The Adventure Begins: The Early Classics (Adventures in Odyssey Golden Audio Series No. 1)

The abusive and condescending manner that the grandfather used when speaking to others was too much for our family. We don’t believe the Bible is black and white with regards to corporal punishment (not discipline, which Focus on the Family attempts to label it as). Having said that, the storyline gave me the opportunity to discuss the real meaning behind those verses to my children and explain why it’s wrong to hit anyone, much less children. We discussed how this set of stories was more heavily focused on punishment rather than grace, and so for that ability to share truth, I gave two stars instead of one.The divorced mother was doing her best to make ends meet and raise her son, and the grandfather not only invalidated her but shamed her into believing she was doing it wrong. I don’t believe it’s okay to teach children that shaming another is okay.I understand FOTF is starting to recognize where it went wrong a few decades ago, but we definitely shouldn’t have started with this set. My kids were nervous about the heavy fighting and harsh words, confused why the grandfather was abusive, and not understanding why the child in this story wasn’t met with love, grace and understanding. To them, a belt is for holding up pants, and hands hug and cook and make amazing art. That’s it. Having to explain that some families believe it’s ‘the Lord’s way’ was sad and they found it difficult to understand since we follow a different path.

Bought for my niece who fell in love with the one my kiddos had. She loves to sit & listen to them while playing. Great stories and learning about God at the same time. Can't go wrong with that.

I got this for my 10yr old grandchild. They just love it - inspiring her imagination

I can't stand bad Christain entertainment! Just because I believe firmly in my Christain faith doesn't mean I have to subject myself and my family to bad entertainment. There are too many talented Christains to put up with that! Besides it puts out the message to the secular world that Christains are lame, cheesy, have no culture and just plain uncool. I am also a pretty accomplished musician and cannot turn my back on years of training. The only bad Christain entertainment in our house has been purchased as a gift and I haven't gotten around to passing it on to the Goodwill.Now that you understand my standards, you'll appreciate just how good this radio series is. It is top notch and I plan to purchase as much as I can for my kids and their kids. I flip between wanting to be frugle and buy it used on Amazon or buy it new through Focus on the Family to support the programming. And yes, the commercials are right, your family will love to listen to them over and over again.A major suggestion, don't buy the vides series. It is very disappointing. I expected the radio program with pictures. They must have hired the writers from PBS and Barney. And to add to the punishment, the music is cheesy! I think I'll send the videos to a Goodwill in Wisconsin! Besides, it takes out the wonderful gift of imagination.

I loved finding out I could buy the CDs of Adventures and Odyssey here. I love having fun stories for my kids to listen to while we drive around and run errands. I babysit two kids besides my own 4 kids, so having 6 kids in the car I'm bound to be refereeing several fights a trip. But I've found if I pop one of these Adventures in Odyssey CD's in, everyone gets hooked into the story and leaves each other alone, giving me some much needed silence while I drive. One of the kids I babysit has several issues that I'm trying to help him through with being kinder to his sister and not hurting others. These stories seem to teach these lessons to him better than I can sometimes. My husband and I enjoy the stories just as much. Excited to save up and get some more of them!

Simply awesome. The production quality and acting is top notch too. I plan on buying every album even though there is over 60 of them (an album is about 12-14 or so episodes). The message that each of these stories have will remain with the kids forever, and is an excellent story that reinforces what you are already teaching your kids. I first heard the shows on the radio about 20 years ago (I was 17 then), and always new that I would like to provide them for my kids someday. I kind of forgot about the show off and on since having kids, but now that we have longer car rides it was definitely the time to get them.

Love LOVE Adventures in Odyssey. I grew up listening to them.Just FYI - the stories on this set might be a little too mature for young children. My kiddo is 6 (so maybe a little young for these stories). The first cd I had to turn off because there was lots of pretty intense fighting in the story.The Christmas set of stories is great though! :)

I love the idea of Adventures in Odyssey. I love the set we bought and the messages they teach in a thoroughly compelling and entertaining way. However, I have to echo the reviews that this series is definitely aimed at an older crowd than my 5 year old. Although he loves listening to Whit and the other characters, the material covered is not appropriate for his age group (divorce being the big issue talked about in a couple of the stories). Also, the kids do talk to adults and their friends fairly rudely throughout. Not something I want mimicked in my house. But for the right age group this series is a great conversation starter.

Seriously outdated right wing philosophies!

I used to listen to these as a kid so I love that my kids get to listen to them too. We love Adventures in Odessy!

We love this set. Only complaint is that the case had a small crack in it but I think that was probably from transportation. CDs are in perfect condition.

a little too old for my kids. My oldest is 5 and i find the story to be a bit old for her

We love odyssey