Merry Christmas!

This is just a quick post to say Merry Christmas to all my awesome readers! I hope you all have a wonderful time today celebrating Jesus' birthday with your friends and family. Remember, He is the reason for the season!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Trailer For If I Sang a Silly Song

We now have the new trailer for the upcoming Silly Song DVD, If I Sang a Silly Song.

Robin Good Trailer, New LarryBoy Episode Plus More

Boy, it's been way too long since I gave you readers a new blog post. I was busy with a big writing project this past month, but now that it's done I can get back to bringing you all VeggieTales news and reviews. A lot has been happening in the veggie world lately, so I'll just go down the list.

First off, we have a brand new trailer for the upcoming show, Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men.



Looks pretty good, doesn't it? I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Review of The Princess and the Popstar

Summary from VeggieTales.com:

Princess Poppyseed’s life on her family’s farm is far from the glamorous world of her favorite pop singer Vanna Banana. While Princess milks the cows and dreams of a life on stage, Vanna has her own dreams of a life far from the hectic pace of stardom that leaves her feeling alone and lonely. On a chance meeting at a playground, Vanna and Princess cross paths and realize they look almost exactly alike, which leads to the crazy notion that maybe they could switch lives! In a flash, the girls’ secret plan is launched and Princess is whisked to her new life as a pop star while Vanna gets to live her dream of a life away from the pressure of fame! As Princess tries to live up to the demands of being a diva and Vanna learns how to milk the cows, things don’t go as smoothly as they would like! As each girl realizes the life they longed for doesn’t fulfill all their dreams, they learn that the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.

You can be a rockstar. Follow your dreams and you can be famous. Believe in yourself.

That's what so much of our culture is constantly telling us. A friend of mine came up with a term for phrases such as the ones stated above: "Disneychannelisms." And it fits very well. Kids turn on the TV to nearly any kid's channel and they're told that they have to be famous in order to be special.

And that's why it's so refreshing to see VeggieTales teaching that fame isn't everything- that God has made each and every life special.

The Little Drummer Boy Is Released!

CORRECTION: The Little Drummer Boy will be released at other retailers on Tuesday, October 4th, not the 3rd, as I originally said.

I'm excited to announce that the newest VeggieTales Christmas episode, The Little Drummer Boy, comes out in Christian stores today and in other stores next Tuesday, October 4th and in Walmart October 24th. I will be picking it up soon, as well as the new VeggieTales Christmas album, Oh Holy Night.

Also, Big Idea released one of the bonus features from the DVD, showing how to make your own drum.



I'm not sure when I'll be able to review this new video, but you can expect a review of The Princes and the Popstar from me next Wednesday!

The Countertop Joins Twitter, Plus Other News

There have been times when I had something VeggieTales related that I wanted to say, but it just wasn't long enough to justify a blog post. For a long time now I've toyed around with the idea with opening a Twitter account for The Countertop so that I have a place to share these thoughts. Well, today I finally did it! You can now follow @CountertopTweets if you have a Twitter account, or you can simply keep up with our latest Tweets in the handy little widget up in the corner.

In other news, Ultimate Veggie (a VeggieTales fan website started back in the late 90s) was completely updated and relaunched. They've got tons of new features, and it's pretty awesome! You can check out the website at: www.ultimateveggie.com.

Recently, cookbook author Christy Jordan got to take a tour of Big Idea. You can read the full account of her visit and enter to win a copy of God Wants Me To Forgive Them? here. I must say, I'm rather jealous of her. I've always wanted to visit Big Idea and meet the people who make VeggieTales. Maybe someday...

New Silly Song: Christmas Party

And now we have the new Silly Song from the upcoming episode The Little Drummer Boy!

A Few Promos

This promo is for an organization called Mops:



Junior seems to have been in preschool for the past 18 years or so...

The next one is for two new DVDs coming out this fall called Larry Learns to Listen and Bob Lends a Helping Hand. Both of these stories are adapted from VeggieTales board books that were released several years ago. I'm not sure what I think of this idea, but it looks interesting. I'm very excited to see the Scallions and Frankencelery returning though.



