If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe

by Cynthia Mackey, Vikki Zhang (illustrator)

A thoughtful tale of mindfulness and our interconnectedness with nature.
The story delves into how we can embrace our fears and uncertainties through a deeper understanding of the creatures around us. It highlights the delicate yet profound bond we share with even the smallest beings, like a bumblebee. Through engaging narrative and stunning visuals, the book teaches children to appreciate the natural world and find peace in moments of fear.

A charming and insightful read written by Cynthia Mackey and illustrated by the award-winning illustrator Vikki Zhang, perfect for young minds learning to navigate their emotions and the environment they inhabit.

"A lovely, lyrical text that explores the connection between our emotions and the natural world. It shows the littlest readers how to face unexpected situations with bravery, mindfulness and self-reflection. The stunning illustrations will have readers coming back to look for new surprising delights on every page." - Anna Lazowski, author of Dark Cloud, senior producer, CBC radio

"If a stunningly, poetically, and beautifully perfect picture book lands in your inbox, what do you do? If you're me, you thank goodness this lyrical delight will soon land everywhere. You thank goodness you were somehow deemed worthy of a sneak peek. And you thank goodness you get to sing its praises to the moon and back before a cavalcade of others join the glowing chorus." - Troy, Wilson, author of Hat Cat

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

Cynthia Mackey is a children's author and her poetry appears in The Dirigible Balloon and Little Thoughts Press, Hit the Road magazine. Her debut picture book, If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe is set for publication with Yeehoo Press in 2025. She was mentored by highly acclaimed Canadian author, Jean E. Pendziwol. With a Bachelor of Education degree, Cynthia is a nature preschool educator. She works to bring elements of joy, playfulness, and social-emotional learning to her writing. For more information, visit her website at booksbycindy.com

Reviews

[Michelle Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeously illustrated book can turn a potentially frightening situation—a bee landing on your toe—into something courageous and magical. It would be a great bedtime read-aloud because it reads like a poem and is full of beautiful descriptive metaphors that children can envision as they drift off to sleep.

[Sheryl McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s spring, the flowers are blooming, the grass is green (or soon to be depending on where you live) and the bees are buzzing…Oh no! What can you do If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe!

This lyrical new picture book by B.C. author, Cynthia Mackey, with exquisite illustrations by Vikki Zhang offers playful suggestions to help your little ones calm fears and feel confident in nature when encountering the unexpected.


Pretend you are freeze dancing
and the music stopped.

Breathe.
SI-owwww-ly,
like a garden snail
Inching under a daisy on a rainy day.

Mackey’s rich imagery combines perfectly with Zhang’s delicate and detailed artwork. The design team has gone above and beyond, using varied font style, size and placement to enhance the text and lead the reader through lush illustrations. The resulting visual feast will appeal to both children and their adults who will be asked to read this highly recommended picture book again and again.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, poetic adventure that will leave you feeling brave and courageous. Gorgeous words by Mackey paired with unique illustrations by Zhang bring us into a lush world of curiosity and exploration.

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply BEAUTIFUL!

The lyrical text written by Cynthia Mackey invites readers to be brave, mindful, and calm instead of just reacting to what happens around them and they can't control. Through the pages, this book shows us how to deal with an unexpected situation (in this case what to do if a bumblebee lands on your toe) in a positive way. This is such a powerful message for young readers, especially in the stressful times we live in.

As for the illustrations, Vikki Zhang has done an outstanding job. The pages are full of magic, details and they truly took me to another world. I loved the colors and just how original the images are.

I really recommend this book for homes, libraries, and schools.

[Thushanthi Ponweera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Mackey's debut picture book is a loving ode to nature and the amazing bumblebees. Her playful and lyrical text coupled with Vikki Zhang's ethereal illustrations will draw readers in immediately, both young and old. Definitely include this in all your libraries for children to make them appreciate the sometimes unnoticed miracles of nature!

