Description
Book SynopsisA sociological examination of the production and audiences of Veggie Tales, a popular evangelical video series for children.
Trade ReviewAn impressive book—full of detail, nuanced and sophisticated, about the evolution of, and revolution in, contemporary Christian media. A solid contribution to media studies and the understanding of American religious life. -- Charles Whitney, University of California, Riverside
This is a timely, fascinating study that fills an important gap in the literature. Written in an engaging, accessible style, this book is chock full of valuable information about the emergence and development of Veggie Tales. But Warren also provides a wealth of valuable insights about the rapid evolution of Christian popular culture and its interplay with the broader marketplace. This is a book that deserves attention from anyone interested in contemporary evangelicalism, or in the nexus of religion, media, and cultural production. -- Christopher Ellison, University of Texas, Austin
Warren's work opens the eyes of the readers to see the inherent complexities with communicating sacred messages in a secular culture through free-market enterprise. The book is a worthwhile read for those concerned with this issue. * Musicology *
Hillary Warren's fascinating look at Veggie Tales brings the insights of a scholar, journalist, and parent to bear on a phenomenon that has broad and provocative implications for the nature of religion in today's media-saturated culture. -- Stewart M. Hoover, University of Colorado
H-Net reviews / H-Amstdy, September, 2012: Overall, the book is well organized, transitions smoothly from chapter to chapter, and covers a lot of important ground. It will be useful for anyone interested in the sociology of religion and popular culture. It is a welcome addition to my bookshelf and should be given a close read by those interested in these subfields.
Table of Contents1 Before "The Passion," there was "Jonah-A Veggie Tales Movie" 2 "There's never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, been a show like Veggie Tales!" 3 From the computer in the spare bedroom to the big box store 4 "The stuff I learned in church doesn't seem like very much fun." 5 Keeping kids safe and close to God: responses from the Veggie Tale audience 6 Looking for values in all sorts of places 7 Selling the gospel with enthusiasm-or just selling?
