The Bee Who Spoke: The Wonderful World of Belle and the Bee

by Al MacCuish, Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrations)

In The Bee Who Spoke, we are introduced to Belle, an adventurous and inquisitive eleven-year-old girl who lives in Paris. For her summer vacation, she travels with her family to the Ardeche countryside to visit her grandparents. When she arrives she is given a bicycle so that she may explore the glorious outdoors. Belle sets out riding and, being bold and ever curious, ventures farther and farther from her grandparent s house. Suddenly, disaster strikes: Belle falls from her bicycle and realizes that she is lost. Fortunately, she is found and befriended by a talking bee, who, while guiding Belle safely back to her grandparent s house, introduces her to the plants and animals that are around her and calmly and wisely describes the beauty that can be found in nature. Belle sees the world with fresh eyes and knows that she will never see the environment around her in the same way. With its engaging story, beautiful illustrations, and environmental theme, the story of Belle and the Bee will enchant and entertain young readers and spur their curiosity about nature."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 9, 2014

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is a bit odd, but the illustrations are whimsical and fun, and there’s a sweet message.

[Srishti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bee Who Spoke - The wonderful world of Belle and the bee
by Al MacCuish
review by Lila H., 8, Central Pennsylvania Mensa
An amazing adventure in nature!

This fiction book is a very fun book about a little girl who lives in the city of Paris and likes to go on adventures. She always takes along her most treasured possessions, things to help her remember her fun times. One day, she goes to visit her grandparents who live outside of the city. They always give her a special present and this time they gave her a bicycle. When she rides her bike, she falls off and meets a talking bee! The bee teaches her about nature and helps her get back home. Who wouldn't want to learn about nature from a talking bee?! I had fun learning about the different foods that bees help produce, too.

I think other readers would really like this book because it teaches them about nature in a very colorful, interesting way. I related to Belle because her and I are very similar. We both love nature, adventures and I wish I could talk to a bee.


This book has interesting facts, beautiful illustrations, and a list of foods bee help produce.I love this book! I think children of all ages, boys & girls, would enjoy this book. I would give it 5 stars! (or 10!)

Review by Young Mensan Lila H., age 8, Central Pennsylvania Mensa

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable. I was drawn to the illustrations and the setting at the beginning of the book: Montmartre. This is a lovely story about a city girl who has an adventurous spirit and becomes one with nature over summer break. It's a beautiful tribute to bees (and animals of all kinds) and just how important they are in the circle of life. I loved this.

A few favorites from the book:
"La nature est bien faite," said the bee, proudly.
Belle gave a quizzical look,
"A place and a purpose for everything - that's the beauty of nature," said the bee.

"But the city wasn't jealous: for every tree in its gardens, every bird in its fountains and parks, and every flower in every window box was part of a grand scheme.

Belle understood that this scheme is simply life itself. And that we people are but a part of it.

:)

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Every day at sunrise, she would check her tires, sharpen her pencils, polish her magnifying glass and head off into the countryside.”
An observant Parisian girl spends her summer in the country with a talking bee as her tour guide. Blue bike, green trees, a yellow sun, and flowers of every hue breeze through this longer book for slightly older kids.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wee ones would squirm through this text-heavy tale of an inquisitive girl who discovers the magic of nature, but older readers would be delighted by Belle's adventures and the simplicity of the artwork.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no problems with this book.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true magic of this book is weaved into its illustrations. The story is so-so, but even just flipping through and looking at the pictures is a treat all on its own.

[Jahmeliasmithyahoo.Ccom]

its good