The Bee

by Becky Han, Tindur Peturs (Illustrator)

Based on an award-winning song by Inuit artist Becky Han, this book follows the narrator on an adventure across Nunavut with her buzzing companion.

When the narrator of this fun and silly book is startled by the buzzing of a bee, she sets off on an adventure that sees her running from community to community, trying to lose her buzzing companion. When she has run clear across Nunavut, she finally realizes that perhaps this little bee isn’t such a fearsome foe after all!

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Nature, Childrens, Animals

28 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on a song by an Inuk musician, this short picture book focuses on conquering fears. The narrator, a young girl, is playing happily outside when the arrival of a bee disrupts her fun. Since she's afraid of the bee, she runs as fast and as far as she can. But it follows her each time, even when she runs for several days and even ends up in a different area or community. Finally, when the bee reassures her that it's harmless, the two of them play together. I liked the illustrations, filled with facial expressions that show the emotions playing across the girl's face, but the text disappointed me. Maybe the story would have been more effective if there were more to the story than just the bee's reassurance that it would not hurt the girl, especially given her extreme reaction to its presence. She just seemed to get over being afraid of it so quickly, which didn't make sense since she'd gone to great lengths to avoid it. Maybe a brief explanation of the inspiration for the story or some background on it would help young readers appreciate it more. The narrative contains some Inuktitut vocabulary for cultural authenticity, and there is a glossary and punctuation guide in the back matter.

[Jaime M · Rating 5 out of 5]

My young child enjoyed reading this book. He asked to have it read to him twice. It’s short enough for the attention of a small child.
The pictures were easy to follow along to and as an adult who has been to Igloolik and Rankin Inlet, it was neat to see those images in illustrations.
I would enjoy seeing more Indigenous illustrators as well as authors. There’s a small glossary of terms with translations from Inuktut to English. It’s neat that there are repeating words but I found it a lot of repeating some of the same words over and over again. It’s hard to read that much repetition.

We received this book through the Raven Reads subscription box which packages Indigenous authors (not always illustrators) for children. I find there’s always a great selection and it feels carefully curated in a way that highlights new authors and stories.

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm… Weirdly short picture book, based on the author's own song, about a girl chased by – and then accepting – a bee. It does have a narrative, as I say, but it's what little that it does with it which is the issue. Even for the communities mentioned and those others in their regions this can't be thought of as a major success. Two stars is probably generous.

[Johannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

On its own, this book is fine. A little stilted maybe. But, if you hear Han perform the song along with the book, and see her lovely performance, it is much better! Will definitely use this one with my kiddos for our Northern Community unit.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this book by an Inuk author and songwriter

[Elisabeth]

I'm going to try and listen to the song this book is based on and see if my initial reaction changes.

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this one may work better as the song it was originally written to be.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A picture book about overcoming fears based on a song by an Inuk musician.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Inuit tale. I skip over some of the sounds I find difficult to keep the story moving quickly.

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too simple, no storyline, no information about bees, and no reason for the sudden change in heart.