About this season
Superbook, also known as Animated Parent and Child Theatre, is an anime television series initially produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States and more recently solely produced by CBN for global distribution and broadcast. The series chronicled the events of the Bible's Old and New Testaments in its 52 episode run. The first 26 episodes aired from October 1, 1981 to March 29, 1982. The series returned as Superbook II with 26 episodes to air from April 4, 1983 to September 26, 1983. Between both series in the first run was the companion series The Flying House. The Christian Broadcasting Network is currently producing a new Superbook series and has released fourteen episodes.
Episodes (26)
1. Where, Oh Where...
Aired 4 April 1983 • 25 min
When Superbook falls onto a computer keyboard, Ruffles, a dog, is accidentally transported back into the ancient time of Abram, the patriarch.
2. Hot Dog
Aired 11 April 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers come across the city of Sodom, which is about to be destroyed because of its wickedness.
3. The Test of Faith and Obedience
Aired 18 April 1983 • 25 min
The children again come across Abraham, Sarah, and a newly arrived son, named Isaac. Later, the children witness Abraham's nearly attempted sacrifice of Isaac.
4. Love at First Sight
Aired 25 April 1983 • 25 min
The children travel to the Mesopotamian city of Nahor, where they witness a group of people seeking a suitable wife for Abraham's son, Isaac.
5. Father's Pet
Aired 2 May 1983 • 25 min
The children witness the story of Jacob and his beloved son, Joseph, and how Joseph's jealous brothers sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt.
6. All About Dreams
Aired 9 May 1983 • 25 min
The children travel to Pharaoh's palace in ancient Egypt where they see Joseph thrown into prison unjustly, only to later be released and given a high position of honor as governor.
7. The Hostage
Aired 16 May 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers witness how Joseph, governor of Egypt, successfully deals with famine in Egypt. Also, they witness how Joseph will deal with his lost brothers who came to Egypt for grain.
8. The Family Reunion
Aired 23 May 1983 • 25 min
The children experience how Joseph tests his brothers to determine whether they are repentant about selling Joseph into slavery years earlier.
9. A Gift From Heaven
Aired 30 May 1983 • 25 min
The children witness how Egypt no longer welcomes the children of Israel, and how the Israelites are now enslaved and treated brutally. A young man names Moses is coming forth to change things.
10. The Burning Bush
Aired 6 June 1983 • 25 min
The children witness Moses at the burning bush and Moses' demands to Pharaoh to let the Israelites out of bondage and out of Egypt.
11. No More Plagues
Aired 13 June 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers experience the many plagues sent upon Egypt to punish Pharaoh for not releasing the enslaved Israelites.
12. So You Want To Go Back To Egypt!
Aired 20 June 1983 • 25 min
The children witness how the Red Sea parted to provide the Israelites an escape from the Egyptians, and how the closing of the parted sea downs the Egyptian army.
13. Snakes and a Donkey
Aired 27 June 1983 • 25 min
The children experience a complaining group of Israelites, who are punished with poisonous snakes. But finally after 40 years, Israel begins to rally round Joshua, their new leaders.
14. Worth Fighting For
Aired 4 July 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers witness how Othniel conquers the Canaanite city of Debir because Caleb promised a daughter as a reward.
15. The Good Left Arm
Aired 11 July 1983 • 25 min
The children witness Ehud's overthrow of King Eglon of Moab. A rebellion has erupted and the Israelites are fighting for their freedom
16. Stick in the Mud
Aired 18 July 1983 • 25 min
In this action-filled episode, the Israelites defeat an invading Canaanite army who gets trapped in the mud.
17. That's a Promise
Aired 25 July 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers are in ancient Israel when Israel is in a state of war, led by a great but rash general names Jephthah.
18. Just Rewards
Aired 1 August 1983 • 25 min
The children witness the story of Eli and Samuel in the city of Shiloh.
19. A Wonderful Gift
Aired 8 August 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers nearly become involved in a war, and Israel demands that a king be established.
20. The Mighty Little Shepherd
Aired 15 August 1983 • 25 min
The time-travelers meet a young boy named David, who skillfully uses musical instruments and weapons.
21. The Bigger They Come
Aired 22 August 1983 • 25 min
The children witness the battle between David and Goliath, where the future of Israel as a nation rests upon the outcome.
22. Faithful and True
Aired 29 August 1983 • 25 min
The children witness Saul's jealousy and hatred for David. Saul is determined to kill David, so David flees.
23. David the King
Aired 5 September 1983 • 25 min
David, who has an opportunity to take Saul's life, spares Saul. Finally, David is proclaimed King of Israel after Saul dies in battle.
24. In All His Glory
Aired 12 September 1983 • 25 min
The children experience the dedication of the temple and King Solomon's great wisdom.
25. The Wicked Queen
Aired 19 September 1983 • 25 min
The children almost experience death when Queen Athaliah decides to kill her "rivals" for the throne, but eventually, the Queen is put to death and a just ruler is installed.
26. A Matter Of Time
Aired 26 September 1983 • 25 min
The children find themselves in a country about to be invaded by the might Assyrian army. However, God intervenes and destroys the Assyrians. The children then return to the 20th Century.