The series and its creator are honored for teaching kids to have empathy for bugs; the award-winning animated preschool series streams on Disney+ in the U.S.
The hugely popular, award-winning animated preschool series Bluey and its creator, Joe Brumm, were awarded the PETA Kids’ “Bug Bestie Award” for teaching kids everywhere to have empathy for bugs - who, just like us, don’t want to be squished and have “a mummy and daddy who would miss them” (Season 3 episode “Slide”). The series streams on Disney+ in the U.S.
Bluey follows a loveable, inexhaustible blue heeler dog who lives with her mum, dad, and little sister, Bingo and showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families, turning everyday events of family life, like making a cubby house (blanket fort) or a trip to the beach, into unique adventures that bring to life how children learn and grow through play.
In the episode “Slide,” Bingo and Lila’s fun time on a backyard waterslide comes to a screeching halt when they notice a leaf bug crossing the slide. They stop themselves so they don’t squish her. They gently move her out of harm’s way into the grass but are again interrupted - by a ladybug, followed by ants, and finally a grasshopper. After deciding that they would feel bad if they squished any of the bugs, Bingo and Lila decide to play “bug inspector,” with one making sure that the slide is clear before the other takes a turn—but they have to act fast to save a caterpillar when Bingo’s dad, Bandit, rushes down it. Later, the rescued caterpillar is shown turning into a butterfly and landing on Bingo and Lila’s joined hands.
“With their compassionate actions, Bingo and Lila demonstrate that it’s not ‘trifficult’ to show consideration for even the smallest beings among us,” said mom and PETA director of Animals in Film and Television Lauren Thomasson. “PETA applauds this episode’s kind message and encourages kids and parents everywhere to remember that every bug is someone who deserves kindness.”
PETA Kids notes that little animals like ants, spiders, beetles, ladybugs, bees, and caterpillars just want to go about their business and don’t mean any harm, so it’s important to respect them and let them live. The group offers fun facts on its website about bugs and lists several ways to help them, including tips for carefully escorting them from inside the home to the outdoors.
PETA Kids - whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” - points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. Additional information is available on PETAKids.com.
Source: PETA
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
