The VeggieTales FAQ is maintained at The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site! (at http://www.veggietales.net) by Darren Sumner (darren@veggietales.net). It may be freely copied and distributed, provided no portion is altered in any way and these paragraphs remain present.

VeggieTales (and all characters) is copyrighted by Big Idea Productions, and is distributed by Everland Entertainment (a division of Word Entertainment). Neither The VeggieTales FAQ nor The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site are affiliated with Big Idea Productions, Everland Entertainment or Word Entertainment.

Index

0.1 - What is new to the VeggieTales FAQ?
1.0 - What is VeggieTales?


1.1 - Who produces VeggieTales, and how can I contact them?
1.2 - Can I buy stock in Big Idea Productions?
1.3 - How many videos are there?
1.4 - How often are the videos produced?
1.5 - What is the next video about, and when will it be released?
1.6 - Are VeggieTales available in Spanish?
1.7 - Will VeggieTales be available on DVD?
1.8 - Will there be a VeggieTales theatrical film?


2.0 - Who are the VeggieTales characters, what type of vegetables are they, and when did they first appear?


2.1 - Who performs the voice for each character?
2.2 - What type of vegetables are Mr. Lunt and Mr. Nezzer?


3.0 - How many Silly Songs With Larry are there, and what are they called?
4.0 - What additional VeggieTales merchandise is available?


4.1 - Where can I buy VeggieTales merchandise?
4.2 - Can you send me a catalog of VeggieTales merchandise?
4.3 - Is there a VeggieTales CD-ROM available?
4.4 - Are VeggieTales party supplies available?
4.5 - Are VeggieTales room/nursery decorations (wallpaper, wallpaper borders, etc.) available?
4.6 - Are VeggieTales costumes available?
4.7 - Where can I suggest new merchandise?


5.0 - How can the characters close doors, drive cars, hold things, etc. when they have no hands?
6.0 - Why doesn't Bob like the "What Have We Learned?" song?
7.0 - Is there really such thing as a "cebu?"
8.0 - Can I show VeggieTales at my Sunday school, youth group, class, school, Bible study, party, etc.?


8.1 - Can I use these graphics or other material for my own web site?


9.0 - There is an audio or video problem with my VeggieTales tape. What should I do?
10.0 - Why did Big Idea change the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den for "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?"
11.0 - Is VeggieTales going to be sold to Disney?
12.0 - Why does Madame Blueberry's hair change colors?
13.0 - Do you have sheet music or guitar tabs for VeggieTales songs?
14.0 - Why doesn't VeggieTales include Jesus Christ more?
15.0 - Did Big Idea change the words to "The Bunny Song" on "Rack, Shack & Benny?"
16.0 - Are VeggieTales closed captioned?
17.0 - Will the "VeggieTales Christmas Spectacular" PaxTV special be available on video?

• Added Section 1.2 - "Can I buy stock in Big Idea Productions?"
  
• Added Section 1.6 - "Are VeggieTales available in Spanish?"
  
• Added Section 1.7 - "Will VeggieTales be available on DVD?"
  
• Added Section 1.8 - "Will there be a VeggieTales theatrical film?"
  
• Added Section 4.6 - "Are VeggieTales costumes available?"
  
• Section 4.6 ("Where can I suggest VeggieTales merchandise?") is now Section 4.7.
  
• Added Section 8.1 - "Can I use these graphics or other material for my own web site?"
  
• Added Section 13.0 - "Do you have sheet music or guitar tabs for VeggieTales songs?"
  
• Added Section 14.0 - "Why doesn't VeggieTales include Jesus Christ more?"
  
• Added Section 15.0 - "Did Big Idea change the words to "The Bunny Song" on "Rack, Shack & Benny?"
  
• Added Section 16.0 - "Are VeggieTales closed captioned?"
  
• Added Section 17.0 - "Will the 'VeggieTales Christmas Spectacular' PaxTV special be available on video?"
  
