The Bumblebear
on Goodreads (237)
What’s inside...
There’s a new bee at Bee School. But that bee is not a bee. . . . It’s a Bear! Cheeky, sneaky Norman has a cunning plot to trick the bees and steal their honey. In his best bee onesie, Norman makes quite a convincing bee—but how long will his disguise last? And when the hive is endangered can he finally discover his true destiny and become The Bumblebear?
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Norman
Amelia
Discussion points
What do you think Bumblebear learned about making friends?
How do you think the other bears felt when they found out Bumblebear was a bee?
Why do you think Bumblebear wanted to go to bee school?
What would you do if you were in Bumblebear’s situation?
How important is it to be honest with our friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, which can help your child understand the emotions and motivations of each character.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at crucial points to maintain engagement and encourage critical thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they have ever felt like they didn’t fit in and how they managed that feeling.
Discuss the value of honesty and integrity in friendships, drawing parallels between the story and real-life situations.
Encourage your child to talk about their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'The Bumblebear', Norman the bear cleverly disguises himself as a bee to make new friends and learn about life as a bee. His differences eventually come to light, but the bee community learns to accept and appreciate his unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the differences in others around them and understand that everyone has unique qualities that make them special.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Norman’s initial decision to disguise himself puts him in tricky situations. However, when his true identity is revealed, Norman's honesty about his intentions helps to resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being honest and the positive outcomes that truthfulness can lead to in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: Despite being a bear, Norman shows courage by exploring the world of bees. His adventurous spirit is a central theme in the book.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and explore new activities or make new friends, helping them to grow and learn more about themselves and the world.
Example Lesson: Resolving Misunderstandings
Explanation: The bees initially react with alarm to Norman's true identity but they come together to resolve misunderstandings and accept him. This part of the story highlights healthy conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of discussing their problems openly and finding peaceful solutions to misunderstandings with peers.