BOOK 2
Annabelle Bee and Now There are Three
Caterpillars change . . . friendship does, too!
Annabelle Bee and Benjamin Butterfly's friendship is put to the test when Annabelle has to share Benjamin's time with his little brother, Bailey. Bailey doesn't even look like Benjamin-he's a green and black caterpillar, and eats milkweed instead of nectar. How strange! But with just a little bit of patience, Annabelle may see that Bailey has more in common with her and Benjamin than she thought, and she may learn that sharing friendship can help bonds grow even stronger.
Young readers can explore friendship, jealousy, and the magic of transformation in this charming follow-up to Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree.
BOOK 1
Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree
These unlikely best friends prove anything is possible with bravery and teamwork!
Annabelle Bee wishes she could be a lovely butterfly like Benjamin. When one day she saves Benjamin from being caught in a net, the two quickly become best friends! But when Annabelle hears that her mother, the queen, says they need to move to a new hive, she doesn't know what to do! She doesn't want to leave her new friend, but she doesn't want to leave her family. Will the two friends be able to find the perfect place?
Taking young readers on a uniquely imaginative journey, this adventurous story from author Debra Raso O’Connor imparts invaluable lessons on bravery and friendship. Through Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree, children will discover that no problem is too big to solve!
Praise for the Series
"O’Connor’s prose is effortless, distinguished by charming dialogue. The pace of the story is dynamic—moments of peaceful delight amongst the flowers are interspersed with dramatic rescues. By the conclusion of the story, young readers will be fully invested in these unlikely buddies staying together."
KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Annabelle Bee and Benjamin Butterfly will quickly become a treasured story that nurtures values like kindness and self-confidence."
DENI GLEGGI
Principal of Gullege Elementary School
"This whimsically illustrated tale of friendship will captivate young readers. It highlights the human skills of kindness and cooperation while teaching the reader about the jobs of pollinators in their ecosystem —and the importance of bees!"
ANN HOBBIE
Author of Monarch Butterflies and Former Chair of the Monarch Joint Venture Board of Directors
"This charming book, with playful text and delightful illustrations, is sure to capture the minds and hearts of preschoolers and kindergarteners everywhere! Perfect for story time, the classroom, or beneath a child’s blanket fort!"
DIANNA HUTTS ASTON
Award-Winning Author of An Egg is Quiet, A Butterfly is Patient, and The Moon Over Star, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
“Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree is a captivating jewel of a book! As a beekeeper, I'm tickled to know this book exists as it delicately describes relationships between pollinators and the impact humans have on our natural world. The author educates its reader about honeybees and makes it easy for children to understand through the simple words and enchanting imagery."