A story for every child who’s ever loved, lost, and learned to carry on.
Nicolas and the Bees is a tender, beautifully illustrated story about love, memory, and the lasting legacy of kindness.
In a peaceful Ukrainian village, young Nicolas learns the art of beekeeping from his beloved father. Together, they care for their buzzing hive, discovering how even the smallest creatures can make the world a little sweeter. But when his father grows too weak to continue, Nicolas must step forward—with courage, love, and the wisdom of the bees to guide him.
This heartwarming picture book gently introduces children to the idea of loss and how we carry those we love in our hearts. It celebrates family, nature, and the quiet ways we honor those who came before us.
Perfect for ages 5–9, this timeless tale is ideal for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to help children navigate grief, legacy, and the beauty of remembering.
Because some stories—and some people—stay with us forever.
Author’s Note to Readers
Welcome to Nicolas and the Bees—a story born from love, loss, and the magic of nature. My mission in writing this book was simple, yet deeply personal:
🌼 to spark 1 million smiles—one child, one family, one reader at a time.
🐝 to celebrate the quiet heroes of our world—bees.
🌾 to remind us all of the beauty and strength of Ukraine, a land known as the breadbasket of the world.
This story began as a bedtime tale shared with my daughter, Chiara, and slowly transformed into something more—a tribute to those we’ve loved and lost, and a gentle nudge to carry their kindness forward. It’s also a love letter to bees, whose tireless work helps sustain life on Earth, and a hopeful offering to children in Ukraine whose lives have been disrupted by war. A portion of proceeds will go toward supporting them with books and resources that spark healing and hope.
Themes to Explore
As you read, you may notice quiet but powerful themes woven through each page:
Grief and resilience
The power of memory and love
Environmental stewardship
The joy of small acts of kindness
Ways to Deepen the Experience
Here are a few playful and thoughtful ways to bring this story to life with your child or classroom:
💛 The Tickle Moment:
When Nicolas reflects on his Tato’s passing, there's a moment where “a bee flew in and landed gently on his head, its tiny legs tickling his hair.”
—Parents, this is the perfect time to gently tickle your child.
—Educators, invite children to pair up and give each other a sweet little tickle.
Because even in our saddest moments, a little laughter helps the heart heal.
🌸 The Bee Search at the Grave:
On the page with Tato’s gravestone, you’ll find a garden full of blooming flowers.
—Ask your little readers to count how many bees are hiding among the petals.
—It’s a fun game, but also a quiet reflection of how life, love, and nature are always buzzing around us—even in moments of stillness.
🧠 Bee Superpowers:
At the end of the book is a special section on bees—how they’ve evolved, why they’re essential to life, and how they might just be nature’s tiniest superheroes.
—Pause here. Ask your child what their superpower might be if they were a bee.
🎵 Queen Sonia’s Honey Song:
Don’t skip Queen Sonia’s song! It’s a little sweet note to end the story on—and maybe the beginning of your own backyard bee adventure.
What’s Next for Nicolas?
This is just the beginning. In the next story, Nicolas and Queen Sonia set off on a new mission—one that will carry their message of love, courage, and connection even further into the world. 🌍✨
With gratitude and hope,
Liberatore Trombetta
