Queen Bee
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
It's not easy being different - especially when you are one of thousands in a hive. Manuka knows as a worker bee, she's only supposed to do her job and not ask questions. But her head is so full of ideas that could improve life in the hive that sometimes they just pop out of her mouth. Typically, this gets her in trouble - especially when she starts to question why bees in her hive are getting sick. As Manuka and her friend Cotton get closer to the answer, they cross Acacia, the Queen Bee's Chief Attendant. Acacia banishes them to the outside world, where they are forced to fend for themselves. Although dangerous, this world also offers hope. Manuka finds new friends - including a fierce but friendly bumblebee, a lovesick male bee, and a fast-talking hummingbird - and learns of a Sacred Tree that may hold the cure for what ails the hive. However, Manuka must face Acacia once again - and Acacia has more than one deadly secret that could mean the end of everyone and everything that Manuka loves. Queen Bee is a celebration of the power of individuals and ideas. It is also a story about how finding your destiny can be the same as finding yourself
Age
7-11
Length
222 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Queen Bee a good leader?
How do the other bees react to Queen Bee's decisions? What does this tell us about teamwork?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, just like Queen Bee helps her friends?
What do you think is the most important message of the book?
How would you handle a situation like the one Queen Bee faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and make connections to their own experiences. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their views and feelings about the story. Highlight the values of leadership and teamwork demonstrated in the book. Discuss the importance of helping others and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their daily life. Lastly, celebrate your child's responses to foster a love for thoughtful reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Queen Bee,' the bees must work together to protect their hive and ensure their survival, illustrating the effectiveness of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and duty
Explanation: The protagonist, the Queen Bee, has specific duties to oversee the welfare of her hive, which teaches children about roles and responsibilities.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child’s life by taking on chores at home or responsibilities in classroom projects, fostering a sense of duty and accountability.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: The Queen Bee faces various challenges, including harsh weather and predators, but her resilience keeps the hive thriving, highlighting the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist through difficulties in their studies or personal challenges, emphasizing resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Leadership qualities
Explanation: The book showcases the Queen Bee's leadership in making decisions for the hive's benefit, promoting qualities like decisiveness and foresight.
Real-World Application: Young readers can learn to take initiative in leading small group activities or making informed choices, developing early leadership skills.