• Other minor textual changes and corrections

   

VeggieTales is a computer animated Christian video series. The series debuted in 1994 with its first video, "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?" - the first full-length, computer-animated film in the United States (since it was released while Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story" was still in production). Each video is approximately 30 minutes in length, and seeks to teach Bible stories and moral lessons in new and creative ways.

The series was originally created for children ages 3 to 8. But VeggieTales has gained tremendous popularity with kids of all ages, causing the producers to expand much of the show's content for adults and children alike. The target audience is now approximately ages 3 to 12, and 19 and over (though the show continues to gain in popularity with junior high and high school ages).

Nearly all VeggieTales characters are fruits, vegetables or other types of vegetation. The program is hosted by Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, and is full of returning characters (see SECTION 2.0, SECTION 2.1).

SECTION 1.1
-Who produces VeggieTales, and how can I contact them?

The series is produced by Big Idea Productions (based in Chicago, Illinois) and is distributed by Everland Entertainment (a division of Word Entertainment) in the Christian marketplace and by Lyrick Studios in the mainstream marketplace. The series is produced on Softimage animation software, and Big Idea has become Chicago's largest computer animation studio.

The videos and albums are written and produced by Phil Vischer (president of Big Idea), Mike Nawrocki, Kurt Heinecke and many other employees of Big Idea. Kurt arranges and produces most of the series' original music, while Phil and Mike write, produce and perform in the videos.

Click here to learn more about the folks at Big Idea!

Big Idea Productions can be reached at:

Big Idea Productions
P.O. Box 617697
Chicago, IL 60661-7697

 

or call: 1-800-229-1002(312-669-1400 in the Chicago area). Big Idea's web site is at www.bigidea.com.

Word/Everland Entertainment can be reached at:

Word Entertainment
3319 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203

 

or call: 1-800-933-9673. Word's web site is at www.wordrecords.com.

SECTION 1.2
-Can I buy stock in Big Idea Productions?

Big Idea Productions, the creators of VeggieTales, is not currently publicly traded, and has no plans to be in the near future.

SECTION 1.3
-How many videos are there?

There are eleven videos currently available: eight in numerical sequence (though episode numbers are no longer printed on the box), and three specials (out of sequence). They are as follows:

Episode 1: "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?" (1994)
Episode 2: "God Wants Me to Forgive Them?!?" (1994)
Episode 3: "Are You My Neighbor?" (1995)
Episode 4: "Rack, Shack & Benny" (1995)
Episode 5: "Dave and the Giant Pickle"(1996)
Christmas Special: "The Toy That Saved Christmas" (1996)
Sing-Along Special: "A Very Silly Sing-Along!" (1997)
Episode 6: "Larry-Boy! & the Fib from Outer Space!"(1997)
Episode 7: "Josh and the Big Wall!"(1997)
Episode 8: "Madame Blueberry"(1998)
Sing-Along Special: "Silly Sing-Along 2: The End of Silliness?" (1998)

SECTION 1.4
-How often are the videos produced?

The videos are currently being released approximately every six to seven months. Big Idea hopes to largely increase its staff of animators in the near future, and should increase production to three videos per year.

SECTION 1.5
-What is the next video called, and when will is be released?

The twelth video in the VeggieTales series will hit the Christian bookstore shelves around July 17, 1999. "Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed" will bring the return of that popular, world-famous superhero, Larry-Boy!

SECTION 1.6
-Are VeggieTales available in Spanish?

Yes! "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?", "God Wants Me to Forgive Them?!?", "Rack, Shack & Benny" and "The Toy That Saved Christmas" are available in Spanish from Everland Entertainment. Check your local Christian bookstore, or order the videos at Mr. Lunt's Merchandise on The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site!

SECTION 1.7
-Will VeggieTales be available on DVD?

There's no news on VeggieTales DVD yet. The first place you'll be able to find any new info is on Bob's Newsbriefs at The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site!

SECTION 1.8
-Will there be a VeggieTales theatrical film?

It's very likely! Big Idea Productions, the producers of VeggieTales, have hinted at a full-length movie to be released in theaters. Though it's not a done deal yet, the company is developing a possible script for the movie.

