ABOUT THE SQUIRRELS
The Dead Sea Squirrels follows the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of 10-year-old Michael and his best friend Justin after they discover two petrified squirrels, Merle and Pearl, while on vacation near the Dead Sea. To their shock, the squirrels reawaken after 2,000 years!
Now living in modern-day America, Merle and Pearl adjust to the strange new world while sharing timeless wisdom rooted in biblical stories and values. Michael and Justin’s everyday lives become wild adventures filled with comical mishaps, heartfelt lessons, and faith-based life applications.
Through humor, action, and meaningful messages, The Dead Sea Squirrels teaches kids about friendship, forgiveness, and doing what is right—even when it’s hard. With its blend of biblical history and laugh-out-loud fun, the series delivers faith-filled entertainment for the whole family.
Introducing...
The Dead Sea Squirrels
From Idea to Animation
How the dead sea squirrels came to life
The idea for The Dead Sea Squirrels came to Mike while traveling for VeggieTales. Limited by the challenge of portraying Jesus as a vegetable, he dreamed of a series that could bring New Testament stories to life. After leaving Big Idea in 2016, Mike partnered with Tyndale Publishers to create a 12-book series that has now been adapted into this animated show.
The journey wasn’t easy—Mike launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund initial animation efforts, raising over $35,000 in just a few days. Years later, thanks to major investors and a talented team, the dream has now become a reality.
Fun Characters and Biblical Lessons
At the heart of the show are Merle and Pearl, two spunky squirrels who lived during Jesus’s time and now help Michael and his friends navigate modern-day challenges. Other characters include:
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Michael Gomez: A rule-bending 12-year-old who discovers the squirrels.
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Justin & Sadie: Michael’s best friends, always ready for adventure.
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Edgar: The school bully who stirs up trouble.
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Ruben & Dr. Simon: The quirky antagonists with their own schemes.
Each episode brings laughs, adventure, and timeless lessons grounded in biblical truth.
meet the creators
Mike Nawrocki
As co-creator of VeggieTales, co-founder of Big Idea and the voice of the beloved Larry the Cucumber, Mike Nawrocki has been dedicated to helping parents pass on wholesome values to their kids through storytelling for over two decades. Mike currently serves as the assistant professor of film and animation at Lipscomb University. The Dead Sea Squirrels is Mike's first kids' book series, which he has been delighted to write from the home he shares with his wife, Lisa, and two children in Franklin, Tennessee.
Steve Taylor
Steve Taylor is a pioneering singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and producer whose influence on Christian music and media spans decades. Emerging in the 1980s, he became known for his sharp, satirical songwriting and creative storytelling that challenged and inspired audiences alike. Beyond music, Taylor has written and directed films and helped launch influential artists through his work as a producer and record label founder. With a career marked by innovation and bold creativity, he continues to shape faith-based entertainment, bringing humor, heart, and originality to projects like The Dead Sea Squirrels.
