A warm and friendly female voice welcomes the viewers, the “young explorers”, to the marsh, a paradise for many insect species. “Insects are really quite curious creatures,” we are told. The action kicks in immediately, when a honeybee, Bartleby, leaves his hive. This short film brings the creepy crawlies to life and features intriguing scenes such as two bugs dueling with swords! But it’s not all fun and games, as the movie is educational as well. There is a lesson to be taught about sprouting potatoes.

An ant, Rusty, has found a potato. He is a military ant, who goes strictly “by the book”, but when Cosmo the fly wakes up Joe Croaker, the bullfrog, they both eye the potato with hunger in their eyes and in their voices. When Cosmo keeps buzzing around Joe, Joe threatens to eat him, but Cosmo promises Joe a tasty treat, the potato. Joe’s silly laugh at his excitement will have the viewer laughing right along in delight.

Joe and Cosmo manage to swipe the potato and hide it. The movie features vivid and bright colors, not to mention some toe-tapping songs that incorporate fun lyrics such as, “Clap, clap and shout—we’re going to show what adventure’s all about!” Rusty, the ant nemesis, accuses Joe and Cosmo of pilfering the potato and tells them it is “military property.”

When Joe and Cosmo get a moment, they dig up the potato. Despite having some green sprouts on it, Joe digs in and eats some immediately. So does Cosmo. And soon, neither one of them are feeling well. Their theatrical cries and whining are hilarious! But a valuable lesson is learned. They learn the potato was toxic due to the fact it was still sprouting and wasn’t ready yet for their consumption.

Without giving all the plot or ending away, this fun-filled movie features both entertainment and educational value and has merited our Dove seal for All Ages.

The Dove Take:

You and your children will learn and laugh at this wonderful animated movie which features delightful characters and upbeat music.