Cast members range from vegetables to fruits, animals to toys. While many are recurring, some have appeared in only one episode thus far. All characters are listed here in order of appearance. Recurring characters are marked with an asterisk (*).

SSWL = Silly Songs With Larry

SECTION 2.1
-Who performs the voice for each character?

Most voices are performed by Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki (see SECTION 1.1). The performers currently known for each character are listed below, in order of the characters' appearance.

SECTION 2.2
-What type of vegetables are Mr. Lunt and Mr. Nezzer?

The identities of these two characters (from "Rack, Shack & Benny" and "The Toy That Saved Christmas") have been somewhat in dispute. But Big Idea Productions confirms that Mr. Lunt is a "decorative gourd" (a type of squash), like Jimmy and Jerry. Other theories have included some type of nut, or a spanish onion.

Mr. Nezzer has been a bit more difficult to deduce. He appears to be a cucumber, like Larry, but is bumpy - leading to the belief that he may be a pickle. He also has a stem on top of his head, leading to the more likely conclusion that he is a zucchini. In fact, Big Idea Productions has confirmed that he is a zucchini.

"Silly Songs With Larry" ("the part of the show where Larry comes out and sings a silly song") is narrated by VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer, and usually appears in the middle of a video. There are currently eight Silly Songs, one on each video with the exception of Episode 2: "God Wants Me to Forgive Them?!?", Episode 6: "Larry-Boy! & the Fib from Outer Space!" and Episode 8: "Madame Blueberry."

Instead, Episode 2 contains the sketch, "The Forgive-o-Matic," and Episode 6 contains "Larry-Boy's Music Video." Silly Songs was cancelled in Episode 8, and replaced by "Love Songs With Mr. Lunt," in which the gourd sang the ballad "His Cheeseburger." Silly Songs was reinstated in "Silly Sing-Along 2: The End of Silliness?", thanks to the outcry of Silly Songs fans!

Silly Songs With Larry are as follows:

Title:	Episode #:	Guest Performers:
The Water Buffalo Song	1	Archibald Asparagus
The Hairbrush Song	3	Pa Grape, Junior, Bob, the Peach
The Dance of the Cucumber	4	Bob, Junior, Junior's Mom & Dad
Love My Lips	5	Archibald Asparagus
Oh, Santa!	Christmas Special	Scallion, Pa Grape, the Peach, Bob
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything	Sing-Along Special	Pa Grape, Mr. Lunt
The Song of the Cebu	7	Jimmy, Jerry, Junior, Archibald
The Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps	Sing-Along Special	Pa Grape, Junior, Bob, Percy, Harry, the Scallions, Frankencelery

The merchandising of VeggieTales continues to grow. In addition to the best-selling videos, items such as CDs and cassettes, t-shirts, neckties, stationary, notepads, toys, activity kits, books, gift wrap and much more are available.

A (nearly) complete listing of VeggieTales merchandise currently available (along with pictures for many items) can be found on The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site, at Mr. Lunt's Merchandise.

SECTION 4.1
-Where can I buy VeggieTales merchandise?

Videos, CDs and cassettes, read-along books, sheet music and the VeggieTales VBS can be purchased right here on the web site! Visit Mr. Lunt's Merchandise and look for the "Buy It!" buttons.

For other items, check your local Christian bookstore first. VeggieTales is the best selling video series in Christian retailing, so it is very likely that most Christian retailers will also carry some of the other VeggieTales items. If you cannot locate an item, contact the item's manufacturer directly. In most cases, manufacturers deal only with retailers, and cannot ship out small order to individual customers - but hopefully they can tell you how to get ahold of the item.

SECTION 4.2
-Can you send me a catalog of VeggieTales merchandise?

Mr. Lunt's Merchandise here at The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site is the most complete catalog of VeggieTales merchandise I have seen. The web site not affiliated with Big Idea Productions or Everland Entertainment, so I do not have access to any catalogs to mail out. To contact Big Idea or Everland, just click here for addresses and phone numbers!

SECTION 4.3
-Is there a VeggieTales CD-ROM available?

