One Little Bee: Life Cycles
Usborne Life Cycles Series
What’s inside...
One Little Bee: Life Cycles is a children's book that explores the fascinating life cycle of a bee. Through the journey of one little bee, readers learn about the stages of development from egg to adult, the roles within the hive, and the importance of bees to our ecosystem. Follow the astonishing journey of a worker bee as she grows from an egg to a hungry larva and then, hidden from view, transforms into a hardworking bee. From the moment she chews her way out of her cell, she doesn't stop - first as a cleaner, builder, nanny, and guard bee, then as a honey producer and pollen collector. This inventive title, with its cleverly designed holes, will spark interest on every page. Specially written for little children, it is perfect for a first introduction to the truly spectacular wonders of nature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
14 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the life of a bee is like after reading this book?
How do bees help plants and flowers grow?
Why do you think bees are important to our environment?
Can you describe the different stages in a bee’s life that you learned from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to compare the bee’s lifecycle with that of another animal they know.
Help your child make connections to the natural world by discussing the role of bees in your own garden or local parks.
Foster empathy by speaking about the challenges bees face in their life and why it’s important to protect them.
Suggest drawing or crafting their own bee lifecycle chart based on the information from the book to reinforce learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding life cycles
Explanation: Through the journey of one little bee, children learn about the stages of life from birth to adulthood in the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids can observe plants, animals, and insects in their environment, recognizing the different stages of life and growth.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of nature
Explanation: The story illustrates how bees pollinate flowers and contribute to the ecosystem, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for the environment and can participate in activities like planting flowers or creating bee-friendly gardens.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The little bee faces various challenges but continues to thrive, teaching children about resilience in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to persist with difficult tasks at school or in their personal lives, understanding that overcoming challenges is part of growth.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The bee's journey sparks curiosity about the natural world, showcasing the joy of learning new things.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions and explore subjects that fascinate them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Contribution to community
Explanation: The book shows how the bee contributes to its environment, highlighting the value of each individual's contributions to their community.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to think about how they can contribute positively to their home, school, or local community.