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When bees flew in for breakfast: Forty original poems for teenage readers
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a collection of forty original poems written specifically for the 11-16 age group. The poems cover a wide range of themes, from nonsense humour to Gothic horror to logical puzzles to the Natural World. The poems are playful, surprising, thought-provoking and intriguing. This is a book that young people will want to read.
94 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2016
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Nigel Tetley
8 books22 followersSince qualifying as a Religious Studies teacher in 1989, Nigel Tetley has worked in a variety of schools, spanning middle and secondary age groups in both the State and independent sectors. At the beginning of his teaching career, he also spent a year in Greece teaching English. In 2001, he started writing children's poetry at the suggestion of a colleague. Full details of all of his writing projects can be found on his website.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 12, 2022
Teens will love this bee-rilliant collection of poetry, but you know what? EVERYONE will!
I will be hitting the big 4 0 this year, and I loved this collection of 40 poems.
They range from the comically brilliant and utterly absurd to heartbreakingly beautiful and thought-provoking.
You will find your face and heart smiling with pure joy and silliness, then turned upside down with sadness. Only for it to be flipped again into a comically quizzical expression as the cogs of your mind begin to churn with contemplation.
One poem, in particular, made me think of the film Labyrinth, but I’ll let you message me with which poem you think I’m referring to and why! 😉
I cannot pick a favourite, but I will say, “Put the tomatoes with their mates!” 😂
One of the easiest recommendations I have ever made.
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 or 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 either way, I love this book and buzzing (see what I did there? Lol) to have it in my collection.
Thank you so much, Booknetwork.co.uk and Nigel Tetley, for gifting this to me in return for an honest review!
I will be hitting the big 4 0 this year, and I loved this collection of 40 poems.
They range from the comically brilliant and utterly absurd to heartbreakingly beautiful and thought-provoking.
You will find your face and heart smiling with pure joy and silliness, then turned upside down with sadness. Only for it to be flipped again into a comically quizzical expression as the cogs of your mind begin to churn with contemplation.
One poem, in particular, made me think of the film Labyrinth, but I’ll let you message me with which poem you think I’m referring to and why! 😉
I cannot pick a favourite, but I will say, “Put the tomatoes with their mates!” 😂
One of the easiest recommendations I have ever made.
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 or 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 either way, I love this book and buzzing (see what I did there? Lol) to have it in my collection.
Thank you so much, Booknetwork.co.uk and Nigel Tetley, for gifting this to me in return for an honest review!
September 4, 2017
An enjoyable selection of poems that are written to inspire young thinkers to think. Tetley adds philosophy, wisdom, and whimsy to each poem. He is an obviously talented poet, well-versed in form and technique. I would recommend this book.
May 23, 2022
I have always enjoyed poetry but I must admit I tend to air more to the ‘classics’ and ‘classical’. With only a handful of contemporary poets I do enjoy (an issue I am working on!), I am pleased to say Nigel Tetley has now joined this selection! When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a fantastic collection and while aimed at the 11-16 age group I feel and believe anyone of any age will enjoy this eclectic collection.
There were poems that reminded my of the whimsical nonsense poems of the likes of Lewis Carroll and ones that mirror the gothic horror of the likes of Coleridge and Poe as well as everything in between. Tetley, I feel, presents a wonderful introduction to the world of poetry. One I am sure most children and young adults will enjoy or at the very least find one or two poems they love. While reading I found myself reminiscing about my time in secondary school studying my (somewhat unsurprisingly) favourite subject English literature. I would have adored to have this collection back then to analysis and learn about the poet forms, themes and styles. This collection has it all; eye rhythm, rhythming couplets and blank verse to name a few.
As always I dislike spoiling a collection but I have to say I do have a couple that have become instant favourites. Particularly “On the Death of a Friend” which resonates with myself and also “The Mystery of Inglebrough Mill” which I found to have a touch of the Romantic period gothic (a favourite of mine). Honestly though there will be something for everyone within this collection and I defy anyone to not find at least one poem they like.
I really do hope Nigel Tetley will release more poetry in the future and I will definitely be recommending this to family and friends both young and old alike!
