BEATRICE THE BEWILDERED BUMBLEBEE

An inquisitive bumblebee struggles to understand her role in the world in Bratta’s picture book.

Beatrice is a “bewildered” bumblebee “who question[s] everything,” including herself and her uniqueness. She’s tired of her work routine and wonders what it would feel like to take on the roles of other insects. She tries to dart like a dragonfly, lift like an ant, and work through the night like a moth, but she can’t find a role that truly suits her—until a lesson from a friend leads her to realize that her special purpose has been there all along. The story normalizes feelings of anxiety, confusion, and self-doubt, and Bratta’s text encourages young readers to explore these emotions: “Have you ever felt bewildered or bemused?” The author also provides engaging facts about insects and conservation tips. The book includes a “Buzz” section that identifies various scenarios in which kids typically experience anxiety, from birthday parties to the first day of school to an initial encounter with an insect. Kolanovic’s illustrations are a delight, rendered in a dreamy pastel palette that evocatively conveys Beatrice’s quest for self-discovery. The book’s greatest strength is the way in which the author grounds the story’s message—“All you have to do is be yourself”—with a multi-dimensional understanding of the natural world.

A reassuring reminder to young readers to embrace their own unique talents.