodo steps in to calm everyone’s ruffled feathers and make the event a success.
Believe Video Episodes:
-“The Gathering"– It’s a beautiful day in the Holy Land and Iesodo is gathering all the birds to hear his message of hope. Rocky takes us back to the day the flock first believed in this amazing dove who would change their lives forever.
-“Believing is Seeing”–Luke, a blind finch with no gift of flight or sight, seeks help from Iesodo. The group is amazed when Iesodo not only helps him fly, but also helps him believe, so that he sees what’s truly important.
I was a little surprised at how Miss Grace took to these videos! We had to watch both of them back to back! In between each episode she regaled me with the "ACTUAL bible story". As a parent, it was truly priceless and rewarding to know that the bible lessons really HAVE sunken in. I also loved the fact that the cartoon so easily reinforced bible concepts. These video are a step up from VeggieTales. Don't get me wrong- we LOVE VeggieTales, but as Miss Grace is now 7, and has been watching them since she was 2, she feels they are 'babyish' and no longer wants to watch them (waaaahhhh). I can understand that, but there aren't too many modern cartoons I want her watching. She's in that gray zone between 'pre-school' cartoons and 'pre-teen' cartoons. If I can get her to watch biblical based cartoons, and want to watch them over and over, I am all for these new videos!
The latest video, that was released this past week is:
Faith Video Episodes:-“Miracles are Everywhere”– A big event is happening! Thousands of birds from all over the world have gathered to meet Iesodo, but food is scarce and the flocks are getting hungry. Iesodo provides in a way no one could have expected.
-“The Wind and the Rain”– The flock is soaring through the sky on their way back to the Cypress Tree when a sudden storm approaches out of nowhere! Trapped at sea and frightened, they learn that when you have faith, anything is possible.
Each DVD runs about 50 minutes, and retails for only $14.99! The videos are available online via Amazon, or at your local Christian retail stores or Walmart stores.
Be sure to check out the activities page on the website for some great related activities, perfect for Sunday school classes! There are also discussion guides- perfect for teachers and parents, to bring out more meaning from each episode! And don't forget to follow the series on Facebook and Twitter, so you know when more activities are posted, and videos are available! We can't recommend these videos enough for your own kids, or for kids you love!
*****
Zaya Toonz LLC is an animation studio based in Los Angeles, California dedicated to producing high quality animated content that will enlighten, encourage, and excite today’s kids. Founded by Jared Hankins, Mike Hofferth, and Eric Rollman in 2010, the company’s first DVD series is the groundbreaking faith-based project ‘Iesodo.’
Zaya Toonz LLC is an animation studio based in Los Angeles, California dedicated to producing high quality animated content that will enlighten, encourage, and excite today’s kids. Founded by Jared Hankins, Mike Hofferth, and Eric Rollman in 2010, the company’s first DVD series is the groundbreaking faith-based project ‘Iesodo.’
Capitol Christian Distribution, the market leader in Christian and Gospel music distribution, as well as chart topping Christian films and books, distributes the Iesodo DVD series.
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