A Bug Collection

I know, I know...not a book.  Still, Booksneeze was kind enough to send it so here I am to review it.  As usual let's read what the publisher had to say:

Some grumpy bees, silly ladybugs and a non-praying mantis . . . all from the best-loved Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends® series!
Buzby and the Grumblebees—it’s about bee-having.
Haily & Bailey's Silly Fight—it’s about getting along.
Milo, the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray—it's about prayer.
Enjoy the voice talents of Tim Conway, Melissa Disney, Richard Kind, and Sam Mercurio at their very best in this one-of-a-kind box set.

Not really helpful is it?  Let me tell you what I think then.

First, Buzby and the Grumblebees.  This looks to have been originally released around 2007 and is the story of Buzby who ends up bee-sitting his niece and nephew.  Both are incorrigible and are often shirking their duties and behaving in a selfish manner.  They complain about the food, about having to put away their things, about having to listen respectfully etc.  So Buzby and his friends decide to give them a taste of their own medicine and let them see what it would be like if everyone acted as they do.  Not a pretty picture!  Great lessons and the niece and nephew said quite a few things that I have heard come out of my own kids mouths a time or two. The song was pretty good and my kids seemed to get the message that it isn't all about you.

Haily & Bailey's Silly Fight - Haily and Bailey decide to help out the less fortunate ants by bringing them some food when they realize that the ants are hungry.  The good intentions however turn into an argument over which food is better and would be more enjoyed by the ants.  They both end up storming off to do what they think is best.  They soon learn that it is no fun to argue though.  Again my kids and I heard some expressions that were familiar to us and it was great to see Haily and Bailey work through this to find a resolution that worked for everyone.  The song is also pretty good.

And Milo, the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray - I have to admit this was my favorite.  Poor little Milo loses his snack shack in a storm and his friends suggest he pray.  Milo admits he doesn't know how to in a wonderful song.  In the song he goes through many different ways to pray that just aren't sincere such as using big and impressive words since God is so big and impressive.  He even gets shot into space so he can be closer to God and maybe God will hear him better.  In the end though he learns that all he needs to do is talk.  I like that the movie also addressed the fact that sometimes we don't get an immediate answer and that sometimes we overlook the answer He does give because it isn't the one we want to hear.  In the end though, Milo's prayer is answered.  God has taken the things Milo has done and uses them to give Milo a bigger and better restaurant.  The movie takes it even farther and shows how God uses things that we no longer need to help others as well.

Each DVD includes a singalong song, a "storybook" (another story that is read to you and the pages turn as the story is read) and a few other extras.  Silly Fight even includes some computer activities as well.

So, I give the set a thumbs up.  My 2 year old enjoyed all of the movies and my 11 year old hurried through her chores to watch them with us.  Even my 13 year old joined us for the viewing. 





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”