The Bee-man of Orn And Other Fanciful Tales
on Goodreads (363)
What’s inside...
In the ancient country of Orn, there lived an old man known as the Bee-Man, who spent his time among bees in his hut which resembled a giant bee-hive. One day, a Junior Sorcerer visited and revealed to the Bee-Man that he had been magically transformed from another form, but could not specify from what. The sorcerer was certain that the Bee-Man should be changed back to his original form.
Age
6-10
Length
124 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Bee-Man
Discussion points
What do you think the Bee-man's bees symbolize in the story?
How do you feel about the transformations that characters undergo? What does that tell us about change?
Why do you think the Bee-man decided to search for his original form, and what does this journey teach us?
In what ways do the other characters in the tales influence the outcomes of their stories?
What is the most surprising moment in the book for you, and why did it stand out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider the deeper meanings behind the fantastical elements of the stories.
Ask your child how they might have responded in similar situations as the characters, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
After reading, relate the themes of transformation and self-discovery in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, making the discussion relevant.
Allow your child to express their opinions and feelings about the stories, affirming their thoughts to build confidence in their interpretative skills.
Discuss the moral lessons each tale might be teaching, guiding the child to grasp the values conveyed subtly through whimsy and fantasy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing change and self-discovery
Explanation: The Bee-man of Orn transforms after discovering that he was not always a Bee-man, leading him on a quest that ultimately changes his life outlook.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-exploration and adapting to changes, which are crucial skills in personal growth and accepting new phases in life.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the Bee-man encounters various characters and situations that highlight the importance of helping others and working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills the importance of teamwork and helping one's community, which can be applied in school projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Questioning and critical thinking
Explanation: The Bee-man critically questions his past and his purpose, leading to significant revelations and transformations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to question the world around them and seek deeper understanding, which is beneficial in educational settings and personal decision-making.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of uncertainty
Explanation: Despite uncertainties and fears, the Bee-man continues his quest, showing determination and resolve.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of resilience and perseverance when facing new challenges or when things do not go as planned.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance and worth
Explanation: By the end of his journey, the Bee-man realizes his unique place in the world and embraces his identity, illustrating self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Supports children in understanding and valuing their uniqueness, encouraging a healthy self-esteem.