The World of Odyssey
A Quick Tour
Through the Albums, Videos and Novels for Parents
We're often asked about the
different "worlds" found within the "Adventures in Odyssey" videos, albums
and novels. There are reasons for some of the differences between the
products.
"Adventures in Odyssey" began
in 1987 as a weekly radio program centered around John Avery Whittaker,
Whit's End and, eventually, Eugene Meltsner and Connie Kendall. The episodes
proved so popular that they were assembled in albums containing twelve
episodes on six audiocassettes. To date, there are over 21 albums available.
Many are also available on compact disc. The radio program continues weekly
on more than 1200 stations and daily on more than 600 stations.
In 1991, Focus on the Family
released the first "Adventures in Odyssey" animated video. Produced by Focus
on the Family Films in conjunction with Word Inc., Knight Travellers
contained Whit, Whit's End and Eugene, but also introduced characters not
found on the radio series: Dylan Taylor and his dog Sherman. The specific
needs of animation (versus radio) determined many of the choices made about
who appeared in the videos and the kinds of stories that could be told.
Thus, the animated videos became a different "world" than the radio/audio
programs. There are now eight videos available, with more in production.
In 1992, Focus on the Family
Publishing released the "Adventures in Odyssey" novels. Because the weekly
program often involved changes and growth for Whit and the gang at Whit's
End, we decided that putting all the radio characters in the novels might
create inconsistencies and confusion. So we did the next best thing: we set
the novels in a time period prior to the radio series. The first six
novels chronicle the adventures of Mark Prescott, a new kid in Odyssey, and
his encounters with Whit, Whit's End and an invention-in-progress called the
Imagination Station. Connie and Eugene aren't included because they haven't
arrived yet! New titles are being written and, in time, more of the radio
characters may be introduced into the "world" of the novels.
It is our hope that all three
formats--audio, video and books--will appeal to your entire family in unique
ways, yet still provide the overall encouragement and inspiration
"Adventures in Odyssey" strives to present through good stories and
important lessons.
This
article originally appeared in "The Odyssey Times," a
special fictional newspaper produced by Focus on the Family to promote
Adventures in Odyssey.
Back to
The Odyssey Times
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