There were poems that reminded my of the whimsical nonsense poems of the likes of Lewis Carroll and ones that mirror the gothic horror of the likes of Coleridge and Poe as well as everything in between. Tetley, I feel, presents a wonderful introduction to the world of poetry. One I am sure most children and young adults will enjoy or at the very least find one or two poems they love. While reading I found myself reminiscing about my time in secondary school studying my (somewhat unsurprisingly) favourite subject English literature. I would have adored to have this collection back then to analysis and learn about the poet forms, themes and styles. This collection has it all; eye rhythm, rhythming couplets and blank verse to name a few.
As always I dislike spoiling a collection but I have to say I do have a couple that have become instant favourites. Particularly “On the Death of a Friend” which resonates with myself and also “The Mystery of Inglebrough Mill” which I found to have a touch of the Romantic period gothic (a favourite of mine). Honestly though there will be something for everyone within this collection and I defy anyone to not find at least one poem they like.
I really do hope Nigel Tetley will release more poetry in the future and I will definitely be recommending this to family and friends both young and old alike!
May 30, 2022
This book is brilliant, the poems flow, are easy to read and understand. They are uplifting, intriguing and well worth a read!
Full of different categories which are fun and a joy to read! Will be looking out for more books by this author! Even though this is aimed at teenagers, it would be good for teenagers and above as the poems compliment each other and bring joy to the pages!
Full of different categories which are fun and a joy to read! Will be looking out for more books by this author! Even though this is aimed at teenagers, it would be good for teenagers and above as the poems compliment each other and bring joy to the pages!
July 15, 2022
While the book is a collection of poems aimed at a teenage audience, I think anyone who likes poetry would enjoy reading this! Poetry isn't something I would usually read; I think years of picking poems apart, annotating them to within an inch of their life for English Lit class put me off a little but I was intrigued by The Book Network's invitation to review this book.
The poems are all vastly different; there is something for everyone, really. They range from just a few lines to a few pages long, some have a wildly comedic element, while others are emotionally beautiful.
They flow really well from one to the next and I did thoroughly enjoy making my way through them.
Whether you are looking to start reading poetry for the first time, looking to expand your collection of favourite poets, or just for something new, I would recommend this book.
The poems are all vastly different; there is something for everyone, really. They range from just a few lines to a few pages long, some have a wildly comedic element, while others are emotionally beautiful.
They flow really well from one to the next and I did thoroughly enjoy making my way through them.
Whether you are looking to start reading poetry for the first time, looking to expand your collection of favourite poets, or just for something new, I would recommend this book.
July 8, 2022
Welcome to my stop of the When Bees Flew in for Breakfast!
⭐When Bees Flew in for Breakfast
✒@nigeltetleyauthor
🧺Part of @thebooknetwork.co.uk #BookTour
Knowing that Nigel would be sending his book of poems to me it got me thinking on what poetry for teenagers looks like or should look like. What makes it different to other children’s poetry and poetry for adults? Is it more like a film rating and it’s more related to content?
Dipping in and out of a poetry book is my preferred way to read poems unless I’m in need of a poetry binge. When Bees Flew in for Breakfast has a brilliant variety of poems from short to lengthy, comical to all consuming. I was surprised to find that Nigel had me enjoying a lot more that my 50% with some poems really speaking to me (loving 50% or more poems in a collection is where I feel happy with a poetry book).
There’s been poems I’ve just had to share out loud with others such as IV: The Ballad of the Raspberry Crush – oh poor raspberry, I’m sure every teenager on the planet can relate to dear raspberry and her unrequited love and feel the depth of her pain.
A Year and a Day, VII: Strawberry Coup and Colour Contest were poems my five year old daughter particularly loved and we’ve shared together multiple times.
Although a collection designed for 11-16 year olds I’d say it has a wider appeal. Many of the poems are suitable for a younger audience and can be picked out to share. Others would certainly appeal to 16+. It’s a cluster of poems that I very much enjoy. There’s certainly more than my expected 50% and I continue to return to the collection over and over.