No. But there is certainly a demand for one! Phil Vischer, the show's creator, was recently quoted as saying that a CD-ROM project would be "way too expensive to be worth the effort." Keep your eye on The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site for the latest info.

SECTION 4.4
-Are VeggieTales party supplies available?

Yes! You can find info and pricing for plates, cups, napkins and invitations in Mr. Lunt's Merchandise at The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site!

SECTION 4.5
-Are VeggieTales room/nursery decorations (wallpaper, wallpaper borders, etc.) available?

No. But at the rate new merchandise is currently being released, it would not be a surprise if we saw such items hit the market very soon. Keep your eye on Bob's Newsbriefs and Mr. Lunt's Merchandise at The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site for the latest info!

SECTION 4.6
-Are VeggieTales costumes available?

Big Idea Productions rents out adult-sized Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber costumes for Christian bookstore events, theater premieres, etc. You can contact Big Idea Productions at their web site, or click here for the company's mailing address and phone number. Kids' costumes and patterns are not yet available. Keep your eye on Bob's Newsbriefs and Mr. Lunt's Merchandise at The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site for the latest info!

SECTION 4.7
-Where can I suggest new merchandise?

If you don't see an item you want listed in the merchandise section, you can contact the licensing department at Big Idea Productions with your suggestion! Click here for the company's mailing address and phone number.

This is one of those questions that just does not have a good answer. But since VeggieTales are targetted primarily at children, the question inevitably comes up!

There is an obvious difference between the physical laws of our world and those of the cartoon world. Animators sometimes refer to the different physical laws of the world of cartoons as the "plausible impossible." When Wile E. Coyote (Warner Brothers) runs off a cliff and does not fall until he looks down, we have witnessed the plausible impossible.

The same altered state of reality exists within VeggieTales. Vegetables open and close doors and drive cars without feet or hands because these are necessary actions for them to make; nevermind that they shouldn't be able to.

In short: it's just a cartoon!

The producers of VeggieTales at times will insert comments and jokes about the fact that the characters don't have hands. In "The Toy That Saved Christmas," Louie states: "Okay, everybody who's got hands, start tieing," soon discovering that he's the only one. Also, on the album "A Very Veggie Christmas," Larry enlists the help of his friend Manuel to play the maracas, "'cause he's got hands." And in "Josh and the Big Wall!", Tom Grape asks Pa, "How are we clapping??"

This is a running joke which finds new expression with each new video. In Episode 1, Bob was interrupted by the song but could not figure out where the music was coming from. In later episodes he attempted to destroy whatever it is that plays the "What Have We Learned?" song.

Bob is simply irritated with the song because it interrupts what he is saying (twice) each and every episode. Other characters, such as Larry and the French Peas, on the other hand, have taken a liking to the song.

Larry the Cucumber sings "The Song of the Cebu" in Episode 7, "Josh and the Big Wall!" The song is about a little boy and his three cow-like cebu (...and also a hippo).

"Cebu" is actually the name of an island in the Philippines. But there is an animal called a "zebu" (pronounced 'zee-byoo') - Spanish for "cebu'." It's a domesticated, cow-like animal of Asia and Africa, and has a prominent hump on its back and a large dewlap. Zebus are beasts of burden and are reared for their milk and meat. The hump on the zebu's back is made up of muscle fibers that seem to serve no useful purpose.

Whether the producers deliberately changed the spelling of the animal's name is uncertain.

If you have any concerns about copyright, please contact Big Idea Productions. This web site is not at all affiliated with the show's producers, and can grant no copyright permissions. Click here to find out how to contact Big Idea, or visit their web site at www.bigidea.com!

As long as the event is not for profit, you should not have trouble securing permission - so don't worry when you ask!

SECTION 8.1
-Can I use these graphics or other material for my own web site?

All VeggieTales characters and most of the images on The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site! are copyrighted by Big Idea Productions. This is a fan site, and I cannot grant copyright permission for any of it. You can find Big Idea's web site at www.bigidea.com if you'd like to contact them, or click here for the company's mailing address and phone number. See the Webmasters page for more info!

