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Bee Helpful

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For Sunny Bee, being truly helpful means going anywhere and everywhere. When his beautiful sunflower friend Myah becomes very ill, Sunny travels to the “far side of the hills” seeking help. Faced with a series of challenges including a raging storm, large spiders, or even the intimidating Grandfather Oak, Sunny’s dedication never wavers! (ages 4 - 8) See more at SunnyBeeBooks.com.

42 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2014

7 people are currently reading
442 people want to read

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J.W. Edwards III

5 books17 followers

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5 stars
27 (67%)
4 stars
7 (17%)
3 stars
5 (12%)
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0 (0%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for AJourneyWithoutMap.
791 reviews80 followers
March 20, 2014
Bee Helpful by J.W. Edwards III is the third book in the Sunny Bee series but the first to be published. Other books in the series are slated to be published later this year. Designed primarily for children in the age group 4 - 8, this fabulous heart-warming colorful book with a powerful message will be greatly cherished by young readers.

Bee Helpful is a stunning children’s book full of adorable and memorable characters. The main character is a honey bee, Sunny, who lives in northern California with his friends. Friendly and helpful, the book is largely about his adventure as he seeks help for his best friend Myah, a golden yellow sunflower who is sick. Another important character in the story is Grandfather Oak, who is a very large and old oak tree.

J.W. Edwards III admits that this children's picture story book, Bee Helpful, was for his youngest son Elijah to convey and demonstrate the intrinsic human values and qualities of trust, courage, determination, kindness, love, friendship, strength and faith. Though the lessons incorporated within the story are not in plain writing, children will have the ability to grasp the meanings therein. The story of Sunny Bee will teach children to stay encouraged and keep on keeping on. What is delightfully splendid about the book is the ingenuity with which different colors are used for different characters. This will appeal to young readers as they will easily be able to discern the speaker.

Beautifully illustrated by Somnath Chatterjee, this amazing children’s book Bee Helpful will find a place in the hearts of little children all over the world.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,224 reviews206 followers
April 20, 2018
Bee Helpful (Sunny Bee Books Book 3) by J.W. Edwards III
Very colorful children's book, a fairytale of sorts. It's hard to read some of the words as they are black on dark backgrounds.
Sunny the bee meets lots of different beautiful flowers as she tries to heal them by giving them water. Many others help also. Very dark pictures towards the end.
Love how they all help.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,298 reviews
August 27, 2018
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
10 reviews
April 18, 2018
A touching story that remind us of what it means to be a friend. This story has ignite a fire in me to be a true friend always. Thanks for the reminder.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,822 followers
February 20, 2014
Friendship and Perseverance

JW Edwards III is a software engineer who is devoting his available hours at home in Northern California to writing children's books (he is the father of three). This is his initial offering and for a debut children's novel this book is well constructed, thoroughly entertaining, and beautifully illustrated by artist Somnath Chatterjee.

Sunny is a little bee whose best friend is Myah the sunflower. One day Myah is drooping and sad, losing a petal at a time due to lack of water. Sunny is determined to save Myah and he attempts to recruit the help form his fellow bee friends: they laugh and mock him saying bees cannot carry water. He encounters a frog who also laughs at his goal and Sunny falls off the frog's lily pad into the water. A friendly turtle rescues him and offers to carry water to Myah, but as a tortoise he is far too slow to make the journey work. The turtle advises Sunny to seek advice from nature - nature being Grandfather Oak in the woods beyond. Sunny finds Grandfather Oak and asks for water for Myah. While at first the Oak dismisses Sunny's pleas, Sunny's perseverance results in the Oak creating a rainstorm and Sunny starts back to where Myah is waiting. He falls asleep in the storm only to be awakened by a hungry spider whose threats to Sunny are thwarted by a falling caterpillar. Sunny eventually returns to Myah with the falling rainwater and both friends are happy - due to Sunny's diligence and perseverance.

