A bubbly neurodiverse-centered story about getting boring tasks done, even when you REALLY don't want to! Brought to life by buzzingly brilliant author George Kirk and illustrator Ana Gómez.
Bessie's head is full of bees, absolutely bubbling with them. Together, Bessie and her bees spend their days getting into all sorts of things-games, books, and mischief. On this day, Granny thinks they need to get into something else-THE BATH!
"But I don't want to get in the bath," Bessie cries. "Bathtime is really, REALLY boring!"
Just then, Bessie remembers she needs to check the strawberry bushes. . . and that Dinosaur must play in the mud. . . and she has to make a surprise cake for Granny. And now, Bessie and her bees are VERY MESSY-a kind of messy that only a bath can fix!
Will Bessie and her bees find the fun in bathtime after all? Perhaps all it takes is some imagination (and bubbles). . .
This heartwarming story offers help when faced with task avoidance-delaying, resisting, or ignoring boring and difficult tasks, even if they're important! Bessie and her bees give voice to neurodiverse experiences through the visual metaphor of bees and also offer a universal message for all readers about finding the fun in getting tasks done.
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Autorentext
George Kirk is a former primary school teacher and librarian turned children's author and storyteller. Drawing from personal experience with Autism and ADHD, Kirk brings a vibrant, authentic voice to her writing, crafting stories that reflect the richness of neurodiverse perspectives. When she's not visiting schools and libraries to share her tales, she's writing picture books and humorous young fiction that celebrate individuality and imagination. Kirk lives in a Lancashire valley in the UK, nestled between the City of Manchester and the hills of Pendle.
Ana Gómez is a children's book illustrator based in Monterrey, Mexico. With a background in fine arts from the University of Salamanca, Ana brings warmth, whimsy, and emotional depth to every page she illustrates. Her work is known for its expressive characters, vibrant color palettes, and ability to connect with young readers through visual storytelling. Ana finds inspiration in everyday joys-plants, stories, memories, and the quiet beauty of color-and channels that into illustrations that are both playful and heartfelt. She has illustrated numerous picture books for publishers around the world, and her art continues to delight children and families with its charm and accessibility.
Dr. Khaled Mohammed, M.B., B.Ch., is a board-certified pediatrician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with a deep commitment to supporting children with ADHD. He completed his pediatric residency and global pediatrics certification at the University of Minnesota and holds advanced training in evidence-based practice research from Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mohammed is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and actively contributes to academic and advisory committees focused on pediatric care. His clinical and research interests center on empowering families with practical, compassionate strategies to navigate childhood health challenges-especially those related to neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD.