Bee Strong: Keep Buzzing Forward

A heartwarming picture book about resilience, community, and finding the strength to keep going when everything you knew has been knocked down

It was a beautiful day when a powerful storm swept in without warning. Bentley and the other bees quickly escape their hive and find shelter in Bernie Bunny’s burrow until the storm passes. But when they return, they discover their home has been completely destroyed. Together, the bees must find a new place to live and begin the difficult work of rebuilding. The days are long, the work is exhausting, and they all wish they could have their old home back, but they learn that even during the hardest moments, they can find strength by supporting one another.

Bee Strong is a touching story about resilience, coping with unexpected changes, and finding hope when life doesn’t go as planned. As Bentley and the bees discover, things may not turn out exactly how they imagined, but with determination, friendship, and a little bit of courage, they can overcome challenges together. Includes a note to adult readers with more information on helping children build resilience and supporting them through tough times.

Key features:

• teaches resilience in a way kids understand: shows children that starting over is hard, progress takes time, and it's okay to feel tired, sad, or frustrated along the way
• celebrates the power of community and teamwork: Bentley and the bees get through their hardest days by leaning on each other, showing kids that no one has to rebuild alone
• relatable for many tough experiences: speaks to children dealing with natural disasters, moves, family changes, loss, or any situation where life suddenly looks different than it did before
• honest about hard feelings without being heavy: validates frustration, exhaustion, and grief while gently guiding readers toward hope, persistence, and looking forward
• includes a Reader's Note for adults: offers guidance on helping children build resilience and supporting them through difficult transitions and tough times
• trusted publisher: from Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development

Frank J. Sileo, PhD, is a New Jersey licensed psychologist and the founder and executive director of The Center for Psychological Enhancement in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Since 2010, he has been consistently recognized as one of New Jersey's top kids' doctors.

Claire Keay lives in the south of England where she works from her small studio at home illustrating children's books and greeting cards.