Take the tape back to the place of purchase if it is defective. If the retailer refuses to replace the tape or refund your money, or if you cannot return to the place of purchase, contact Everland Entertainment (a division of Word Entertaiment), Lyrick Studios or Big Idea Productions directly. Click here for info on how to contact them.

The following note to parents was included in newer editions of "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?":

"In the VeggieTales production of Daniel in The Lion's Den you will notice that we have combined the lion's den incident with the story of King Nebuchadnezzer's dream. We felt that this simplification while preserving the themes and integrity of the book of Daniel produced a paraphrase more suitable to the attention spans and comprehension levels of young children. All editorial decisions in segments based on Bible stories are taken very seriously and discussed at length with our independent content advisors. Still, we encourage you to actively scrutinize our stories and drop us a note with any criticism comments or suggestions."

No. The sale of VeggieTales or Big Idea Productions to Disney is just a rumor. Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea and creator of VeggieTales, cites Walt Disney as one of his greatest inspirations. But Big Idea's goal is not just to make money - its goal is to become a major media company with a Christian worldview, "to lead a revolution reintroducing Christian values into popular media." This goal cannot be accomplished by selling out to another company.

SECTION 12.0
-Why does Madame Blueberry's hair change colors?

Watching Episode 8: "Madame Blueberry" carefully will reveal that Madame's hair color changes from brown to blonde and then back again throughout the course of the video. Even on the cover of the video Madame has blonde hair, but in the pictures on the back she is a brunette.

It is unlikely that this is just an accident on the part of the show's producers, since her hair also changes styles. Most likely, Madame bought a wig or had her hair done at the Stuff Mart - for this is where it changes. When she realizes that she doesn't need all that stuff to be happy, she gets rid of her sunglasses, the flowers on her hat, and her new hairdo.

There is one point where an error may have been made by the producers: when Madame first arrives at the Stuff Mart and takes off shopping, her hair is briefly blonde. The next shot of her finds her cruising down the aisles with brown hair. Finally, when she takes a break at the snack bar, she is blonde.

No. Sheet music for songs from the first three VeggieTales videos ("Where's God When I'm S-Scared?", "God Wants Me to Forgive Them?!?" and "Are You My Neighbor?") are available from Word Music in the "VeggieTunes Easy Songbook." It retails for about $9.95. Check your local Christian bookstore, or order it right here on the web site!

Sheet music and guitar tabs are not available, either in print or on the Internet, for other songs. You can find song lyrics here on the web site!

The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site! is not affiliated with Big Idea Productions, the show's producers, so you might want to contact them if you want an 'official' answer. (Click here for contact info.) But remember that Big Idea has articulated itself to be not a Christian media company specifically, but rather a media company with a Christian worldview. VeggieTales should teach biblically based values, but not necessary the story of Jesus Himself. (Besides, what sort of vegetable do you choose to be Jesus??)

Yes. The lyrics on the original version, the words that Rack, Shack and Benny refused to sing because they were bad, included such lines as "I don't love my mom or my dad, just the bunny!" The song was so catchy that many kids started singing it, and many parents complained. Big Idea Productions created "The New & Improved Bunny Song" for the first sing-along video, which had a positive slant to the song: "I didn't eat my soup or my bread, just the bunny!" A third version now appears on "Rack, Shack & Benny," including the line "I won't eat no beans, and I won't eat tofu. That stuff is for sissies but bunnies are cool!"

If you'd like to hear the original version of "The Bunny Song," you can download it here. (Just don't sing it!)

Older videos were not closed captioned when first produced. But as the videos are being rereleased into the mainstream market, distributed by Lyrick Studios, they are being closed captioned. Newer videos (after July, 1998) distributed by Everland Entertainment are also now closed captioned. Look for videos marked as distributed by Lyrick, or check toward the bottom of the back of the box to see if it is closed captioned.

Nope. But watch PaxTV next December to see if it will be rebroadcast! You can find "The Toy That Saved Christmas" in stores.

©1999 by Darren Sumner and The Ultimate VeggieTales Web Site. All rights reserved.