About the Book
Bee is an incredible child with a beautiful mind. Misunderstood at home and at school, Bee exists in a magical world that others simply cannot see, playing with fairies and making beautiful music with the flowers. But in escaping to this magical world, Bee is often late for school and doesn’t always understand the rules of the playground.
Luckily, Bee is not alone and with a bit of help from family, a new teacher, and best fairy friend Sprout, Bee soon finds friends who are just as wonderful and unique as Bee!
BEE celebrates neurodiversity through the story of a unique child, told through literature, ballet and original music, drawing from her own experiences to create a multi-dimensional narrative that speaks to different ways of thinking and expressing oneself. Set to an original soundtrack by composer and author Rachel Fuller, BEE is an enchanting story that is sure to inspire compassion and acceptance, and to encourage all those with beautiful minds just like Bee’s to find their own magical place in the world.
The 32-page picture book illustrated by Emelia Wharf contains QR codes on each double page spread that can be scanned so readers can enjoy a musical accompaniment to the story. You can also access the music via the website.
Rachel Fuller is a multifaceted artist whose diverse body of work spans media from film and television to ballet and orchestration. A classically trained pianist, she began composing at just ten years old. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, she navigated childhood challenges within the confines of mainstream education, emerging with a profound understanding of neurodiversity. Her advocacy for mental health awareness is as integral to her identity as her artistic endeavours.
Emelia Wharfe is a visual artist with over a decade’s experience of bringing great tales to life through illustration. She created the artwork for this 32-page children’s book. The interior and cover illustrations, hand-written fonts, website and social media graphics, workshop resources, and animations, showcasing huge versatility designing across various platforms.
Book Review
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like they are being bullied for being different
My first impression is that it’s a story about being different and the opening paragraph is about Bee’s hard life. Bee starts off with a hard time at school being different and when she found out she was going to a new school she was happy because there were people like her. Some of the characters are Bee, Sprout, her mum and dad, Harry and Charlotte.
The use of language is very descriptive and makes you want to read on. In the end Bee finds friends that are just like her.
I like the pictures because they give a special effect, and the way it’s laid out because it makes the book fun.
The message is even if you’re different it doesn’t mean you’re worse or better.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like they are being bullied for being different.
Isabella’s teacher says: We loved listening to the music as a class. It really helped to bring the story to life and engaged all the children.
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If you would like to buy a copy of the book we invite you to order it from your local independent book shop.
Or, you can shop on-line and support our Kids Reviews page by sourcing your discounted book via this link
Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose, we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Isabella
- Age: 10 years
- Likes: singing, dancing, gymnastics and netball
- Favourite Book: Boy by Roald Dahl
- Favourite Movie: Matilda the Musical
- Favourite Song: Naughty from Matilda the Musical