And now for the one I've been waiting for, the one promoting the VeggieTales CDs at Chick-fi-la!

Vote For Your Favorite Silly Song!

As our "What is your favorite Silly Song" poll comes to a close within the next couple of days, VeggieTales is asking you to vote for which songs should be on the new If I Sang a Silly Song DVD! To vote, simply go to VeggieTales' Facebook page and "like" the post that contains a video of your favorite Silly Song. And be sure to vote on our poll as well- time is running out!

Trailer for The Little Drummer Boy

I was happy to get on YouTube today and see that the trailer for the new Christmas episode The Little Drummer Boy had been released.



I was slightly worried about how they would handle this story because of their "no Jesus as a vegetable" rule, but thankfully it seems that my worry was unnecessary. Tell me what you think!

Larry Returns from Tanzania and a NEW Silly Song Contest

Larry and his friends made it back safely from Tanzania last Sunday- be sure to check out pictures and videos from the trip on the VeggieTales Facebook page!

Now that Larry has returned from his trip, he's trying to come up with a new Silly Song, and he needs your help! Go to the VeggieTales Facebook page and leave a comment with your ideas for a new Silly Song! Your name will be featured in the credits of a new VeggieTales DVD called If I Sang a Silly Song, which will contain a bunch of the fan's favorite Silly Songs, including a NEW song that Larry will pick from your ideas!

Latest News

Hey Veggie fans! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. There really hasn't been any news to speak of, and reviews can take a while to write.

New Silly Song- Astonishing Wigs

The new Silly Song Astonishing Wigs from the upcoming episode The Princess and the Popstar has been released.



I personally don't find it that funny, except for the end of course. I seems to be another Pants, and I'll admit, I'm disappointed. Expect a thorough review after the release of The Princess and the Popstar.

So, what do you think?

Two New Music Albums: Songs For a Princess and 25 Favorite Silly Songs

Hello Countertop readers! I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend! Here are trailers for two new VeggieTales music albums, Songs For a Princess and 25 Favorite Silly Songs.

New Trailer for The Princess and the Popstar

The new trailer for the upcoming episode The Princess and the Popstar was finally released today.



It certainly has a very different feel to it. What do you think?

Scrapbook with the Veggies

Got some scrapbooking to catch up on? Let the Veggies help you out! There are die cuts of all the characters, including Christmas themes! Check them out here.

Review of Pistachio- The Little Boy That Woodn't

From the Cover
Once upon a time, a lonely toymaker named Gelato decided to carve a little boy out of wood. Imagine his surprise when he learned that his little toy boy could walk... and talk... and definitely had a mind of his own! When Pistachio tries to do things his way he lands in a"whale" of a situation! Will he decide to listen to the wisdom of a loving father in time enough to save his whole family from becoming fish food?

I have to say, Pistachio is probably one of Junior's best (and cutest) roles ever. I thouroghly enjoyed how childlike he was, and he did well in the role of the rebelious son. Gelato is a nice character as well. Some say that Dad Asparagus would have fit the part better, but personally I think Larry was a better choice. We don't get to see him in a father role very often, and it was fun to see that in this show. Khalil made a return in this episode as the character of Cricket. He provides much of the humor.

Win a Copy of Sing Yourself Silly

Want to win a copy of the new DVD VeggieTales Live! Sing Yourself Silly? Then go to the VeggieTales Facebook page and leave a comment telling about the best live show you've ever been to, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of 10 advance copies.

News on VeggieTales Live DVD

I recently found out that the new DVD VeggieTales Live! Sing Yourself Silly  will be released on June 4 in Christian stores and June 7th at other retailers. A preview was put up on YouTube not long ago.



Nothing new yet on The Princess and the Popstar, but I will let you know.

He has risen!

