One of the most important lessons children can learn in our vastly diverse world is to value and respect the similarities and differences between themselves and others. Sisters Lana and Tania Bloch aim to teach this vital lesson to children everywhere in a fun and interactive manner with their new butterbee plush puppet, "pluppetts," and award- winning book, "How Butterbees Came to Bee!" This book is a charming fable about Bonnie Bee and Benny Butterfly, who meet on a calm spring day in the beautiful Red Rock Canyons of Sedona, Arizona. Although butterflies and bees are not allowed to play together, Bonnie and Benny soon become friends, teaching one another about the wonders of their individual worlds.

How Butterbees Came to Bee!

Lana Bloch and Tania Bloch
Bee Unlimited Inc. (2006)
ISBN 0966204832
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)


Bonnie Bee is out playing and collecting honey when she meets Benny Butterfly.  He tells her about his life as a caterpillar and a chrysalis.  He explains that the process is called a metamorphosis.  Bonnie and Benny become friends, dancing together, telling stories, playing games and having fun.  They are best friends in everyway.  But one day they played outside too long.  The Queen Bee was very unhappy with Bonnie.  Bees and butterflies were not allowed to be friends and play together.

Benny waited for his friend.  He talked to Rolf Rattlesnake and Uqualla Quail.  They advised him to be patient.  When the two are reunited they promise to belong to each other for all time.  The loving couple are joined in marriage.  One day they two Butterbees were born.  Uqualla loved them very much and shared her great wisdom with the two little ones.  When the Queen considered Uqualla’s words she forgave Uqualla for staying out to late.  Bizzy and Buzzy Butterbees love to play “Hive ‘n Seek.”  “Finding ‘Bee Ways’ that we can name.  Bee helpful and wise, bee loving and true .  Bee happy, be kind, and just bee you!”

Lana Bloch and Tania Bloch have created enchanting characters in their book “How Butterbees Came to Bee!”  While this is a children’s book, it has a message for all of forgiveness, understanding and acceptance of other people for their differences.  David Michener’s illustrations are outstanding.  The story encourages each individual to be all they can be.  “Whatever happens to you and me, Help us to bee the best we can bee.”  I am eager share this one with my grandchildren.  I highly recommend this book to all children.  They will love it!