Welcome to Bee’s garden

A bilingual story about being yourself

Bee Me — Siendo Bee book cover

English and Spanish   /   Ages 4–12   /   Paperback

There’s a place
for everyone
in this garden

Bee Me / Siendo Bee

In a backyard garden full of colorful characters, a little pollinator begins to wonder whether being small means being less important.

With a little help from some floral friends, Bee discovers that being yourself is something to celebrate. Even the smallest among us can make a difference.

Written in English and Spanish, Bee Me invites families to read together, explore nature, and talk about what makes each of us unique.

“With vibrant illustrations and joyful rhymes, this heartwarming picture book celebrates nature and the beauty of being yourself. Perfect for budding readers!”

Steve BreenPulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist

“Bee Me, Siendo Bee es un cuento bilingüe inspirador para compartir con niños y adultos sobre una abeja que restaura fácilmente la resiliencia y la fuerza de cada flor que toca. Sin embargo, en un momento de comparación con una gran mariposa, comienza a dudar de su propio valor. Lo que fácilmente podría convertirse en una historia de duda y tristeza se transforma rápidamente en afirmaciones de su importancia por parte de sus amigos florales, quienes se benefician diariamente de sus elogios y polen. Al final, todos aprendemos que, a nuestra manera única, "Ser" uno mismo es el mejor mensaje para todos nosotros y una lección atemporal para compartir con niños de todas las edades.”

Adela de la TorrePresidenta de San Diego State University

Let’s take the story outside

Keep exploring after the last page with a few things to try at home or in the classroom.

Make a garden

Draw a home for pollinators. What flowers would Bee like to visit? Add food, water, and places to rest.

Say it both ways

Bee or abeja? Flower or flor? Find the words in the story and practice them together.

Celebrate you

Draw yourself surrounded by the people, interests, and strengths that make you who you are.

Meet the people behind Bee

Denise Zellmann

Denise Zellmann

Co-author and illustrator

A mother, yoga teacher, and nature enthusiast who brings the garden and its pollinators to life through words and illustrations.

Seth Mallios

Seth Mallios

Co-author

A professor at San Diego State University and co-creator of Re:Punzle, sharing Bee’s story of self-acceptance and community.

Make room for Bee
on your bookshelf

32 illustrated pages to read, revisit, and share in English and Spanish.

Buy the paperback on Amazon