Where I feel this book fits in perfectly for the 11-16 bracket is through the parallels of life seen through the eyes of teens and the seemingly unconnected, but oh so connected words and situations of the poetry. The writing is sensitive, yet witty, deep although light-hearted.
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a firm favourite from me and I would recommend it as a text for secondary schools. It would make for an excellent book to have ready during tutor time. Maybe get into the habit of a poem a day.
⭐When Bees Flew in for Breakfast
✒@nigeltetleyauthor
🧺Part of @thebooknetwork.co.uk #BookTour
Knowing that Nigel would be sending his book of poems to me it got me thinking on what poetry for teenagers looks like or should look like. What makes it different to other children’s poetry and poetry for adults? Is it more like a film rating and it’s more related to content?
Dipping in and out of a poetry book is my preferred way to read poems unless I’m in need of a poetry binge. When Bees Flew in for Breakfast has a brilliant variety of poems from short to lengthy, comical to all consuming. I was surprised to find that Nigel had me enjoying a lot more that my 50% with some poems really speaking to me (loving 50% or more poems in a collection is where I feel happy with a poetry book).
There’s been poems I’ve just had to share out loud with others such as IV: The Ballad of the Raspberry Crush – oh poor raspberry, I’m sure every teenager on the planet can relate to dear raspberry and her unrequited love and feel the depth of her pain.
A Year and a Day, VII: Strawberry Coup and Colour Contest were poems my five year old daughter particularly loved and we’ve shared together multiple times.
Although a collection designed for 11-16 year olds I’d say it has a wider appeal. Many of the poems are suitable for a younger audience and can be picked out to share. Others would certainly appeal to 16+. It’s a cluster of poems that I very much enjoy. There’s certainly more than my expected 50% and I continue to return to the collection over and over.
Where I feel this book fits in perfectly for the 11-16 bracket is through the parallels of life seen through the eyes of teens and the seemingly unconnected, but oh so connected words and situations of the poetry. The writing is sensitive, yet witty, deep although light-hearted.
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a firm favourite from me and I would recommend it as a text for secondary schools. It would make for an excellent book to have ready during tutor time. Maybe get into the habit of a poem a day.
February 10, 2017
Want to get your young person to read, appreciate, and yes, even love poetry? This is the book to place in their hands. This wonderful book will inspire and open a pathway for them to discover ideas and stories captured in rhyme. The poems the author has penned range from silly, using playful and witty words, to provocative, inciting you to think and work through the words on the written pages before you.
I really enjoyed the poems within from cover to cover. I read it all in one go because the next title intrigued me so much I just had to read on and discover what the poem was all about. That's always a very good thing isn't it? To be able to do that with a poetry book is quite remarkable.
This is a book that I am sure every teen (and adult) will love to read, especially reluctant readers and those not yet sold on poetry. I myself have already shared some of the poems with family and friends and have gone back and re-read others just for my own personal enjoyment. I highly recommend this book and I am so glad I got a chance to review it. I am now a "When the "Bees" Flew in for Breakfast"KEEPER!"
I really enjoyed the poems within from cover to cover. I read it all in one go because the next title intrigued me so much I just had to read on and discover what the poem was all about. That's always a very good thing isn't it? To be able to do that with a poetry book is quite remarkable.
This is a book that I am sure every teen (and adult) will love to read, especially reluctant readers and those not yet sold on poetry. I myself have already shared some of the poems with family and friends and have gone back and re-read others just for my own personal enjoyment. I highly recommend this book and I am so glad I got a chance to review it. I am now a "When the "Bees" Flew in for Breakfast"KEEPER!"
June 19, 2022
When Bees Flew In For Breakfast by Nigel Tetley.
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a collection of forty original poems written specifically for the 11-16 age group. The poems cover a wide range of themes, from nonsense humour to Gothic horror to logical puzzles to the Natural World. The poems are playful, surprising, thought-provoking and intriguing. This is a book that young people will want to read.
My Thoughts💭
Nigel covers a range of topics within this poetry book. I particularly liked the Alchemy and Colour Contest poems.
