The Bee Without Wings

Written and illustrated by Amberlea Williams

Princeton Architectural Press

978-1-797222509

40 pp.

Ages 4-8

March 2023

Though some parts of Canada will still be hit by significant snowfalls today, we'll all be anticipating spring and all that that season brings with it: bees, flowers, warmer temperatures, rain and so much more. But things aren't always as expected as Sasha learns.

From The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams

While out with her cat Molly, Sasha finds a bee that is acting differently. She soon realizes it has no wings. She tries to help it, first by bringing it to a flower and then, when that is unsuccessful, by offering it sugar water. After a few sips, the bee is energized. But Sasha knows that, without wings, the bee's life will be very difficult. And so, Sasha takes responsibility for Bea, giving it shelter, food, and safety. Still Sasha knows that Bea longs to fly, and so she devises a contraption that would give Bea the pleasure of flight.

From The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams

But bees do not live forever, and Sasha can see Bea slowing down and eating less. The loss is hard for Sasha and Molly, but they find a way to honour her, and, with much planning and research, Sasha does just that the next spring.

There are so many lessons that parents and teachers can take from The Bee Without Wings whether it be about a bee's life cycle or dealing with loss, but Ottawa's Amberlea Williams doesn't overwork those messages. Instead, she gives us a story of a compassionate child who loves being out in the natural world and recognizes a need to care for living things. In a world of "Me! Me! Me!" it's refreshing to see a child whose heart is full of wonder and empathy. From the child's words and actions to Amberlea Williams's gouache and coloured pencil illustrations, there is brightness and kindness. Even with the tragedy of a wingless bee and her inevitable passing, Amberlea Williams gives us lightness and joy, from eyes bright with curiosity and feeling, to landscapes magnificent in both flowers and snow.

From The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams

Amberlea Williams appends her story with pages about caring for early spring bees and creating your own bee-friendly garden, thus giving young readers an opportunity to do good in the natural world themselves. But, even without those conservation efforts, young readers are encouraged to open their eyes and observe nature as it is. Sasha may have benefited serendipitously by her actions, making a friend in Bea, but her efforts were wholly altruistic, giving Bea sanctuary where her physical limitations may have hampered her. It's a feel-good story that confirms the insight of Laozi that "Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

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An activity sheet from the book is available from the publisher for download here.