Bessie's Bees - by George Kirk (Hardcover)

About the Book

An uplifting story about starting school with a bubbly neurodiverse child at its center. Written from the heart by debut, neurodiverse author, George Kirk, and illustrations buzzing with charm from Ana Gómez.

Book Synopsis

A heartwarming and energetic story about starting school with ADHD, Bessie's Bees celebrates neurodiversity through a fun, relatable metaphor. Created in partnership with Mayo Clinic pediatric experts, this picture book includes practical tips and myth-busting facts to support families navigating ADHD.

Bessie's head is full of bees--buzzing, bouncing, and brimming with energy. And that's just fine. But when Bessie starts school, she can't see anyone else's bees. So she hides hers. Before long, her head isn't just buzzing--it's bursting!

With help from her Granny, Bessie learns that her bees are part of what makes her special--and that sharing them might be the best way to feel like herself again.

Written by debut author George Kirk and illustrated with warmth and humor by Ana Gómez, Bessie's Bees is a joyful, reassuring story for kids with ADHD and the people who love them. Includes expert back matter from Mayo Clinic pediatrician Khaled Mohammed, M.B., B.Ch., offering:

• Myth-busting facts about ADHD (for example, no, ADHD is not caused by bad parenting or too much sugar)
• Tips for parents and caregivers on how to support children with ADHD
• Suggestions for kids to help them understand and embrace their unique brains

A joyful celebration of neurodiversity, this story helps kids with ADHD feel understood and empowers parents with trusted, practical advice from Mayo Clinic experts.

Mayo Clinic Press Kids creates empowering health and wellness content in partnership with pediatric experts. Proceeds from the sale of every book go to benefit important medical research and education and Mayo Clinic.

About the Author

George Kirk is a former primary school teacher and librarian turned children's author and storyteller. Drawing from personal experience with Autism and ADHD, Kirk brings a vibrant, authentic voice to her writing, crafting stories that reflect the richness of neurodiverse perspectives. When she's not visiting schools and libraries to share her tales, she's writing picture books and humorous young fiction that celebrate individuality and imagination. Kirk lives in a Lancashire valley in the UK, nestled between the City of Manchester and the hills of Pendle.

Ana Gómez is a children's book illustrator based in Monterrey, Mexico. With a background in fine arts from the University of Salamanca, Ana brings warmth, whimsy, and emotional depth to every page she illustrates. Her work is known for its expressive characters, vibrant color palettes, and ability to connect with young readers through visual storytelling. Ana finds inspiration in everyday joys--plants, stories, memories, and the quiet beauty of color--and channels that into illustrations that are both playful and heartfelt. She has illustrated numerous picture books for publishers around the world, and her art continues to delight children and families with its charm and accessibility.

Dr. Khaled Mohammed, M.B., B.Ch., is a board-certified pediatrician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with a deep commitment to supporting children with ADHD. He completed his pediatric residency and global pediatrics certification at the University of Minnesota and holds advanced training in evidence-based practice research from Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mohammed is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and actively contributes to academic and advisory committees focused on pediatric care. His clinical and research interests center on empowering families with practical, compassionate strategies to navigate childhood health challenges--especially those related to neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD.