Barnaby

**Barnaby Bumblebee**  is one of the six main characters in Lu & the Bally Bunch.

## Personality

*From the 9 Story Media Group website:*

*"Barnaby is a happy, sensitive bumblebee who’s still learning about personal boundaries."*

Barnaby is a joyful three-and-a-half-year-old bumblebee who loves to show affection to the world around him, whether it's offering some advice (Lu's New Shoes), giving one of his signature hugs, or simply playing with them. At the same time, Barnaby is still learning about personal boundaries and how to adhere to them. In Bug Hugs he struggles to understand why some of his friends, including Elodie and Gus, don't enjoy the same hugs as he does.

Under this happy demeanor lies a sensitive side that can easily be unleashed in the midst of distressing situations. Barnaby gets jealous easily, as seen in What if I Can't, where he envied Declan for being able to do a perfect roly-poly, and Green Eyed Birthday Monster where he was upset that Aidan and Lola took the spotlight over his present to Biba.

Barnaby tends to react in sadness instead of anger, as seen in A Twig's Tale where instead of getting angry at Lu for breaking his beloved twig Twiggy, he immediately started to cry in grief. Although he is not the one to lash out at others first, if provoked, he can get quite angry. In Counting Spaghetti, he got increasingly frustrated as Lu tried to get revenge over his accidental ruining of her picture.

Barnaby takes his role as a big brother to the baby twins Aidan and Lola seriously. He gives his big-brother advice to his friends on multiple occasions (Green Eyed Birthday Monster and A New Pet). This protective nature also extends to loyalty over his friends, such as when he aided Elodie on her quest to build a replica of her father's horsefly stables in Horsefly Jumps and worked hard to learn how to do the huggy catch in I Can Catch.

## Relationships

### Lu

Lu and Barnaby, both being a bit oblivious at times, tend to argue and get angry with each other when misunderstandings arise. One example of this is in Cupcake Surprise when Lu was quick to blame Barnaby for the secret of cupcakes for snack being shared to everyone. In the same episode, after the true intentions were revealed, she was quick to apologize, showing the caring side of their relationship as well.

### Declan

Barnaby and Declan are good friends who frequently have playdates together. Barnaby will occasionally be irritated by Declan's antics (Gotcha!, Power Flower) but is usually the first bug to forgive Declan when he finally fesses up to his wrongdoings.

### Biba

Barnaby and Biba can be seen playing together in episodes such as Lu's New Shoes and I Can Catch. They don't interact much, but when they do it's always in good spirits.

### Elodie

Barnaby and Elodie are good friends. Barnaby assists Elodie in building the horsefly ranch in Horsefly Jumps and plays with her in I Can Catch.

### Gus

Gus and Barnaby don't interact much, but when they do, it's always in good spirits. Barnaby helped Gus find inspiration for his rocket ship in Spotty Rocket and was the first one to feel bad for Gus and his fear of loud noises in Vacuumasarus. Gus can also be seen mimicking Barnaby's dance moves in the same episode.

## Physical Description

Barnaby is a three-year-old bumblebee who has yellow skin and antennas. He wears a orange striped shirt along with dark orange pants and orange sneakers. His wings are a clear color.

## Appearances

Barnaby appears in every episode except:

* Elevator Play Date
* Wibble Blobs
* Play With Me!
* Goodbye Rain Boots
* The Long Goodbye
* Squeaky Squid
* Mon Ami Celeri
* Lu's Decision
* Bike Ride
* When Bugs Cry
* Elodie Wants to Decide
* Swim Class
* Boat Trip
* Home School Day
* New Library Book
* Grow Lines
* Packing for France

## Trivia

* Barnaby was the first character to cry in the series.
* Barnaby's last name is disputed in the series; According to RTE, his last name is bumblebee, but in What if I Can't, his mother refers to him as simply Barnaby Bee.

## Sources

1. ↑ https://www.rte.ie/kids/2023/1127/1418730-lu-and-the-bally-bunch-these-little-bugs-are-big-fun/
2. ↑ Lu and the Bally Bunch: These little bugs are big fun! (rte.ie)