Marie is a happy little girl who lives in a cabin in the woods, working and playing with her forest friends–until a not-so-busy bee entices her to neglect her work! “All sorts of important ideas pop up while Marie and her friends work and play in the forest: the power of choice, the treasure of friendship, the capabilities of ‘disabled’ children, what kindness looks like.” (Amazon reviewer) Children with disabilities and their parents find Marie’s story empowering. “I love that the main character has a handicap, but doesn’t allow it to get in her way.” (Lisa M. Prysock) Available with Bible verses (Proverbs 12:14b Version) and without (Regular Version).
Targeted Age Group:: 4-10
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Like many people, I fight with the urge to procrastinate! This story evolved from a story I told a little girl–a procrastinator, too–that I was babysitting.
Also, I have a condition that makes me less physically strong than other people. I like it very much when people (pretend they) don't notice. No one in the story mentions Marie's wheelchair; the animals make accommodations for her without comment, and Marie is an equal and beloved partner in work and play.
Book Sample
But everything changed one fall morning when Marie forgot to close the cabin door … and in flew Mr. Bee.
"Why are you so busy?" he buzzed, landing in her blueberry pancake batter.
Marie frowned.
"I don't work like you do, and I live like a king," he bragged.
Mr. Bee flapped his wings to get out of the batter.
Then he flew over to Marie's pretty pink curtains.
"I don't have to make honey. The workers make the honey and I eat it!"
And with that he buzzed off, leaving drops of pancake batter on the floor and blueberry stains on the curtains.
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Author Bio:
Margaret Welwood has written articles for over 30 magazines, and edited a business magazine and a Writer's Digest award winning non-fiction book. However, these very sensible endeavours were interrupted by an oft-repeated and most welcome question–"Grandma, could you tell me a story?" Margaret now resides in Children's Storyland, happily editing children's picture books and promoting her own stories while still making forays into the sensible world of adult non-fiction articles.