[Janet Bruins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute delight from start to finish. Love the gentle words and the gorgeous illustrations 👏👏👏

[Eline Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a bumblebee lands on your toe is a rich story that fascinates. The playful words and whimsical illustrations take you on a journey to a kind of bumblebee land with dancing characters.

I really loved that there was a lot tot see and your imagination is tinkered as soon as you turn over the first page. It’s almost like you’re tumbling in a fairytale kind of world where bumblebees are dancers. And you’re invited to participate in their beautiful dance through words, sounds, movement and dance.

The thoughtful chosen words feel very light and breezy to read. And the luscious illustrations reminded me of the jugendstil illustration style. The richness of this story makes it a wonderful book to use at children activities, or to dream along as a bedtime story.

Thanks for Picnic Heist for sending me an eArc in exchange for my honest review.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do if a bumblebee lands on your toe? Are you afraid?

With delicate lyrics and beautiful illustrations, this book brilliantly captures the sensation of overcoming one's fears of bumblebees and managing the situation with confidence and grace. It brings together ballet, ballrooms, instruments, and nature to create a stunning tableau that I just couldn't help but fall into. Truly, a work of art.

Much gratitude to Picnic Heist publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning book. Poetic, sweet, and with breathtaking, imaginative illustrations.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

With gentle, soothing, lyrical text and absolutely stunning visuals, IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE invites readers (of all ages!) to embrace mindfulness by channeling the calm of creatures, big and small. From a garden snail under a daisy to a chickadee who alights on a branch and a hibernating bear, Mackey encourages readers to pause and breathe, tapping into their brave and calm self.

This book is a beautiful way to remind readers that in a moment of panic and fear, there are ways to find stillness and peace by simply observing our surroundings…something I, too, could take note of! A perfect addition to any home or school library, this book offers a timeless lesson to be in the present moment.

[Helen Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Mackey’s gentle storytelling paired with Vikki Zhang’s exquisite illustrations makes this book a truly special experience for young readers. Through the eyes of a child and the quiet wisdom of a bumblebee, the story explores how fear and uncertainty can be softened by mindfulness and a deeper connection to the natural world.

This beautifully crafted tale encourages children to pause, observe, and find calm in the presence of even the tiniest creatures. It’s a heartfelt reminder that we are all connected, and that empathy and understanding can turn moments of fear into opportunities for growth. A lovely, meaningful read for families and educators alike.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating picture book shows children what to do if a bumblebee lands on their toe. How to act like a variety of animals -- a slow garden snail or a grazing giraffe -- to stay calm until the bee flies away. Through a variety of relaxing techniques and colourful, theatre-themed illustrations, young readers are swept into a whimsical world of ballet, tightrope walking and dancing within nature-filled scenes. This is truly a unique picture book and a joy to peruse.

[Donna Rossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Story of Mindfulness and Bravery. With lyrical skill, Cynthia Mackey connects us to all creatures, transforming fear into a magical adventure. Vikki Zhang’s captivating illustrations enchant and inspire the imagination. This magical story will be a children's favorite, read over and over.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful in every possible way - beautiful lyricism, beautiful illustrations, beautiful message!

[hyee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this ARC, I'll admit my immediate reaction was 'This isn't my cup of tea at all.' But books, like people, sometimes surprise you - and this one completely won me over.

You know how with children's books, I always look for that special 'message' from the author? At first glance, I couldn't find it here - I genuinely thought it was missing. But something kept pulling me back (thank goodness!), so I gave it another read... and suddenly everything clicked! The message had been there all along - I just needed to see it differently. I found personal wisdom in how it handles life's challenges - sometimes the best solution is simply to pause and breathe.

Final verdict? This book is pure magic! The illustrations? Absolute perfection - that vintage aesthetic is executed flawlessly, with every tiny detail thoughtfully crafted. And that wonderful line - 'Maybe next Wednesday you'll wiggle and squiggle' - still makes me smile every time I think about it.

