News Release
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lindsey Rodarmer, (616) 698-3332, lindsey.rodarmer@zondervan.com
 
Zonderkidz and Big Idea Announce First-Ever, Full Text VeggieTales® Bible!
The VeggieTales® Bible available in February 2009 as part of new VeggieTales “Values To Grow By” Campaign

Grand Rapids, Mich., November 5, 2008 - Zonderkidz™, the leading publisher of children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks, will release the first-ever full-text VeggieTales® Bible in February 2009, in partnership with Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company.

The VeggieTales® Bible (978-0-310-71828-4, $24.99, Hardcover, Jacketed Printed) invites children ages 8 and under to experience God’s Word using the backdrop of much-loved VeggieTales® characters, who remind them that “God made you special, and He loves you very much!”

Features of The VeggieTales® Bible include:

• The full text of the New International Version (NIV): the most read, most trusted translation.
• “Veggie Values”—210 lessons from the Bible that teach forgiveness, trusting in God, being helpful, and more.
• 32 pages retelling eight favorite Bible stories as told in the VeggieTales® videos in full-color comic book format.
• “Book Introductions” that give readers important information about each book of the Bible.
• “Remember This”-Highlights of 100 key verses of Scripture to remember.
• A “Dictionary Concordance”-to help kids better understand key Bible words and concepts.

“There is so much buzz from consumers and retailers about The VeggieTales® Bible,” says Annette Bourland, Zonderkidz Senior Vice President and Publisher. “Zonderkidz is proud to partner with Big Idea on a product we know kids will love and parents will trust. This dynamic partnership allows us to publish a Bible that will inspire many children and their families.”

The VeggieTales® Bible is part of Big Idea’s comprehensive, multi-product “Values To Grow By” marketing campaign for spring 2009. Releasing simultaneously with the Bible will be the brand new Bible-story-based DVD adventure VeggieTales®: Abe and the Amazing Promise. Featuring a lesson in patience, Abe and the Amazing Promise is a Veggie-spun Bible classic that tells the story of Abraham and Sarah and their wait for a promised child. The DVD showcases nationally syndicated radio host “Delilah” as the voice of Sarah. This highly anticipated title is available for $14.99 SRP in Christian stores Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 and everywhere Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009.

“We are honored to bring these inspiring, entertaining and meaningful products to today’s families,” says Greg Fritz, SVP of Marketing and Licensing for Big Idea. “Abe teaches a wonderful lesson in patience, which is a welcome message for kids and parents alike! And we trust that The VeggieTales® Bible from Zonderkidz will be instrumental in getting kids engaged in God’s Word and discovering that they are uniquely made and completely loved.”

As part of the strategic marketing initiatives for the new year, Big Idea will launch their “Values To Grow By” spring campaign beginning with the release of Abe and the Amazing Promise DVD February 7, plus three classic reissues of best selling Bible story-themed titles Rack, Shack and Benny, Josh and the Big Wall and Dave and the Giant Pickle. Each DVD will sport an exciting new look with a fresh cover design and a fun new VeggieTales® logo. The catalog titles will be re-promoted and re-packaged at $9.99 SRP.

Big Idea will also introduce the VeggieTales® “Values To Grow By Companion Guide” with extensive teaching resources for parents and children’s ministry leaders. The resource guide will consist of 12 Bible study sections with activities and lessons based on VeggieTales® Bible-story-themed DVDs and will be introduced at children’s pastor’s conferences and ministry events in early 2009 and available for purchase at bigidea.com and through Christian retailers.

Zonderkidz™ is working with Big Idea on a number of cross promotional efforts to get the word out about both new products including:

• A $10 rebate on the purchase of The VeggieTales® Bible and VeggieTales®: Abe and the Amazing Promise
• Giveaways through a national radio campaign
• Consumer and trade print advertising
• In-store merchandising and positioning
• An insert with information about The VeggieTales® Bible in the Abe and the Amazing Promise DVD.

For more information about the The VeggieTales® Bible, available in stores in February 2009 for $24.99, visit www.zonderkidz.com. For more information about VeggieTales®, visit the official site at www.bigidea.com.

About Big Idea, Inc.
Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands. Since 1993, Big Idea’s best-selling animated series VeggieTales® has sold 52+ million videos, 13 million books and more than 7 million CDs. VeggieTales® and Big Idea’s newest property, 3-2-1 Penguins!®, are in their third season as top-rated series on NBC Saturday mornings, Telemundo and ION TV via the qubo® children’s programming block. The studio's two theatrical releases, Jonah-A VeggieTales Movie® (2002), and Universal Pictures' and Big Idea's The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything®-A VeggieTales Movie® (2008), are distinguished among the top ten most successful faith-based films of all time. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea, visit: www.bigidea.com.
 
Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling Bibles, books, audio, video, curriculum, software, and digital products through its Zondervan, eZondervan, Zonderkidz, Youth Specialties, Editorial Vida, and National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at www.zondervan.com (mobile site: zvan.mobi).

Zonderkidz™, a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video, and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com.