Marie and Mr. Bee

written by Margaret Welwood and illustrated by Coralie Rycroft

I don’t usually do picture books, but Margaret Welwood reached out to me to review hers, and I have to say it was a cute read.

The book is meant to be read by an adult to a child and allow for a discussion about work ethic. It is a good illustration for that discussion, although I felt that portions of Mr. Bee’s story could have been more filled in to make a stronger point.

You can see in the picture that Marie is confined to a wheelchair but that is never mentioned or made a point of the story. So if you are looking for a book with a character with a disability but do not want it to be the focus of the story, this is a good one.
There are two versions available for purchase: one aimed specifically at a Bible-oriented market and the other meant for a secular market. The only difference between the two is on the last page where Marie is reading to Mr. Bee. In the Proverbs version, she is reading from the Bible and the verse Proverbs 12:14b is written in the book.

Honestly, the verse felt a little slapped on there compared to the other version. The verse was not cited except for the front of the book, and it did not look as polished as the version where she is just reading a regular story to Mr. Bee.

Even so, it is still a great book to read to your kid and spark a discussion. And knowing the verse from the sticker can prompt you to pull out your own Bible with your kid and look it up in the actual Bible like Mr. Bee and Marie.

I would recommend buying this book. The characters, story line, and illustrations are cute, and a great discussion can be started between you and a child.

*I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, which can be read above.*

“Marie is a happy little girl who lives in a cabin in the woods, working and playing with her forest friends . . . until a not-so-busy bee entices her to neglect her work! Compassion, forgiveness, restoration, and a forever friendship ensue.

By the following summer, Mr. Bee is too old to fly. But every night, Marie lifts her little friend onto her lap and reads to him from the Book of John and the Book of Proverbs.”

– Blurb from Amazon

If you are interested in purchasing a copy or learning more about the book visit:

Amazon.com – Proverbs Version

Amazon.com – Secular Version