Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pretending is big fun in playful reading tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A little girl and an adult (perhaps a caregiver or dad) sit down to read a book titled LET'S BE BEES. The man suggests, "Let's be bees," and the two of them start making buzzing sounds and even turn into bees flying above the book. Next he says, "Let's be birds," and they turn into birds and start chirping. The pattern continues with other animals and objects, including trees, the wind, waves, lightning, rain, and snow, which is silent —until there's an avalanche! The creative play continues until the end, when the man suggests they switch roles: "Now let's be me and say 'THE END.' Now let's be you and say 'AGAIN!'"
Is It Any Good?
This wildly imaginative story of sharing a book invites reading—and roaring—aloud. Let's Be Bees celebrates the bond between grown-up and kid that's nurtured by diving into a story together. Author Shawn Harris understands what makes kids laugh, and his kid-like illustrations are fun and accessible. He ramps up readers' engagement by going beyond mimicking sounds to having the two characters transform into the animals, things, and people they are voicing. Even when that means the little girl suddenly has long hair, a beard, and mustache like her co-reader. It's simply delightful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the many sounds in Let's Be Bees. It's easy to roar and bark, but it's harder to sound like snow or fire or the Earth. What do you like pretending to be?
Do you like reading books with somebody? What's fun about teaming up?
What's your favorite picture in the book? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Shawn Harris
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Neal Porter Books
- Publication date : February 11, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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