I’m not one to read poetry, but when I do, I really enjoy it.
I think When Bees Flew In For Breakfast will be a big hit with older teens and young adults alike.
It’s a 4🌟 review from me.
Ad/Gifted. Thank you to The Book Network and Nigel Tetley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my own honest review.
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a collection of forty original poems written specifically for the 11-16 age group. The poems cover a wide range of themes, from nonsense humour to Gothic horror to logical puzzles to the Natural World. The poems are playful, surprising, thought-provoking and intriguing. This is a book that young people will want to read.
My Thoughts💭
Nigel covers a range of topics within this poetry book. I particularly liked the Alchemy and Colour Contest poems.
I’m not one to read poetry, but when I do, I really enjoy it.
I think When Bees Flew In For Breakfast will be a big hit with older teens and young adults alike.
It’s a 4🌟 review from me.
Ad/Gifted. Thank you to The Book Network and Nigel Tetley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my own honest review.
June 23, 2022
This poetry book is written for a younger audience but it can definitely appeal to a wider range! This is especially because of the range of the poems in the book itself. Most poetry books follow a central theme or mood but there are all kinds of poetry in here covering a mixture of topics and fluctuating in its vibe and energy, to the point that I consider this a poetry anthology even though it's by one author 😂
I think my absolute faves are 'A Year and A Day' on page 4 and 'The Wind' on page 39. My taste with poetry is varied, but I usually go for writing that is somewhat abstract and emotive. This is why i was surprised to love these 2 so much. They weren't emotive but were descriptive and simple, which is what I look for in regular novels a lot of the time.
Some poems weren't for me, but I can't say I expected to like everything in here. I'm no longer a teen after all 😜
I think my absolute faves are 'A Year and A Day' on page 4 and 'The Wind' on page 39. My taste with poetry is varied, but I usually go for writing that is somewhat abstract and emotive. This is why i was surprised to love these 2 so much. They weren't emotive but were descriptive and simple, which is what I look for in regular novels a lot of the time.
Some poems weren't for me, but I can't say I expected to like everything in here. I'm no longer a teen after all 😜
June 15, 2022
Poetry isn't something I read often so when the opportunity came up for me to read this, it was a good fit for me.
The book is full of different styles of poems which mean there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Although the target age group are 11-16 year olds, I see no reason why anyone can't try this one as you'll easily find many of the poems likable.
I enjoyed the different lengths and styles, and I think that even if you're not a poetry reader this would be a really great book to try as I'm sure you'll find something you like.
There are so many poems to choose from but I think my favourite was "Train Ride" as it made me think of a day out and it was very visual.
The book is full of different styles of poems which mean there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Although the target age group are 11-16 year olds, I see no reason why anyone can't try this one as you'll easily find many of the poems likable.
I enjoyed the different lengths and styles, and I think that even if you're not a poetry reader this would be a really great book to try as I'm sure you'll find something you like.
There are so many poems to choose from but I think my favourite was "Train Ride" as it made me think of a day out and it was very visual.
January 12, 2022
WHEN BEES FLEW IN FOR BREAKFAST by Nigel Tetley is a collection of 40 poems and poetry directed at teen readers.
Ranging from a couple of lines to a story told in rhyme, WHEN BEES FLEW IN FOR BREAKFAST covers a range of topics from crime and punishment, life and death, food, animals, royalty and rainbows as well as fantasy versus reality, acceptance and loss.
WHEN BEES FLEW IN FOR BREAKFAST takes the reader into a rhyming landscape of originality to the familiar-a collection of interesting and varied poems focusing on a variety of topics.
Ranging from a couple of lines to a story told in rhyme, WHEN BEES FLEW IN FOR BREAKFAST covers a range of topics from crime and punishment, life and death, food, animals, royalty and rainbows as well as fantasy versus reality, acceptance and loss.
WHEN BEES FLEW IN FOR BREAKFAST takes the reader into a rhyming landscape of originality to the familiar-a collection of interesting and varied poems focusing on a variety of topics.
June 19, 2022
Although my teenage years have long gone, I absolutely loved this book of poetry. The poems were fresh, original and an absolute delight to read.
