Bugtime Adventures: Joy to the World—The Christmas Story

Targeted toward children aged 4-9, the animated Joy to the World—The Christmas Story, narrated by erstwhile Bibleman (and Charles in Charge costar) Willie Aames, incorporates the Nativity story into a kid-friendly tale that kicks off when Bugglesville—a colony of bugs living in Mary's house—is ruined by a tiny smoldering spark from the fireplace. Insect reps Antoni, Megan, Iggy, and Prissy are appointed to hitch a ride on Mary and Joseph's donkey in order to scout a new location for Bugglesville. After encountering a group of hostile horseflies claiming turf near the infamous stable, the quartet climbs onto a sheep, which leads them to two shepherds who are visited by the angel Gabriel. Clinging to the shepherds' robes, the bugs end up back at the manger, where—after seeing the heavenly new baby—they decide to rebuild their town right there, figuring that if it's good enough for God, it's good enough for Bugglesville. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette. Recommended. [Note: also newly available is the children's Christmas title Storyteller Café: The Gift.] Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)