A heartfelt thank you to Cynthia for this wonderful story, and Janet for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the publisher for sending me a free digital copy to review! This picture book is full of beautiful vintage artwork and lyrical writing. The artwork could be displayed on a wall. Very cute story. I highly recommend it!

[Casey Lyall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide to tackling a fear of bees, delivered with poetic whimsy and a very cool art style!

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations by Vikki Zhang. Each page is filled with dancers, musicians, animals, and more. Miss Mackey's story is energetic and filled with lots of movement from a calmness to happy dances. This is a fun bo0k that I can see a young, energetic child would love.

***This book (in the form of PDF) was sent to be in exchange for a fair review from Janet Bruins and Picnic Heist Publishing. ***

[Ellen Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this books to review and will do my best to give you an my honest opinion. I personaly loved the illustrations in this book. the pictures reminded me of a coloring book I have called the time chamber while its a coloring book it also has a story to go with it. The illustrations for this book were colorful and beautifuly drawn. As for the story it was nice and simple while not a bad story I wouldn't say anything really sttod out to me. I would defintly recoment this book and think it could be a good book to read to children

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and compelling picture book that provides children with mindful ways to react in tricky situations like if a bumblebee lands on their toe. This beautiful book is lyrically written with soothing, poetic language. The illustrations are gorgeously imaginative and sure to engage readers of all ages.

[Cedar Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astonishing, gorgeous, fanciful journey through the colorful emotions and thrilling trepidation that occur when a bumble bee lands on one's toe. Author Cynthia Mackey playfully suggests a "freeze dance" reaction of joyful noticing, a quiet observation of nature and self, and an internal reaction that is respectful of both human and bee. She does this in gentle, simple, lyrical language, in a way that leaves the reader feeling held and safe and awake to the world, on a wonderful adventure which naturally includes surprise, caution, and joy.

The lines of text zip around the page like a bee in flight. The art by Vikki Zhang provides an incredibly memorable and ornate story layer, one loaded with whimsy, beauty, and the visual equivalent of a musical buzz or bee's hum. It's almost impossible to describe, except that the world is pure magic when a bee rests on your toe, and when it flies away....well, the magic returns to the beholder. One of my favorite picture book endings ever. Young readers will love this, and so will older readers and those of every age who know what a special luck it is to connect with an animal, even if just for a moment.

[Joyce Uglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Mackey's gentle, rolling poetry in IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE will soothe readers with mindfulness strategies. Vikki Zhang's swirling artwork dances throughout with vivid pinks, yellows, and oranges delicately surrounding the poetry.

Young readers will see the surface level ways to remain calm and be brave if a bee is near. Older readers will easily grasp the possibilities to apply mindfulness in uncertain situations beyond bees. Using the bee as a stand-in for fear, Mackey's poems beautifully frame mindfulness strategies with nature such as "Wait, like a hibernating bear, asleep until spring."
I was fortunate to have been granted access to an advanced reader copy of this gorgeous book. Libraries will have a hard time keeping this stunning book on their shelves. I highly recommend IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE for libraries, parents, school counselors, and classroom teachers. Award worthy!

[Mary Helen Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to read an advanced copy of Cynthia Mackey’s IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE. Based on the title alone, I expected a silly, funny story of a child’s confrontation with a tiny bee!Instead, I was treated to a lyrical guide to emotions for young readers.

The engaging text asks readers to imagine what they will do if they find themselves in a bumblebee predicament, and has some suggestions: pretend to play freeze tag, or visualize themselves as a chickadee, snail, fox, giraffe and lion as they pause to decide how to handle the delicate encounter. These creative imaginings can also be considered a window to mindfulness, and a tool for handling other fears, or difficult emotions, encouraging children to pause and reflect before acting. A lovely story that also encourages respect for creatures of all kinds.