There are shorter poems and some told like a story. I personally think there is something for everyone. With a plethora of different topics too, ranging from the usual love, life and loss to animals, crime and royalty.
I found it a highly enjoyable and entertaining book.
Many thanks to The Book Network for my tour spot.
Rating 🐝🐝🐝🐝
There are shorter poems and some told like a story. I personally think there is something for everyone. With a plethora of different topics too, ranging from the usual love, life and loss to animals, crime and royalty.
I found it a highly enjoyable and entertaining book.
Many thanks to The Book Network for my tour spot.
Rating 🐝🐝🐝🐝
July 6, 2025
⚫️Nigel Tetley's When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a delightful collection of forty fresh poems that beautifully blend humor, creativity, and deep emotion. Although it's aimed at teenagers, adults will find plenty to enjoy as well, showcasing Tetley's remarkable gift for storytelling through verse.
⚫️From the very first poem, The Prisoner, readers are drawn into a world where characters break the fourth wall, challenging the boundaries between fiction and reality. Each poem opens up a new glimpse into a whimsical, reflective, or eerie scene whether it’s a kangaroo in a courtroom, a chaotic court, a contemplative fruit bowl, or a haunted mill filled with guilt and ghostly memories. The poems range from lighthearted and playful (like The Bee and the Bat, Puzzling Penguins) to deeply philosophical and moving .
⚫️Tetley's writing is straightforward yet rich with literary charm, making his poems enjoyable to read and thought-provoking. He skillfully uses personification, inversion, and wordplay, keeping readers engaged and intrigued. The themes of identity, justice, love, death, imagination, and change are approached with a refreshing originality.
⚫️Standout pieces like The Mystery of Inglebrough Mill almost feel like gothic tales in verse, while The Secret Life of the Fruit Bowl brims with playful satire and creativity. The title poem, When Bees Flew in for Breakfast, captures the beauty of nature and the passage of time with grace and rhythm.
⚫️This collection is more than just a series of poems it's an invitation to see the world from a new perspective. It encourages readers to question, laugh, reflect, and, most importantly, feel.
⚫️When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a vibrant feast of poetry—witty, lively, and endlessly imaginative. It deserves a spot on every young reader's bookshelf!
Happy reading ❤️✨
⚫️From the very first poem, The Prisoner, readers are drawn into a world where characters break the fourth wall, challenging the boundaries between fiction and reality. Each poem opens up a new glimpse into a whimsical, reflective, or eerie scene whether it’s a kangaroo in a courtroom, a chaotic court, a contemplative fruit bowl, or a haunted mill filled with guilt and ghostly memories. The poems range from lighthearted and playful (like The Bee and the Bat, Puzzling Penguins) to deeply philosophical and moving .
⚫️Tetley's writing is straightforward yet rich with literary charm, making his poems enjoyable to read and thought-provoking. He skillfully uses personification, inversion, and wordplay, keeping readers engaged and intrigued. The themes of identity, justice, love, death, imagination, and change are approached with a refreshing originality.
⚫️Standout pieces like The Mystery of Inglebrough Mill almost feel like gothic tales in verse, while The Secret Life of the Fruit Bowl brims with playful satire and creativity. The title poem, When Bees Flew in for Breakfast, captures the beauty of nature and the passage of time with grace and rhythm.
⚫️This collection is more than just a series of poems it's an invitation to see the world from a new perspective. It encourages readers to question, laugh, reflect, and, most importantly, feel.
⚫️When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is a vibrant feast of poetry—witty, lively, and endlessly imaginative. It deserves a spot on every young reader's bookshelf!