In this warmly entertaining and colorful adventure story JW Edwards III offers not only a tale children will enjoy, but also lessons they will seek to imitate - caring, friendship, diligence and perseverance. This is a very fine debut novel by a caring and involved writer.
Profile Image for Becca.
219 reviews116 followers
May 28, 2014
Bee Helpful by J.W. Edwards III is the third book in the Sunny Bee series but this one is the first to be published. The other books in the series are scheduled to be published later this year. This book is geared towards the age group of children from 4-8, which made it the perfect review for me to do with my 6 year old son. He is getting to the age where he has a desire to read and wants to learn more and more how to read. I hope that this stays this way because I would love to have another reader of books to escape in my family. This book is so colorful and inviting that it wasn’t hard to get my son to sit down and look at it with me. It has a great message for younger readers and characters that they will relate to and that parents will find completely adorable.
Sunny, a honey bee, is the main character and lives with friends in California. This book is all about adventure as he tries to help his friend, Myah. Myah is a golden sunflower who is sick. There is one more character that will stand out to you and that is the Grandfather Oak. It was fun that the lessons and messages were told through these characters. My son was intrigued by Sunny and his quest to help Myah. This book will instill values in your children such as trust, courage, kindness and friendship. The lessons that are featured are not straight forward. The children will pick them up, but it won’t be like a lecture from their parents. They will learn them through the actions of the characters. This was a great book and the colored pages were a hit with my son. This book will be one that your little one will enjoy and parents will love.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Rekha Seshadri.
32 reviews14 followers
July 25, 2014
How far would you go to help a friend? All the way to the place beyond the hills?
Sunny Bee does this and more. In doing so he teaches useful lessons in friendship, confidence, kindness, and faith to both young and adult readers.

Sunny loves his best friend Myah, the sunflower. When the beautiful flower starts wilting under the hot sun, Sunny is worried enough to fly off in search of precious water. A few droplets from the nearby lake isn't enough to quench her thirst. This prompts him to set off on a journey to get her more water. His bee friends refuse to help him, and a frog that he encounters on the trip mocks his efforts. Undeterred he carries on, and meets up with a knowledgeable turtle who helps him seek Grandfather Oak.

Does he meet the Great Oak tree and is his little wish granted? Will his friend fade away before he returns or will he enjoy a potluck dinner? The book chronicles his journey and adventures with beautiful illustrations and expressive words. Life's lessons aren't preached out loud but subtly brought forward through puny Sunny and his great deeds.

The illustrations are vibrant, colourful and perfect for a children's book. I love the fact that the author, James Edwards, frequently uses multisyllabic words - slightly difficult for younger kids - rather than keep the narration simple. My four-year-old nephew loves to learn new words and their meanings, and I presume; so do other kids.

There is enough depth in the short tale to keep little ones engrossed. The five star says it all. This book is like candy - short and sweet.
Profile Image for Laura DeLuca.
Author 44 books2,703 followers
February 14, 2014
Bee Helpful is an adorable story about a little bee named Sunny and his friend the sunflower named Myah. When Myah is wilting because she has no water, Sunny sets out to help her. He tries to carry water back from the lake, but he's not big enough. He asks his bee friends to help and then a frog, but they only laugh at him. A turtle wants to help, but he moves too slow to make it in time. Finally, Sunny turns to the Great Oak, an ancient tree in the service of Mother Nature. He asks for Mother Nature to make water, but the Great Oak tells him he can't interfere. Sunny refuses to give up and eventually the Great Oak is so moved by his love for his friend, he tells Sunny he will ask Mother Nature to make it rain. All should be well, but the road back to Myah is wrought with danger. He runs into a tree and is stalked by a spider. Will the rain come in time to save Myah and even if it does, will Sunny get back to her in one piece?

Bee Helpful is a wonderful children's book with beautiful illustrations. The story is fast-paced and fun and the characters are endearing. I especially loved the inclusion of Mother Nature and the wise old oak as this resonates with my earth-based spiritual path. My children all enjoyed the story. As stated in the description it's perfect for kids ages 4-8.
Profile Image for Valerie.
41 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own. They may differ from your thoughts and opinions.

