Marie and Mr. Bee

REVIEWER: Laura J. Davis

Marie & Mr. Bee by Margaret Welwood is a delightful children's book that will teach children the value of completing their chores.

The main character, Marie, is in a wheelchair and yet she still has chores to do and completes them all before she goes out to play with her animal friends. But one day she meets Mr. Bee, who brags about how he never does any work. Marie begins to wonder why she has to work when Mr. Bee doesn't, so she stops doing her chores. In the end, she learns a lesson on what happens when work doesn't get done.

I love that the main character is disabled as it shows children that those in wheelchairs aren't so very different. Parents will love the simple way this book teaches children the values of working hard. While not overly preachy there are two versions of this book, one suitable for Sunday School and the other suitable for regular school (no Bible verses). With beautiful full-colour illustrations this is a wonderful book to add to your children's library.