Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Faith-based collection of stories about listening to others.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
This collection of faith-oriented stories about the importance of listening and following instructions includes Pistachio, Larry Learns to Listen, and Josh and the Big Wall. In Pistachio the little Pinocchio-like character refuses to listen to his father and gets into big trouble as he goes out to explore the world on his own. In Larry Learns to Listen, the Cucumber's long-awaited 5D Space Squadron toy is delivered but Larry refuses to read the instructions, assuming he already knows just what to do. The toy is nearly destroyed before Larry's friends encourage him to follow the written directions. Josh and The Big Wall recounts the Biblical tale of Jericho. After spending 40 years in the desert because they didn't listen to God, the Israelites make their way to The Promised Land only to be stopped at the Wall of Jericho by the soldiers who stand guard there. Given detailed instructions for entry by God's messenger, the Israelites continue to question God's orders and nearly make another big mistake.
Is It Any Good?
Pistachio and Josh and the Big Wall are creative, enjoyable, and present lots of positive messages about the importance of listening to others that even the youngest kids will understand. Pistachio is less overtly religious than Josh and focuses on the parent-child relationship. Josh's orders come directly from God and his messenger.
In the packaging of this DVD, it appears that "Larry Learns to Listen" is a full feature, combined with two classic stories. In fact, the one musical tale is less than five minutes long and the re-releases are approximately 30 minutes each.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about listening to people who "want what's best for you." Besides your mom or dad, who are some of the other people in your life who you trust to have your best interests at heart?
What if someone tells you to do something and you know it's not the right thing to do? Would you talk to parents or teachers about it?
How do you feel when you're not listened to? What are some positive steps you can take to make sure you are heard when it's important.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 13, 2011
- Cast : Lisa Vischer , Mike Nawrocki , Phil Vischer
- Director : Phil Vischer
- Studio : Big Idea
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 70 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 12, 2026
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