I need to mention the gorgeous, intricate illustrations by Vicky Zhang that add the feeling of an old-time fairytale, rich with layers of charm and gentle beauty.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeously illustrated picture book explores calm ways to respond when a bumblebee lands on you, instead of reacting with fear and panic. The book uses nature metaphors to describe different types of stillness and patience, and encourages kids to cultivate outer stillness and inner calm to help them navigate this situation. The life lesson, of course, extends to many other circumstances as well.

The book offers a gentle introduction to mindfulness, and the illustrations are absolutely stunning. The vintage-style art is full of intricate details, whimsical depictions of nature, and delightful fantasy elements. It's incredibly rare to see this classic, historical-inspired art style in modern children's books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This thoughtful, visually sumptuous picture book can appeal to all ages.

I received a free digital ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE, "a thoughtful tale of mindfulness and our interconnectedness with nature."
The richly detailed illustrations are very unique for a picture book, and readers will enjoy spending time looking closer, and closer, and closer. The charming text reminds readers that slowing down and noticing can be a way to stay calm when faced with the unknown. The story takes place in the moments between when a bee lands on your toe and when it flies away. The text suggests a freeze dance for the body while the mind experiences a beautiful ballet with of thoughts of nature. Mackey's lyrical text invites readers to manage the moment with quiet contemplation of the natural world until the fear, and the bee, are gone.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe is a gentle, poetic invitation to explore the natural world with curiosity and courage. Cynthia Mackey’s uplifting lyrical text—“Breathe. Sloooowly, like a garden snail inching under a daisy on a rainy day”—wraps readers in calm reassurance, turning moments of fear into opportunities for wonder. Paired with Vikki Zhang’s exquisite, nature-soaked illustrations and imaginative design, this book is a visual and emotional journey through blooming meadows and buzzing encounters. A lush, springtime adventure that encourages young readers (and the grown-ups reading with them) to slow down, look closely, and find beauty in the unexpected. A tender and thoughtful read for nature-loving little ones. — Andrea Koehle Jones, author of The Wish Trees

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who reads this book will be impressed with the poetic, lyrical text and the stunning illustrations that Vikki created for the book. Anyone who has had a bee land on them will identify with this story, and Children will want to learn what to do when and if a bumble bee lands on them. Parents will be happy to discover a book that will help their children face their fears and stay calm instead of reacting to what happens around them that they can't control.

Each gorgeous page is filled with a vast amount of detail that will keep kids opening the book over and over again. Little girls will love the beautiful gowns, the fairy, and the dancing ladies. The whole book is music to the ears and candy to the eyes.

[Aixa Perez-Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated lyrical book that taps into the idea that we can all be brave in the face of an unexpected challenge. The telling is imaginative and entertaining while the illustrations lend an aura of magic and mystery to the story as a whole. It is a lovely celebration of the strength we all have inside of us when we are thoughtful, reflective and creative as we approach situations in our lives that don't have easy answers. As a professor who emphasizes the value of reflection and critical thinking with learners of all ages, I find this book to be a thoughtful and enchanging addition to any home library or classroom.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thrilled when I’m surprised by the juxtaposition of illustration and text in picture books. In IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE, what could have been a more literal and expected interpretation of a poem about a child’s experience, becomes an extraordinary, fantastical journey inside a fleeting moment. But that journey is rooted in real childhood experiences. This book makes me want to have a bumblebee land on my toe, instead of avoid it. Or even just have one buzz by. This is a marvelous and memorable dance between text and illustration that will be a read aloud delight! And visual eye candy for kids who love examining illustrations for seek-and-find details.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are a work of stylized beauty. The words are gentle, telling in rhyming form about staying still like a frozen lake, or breathing slowly like a garden snail. Each line creates a new image to imagine and ponder. I love the idea of a book teaching ways to deal with a moment of unexpected stress. In this case if a bumble bee lands on your toe. I could easily see myself reading and discussing it with students who come to my library. And parents can read it with pre schoolers as well. Thank you to the publisher and author for a digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.

(5 Stars)