Buzzy the bumblebee

by Denise Brennan-Nelson, Michael Glenn Monroe (Illustrator)

Sitting in a beautiful garden, high atop a flower, the impressionable Buzzy reads in the book, Learn to Fly, the very true fact that, "Bumblebees weren't made to fly." He reads again, "Bumblebees weren't made to fly." "Stranded on top of a flower/ Buzzy longed to fly away./ His heart still knew how/ But his head had forgotten the way." The adventure that ensues challenges Buzzy to overcome obstacles without his wings that he had never before thought possible. He travels over the stream and through the high grass, back home where his parents with love and support tell him, "You're doubting yourself./ Fear is in the way./ Listen to your heart Buzzy/ Not what others say./ Ignore labels and limits Buzzy./ They seldom do good./ You start to think, 'I Can't,'/ when you should be thinking, 'I Could.'" Its vibrant illustrations and clear, thoughtful message make Buzzy the Bumblebee a motivating and heartwarming story for all ages. "He stopped doubting himself/ And didn't need to know, 'Why.'/ He believed once again/ And was able to FLY."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. 3 year old liked it too. She's into bees

[Jordan Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about determination and believing in oneself. The main character is a small bumblebee. He read that he couldn’t fly and was filled with disbelief in himself. He remains determined and keeps trying to prove he can survive. The end of the book provides a wonderful message for children and can provide support when they may be faced with challenges.

This book is a wonderful read aloud because of the literary element of rhyming and upbeat language. It also has bright illustrations that add to the amazing message. The illustrations are so colorful and fill each page, showing Buzzy's adventures as he learns he can fly, despite anyone who tells him differently.

I would give this book a 5 star rating because of the message it delivers. There are many times when children may be facing obstacles, and this book could pull them through. It has an important message that if they believe in themselves, they can prove people wrong. It is easy to read and the artwork is very vibrant.

[Checkthebook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommended by IMSE-OG trainers as an accompaniment to -zz ending. The book's message is to believe in yourself ("Little Engine That Could"). But I have a better angle: If scientists claim bees should not be able to fly, MA TOVU MAASECHA HASHEM! c.1999

[Nuqksh Sapra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buzzy had a thought that bumblebees cannot fly but she did not give up. I loved the fact that she believed in herself and showed the courage to fly. When she reached home, she also shared this wonderful experience with her parents.

[Hannah Klumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book and will be adding it to my personal collection! A must read with any type of class.

[Arden Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Would be great to read in a classroom or for an outdoor education class.

[Amara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really unsure of the message this book conveys. It's half good, half bad. And I think I'll err on the side of caution and give it a pass.

[Tony Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story to show that you just need to believe in yourself!

[Laura Eliza Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a classic and uplifting tale to read, no matter how many times I read it. I enjoyed reading it to my Kindergarten class I subbed in today!

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this book! It's the story of a bumblebee who doesn't believe he can fly anymore because he reads that bumblebees weren't meant to fly. I can't tell you the rest of the plot because it would spoil it; however, I can say there are many good themes that run through the book: Buzzy is a reader and that sets a good literacy example for young children, it's okay to be scared when one does something for the first time, needing one's family when they feel alone is okay, all problems have solutions, problem-solving is a process, encouragement can be motivating, self-doubt can interfere with success, it's important to ignore labels and limits, and belief in oneself leads to success. It is chock full of vivid illustrations that are eye-catching and whimsical. The text also has a rhythm and flow and it's rhyming makes it easy for even the youngest children to follow. I read this book to my daughter's junior kindergarten class and they absolutely loved it! They sat attentively and eagerly anticipated the outcome. When asked if they got the lesson from the story, a few astute listeners were able to say that you need to ignore things that get you down and believe in yourself. As an educator, former school counselor, and principal I can say that this book should be on every elementary teacher, counselor, and principal's shelf!

[Emily Tayler · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a book that said "Bumblebees weren't made to fly," Buzzy suddenly forgets how to fly. He is far from home and has to find his was back without flying. Buzzy is very conflicted by this statement being that he has been flying his whole life. This is a story of Buzzy facing an obstacle and learning to overcome challenges and believe in himself.

The text in this story all rhymed so I think that makes it engaging, especially if it was being used as a read aloud. Also, it is easy to understand for younger students. I think using a bumblebee as the main character was smart because even young kids are familiar, and often times, interested in bugs. This brings some familiarity for them.

I would give this book 5 stars. This is one of my favorite children's books I have read. It has a really good message of overcoming obstacles and having faith in yourself. Especially for younger ages, there will be times when they are learning to do something and will have trouble, just like Buzzy. This story encourages them to keep going and believe in yourself and anything is possible.

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message of this book was wonderful (to trust in yourself, and not listen to doubt or what others say that makes you stop believing in yourself). That said, I had trouble finding a rhythm to this book written in rhyme. Otherwise, good.

[Brandi Shockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bee finds out that bees were not meant to fly. He becomes discouraged and stops doing bumblebee activities. He then realizes that it does not matter what people tell you. If you have a dream continue on with it.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's one of my favorites by Denise Beennan-Nelson (although all her books are great!). And I just love the illustrations. This is a great book to use in teaching children to believe in themselves!

[Katie Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buzzy the Bumblebee reads a book that says bumblebees weren't made to fly, and then he begins to doubt himself and forget how to do the thing he was made to do. His wise parents teach him that we shouldn't listen to what others say about us, and of course, he learns to fly again!

[Adelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book. It flowed so nicely and easily kept my daughters attention. The bright colors also made it a joy to look at. Plus on top a good message in believing in ourselves

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is all about believing in yourself and helps teach kids about the power of positive thinking.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story reminding us why we shouldn't always believe what we see/hear and that we should believe in ourselves.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about believing in yourself and not allowing what others say about you affect what you can accomplish in life.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet Sunday night, stuck at the back desk kind of read.

[Laci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talked about very problem has a solution, don't put labels on yourself, the only reason you can't is because your doubting yourself. Great themes!

[K.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

C

[KaelaSakorafis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about never giving up!

[Lolo Onda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable book about confidence and believing in yourself! Illustrations are very cute.