Princess & The Pop Star

Sometimes I get tired of Christian kids’ shows and books. It’s like they try so hard to tell a story or teach a moral that it becomes trite and over-spiritual. And sometimes, especially as a mom of a preschooler, I feel like the story lines are a little too old. I don’t want my daughter watching shows about how NOT to be insecure, or about why she shouldn’t lie to her parents or not run away from home. She doesn’t even know what those things are. They’ve never crossed her mind! I don’t want her to be introduced to it yet!

So, I have to admit that I was leery to show Veggie Tales’ newest DVD, Princess and the Pop Star to my kids. Of course, I am totally excited that they are doing some “girl” shows. Lydia (and who am I kidding, Asa, too) loves Queen Esther and SweetPea Beauty. But I didn’t want to introduce Lydia to the whole I-wish-I-was-a-Pop-Star thing.

We popped in the video over breakfast last week and watched while the sweet little baby carrot, Princess Poppyseed (who is not really a princess but actually a pie farmer’s daughter. Yes, pie farmer.) gets more and more bored, aggravated and tired of her life on a farm. Meanwhile, Vanna Banana (who is not really a banana, but another baby carrot with a blueberry for a mom. Go figure.) a Miley-Cyrus-Hannah-Montana-type is equally tired of her boring, lonely life on the road.

You know what happens of course, they meet on the playground and a la The Prince and the Pauper, they change places! At first it’s wonderful! Then as they become increasingly uncomfortable and unfit for their new lives, they begin to question what they are really truly designed for. There’s an exciting conclusion complete with robo-pogo-sticks, lots of sibling love and a big family hug.

But my FAVORITE part is when Vanna Banana is in Princess Poppyseed’s bed. She’s talking to Princess’ mom (who doesn’t seem to notice this little carrot isn’t her real baby) who quotes Psalm 139:17-18 to her. She explains that God created each one of us to do be who we are–no one else. That he put us together how He likes and He delights in us.

It’s such a beautiful lesson. One I want my daughter and son to know. In preschool or beyond, kids need to realize that their true worth is found in God alone. Not in being a “good girl” or a “big boy”. Not in being good at ballet or a helper at home. Regardless of where they are or what they do, they are designed PERFECTLY for where they are and who they are.

So, my fears were unfounded. And as usual, Veggie Tales delivered a sweet story about God’s love with humor, family and a fun story thrown in!

Disclosure: Veggie Tales sent me the DVD in order to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own.