Kind little hands by Kathy Urban and Sally Garland

Alone in the city, the little bee is lost and hungry and falls to the earth, to be caught in the protective hands of Noah. He peers closely at the bee, taking it to his Grandfather and they take it home to their apartment. When Noah says bees do not live in apartments, Grandpa points out the flowers in the window box. Just the place for a bee. But she still seems unwell, so Grandpa makes up some water and sugar mixture which they put near her. She drinks it, watched closely by an excited Noah. He and Grandpa look in some books to find out about bees. 

The next day the bee seems to be well again and crawls up Noah’s arm. They go outside and the bee flies away. As they walk they notice that there are few flowers around for the bees. Noah suggests that they put some planter boxes on the top of the apartment building and grow some flowers to attract the bees. The idea spreads as many apartment houses have gardens on their roofs. A small idea is taken up by others and little by little flowers appear in their environment. 

A lovely story about people power, where a small act can be the catalyst for lots happening. A small roof garden attracts insects and more importunely, bees, and this small garden is replicated by others.

At the end of the book, are two pages outlining why bees need our help, and on the last page is a list of ways we can help all pollinators, especially bees, as our future depends on these little animals. 

Colourful illustrations can be found on every page, reiterating the themes of flowers and bees, as well as promoting kindness and empathy.

Themes: Bees, Kindness, Empathy, Apartments.

Fran Knight