Bee Strong
A heartwarming picture book about resilience, community, and finding the strength to keep going when everything you knew has been knocked down
It was a beautiful day when a powerful storm swept in without warning. Bentley and the other bees quickly escape their hive and find shelter in Bernie Bunny’s burrow until the storm passes. But when they return, they discover their home has been completely destroyed. Together, the bees must find a new place to live and begin the difficult work of rebuilding. The days are long, the work is exhausting, and they all wish they could have their old home back, but they learn that even during the hardest moments, they can find strength by supporting one another.
Bee Strong is a touching story about resilience, coping with unexpected changes, and finding hope when life doesn’t go as planned. As Bentley and the bees discover, things may not turn out exactly how they imagined, but with determination, friendship, and a little bit of courage, they can overcome challenges together. Includes a note to adult readers with more information on helping children build resilience and supporting them through tough times.
Key features:
- teaches resilience in a way kids understand: shows children that starting over is hard, progress takes time, and it's okay to feel tired, sad, or frustrated along the way
- celebrates the power of community and teamwork: Bentley and the bees get through their hardest days by leaning on each other, showing kids that no one has to rebuild alone
- relatable for many tough experiences: speaks to children dealing with natural disasters, moves, family changes, loss, or any situation where life suddenly looks different than it did before
- honest about hard feelings without being heavy: validates frustration, exhaustion, and grief while gently guiding readers toward hope, persistence, and looking forward
- includes a Reader's Note for adults: offers guidance on helping children build resilience and supporting them through difficult transitions and tough times
- trusted publisher: from Magination Press, the children’s imprint of APA, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development
Frank J. Sileo, PhD, is licensed psychologist and an award-winning author of three other Bentley Bee books, as well as numerous other books for children and families. He is also the author of a parenting book on raising children with chronic medical illnesses. He has been consistently recognized as one of New Jersey's top doctors for children and adolescents. Dr. Sileo has a practice in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Visit his website and follow him on Facebook, Xopens in new window, and Instagramopens in new window.
Claire Keay is an illustrator and textile artist living in an old market town in the south of England. She illustrates from her home studio and loves to teach people the craft of needle felting from her workshop in a local community arts center. Visit her onlineopens in new window and follow her on Facebookopens in new window and Instagram.
A clever story… After their home got destroyed in a big storm, the bees needed to come together to rebuild… the project seemed to be at a standstill, but thanks to some quick thinking it didn’t last…the bees ended up learning some important lessons…kids will have a great time reading this book.
—The Good Men Project
