Please Please the Bees, written and illustrated by Gerald Kelley
Benedict the bear lives a very sweet life. Every morning the bees leave him three jars of honey on his porch. Benedict’s bear existence revolves around eating and enjoying his honey. It is everything to him. So, when one day his honey doesn’t appear, Benedict is lost and beside himself!
“Just then he heard someone say, “Hey, you! In the fur coat!”
It was a very small bee with a remarkably loud voice.
“We need to talk!” said the bee.”
The bees have gone on strike. Their hives are unkempt and their lives and working conditions are unsatisfactory. And so, Benedict sets out to appease the bees. He researches how to care for them and makes the repairs to their home and surrounding area. He plants flowers and he also helps to harvest the honey.
“”I suppose it’s a bit rude to expect them to do it all themselves,” he thought.”
This is a wonderful story about our environment, about caring for others, and even about standing up for what you believe is right. It’s all these layers of messages delivered with light hearted humor that makes this picture book so endearing. The fact that Benedict admitted that he was wrong and set out to change both his attitude and rectify the situation for the bees is a very positive message to be teaching our children.
And I just need to fan gush over these amazingly gorgeous illustrations. Gerald Kelley adds soooooo much to his story and his characters. He uses every bit of facial and gestural expression to create a truly emotional bear. Wait until you see dear Benedict waiting to show the bees all the hard work he put into bettering their environment—Standing alone in the field holding a tiny daisy in his massive paws.
Gerald Kelley’s style of almost realistic, beautifully textured watercolor painting contrasted with simple, graphic representation in spots is truly unexpected and refreshing. His page layouts are varied and sigh-worthy. Like this gorgeous two page spread…
I fell in love with all the hidden details like Benedict’s dead house plants. I laughed out loud at the little bees and their teensy picket signs.
Please read Please Please the Bees… I’m sure you’ll be pleased!
Are you someone who notices our order of blogging? Never fear, Jill and I switched this month. She has new book to talk about next week!
Thank you!
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Ok, this is going on my library holds list. Thanks, Jennifer!
Hi Traci! Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by today!
Thank you for introducing us to this delightful book! I just added it to my must-read list. I love that it addresses so many important topics in a fun and unique way. And the illustrations are gorgeous! I may have to get this for my children AND my beekeeper parents. 🙂
Wow, Becky, I would think your parents would really get a kick out of this book. Hope you like it!
Oh my gosh – I love the message of this story while wrapped in so much fun. I cannot wait to read this! Thanks for sharing this gem with us.
You are so welcome, Kim! Thank you for visiting Picture Book Builders!
Can’t wait to read this one!
Hi Laura! Hope you enjoy it!
This looks delightful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting today, David— hope you like the book!
I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds absolutely wonderful, on so many levels! Thanks!
You’re most welcome, Linda! Hope you love it!
This sounds like a fun one. It’s definitely on my list!
Great, Judy! Thanks!
Gasp! Those illustrations! It looks and sounds like such a fun story. Thanks for a sharing.
Hi, C.L. I know, right? This one is a win/win. Hope you like it!
Definitely need to check this one out…it looks adorable! Thanks, Jennifer!
You’re so welcome, Judy! Thank you for visiting and commenting— hope you enjoy the book!
Nice way to get the message across.
Sure is, Terri. Thanks for visiting!
This little beauty looks like the bees knees! Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Nice one, Quinette! Indeed— hope you like it!
Can’t wait to read it. Looks like another author AND illustrator to follow.
Hi Susan, thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment today. I really love his work!
I’ve been seeing this cover around. Thanks for the look inside! ADORABLE.
Sure, Jill, thanks!
Picture books with multiple layers are works of art! Thanks for sharing!
That’s for sure, Kathy! Thank you for visiting our blog today!
I can’t wait to read this one to my kids!
Hi Charlotte! There’s a lot to share and enjoy about this one. Thanks for stopping by!
Sounds like a wonderful message. And so adorable! Thanks, Jennifer!
Sure, Linda! Thank you!
It looks adorable! Just requested it from the library. Thanks, Jennifer 🙂
Thanks for checking it out, Maria! Hope you like it!
Looks adorable! Thanks!
Sure, Angie! Hope you enjoy the book!
FABULOUS, thank you
You are very welcome, Julia! Thank you for visiting our blog today!
Looks like an awesome book!
Thanks, Sharon! Hope you like it!
I’ve been a fan of Gerald’s work for quite a while! This book looks fantastic and like a great story to boot! Thanks for sharing it with us, Jennifer!
Sure, Mike! I think you’ll really like it when you see it!
I love bears, bees, and honey – can’t wait to read this one!
It sounds like the perfect match! Thanks for visiting and commenting!
With beekeepers in the family this is one I definitely need to track down. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.