Colette: The Solitary Bee

by Jean-François Sénéchal, Pascale Bonenfant (Illustrator)

Overview

A heartwarming introduction to reading for kids ages three and up about how even solitary beings need people too, from Jean-François Sénéchal and Pascale Bonenfant

Anyone can make it on their own—just ask Colette! She’s a solitary bee who enjoys her own company more than anyone else’s and thrives on her independence. Colette can do just about anything by herself: day-to-day tasks, cleverly navigating the elements, and even setting out on solo adventures. But sometimes, even the most solitary bees need other insects around—like when things don’t go as planned, or when they’ve simply got a good story to tell. Colette: The Solitary Bee is an adorable, heartwarming tale that shows us we can be proud to do things by ourselves, but it’s also pretty great to share our lived experiences with those around us.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781990252396
Publisher:	Milky Way Picture Books
Publication date:	05/13/2025
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

As the son of two teachers, Jean-François Sénéchal grew up around books. After studying anthropology for a time, he ultimately gravitated back to his first love, devoting himself entirely to literature. His stories—exploring societal issues such as exclusion and inequality for audiences of children and adolescents—have garnered him various honors, including the 2017 Joseph S. Stauffer Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts, and a Governor General’s Award for children’s literature. Pascale Bonenfant uses drawing, collage, watercolor, and screen printing to bring her playful works of art to life. After studying design and visual arts at Laval University, she deepened her love for illustration by becoming a professor of graphic design. In recent years, her work has appeared in a wide range of exhibitions and publications, including more than a dozen books. She lives in Québec City, Canada.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2025

Gr 1–2—Colette the bee likes to spend time by herself in her underground burrow. She can do things by herself, such as fly and forage for food; she is clever; she knows how to protect herself and find her way in the forest; she goes on adventures, like going down the path and sleeping under the stars. Colette doesn't need anyone else! As it turns out, though, "Sometimes, others ask her for help, too./ And how could she say no/ when she knows how to do so many things?" Colette helps her snail, slug, worm, caterpillar, and ant friends with their problems. Suddenly, Colette finds herself quite popular, which is "not always easy for a solitary bee." In the end, she realizes the importance of her connections with others. That bees live underground may be a new concept to young readers, but the fact that Colette is a "solitary" bee fits with the facts. Through all of Colette's activities, however, the message has two prongs: It's good to help others and let them help you; solitary is also fine. Fanciful cartoonlike drawings, some divided into panels, are colorful and fun, but pad the story out to almost 40 pages. VERDICT A useful story for shy or socially anxious children.—Sue Morgan

School Library Journal

★ 2025-02-15
Loners, only children, and the singularly single, rejoice: Colette the bee is here to tell your story!

Though Colette can do many things on her own—fly, eat, forage, stay safe in storms—her life is enriching and filled with friends and parties. Sénéchal carefully notes that Colette isn’t afraid to seek help when she needs it and that she’s willing to help others in need. All in all, she’s one well-rounded bee. As a result, her story is a useful reminder to readers—including adult caregivers—that phrases such as “There’s a lid for every pot” are just expressions; it’s perfectly normal for people to live single lives and still be vibrant members of their communities. Translated from French and originally published in Quebec, the book is enhanced by the warm tones and rounded shapes of Bonenfant’s art, which tips its hat to the groovy, fluid lines of the early 1970s but maintains its modern sensibility through an excellent balance of warm and cool tones. The book looks like a classic, and it will very likely prove to be one, thanks to its charming protagonist. Invite Colette to your next storytime or include her in a shared one-on-one reading experience; she’ll be equally welcome in both, and her adventures should be enjoyed by everyone, from the solitary to the gregarious.

As delightfully sweet and pure as honey.(Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews