It’s World Bee Day today!
It takes place every year on the 20th May and is the perfect opportunity to spread awareness and talk about how important bees are. Newsround on CBBC has some fantastic information to dig into and ideas on how you can encourage bees to pay your garden a little visit.
For younger children, what better way to introduce bee’s than a beautiful story like The Bumblebear by Nadia Shireen.
A touching story of friendship and acceptance that will leave children (and grownups) smiling all the way to their hearts.
Synopsis
“There’s a new bee at BEE SCHOOL, but something’s not quite right… That’s because Norman, the new bee, is actually a sneaky BEAR trying to trick the bees with the ultimate honey-grabbing plot. Will Norman get his paws on their HONEY? Or will he fulfil his true destiny – and become a Bumblebear?”
The story
The Bumblebear follows the super sweet story of Norman the bear who will do ANYTHING to get his paws on some delicious, sticky honey!
He comes up with a hilarious plan to dress up as a bee to join bee school and try to blend in. When questioned about how BIG he is, Norman confirms that he’s a special bee from giant bee land!
He’s warmly welcomed and accepted into the bee colony, until little Amelia realises that Norman is actually a bear! Ekk!!!
Poor Norman is asked to leave, but the lovable bear is sadly missed by all.
Despite being turned away from bee school, Norman chooses to stay loyal to his friends and comes to their rescue when another bear tries to destroy the hive. Quick thinking and kindness saves the hive and earns him a tasty reward and a new title. Good job Norman.
The Bumblebear by Nadia Shireen is an absolute delight to read out loud. The colourful illustrations are super sweet and lend to the feeling of bees being playful, happy little souls. Norman’s adventure starts off in quite a cheeky way, and we love how the story unfolds to reveal just how wonderfully kind he actually is.
Little Button absolutely adored this book from the moment I first read it all those years ago. And actually, as it’s sat on my desk, she’s just picked it up now for another indulgent read.
Enjoy!
The Bumblebear by Nadia Shireen is published by Penguin UK Books and available from good bookstores.
WILD is now out in Spanish!
WILD – Our debut children’s picture book
Dad blogger Ross Good from The Stented Papa is the official storyteller for WILD!
Happy book birthday WILD!
I love bees! And the images in this book are gorgeous. I bet Freddie would love to read it. X #MischiefAndMemories
The Bumblebear looks super cut#mischiefandmemories@_karendennis
We all need help learning to be friends!
That looks cute! Something about bees! The yellow and stripes I guess? #Mischiefandmemories
Sounds a lovely read and cute pictures x #mischiefandmemories
Looks like a great children’s book – I love the bright illustrations #mischiefandmemories
That looks like such a lovely book. I love the illustrations and the concept of a bear enrolling in bee school to try and get his paws on some honey. #MischiefandMemories
Ohh I LOVE this book – I read it to my Reception class the other day! 🙂 #mischiefandmemories
This is one of the faves in this house. I think one of the boys were given it as I don’t remember buying it, but it is very well read at this stage #MischiefandMemories
Love the big bold illustrations! I’m noticing lots of picture books at the moment featuring bees which can only be a good thing #mischiefandmemories