Little Bee

"A must-purchase."-STARRED review, School Library Journal A bug-tastic and social justice–filled new early chapter book series! Bee and her friends love parties, but the upcoming Mother's Day celebration in her third grade class makes her feel all squirmy inside: are she and her dads even allowed to go? Bee and her best friends Sarah and Tiam-the Winged Wonder gang-love parties almost as much as they love bugs. So when their Grade 3 teacher announces that the class must come up with a winning party idea, the friends are so excited. But when Bee realizes that it's to celebrate the upcoming Mother's Day weekend, she is confused and worried: Bee has two dads. Is she allowed to celebrate, and are her dads allowed to come? But Bee quickly learns that she might not be the only one who's feeling left out. With the help of her friends and her parents, Bee must figure out how she and others in her class with non-traditional families can not only take part in the class party, but feel celebrated too. CELEBRATES FAMILY IN ALL FORMS: Bee's story highlights a range of non-traditional families: two dads, single parents, blended families, and more, creating space for all kids to see themselves reflected and affirmed. KID-FRIENDLY EXPLORATION OF EGG DONATION AND SURROGACY: Bee shares her experience of being born via egg donation and surrogacy in a natural, age-appropriate way, helping to demystify the topic and spark important conversations. BUG LOVER!: Each book emphasizes a different bug, and this first one is all about BEES! Bee learns about bees at the museum and through her favourite book. The cover art and other illustration details will also highlight this buggy aspect. A FRESH TAKE ON MOTHER'S DAY: Perfect for classrooms or families looking for an inclusive alternative to traditional Mother's Day stories. Emphasizes empathy, standing up for yourself and others, and celebrating the people who love and care for us-whoever they are. FIRST IN A NEW SERIES: The Little Bee series explores friendship, identity, and classroom dynamics with humour and heart. Book 2 is set for Fall 2026, and Book 3 for Winter 2027. BACKMATTER: The book will feature engaging backmatter! SWEET SPOT READER RECOMMENDATION: 7+ years LEVELING INFO: F-P Guided Code: L - Grade Two III. Lexile Code: 740 L "Neville leverages bee-related science facts to distill familial concepts, showing through Bee's burgeoning understanding how everyone benefits from having empathy for others' experiences." "A must-purchase, universally appealing story to build on diversity and social justice in early fiction collections."