Bessie's Bees

About this book

Bessie's head is buzzing with bees. Which is fine. They're always buzzing to get out and explore and have adventures. When Bessie goes to nursery for the first time, no one else has bees, and she tries to hide them. But this proves tough, and disaster occurs. Luckily, the teacher and Granny know how to help, and Bessie finds a way to ensure she and her bees - and everyone else - are happy.

This is a sweet metaphor for a busy, neurodivergent brain, like the author's. The bees are not depicted in a negative way, they're simply fizzing with energy and, as Granny says, they are part of Bessie. There is one coping strategy included - Bessie sits and hums when the bees get a bit too fizzy - and there's a note about the author's personal experience at the back. The relationship between Bessie and her granny is lovely - and no parents are mentioned or shown - while the illustrations are bursting with colour and energy.

While this reflects only one person's experience of being neurodivergent, it would be an excellent book to use to talk about individuality, empathy and acceptance.