Summer 2011 Update

Greetings from Bally Bo!

I hope you are having a lovely summer, spending plenty of time outdoors and getting plenty of fresh air!

It's been a busy Spring continuing to promote "Meet the Bumblejums" Music CD and Book and we are pleased to say that "Meet the Bumblejums" is still getting plenty of positive feedback from mums, kids and of course not forgetting dads too, we hear good things from Dads hoping for peaceful car journeys!

You can read a small selection of reviews from the last few months by clicking on the links below;

The Crazy Kitchen
BDT Media
Red Ted Art
Mummy Mishaps
2 Stars and a swirl
The Parent Panel on New Mummy's Tips


We have also been really pleased with the continuing success of the "Meet the Bumblejums" album on itunes and have been amazed by how far and wide the music seems to have reached :) Gardening continues to lead the charts, being our most popular song. We thought we's post this little % chart to show you where the audience is coming from as we found it fascinating!

There have also been kind messages and enquiries from a number of countries about how the music is fitting with Environmental messages in the classroom. This is a real thrill as it shows examples of where the music is being used for the purpose it was originally intended, which is to engage children in the wonder of nature and the outdoors. Here's one from Australia;

"Hi

I have just found your cd on itunes and love it. I am an early childhood teacher in Australia and we are doing gardening/ the environment as our theme, so the cd fitted perfectly.

Taryn, Perth"

As a footnote to this post, I am pleased to say that the Bumblejums have begun to rub off on me their creator in that I have, after years of threatening to do so, started a vegetable patch of my own in the back garden! I  look to forward to eating the fruits of my labour over the coming weeks and months as we enter the harvest season! I have to say it's harder work than it looks but highly rewarding :)

Have a great summer...

Bumblejums Interview Broadcast on Canadian College Radio Station

Following some airplay "Gardening" received in Cananda on World Water Day back in April, Gardening is now our most downloaded track on itunes. We were also recently invited to guest on a show about Raising Global Citizens and of course we jumped at the chance!

An inspirational lady by the name of Wendy McDonnell hosts the Family Matters show on CFRU 93.3 FM which is a weekly show whose listenership comprises mainly families, eco-aware parents, teachers and staff within the college and local areas around Guelph, Ontario and anyone who has access to the internet!

The broadcast is available to listen to on the Family Matters site here and you can read more about Wendy on her site.

Wendy McDonnell
Certified Family Communciations Coach &
Host of Family Matters on CFRU 93.3FM

The interview covers the inspiration for the Bumblejums and discussion around leading by example as parents. We discuss how spending more time in the great outdoors with our children can instill a sense of respect and respnsibility towards the environment, something the Bumblejums agree wholeheartedly with.

"Meet the Bumblejums" recommended in Early Years Educator Magazine.

The Bumblejums have received an enouraging review in the May issue of ‘The Early Years Educator’ (EYE), the number one magazine for educators of 0-5’s.

“This is an ideal eco-friendly resource and will appeal to children and eco-aware parents, early years practitioners and teachers.”
Denise Reardon.

Denise is the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) Programme Director at Canterbury Christchurch University. She has published several highly regarded books about the importance of EYPS, covering meeting EYP standards and highlighting ways to model, support and promote good outcomes for children.

You can read more about Denise Reardon on her website. The Magazine is available on subscription at the EYE website and the May edition book review listing here.

2009 - The year of the Bumblejums!

We've been away a while and with good reason.. some of the Bumblejums team have been busy moving country and having babies! And here we are...2009. Happy New Year!

Over the next few months we hope to update the website, we've been busy recording some new music and there have been some exciting discussions about where else the Bumblejums might appear.. watch this space for updates!

Oliver and Mike have been doing some more great work designing some new characters which we should be able to unveil soon.

Here's some of the finished bedroom shots - Jon and Jo. They look like they'll be comfy and snug!

Jon's Room

Jo's Room

Also we now have a myspace so feel free to check us out for new songs which should be appearing before too long. www.myspace.com/thebumblejums

Have a Bumblejum 2009!

And so it begins...

Well, after much hard work by each and every Halibonian, we are finally ready!

The doors are open, the curtain is up, the fanfare is playing and the lights are on. Halibo is now ready for its first vistors. We hope you enjoy your visit and tell your all friends! Bear in mind however, that the journey is just beginning...

As you discover more about Halibo, you will find that there there is more to this land that meets the eye. Over time the story will unfold so be sure and register to keep up to date with the adventures of the Bumblejums!

http://www.bumblejums.com/

See you soon,

Halibonian

Introducing Bumble Jon.

Jon has been changing his looks slightly of late.. his hair has grown so it looks more like grass. Deep down however he's the same earthy character. Jon is the big brother of the family, the wise one who knows what's best for the trees, plants and flowers. With just a touch, he can bring flowers to bloom and vegetables to their juciest. Jon is happiest when he's in the garden and loves being in his vegetable patch!

Good to have someone around who ensures there is always fresh food on the table!

Jon's skills do not end there however, he is the creator of the "Energina", Halibo's first waste to energy machine. All the garden and household waste goes in one side and out the other comes fuel pellets! Very handy for the fireplace and with clean blue flames there's no danger of harmful smoke polluting Halibo.

So who Are the Bumblejums...?

Ever wondered if there is anyone looking out for us, looking out for the world? Someone to keep an eye and make sure we treat the world with respect? Someone to help us understand why it's important to be responsible towards the environment?

Well that's where the Bumblejums come in.. and who they are.

The Bumblejums are Guardians of the Environment, a family, a team, friends. They work together and play together and they know the value of treating the environment with respect.

They live in a little cottage deep in Dandy forest in the land of Halibo. Each character has a special power linked to nature and uses their power for good. Goodness knows they are needed for there are things afoot which sometimes need a little intervention!

We'll meet them all soon, but let's meet Bumble Jo first.



Jo looks after the water, keeps it clean and makes sure it's not wasted. We all need clean water to drink. The plants and flowers need it to grow. They need a drink too! She is the big sister of the family and keeps the others in line when chores need doing! You can be sure that Jo is always there for advice, when there is a problem to solve, Jo will know what to do!

Where is Halibo?

Picture a land of lush forest, flowing rivers, magical animals and friendly creatures.. a place where nature comes first and everyone plays a part in making sure things work in harmony. Oh.. and it's nestled among the clouds where there is a perfect pink sunset everyday!

You've found Halibo..

High up above you and me is a land where the residents respect their surroundings. Wind farms, Water Mills & Solar fields, are all in a days work... It's not all work however. It's also a place where you're likely to meet an assortment of fun, unusal and friendly little creatures. They work together and then spend time enjoying their world.

Sounds idyllic? Well it is .. but, there are other parts to this world where things are not quite as well run....

Kids of all ages can find their way to Halibo and maybe even become an honorary Halibonian...!

Visit soon..