Rufus & Bea is an adorable illustrated story for young readers about friendship and cooperation by Ryan & Lisa Cummins. Due out 25th June 2024 from Flashpoint, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Rufus is a songbird who can't sing -or- fly, and he's pretty upset about that. Bea is a honeybee, and a friendly, upbeat "person" and she wants to help Rufus gain enough confidence to make progress himself. It's got a lot of good lessons about uncritical support, positivity, kindness, and caring, and they're presented in a gentle way that isn't preachy or strident.
The illustrations by Hannah Pascoe are beautifully rendered in detailed watercolors which are full of small details inviting readers to take a closer look at the little insects, flowers, trees, and other details.
The text is simple and accessible, written about half and half in free verse and rhyming text. There are even some songs that Bea and Rufus sing, and the music is available on the authors' website, Tiny Prime.
Five stars. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, gift giving, or classroom use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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