Bombus the Bumble Bee

Bombus the Bumblebee This story is included in some other curriculum – I believe Kindergarten (Not Simply K). I will begin by pointing out the positives of this book by saying that the illustrations are amazing and attention getting for younger kids. It is easy to point out the lesson that we are all created different with different talents and abilities and that we do not need to compare ourselves to others. In this I think the author has done a great job. I have always taught my children that we are all part of a greater story and a greater team than what we can see. In this we all have a part we are created for and gifted especially for this. Jeremiah 1 does a great job of pointing this out, “Before I formed you I knew you, before I placed you in your mother’s womb I set you aside”. The book also inadvertently addresses the issue of bullying and how sometimes being different means being teased. However, this is where the book also has a problem – this story is set in the beginning of time, the first of creation. If Bombus is enjoying the flowers on the “new earth” this makes me believe this is the beginning. I have taught my children, according to Genesis, that all was good and right in the world at this time. Man and creatures all lived in harmony with each other. Therefore, there could be no bullying, no pointing out another’s differences, no segregating, ostracizing or causing harm to others. Yet this is exactly what is happening to our bumbly little friend Bombus the Bee. I had to field questions with my very bright and inquisitive five year old as to why the Bee’s were mean in the perfect world before the fall. All in all – the book is good. Next time I read it I will be adapting it to after the fall, a little improve in the reading just to avoid the confusion of sin and meanness before the fall.