Happy reading ❤️✨
June 13, 2022
(ad/pr-gifted)
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start by saying that this book caught me in from the moment I saw it! I love the cover design and if you know me irl you’ll know I am obsessed with bees and so this book wins it from the off for me!😁
Actually diving into the content of the book, I believe it would be good for all ages as it is witty, funny and also emotional! I have a ten year old sister who I think would really enjoy some of the poems in here and I plan on passing this book over to her in the future🥰
As you can see I also tabbed this book as I found that some of the poems I wanted to go back too and there were so many that I felt like tabbing was a good way to keep on top of them! This collection is a perfect poetry collection to dip in and out of which is exactly what I did when reading it!☀️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.25/5stars)
Now obviously I am not the intended audience for this book as the author aims the poems at 11-16 year olds, however I still found the book enjoyable and there are poems in here that really got me thinking! I would definitely recommend this book if you’ve not read any poetry before and are just looking for something a little more fun but still thought-provoking!🌻
Thank you to @thebooknetwork.co.uk and @nigeltetleyauthor for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It has been a pleasure getting to read this book and review it!💛
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start by saying that this book caught me in from the moment I saw it! I love the cover design and if you know me irl you’ll know I am obsessed with bees and so this book wins it from the off for me!😁
Actually diving into the content of the book, I believe it would be good for all ages as it is witty, funny and also emotional! I have a ten year old sister who I think would really enjoy some of the poems in here and I plan on passing this book over to her in the future🥰
As you can see I also tabbed this book as I found that some of the poems I wanted to go back too and there were so many that I felt like tabbing was a good way to keep on top of them! This collection is a perfect poetry collection to dip in and out of which is exactly what I did when reading it!☀️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.25/5stars)
Now obviously I am not the intended audience for this book as the author aims the poems at 11-16 year olds, however I still found the book enjoyable and there are poems in here that really got me thinking! I would definitely recommend this book if you’ve not read any poetry before and are just looking for something a little more fun but still thought-provoking!🌻
Thank you to @thebooknetwork.co.uk and @nigeltetleyauthor for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It has been a pleasure getting to read this book and review it!💛
June 21, 2025
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast is full of poems that really spark the imagination. Some made me laugh out loud, others gave me chills, and a few even made me stop and think. It’s a perfect mix for teens and honestly, I enjoyed it.
April 19, 2021
There is no doubt that over the last few years, social media platforms have given poets a needed soapbox to reach more readers – teenagers included.
Nigel Tetley’s collection of verses are irresistible and full of surprises. According to me, they will delight many readers, not just teenagers. The book contains thirty-three gracefully written poems encompassing many topics – from mundane household items to legal procedures, from bees to elephants, and from art to crime. I read the poems slowly and fully enjoyed the exhilarating measured words, the unusual sense of humour, and the whispering voice that cannot often be heard in our noisy global village. I am sure that the book will help readers view the world from the detailed poetic microscope of an extremely well-armed author.
These poems, from deadly funny to deadly serious, are about you and the world you didn’t know you knew.
Nigel Tetley’s collection of verses are irresistible and full of surprises. According to me, they will delight many readers, not just teenagers. The book contains thirty-three gracefully written poems encompassing many topics – from mundane household items to legal procedures, from bees to elephants, and from art to crime. I read the poems slowly and fully enjoyed the exhilarating measured words, the unusual sense of humour, and the whispering voice that cannot often be heard in our noisy global village. I am sure that the book will help readers view the world from the detailed poetic microscope of an extremely well-armed author.
These poems, from deadly funny to deadly serious, are about you and the world you didn’t know you knew.
July 26, 2025
Reading When Bees Flew in for Breakfast feels like being handed a mirror—one that reflects the chaos, beauty, and absurdity of being a teenager. Nigel Tetley’s writing manages to sound both current and timeless. There’s no forced slang or trendy references—just honest, imaginative language that captures the essence of growing up. The collection’s strength lies in its emotional variety. You’ll find poems about anxiety, loneliness, first love, and random joy, all told with a voice that is sincere and nonjudgmental.
The language is accessible without being simplistic, which makes it suitable for reluctant readers and poetry lovers alike. Each poem offers something—whether it’s a chuckle, a sigh, or a moment of reflection. My 14-year-old daughter read it in one sitting, then immediately began rereading her favorites. I’ve seen few poetry collections that speak so directly and kindly to young readers.
Highly recommended.
