The Bee/Qaariaq

Bees, while very important, can sometimes be scary creatures to little readers. Becky Han and Tindur Peturs assuage those fears in their fun little story, based on Becky Han’s original song titled The Bee or Qaariaq.

A young person is happily playing outdoors when suddenly a bee comes upon them. They are frightened and start running away. They run so far they end up in another community but have not outrun the bee. Eventually, they realize that the bee means no harm and they play together the rest of the day.

To really appreciate this lovely story, head to Becky Han’s Facebook page and listen to her play guitar and sing the song in Inuktitut. It will help you with the pronunciation of the word qaariaq as well as entertain young readers with a song in a new language, for those who don’t already speak Inuktitut. It’s a silly story, a tall tale, about trying to outrun a bee that reminds me a little of some of those classic campfire songs like The Littlest Worm. The song is quite the earworm and you will be humming along all day long after listening.

Tindur Peters illustrations are equally as fun as the story. Inhabit Media finds great artists who illustrate in an animation style that’s very captivating to young readers. 

I could totally see this story/song as a Canadian Film Board short, you know those ones you used to get to watch in school in the film reels.