The Bee Who Spoke: The Wonderful World of Belle and the Bee
What’s inside...
In The Bee Who Spoke, we follow the story of Belle, an eleven-year-old girl from Paris, who goes on a summer holiday to the Ardèche to visit her grandparents. Upon arrival, she is given a bicycle to explore the countryside. During one of her adventurous rides, Belle gets lost but luckily encounters a talking bee. The bee not only helps her find her way back but also introduces her to the local flora and fauna, teaching her about the harmony of nature. This enlightening experience changes Belle's perspective on the environment, and she returns to Paris with a newfound appreciation for nature, ready for more adventures. The book combines engaging storytelling with beautiful illustrations to captivate young readers and encourage them to explore the natural world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Belle learned from her adventure with the bee?
How do you think the bee felt when Belle helped him?
What might you do if you met a talking bee like in the story?
Why is it important to listen to what nature has to tell us?
How can we help bees and other insects in our own backyard?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own talking animal friend and ask what they would talk about.
Discuss the importance of bees in nature and relate it to the plants or flowers around your home.
After reading, go on a mini 'adventure' outdoors with your child to explore and discuss nature's wonders, similar to Belle's journey.
Connect the story's themes to real-life scenarios by asking how they might solve problems they encounter, similar to how Belle listens to the bee’s guidance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: In the story, the bee imparts wisdom about the importance of plants and animals in the ecosystem, showing Belle the interconnectedness of nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Belle’s adventure with the talking bee encourages her to ask questions and explore the world around her, highlighting the joy and importance of learning.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in explorative play and inquiry-based learning, essential skills for academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Courage in trying new things
Explanation: Belle shows bravery as she navigates unfamiliar territories with the bee, teaching children that it's okay to step out of their comfort zones.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing new experiences at school or in social settings, which can lead to personal development and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of listening
Explanation: The bee shares important messages that Belle listens to attentively, showing the value of listening to others, even if they are different from us.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to improve their listening skills with peers and adults, promoting better communication and understanding in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Belle and the bee work together to overcome obstacles, demonstrating the power of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in children's interactions with friends and classmates, teaching them the value of working together to achieve common goals.