The language is accessible without being simplistic, which makes it suitable for reluctant readers and poetry lovers alike. Each poem offers something—whether it’s a chuckle, a sigh, or a moment of reflection. My 14-year-old daughter read it in one sitting, then immediately began rereading her favorites. I’ve seen few poetry collections that speak so directly and kindly to young readers.
Highly recommended.
July 26, 2025
Teenagers will find great resonance in Nigel Tetley's When Bees Flew in for Breakfast, a collection of poems that is surprisingly honest and creative. The book uses wit, vulnerability, and poetic flair to depict the highs and lows of puberty. Tetley gives voice to the complicated and frequently conflicting emotions that come with growing up, whether he is writing about awkward friendships, school stress, or unexpected joy.
The collection's tone—unexpected but significant—is established by the title poem, a peculiar and strangely lovely composition. The poems are perfect for reluctant readers or those who are new to poetry because they are brief, easy to read, and full of vivid imagery. While some poems made me laugh, others unexpectedly moved me emotionally. It offers more than just amusement; it's a glimpse into the soul of a teenager. Strongly advised
The collection's tone—unexpected but significant—is established by the title poem, a peculiar and strangely lovely composition. The poems are perfect for reluctant readers or those who are new to poetry because they are brief, easy to read, and full of vivid imagery. While some poems made me laugh, others unexpectedly moved me emotionally. It offers more than just amusement; it's a glimpse into the soul of a teenager. Strongly advised
July 26, 2025
A teacher's paradise is this collection of poetry. The poems in When Bees Flew in for Breakfast are simple yet complex, and they can lead to stimulating class discussions about identity, society, and emotional expression. Nigel Tetley frequently uses humor to reveal deeper themes in his witty and straightforward poetry. The conversational tone and unexpected subjects—bees at breakfast, socks that vanish, and crushes that never return—will appeal to students.
Each poem is easy to relate to because it feels like a little story or a moment from adolescence. Additionally, the collection can be a powerful mentor text for student writing. It maintains relatability while modeling a variety of poetic forms, such as rhyme schemes and free verse. The poems steer clear of sentimentality and preachiness, which are uncommon in poetry written by young people.
Each poem is easy to relate to because it feels like a little story or a moment from adolescence. Additionally, the collection can be a powerful mentor text for student writing. It maintains relatability while modeling a variety of poetic forms, such as rhyme schemes and free verse. The poems steer clear of sentimentality and preachiness, which are uncommon in poetry written by young people.
July 26, 2025
In When Bees Flew in for Breakfast, Nigel Tetley manages to combine realistic observations of adolescence with fantastical turns and surprising metaphors in an unusual way. Reading about heartbreak one minute, and then picturing bees swarming the kitchen for toast the next. The book keeps you guessing, which is part of its appeal. Although the poems are surprisingly brief, many of them are emotionally impactful. They are considerate without being controlling. I liked the range of tones—some poems are quiet and reflective, while others make me laugh out loud. The collection's loose theme and structure reflect the unpredictable nature of adolescence. The prose is lucid, captivating, and frequently unexpectedly deep. The poet seems to recall every aspect of adolescence, including confusion, hope, awkwardness, and excitement.
July 26, 2025
From the first poem, Nigel Tetley’s collection When Bees Flew in for Breakfast crackles with energy. The poems dance across the page with rhythm, wordplay, and surprises. There’s a freedom to his style—nothing feels overly constrained or academic. Instead, each poem reads like a creative burst that invites the reader into its world. Teens will love the originality and inventiveness of the imagery. Whether it’s bees interrupting breakfast or a sock that refuses to be found, Tetley creates metaphors that feel fresh and meaningful. The poems are short and punchy—perfect for modern attention spans—but still carry emotional weight. It’s a great choice for creative writing inspiration. Tetley shows that poetry doesn’t have to be intimidating or obscure. It can be wild, fun, and deeply personal—all at once.
July 26, 2025
Nigel Tetley's When Bees Flew in for Breakfast gives teens what they need: real poetry that isn't cheesy or embarrassing. These poems don't try to sound "cool," but they do because they are real. The themes are real: stress, love, school, and identity. The tone is direct but also artistic. Some poems sound like things you think about but don't say out loud, while others are more philosophical.
