The Bumblebear

Author: Nadia Shireen
Illustrator: Nadia Shireen
Publisher: Jonathan Cape

“The bees tumbled out in panic. They tried to chase the bear away.”
“A fearsome buzzing beast burst through the trees. The bees were saved and Norman was a hero.”

Norman loves honey so much that he decides the only way to get it is to become a bee. He enrolls in Bee school and has huge fun, learning about all things bee. However, a clever bee, Amelia, uncovers the truth – that Norman is really a bear, and bears steal honey. Norman is expelled from school, his deception uncovered. Though he is not a bee, the other bees enjoyed his humor and fun. However, one night, a rogue bear breaks into the bee’s secret honey store, helping himself to all of the honey. Norman, dressed once more as a bee, frightens the bear away, saving their honey and is rewarded with a place at bee school, a pot of honey for himself and a new title – Bumblebear.

The idea of a bear wearing a onesie to disguise himself as a bee added a humorous twist to a familiar scenario, making Norman a loveable character.

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

Being different isn’t a bad thing. Norman loves being a bee, even though he is clearly not. However, his difference enables him to come to the rescue when the bees are threatened.

Guidance:

It is easy to be wary of someone who is different, but in celebrating that difference, the bees became happier. It’s also easy to walk away from friendships when problems arise, but by standing by friends and helping them, a friendship can become stronger.

Hope & Inspiration:

The bees are terrified of the intruder bear, but Norman is able to scare him away and save their honey.
Their fears that he would steal all of their honey are unfounded; Norman had become their hero.
The bees all missed Norman when he’d gone, even though he wasn’t a bee.
Norman shows no fear when saving the secret honey stash.