This book was too cute!! I loved it and my kiddos loved it! Its a cute story with many morals to it for kiddos to learn from. The colors and the pictures are vibrant and super cute. My kiddos loved looking at the pictures. Bee Helpful is a heart warming story about being a great friend, determination, and courage. A great moral that no matter how small you are with courage and determination you can do anything you put your mind to. It also teaches to help one another no matter the challenges that are presented to you. My kiddos fell in love with Sunny Bee and his braveness and courage that he showed through out the story. It also teaches that no matter your race or species you can be great friends with some one. It teaches about the qualities of friendship, faith in yourself and others as well. My kiddos and I have read this book many times since we received it. Great job to the author on this book and I cant wait to read more books from him! This book gets a 5/5 from myself as well as my kiddos!
Profile Image for Kristin.
527 reviews20 followers
May 16, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Normally, I don't review little children's books like these. However, I have two daughters right in that age range where I thought they may like it. I did read it ahead of time to make sure there was an appropriate message in the book. I completely fell in love with little Sunny Bee. He was so adorable and such an awesome friend, showing that true friendship means you go above and beyond to help your friends, even when the going is difficult and people scoff at your efforts.
I had my eight year old read the book to me afterwards, and the only complaint she had was that the font was too small on the Kindle (we have a regular Kindle, not a Fire), she had difficulty reading it. There was no way of increasing the font, without destroying the pictures too. Perhaps the author will look into increasing the font size for little eyes.
My five year old loved the pictures. At this age though, its not a book they can read by themselves, its definitely an older reader book. I'm still hoping to see my older one read it to my younger one.
Profile Image for N B.
104 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2016
This is a sweet children's story. Sunny Bee is good friends with Myah the Sunflower. Myah is not feeling well and in need of water. Sunny tries to bring her some but finds he can barely carry a drop. So Sunny keeps getting more creative in the methods he thinks of to try to get water to her. He goes to further far away places in search of the water that can save Myah.
There is a HEA, but not after multiple attempts by Sunny and some little bit scary adventures he gets into with other creatures he encounters. The story definitely keeps your interest. The pictures are gorgeous and colorful. This is a very inviting book.
It also has some meaningful lessons for a child. The importance of friends, trying to do good for others, perseverance.
Unfortunately, sometimes in real life, no matter what we do, the sick friend or relative won't recover. But that's a topic for another book. This book is inspiring just the way it is.
Profile Image for Rae Ryans.
Author 8 books176 followers
May 12, 2014
My DD (3) and my DS (8) read this book together and enjoyed the colorful artwork and the sweet story. Typically I allow my kids to review any products geared toward them, but I have a secret love for children's books. The story here painted a beautiful story about doing the right thing no matter what. It's a lesson kids can use and apply, but it's portrayed in such a vivid and colorful way that kids can relate to. A family favorite and one kids will ask to read again.

The illustrations were beautiful. The bright colors painted across each page and matched the story as if the illustrator was inside the mind of the author. I was surprised to see they were two different people, but couldn't write a review and not mention the whimsical and bright style.
Profile Image for Alan Taylor.
47 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I read this to my 2 younger children over a couple of nights and they really enjoyed the story. There is a very strong message and lesson within the story which was picked up on and I think this is written in such a way that the children do not really realise they are learning, but do certainly pick up on it.

The illustrations are beautiful too and I particulary like the way the dialogue is in a different colout to the main text and also coloured according to the character.

A definate 5 stars.
Profile Image for Susan D. Hansen.
8 reviews
February 26, 2014
What a lovely little book for little people!

Bee Helpful is the story of a bee and a sunflower who are great friends. When a calamity befalls the sunflower, the bee is quick to look for solutions. On the way, he feels love, sadness, frustration, loneliness, despair, and at last, satisfaction.

Young pre-readers and early readers will learn about problem solving and compassion, and will see through the little bee's experience that sometimes sacrifices have to made to help the ones we love.

This is a perfect book for small hands and would make a great addition to any child's library.
Profile Image for Carole P. Roman.
Author 69 books2,202 followers
August 24, 2014
Bee Helpful is a heart warming story of loyalty and friendship. Sunny Bee is enjoying the day until he comes across his good friend Myah. She is in trouble, drooping and in need of water. The helpful Bee attempts to bring water, and despite many drawback, he perseveres to such a point that he is put in peril. A spider want to eat him! He is able to escape, and rejoin all his friends. Nice lesson in dedication and friendship, as well as never giving up. Bright and colorful illustrations to go with story.
Profile Image for Amy.
175 reviews23 followers
May 21, 2014
I received a free copy for an honest review.

I loved it. Everything from the story to the illustrations. This is a great book. And what's even better is my 4 yr old who never sits still also loved it. She of course was more interested in the pictures but sat still while I read to her. An awesome book that I recommend to all parents for their kids.
Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
5,004 reviews1,411 followers
February 18, 2015
Downloaded for free from AMazon.co.uk

This was an okay story, but it was quite long for a 4-year-old. My little boy found the part with the spider trying to eat the fly quite scary, and I found the picture of the spider quite scary myself!
Profile Image for Crystal.
244 reviews
January 13, 2014
Very nice little book with beautiful illustrations. It is full of wonderful lessons for children. This is one that is nice to read aloud to the little ones.
Profile Image for Mandi.
86 reviews
February 21, 2014
I received a copy of this as a goodreads giveaway.
Outstanding children's book, beautifully illustrated! Highly recommended.
91 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2014
thanks to goodreads for the preview copy

I read this with my young nephew who loved it, well written with great artwork plus some great lessons

100% recommended
2,511 reviews13 followers
August 27, 2016
Entered the giveaway for a book to give to my grandchildren. I fell in love with it after reading it myself. Wonderful children's book. Can't wait to get the others.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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