Inuk singer-songwriter Becky Han's award-winning song, "Qaariaq," inspired her to write the children's book The Bee. This narrative tells the story of a little girl named Apita, who is running from a bee. Apita repeatedly tells the bee, qaariaq, which in Inuktitut means "don't come near me." Like many children, Apita is afraid of the bee and wants to get far away from it. By the end of the story, Apita learns she does not have to fear the bee, as it does not want to hurt her. This fun read shares a lesson in overcoming something you fear.

Other End Matter: Pronunciation Guide
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Becky Han (Inuit), Illustrator Tindur Peturs
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Becky Han is an Inuk singer-songwriter who grew up in the small and beautiful community of Ikpiarjuk (Arctic Bay) in Nunavut. Believing that music is a creative and educational outlet, she enjoys writing most of her work in Inuktut. The Bee is based on her award-winning song "Qaariaq".

Becky Han's profile page

Tindur Peturs is an animator and illustrator, born and raised in Iceland, who moved to Canada to study animation and Canadian culture. They have a love for nature, animals, and the power of storytelling.

Tindur Peturs' profile page

• Best Books for Kids and Teens

"Should delight little ones with rhythmic and repetitive words and actions." —Kirkus Reviews

"[T]he folksong quality of the repeating structure and comic exaggeration are charming, and Tindur Peturs’ illustrations are breathtaking in the quietest of ways."—CM: Canadian Review of Materials