Luke 24:1-7:
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”

VeggieTales Eyeware And A Chance To Win A VeggieTales Puzzle

Here's some fun news: Eyes of Faith Optical is producing a line of VeggieTales glasses for kids! More info can be found at www.eyesoffaithoptical.com/.

Also, the American Puzzle Company is creating new, wooden, Easter-themed VeggieTales puzzles. For a chance to win a free puzzle, you can go to the VeggieTales Facebook page and leave a comment to be entered in the contest.

Larry on The Morning Blend

Recently The Morning Blend did a video interview with everyone's favorite cucumber, Larry, about VeggieTales' latest video, 'Twas the Night Before Easter. Being a video interview (similar to some of the videos that Pixar has done for their movie characters on several of their DVD's), it is rather interesting to watch. It reminds me of the "Rusty Sprockets Show" clip on the Jonah DVD, where Rusty and Ventrilomatic interviewed Bob and Larry about Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. The video can be seen here.

Review of Bob and Larry Sing the 80s

Track List:
Gourds Just Want to Have Fun
La Bamba
Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Walking On Sunshine
Footloose
That's What Friends Are For
We Got The Beat
Walk Like An Egyptian
The Power of Love
Don't Worry Be Happy

Following the success of the 2006 release of Bob and Larry Sing the 70s, this new album covering songs from the 80s was released last fall. Since I received my copy several months ago, it has become one of my favorite VeggieTales music albums. The songs are great, and the "veggietized" versions of some of the lyrics are funny.

One Million Copies of "An Easter Carol" Sold

Last week, Rebbecca St. James joined up again with the VeggieTales folks to receive a plague celebrating 1,000,000 sales of VeggieTales' first Easter special, An Easter Carol. She played the voice of the music box angel Hope in the 2004 release. Clearly, this show has become a holiday favorite for fans!

Happy Spring Break!

Hey there everyone! Just letting you know, I'll be gone all week on a trip. So I hope you all have a great spring break! In the meantime, for all you Twitterers out there, there is going to be a VeggieTales Twitter party on Monday. Here's the info:

Join us for a Very Veggie Twitter party on Monday 3/14 at 1:30 pm EST hosted
by @VeggieTales, @LarryTheCuke, @oohamanda, @impressyourkids and
@diaperdiaries (follow us all on Twitter!). We'll be using the hashtag
#veggietales and discussing the new VeggieTales Easter DVD and helping
others through our partnership with World Vision USA !

Review of 'Twas the Night Before Easter

From the Cover:
"It's Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage. Despite all her schemes, will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really about?"

I believe the best word to describe this new episode is classic. The character's roles really match their personalities, and the show overall feels like one of the old episodes that we all love. Their are so many great moments and songs. The only thing that I could almost complain about is the fact that the storyline is very similar to The Star of Christmas, but its different enough to where I don't think its a big deal.

Some news

Now that I have my copy of 'Twas the Night Before Easter, I've got some news to share. First of all, if you sign up for Big Idea's e-newsletter, you can get a free VeggieTales clock (with $3.99 shipping and handling)! I'm already getting the newsletter, but I might have my brother sign up for it so I can get it *wink.* Go to: www.veggietales.com/clock for more info. Oh, and guess what? A recording of VeggieTales Live! Sing Yourself Silly  is going to be released on DVD in May of this year! I'm really exited about this! And the new VeggieTales episode this summer is going to be called The Princess and the Popstar. No other info on it yet, but you can see the teaser trailer on the new Easter DVD.

'Twas The Night Before Easter is Released Today!

As the title says, 'Twas The Night Before Easter is out today! I can't wait to see it! My copy has shipped and it will be in my hands in a few days. I hope to get a review up on here next Saturday.

Have you gotten to see it yet? What do you think of it? Leave me a comment or go to our Reviews page and click the link to submit your own review.

Share YOUR Reviews

Would you like to do your own review of a VeggieTales episode? Now you can submit one to our website! Just click here and fill out the form, and your review will be shown on our Reviews section.