Tetley always writes with a purpose, and he uses rhythm and line breaks in a way that is interesting without being showy. It's clear that he knows his audience, both in terms of what he says and how fast he says it. There is no extra stuff here. I could easily see parts of these poems being used as captions on Instagram or voiceovers on TikTok. It's modern poetry that honors the past while looking to the future.
Tetley always writes with a purpose, and he uses rhythm and line breaks in a way that is interesting without being showy. It's clear that he knows his audience, both in terms of what he says and how fast he says it. There is no extra stuff here. I could easily see parts of these poems being used as captions on Instagram or voiceovers on TikTok. It's modern poetry that honors the past while looking to the future.
July 26, 2025
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast could be the book that changes the minds of teens who say they "don't get poetry." Nigel Tetley writes clearly and with humor, using simple words to talk about complicated feelings.
The poems are short, some only a page long, which makes them easy to read but hard to forget. One of the best things about the book is how different it is. There are absurdist poems, moving reflections, and even social commentary. But they all feel linked by a real voice. You don't need to know anything about literature to be interested. This is the kind of book I would suggest to boys and other hesitant readers who have trouble getting into poetry. The tone is refreshingly straightforward, but it never lacks emotional depth.
The poems are short, some only a page long, which makes them easy to read but hard to forget. One of the best things about the book is how different it is. There are absurdist poems, moving reflections, and even social commentary. But they all feel linked by a real voice. You don't need to know anything about literature to be interested. This is the kind of book I would suggest to boys and other hesitant readers who have trouble getting into poetry. The tone is refreshingly straightforward, but it never lacks emotional depth.
July 26, 2025
This poetry book is one of the few that can be both fun and sad at the same time. When Bees Flew in for Breakfast shows how good Nigel Tetley is at using sound and metaphor. His poems go from funny to serious and back again. The titles and pictures are fun and weird, but it's the emotional honesty underneath that really sticks. Tetley doesn't go on and on; he trusts the reader to think and feel with him. Teenagers will like that. These poems let you think about them without making you do so. You can read them alone or with a group, and a lot of them would be great for performances. Tetley knows how to talk to teens, not by copying them, but by getting what they say. This set is a real treasure.
July 26, 2025
When Bees Flew in for Breakfast by Nigel Tetley is a subdued masterpiece—a collection that makes an impact without shouting. The poems are surprisingly straightforward and frequently center on commonplace events that uncover deeper meanings.
This collection is unique because it has faith in the reader. Tetley doesn't preach or lecture. He watches, thinks, and asks questions. That self-control is strong. Each poem feels well-crafted and ranges from the heartbreaking to the humorous. Without ever being condescending, the book affirms the emotions of teenagers. Few books foster empathy and introspection as much as this one does. This is the kind of poetry that honors young readers while also posing challenges to them.
This collection is unique because it has faith in the reader. Tetley doesn't preach or lecture. He watches, thinks, and asks questions. That self-control is strong. Each poem feels well-crafted and ranges from the heartbreaking to the humorous. Without ever being condescending, the book affirms the emotions of teenagers. Few books foster empathy and introspection as much as this one does. This is the kind of poetry that honors young readers while also posing challenges to them.
July 26, 2025
A friendly and humorous introduction to the world of poetry is provided by When Bees Flew in for Breakfast. Teenagers navigating a strange and beautiful world are Nigel Tetley's audience, and he writes with insight and empathy for them. There is something here for even readers who aren't typically interested in poetry; it might be a line that makes them laugh or a stanza that seems strangely familiar.
Tetley has a conversational but nuanced style that is never arrogant. The end product is a compilation that reads more like a journal than a piece of writing. It's the ideal book to pack in a backpack or keep next to the bed. It will inspire, but it won't overwhelm.
Tetley has a conversational but nuanced style that is never arrogant. The end product is a compilation that reads more like a journal than a piece of writing. It's the ideal book to pack in a backpack or keep next to the bed. It will inspire, but it won't overwhelm.
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