The Bee Who Couldn't Fly
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This enchanting tale follows Bella, a young bee who is determined to fly despite her struggles. With the help of her friends and a touch of magic, Bella learns not only how to soar but also valuable lessons about perseverance and self-belief. Bernie Bee feels like a failure because she can't fly. However, when her home and friends are in danger, Bernie discovers that she has what truly counts, which is courage.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the bee couldn't fly at first, and how did you feel about it?
What do you think the bee learned by the end of the story?
How did the other characters in the book help the bee?
Can you think of a time when you needed help from others? What happened?
What would you do if you were a character in the story and met the bee?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more engaging and to help distinguish between the characters.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the bee is feeling or what they think will happen next.
Relate the story to your child's personal experiences by asking if they've ever felt like the bee and discussing what they did in that situation.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the bee, fostering creative thinking.
After reading, reinforce themes of perseverance and teamwork by relating them to real-life examples and discussing their importance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story revolves around a bee who, despite being unable to fly, never gives up trying. Through her relentless efforts and creative problem-solving, she eventually finds her own unique way to soar.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties and trying different methods when faced with challenges, reinforcing that failure can lead to innovative solutions.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The bee in the story comes to accept her differences and recognizes her own strengths. This helps her gain confidence and respect from others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their individuality and recognize that their unique traits make them special, boosting their self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Helping others
Explanation: Throughout the book, other insects offer help to the bee, which shows the value of community support and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of helping others in need, promoting empathy and community involvement from an early age.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The bee's journey to flight involves creative thinking and experimenting with unconventional methods.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to think creatively in problem-solving, applying imagination to overcome obstacles in their lives by thinking outside the box.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the bee maintains her spirit and determination, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain resilient and hopeful, even when faced with difficulties, and that perseverance often leads to success.