Review of Happy Together

From the Cover:
"What makes you happy? Join Larry and his Veggie pals on a quest to find out what true happiness is all about! Featuring 3 classic stories with lessons on forgiveness, courage and friendship! PLUS... funny and thought-provoking moments from the Veggie Kids (as voiced by real children) sharing their take on what true happiness really means!"


Even though Happy Together is a compilation of three already released episodes, the twenty minutes or so of all-new animation will probably make it worth you 10-12 bucks, especially if you like cute little kids talking about happiness.

NEW Website!

The countdown is over... Big Idea has revealed the all-new VeggieTales website! Our internet has been down for a couple days now and I'm posting this from an iPhone so I haven't yet gotten a chance to explore the new site, but it looks pretty cool. Go check it out! Then tell me what you think of it in the comments below.

Review of Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart

From the Cover:
"Sweetpea Beauty know that what's on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blueberry can't see past her own reflection! Will Sweetpea save the Queen from the lies of the tricky mirror and help her understand she's special just the way God made her? Find out in the fairy "Veggie" tale about the real meaning of true beauty."
  
As I said in a previous review, Sweetpea Beauty is painful to watch. I once heard someone say that it looks unfinished, and I totally agree. The Snoodlerella story for the most part looked better than the rest of the show though.

Veggie Quotes

We've set up a new widget for the blog where we will be posting some of the best VeggieTales quotes every week. Do have a favorite quote that you want to suggest? Then send us an e-mail at our new address, thecountertop@gmail.com

New E-mail

We've set up a new e-mail address for the blog. If you want to contact us, send an e-mail to thecountertop@gmail.com.

Soon I'll hold in my hands...

Last night I ordered my own copy of both the new DVD release of Happy Together and the new episode 'Twas the Night Before Easter. I'm so exited! Happy Together will be in my mailbox within the next few days, so expect a review within the next couple weeks!

Something BIG

Apparently, "something big" is going to be happening over at
VeggieTales' virtual headquaters, BigIdea.com. They've launched a
countdown to something new that they are going to unveil in two weeks.
I don't know exactly what it is, but I thought I heard something last
year about a completely new website...

See the countdown for yourself at: www.bigidea.com

Review of It's A Meaingingful Life

From the Cover:
"It was the biggest football game of his life, and Stewart (Larry the Cucumber) had a chance to win it all. Injured in one bad play, his hopes of playing in the Salad Bowl- and living a life of fame and fortune- are dashed forever. Years later, silly-but-sweet Stewart loves his family, friends and job at the toy train factory, but still wonders "what if" things had been different. When he meets a mysterious train conductor who can turn back time, Stewart gets a chance to have the life he always wanted. Will he finally find all he's been looking for? And what does this mean for those he loves most? Find out in this story of wonder and a lesson in being content."
 
It's A Meaningful Life is an episode that, in most ways, does not disappoint. I say "in most ways" because of a somewhat minor problem, namely the technical quality. Ever since they stopped using the animation house in Canada, the quality of the animation has slowly been going down. This show isn't as bad as Sweetpea Beauty (that one was just painful to watch), but I did notice some issues such as some of the character's bouncing looking rather unnatural, some objects being a little too shiny, and several other things.

New Music Album: Hosanna! Today's Top Worship Songs for Kids

Just found out today through Facebook that VeggieTales will be releasing another "worship song" album, this one titled: Hosanna! Today's Top Worship Songs for Kids. Here's what was posted on Facebook:

'Twas The Night Before Easter Trailer

Here is the trailer for the newest VeggieTales video, 'Twas The Night Before Easter.

 I will give my comments bit by bit here.

'Twas The Night Before Easter

From the Big Idea website:

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage and make a difference through the power of musical theater. With a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit - “Up With Bunnies” is hatched! There’s only one thing missing – the star of the show!

Welcome To The Countertop!

Welcome one and all to The Countertop! This is a new place for the latest VeggieTales news and reviews, brought to you by yours truly.

Who am I? Well let me tell you a little bit about myself.