Harris, Shawn. Let’s Be Bees. Shawn Harris, Illus. Holiday House /Neal Porter/, 02/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5709-0. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
A tan-skinned father and child play a lively game of make-believe while reading a book together in this story by Caldecott honoree Shawn Harris. The story invites audience participation, as the characters pretend to be different animals and parts of nature. The colorful crayon illustrations exude playfulness reflected in Harris’s simple and rhythmic text, like “fuzzy, buzzy bees” and “chitty, chatty birds.” At each page turn, the illustrations shift into bright birds, rustling trees, crashing waves, and roaring lions. The clever twist at the end when the father pretends to be the child pleading “again!” will be all too relatable to caregivers. This book is perfect for toddler and preschool storytimes and promotes bonding and giggles while reading one-on-one.
Kelly Pollard—Alameda County Library