Rufus & Bea

K-Gr 2–Rufus Nightingale has a problem: he is a songbird who can’t sing or fly. He’s in his head a bit about it, overthinking and worrying about what others think of his skills. But when he meets his new friend Beatrix Bedelia Blossom—or Bea—the bee, she helps him overcome his anxiety and find the fun in expressing himself by giving him a useful mantra: “You don’t have to impress, just express.” Pascoe’s gentle watercolors feature delightful pops of color; the reds of Rufus’s hat and wildflowers are particularly eyecatching. Some of the narration is rhyming, though dialogue is not, which could make reading the book aloud a bit jarring—but that should not stop anyone from enjoying this delightful book. Interested readers can find recordings of the songs featured on the book’s website, which is a great way to extend the reading experience.