A Bear's Guide to Beekeeping
What’s inside...
A whimsical tale of a bear who embarks on an unexpected journey into the world of beekeeping, discovering not only the intricacies of caring for bees but also valuable lessons about life and friendship along the way. Are you a bear considering keeping your very own bees? Can't get enough of delicious honey? Then this is the book for you! With invaluable tips such as how to make a tiny crown for your queen bee, you can become a master beekeeper in no time! Learn how to care for your new buzzy friends in easy-to-follow steps - but don't forget to absolutely never hug the bees. A spoof beekeeping manual for bears from debut author Pip Cornell and rising star Alex G Griffiths.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like if you were a bear learning beekeeping?
How do you think the bear felt when he first tried to take care of the bees?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like the bear? What was that like?
Why is it important for the bear to take care of the bees in the story?
What would you do if you were the bear's friend to help him with the beekeeping?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, utilize open body language and maintain eye contact to make your child feel heard and encouraged.
Relate the bear’s experiences in the book to your child's personal experiences of trying something new or overcoming fears.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Praise your child for their insights and ideas during the conversation to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate scenarios in the story and discuss how different actions might change the outcome.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The bear in the story takes on the task of managing a beehive, which teaches the importance of caring for others and being responsible for a community's well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as caring for a pet or helping with household chores, learning the value of dependability and diligence.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Beekeeping requires waiting for the right moments to collect honey, showing the bear practicing patience throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to wait patiently for rewards, understanding that some things, like personal goals or natural processes, require time to come to fruition.
Example Lesson: Environmental Stewardship
Explanation: The book highlights the role bees play in the environment and how the bear contributes to their preservation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, or planting flowers, fostering an early respect and care for nature.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bear encounters and solves various challenges in maintaining the hive, utilizing critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to face their own challenges at school or in social settings, using reasoned thinking and innovative solutions to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The bear works alongside other animals in the forest, learning the importance of teamwork and mutual support.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the benefits of collaborating with others, whether in school projects, team sports, or family activities, promoting understanding and shared success.