A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree - by Daniel Bernstrom

About the Book

Frequently reprinted with this same ISBN but with slightly differing bibliographical details.

Book Synopsis

Beloved by babies and toddlers: A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree is now available in a full-length board book edition with rounded edges.

"Delightful . . . if you read only ONE bear-related picture book this year, let it be this one. . . . The ultimate read aloud to large groups as well as one on one lapsits." --Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

Just in time for the publication of the second book in the Bear, Bee series comes a generously-sized board book version of A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree. When a hungry, fuzzy brown bear and a fuzzy yellow bee come face to face, everybody's abuzz! Award-winning author Daniel Bernstrom and critically acclaimed illustrator Brandon James Scott have created a rowdy, rhythmic read-aloud that's perfect for babies and toddlers. This epic chase story features Bernstrom's simple language, alliterative wordplay and verbal pizzazz. And Brandon James Scott's expressive characters jump off the pages. A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree has the kind of high-energy and uninhibited playfulness that will have little kids following the action, making their own bear and bee sounds, and noticing first words that are all carefully placed with corresponding images. A wonderful romp and a splendid introduction to visual literacy.

Review Quotes

★ "A very funny story told in simple text and uproarious illustrations.... makes for a hilarious romp.Illustrations capture the humor and the emotion perfectly." - School Library Journal, STARRED review (board book)

101 Great Books for Kids List, Evanston Public Library (IL)

"A rollicking, hilarious picture book. With its rhyming, easy-to-read text and vibrant illustrations, this rib-tickling story is perfect for reading aloud to a group or for beginning readers to tackle on their own." -- Read Brightly

"Outstanding....sure to become [a] favorite at your house....a delightful read-together with emerging readers." -- Christian Science Monitor

"Delightful....if you read only ONE bear-related picture book this year, let it be this one.....The ultimate read aloud to large groups as well as one on one lapsits." -- Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

"My own personal favorite....This'll knock your socks off." -- Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

"★★★★★ One of those books destined to become a classic, one that kids will ask to be read over and over again, a great choice for storytimes.... just so much fun." -- Youth Services Book Review

"Essential. Scott's illustrations are luminous! Gorgeous. Glowing....the words and pictures are a cohesive whole that will delight every reader. A master text for picture book writers - it'd be great to share with any creative writing class." -- Kiss the Book Jr.

"Daniel Bernstrom's complete joy in the English language is married to an equally complete understanding of what makes children laugh. This sticky, fuzzy, action-packed tongue-twister will delight readers as young as 8 months old, while inspiring seven year-olds to write poetry, since he's made it look so fun. I have been reading Bernstrom's work with delight for a good while. Expect this one to become a beloved classic." -- Emily Jenkins, author of A Greyhound, a Groundhog and Harry Versus the First One Hundred Days of School

"An exhilarating romp....A Bear, A Bee, and a Honey Tree will be all the buzz for home story times both for adults - who will have a rollicking good time reading aloud - and kids - who will want to hear it again and again. The book will be a hit for classroom reading and would make a terrific addition to public library preschool programs. A Bear, A Bee, and a Honey Tree is a must for any children's book collection." -- Celebrate Children's Books

"A snappy, fast-moving readaloud for youngest readers, with ample visual punch lines to boot." -- Publishers Weekly

"Memorable language and enjoyable, colorful, interesting illustrations make this a standout title to share with young readers. After reading it once, I had to read it again. A winner!" -- Myra Zarnowski, educator, Queens College, NY

"Sure to be a read-aloud hit." -- Libby Bergstrom, Global Reach Libraries, Highland Ranch, CO

"The bear and the bees are adorable, just adorable. What a wonderful story to read to your child." -- Roxanne, Arts & Letters Books

"Humorous... readers see characters through a few well chosen words... don't miss the character expressions on each page." -- Pamela Gombert, Educator, Bowen Elementary

""A rowdy, rhythmic read aloud featuring a hungry, fuzzy brown bear and a hive of angry bees. Read along as they come face-to-face in an epic showdown!" -- @maistorybooklibrary

"The characters' expressions are a hoot." -- Alisa Edwards, Napa Bookmine

About the Author

Daniel Bernstrom is a poet and the author of six picture books, including One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Until now, Daniel's books have always included Black characters, reflecting everyday adventures and joy. This is Daniel's first book that features animals exclusively. A graduate of the Hamline MFA in writing for children and young adults, Daniel has worked with a host of wonderful mentors, including Phyllis Root, Jane Resh Thomas, and many others. His book Big Papa and the Time Machine won the Minnesota Book Award and is the story of his grandfather leaving the south to find work and start a family amidst the challenges of 20th century African American life. Daniel lives in Worthington, Minnesota with his wife and five adorable children.

By day Brandon is a creative director working in animation and by night he illustrates picture books. For over a decade Brandon has worked on a range of hit animated entertainment including his own creation, the award-winning series, Justin Time. He loves to make art that brings adventure, levity, heart, and curiosity for the fantastic and whimsical world around us and in our dreams. A born and raised Canadian, he currently lives with his family in Toronto.