author/illustrator: Jean-François Sénéchal, Pascale Bonenfant
ages: 5+
40 pages
19 x 24 cm
hardcover with jacket
French
Comme des géants (Canada)
Rights sold: Korean, English, French, Spanish, Catalan, German
Colette: The Solitary Bee
A heartwarming introduction to reading for kids aged three and up, about how even solitary beings need people too.
Anyone can make it on their own — just ask Colette! She’s a solitary bee who enjoys her own company more than anyone else’s and thrives on her independence.
Colette can do just about anything by herself: day-to-day tasks, cleverly navigating the elements, and even setting out on solo adventures. But sometimes, even the most solitary bees need other insects around — like when things don’t go as planned, or when they simply have a good story to tell.
"Colette: The Solitary Bee" is an adorable, heartwarming tale that shows us we can be proud to do things by ourselves, but it’s also pretty great to share our lived experiences with those around us.
IN THE MEDIA
"Loners, only children, and the singularly single, rejoice: Colette the bee is here to tell your story! Though Colette can do many things on her own—fly, eat, forage, stay safe in storms—her life is enriching and filled with friends and parties. Sénéchal carefully notes that Colette isn’t afraid to seek help when she needs it and that she’s willing to help others in need. All in all, she’s one well-rounded bee. As a result, her story is a useful reminder to readers—including adult caregivers—that phrases such as “There’s a lid for every pot” are just expressions; it’s perfectly normal for people to live single lives and still be vibrant members of their communities. [...] the book is enhanced by the warm tones and rounded shapes of Bonenfant’s art, which tips its hat to the groovy, fluid lines of the early 1970s but maintains its modern sensibility through an excellent balance of warm and cool tones. The book looks like a classic, and it will very likely prove to be, thanks to its charming protagonist . [...] As delightfully sweet and pure as honey. (Picture book. 6-8) — Kirkus Reviews (starred)
"Colette [...] can do things by herself, such as fly and forage for food; she is clever; she knows how to protect herself and find her way in the forest; she goes on adventures, like going down the path and sleeping under the stars. Colette doesn’t need anyone else! [...] Fanciful cartoonlike drawings, some divided into panels, are colorful and fun. A useful story for shy or socially anxious children" — School Library Journal
"The story is told through brief descriptive text with a combination of full bleed pages and facing pages of three or four graphic panels. This arrangement slows down the pace and allows tension to build. With the page turn, there’s also humor as readers notice the details [...]. The many friendly bug denizens include worms, snails, fireflies, beetles and more. These very cute round neighbors and their lush green habitat are rendered in a naïve style of cartoon art that is very pleasing to the eye." — Stephanie and Susan, Youth Services Book Reviews
"Groovy, colorful illustrations by Pascale Bonenfant delightfully depict the busy, rich lives of Colette and her neighbors. Bonenfant’s expressive faces convey these creatures’ curiosity, excitement and exhaustion [...] with impressive visual wit. There are lots of fun little details for readers to discover and giggle at in this uplifting, memorable story about Colette choosing to live her best buzzy life, whether that means being self-sufficient, sociable or a life-affirming mix of the two." — Book Page, Linda M. Castellitto
"Pascale Bonenfant’s colourful illustrations depict Colette as a complete and content person – whether she’s by herself or in the company of her friends in the forest. It’s less a lesson-heavy story than an adventure that celebrates the benefits of independence and the joy of coming together to make life a little easier – and a lot more fun." — Montreal Review of Books
THE AUTHOR
As the son of two teachers, Jean-François Sénéchal grew up around books. After studying anthropology for a time, he ultimately gravitated back to his first love, devoting himself entirely to literature. His stories — exploring societal issues such as exclusion and inequality for audiences of children and adolescents — have garnered him various honors, including the 2017 Joseph S. Stauffer Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts, and a Governor General’s Award for children’s literature.
- CBC's selection ("33 Canadian kids' books we are excited to read in spring 2025", Canada)
By the same author: I Wish I Could Tell You
THE ILLUSTRATOR
Pascale Bonenfant uses drawing, collage, watercolor, and screen printing to bring her playful works of art to life. After studying design and visual arts at Laval University, she deepened her love for illustration by becoming a professor of graphic design. In recent years, her work has appeared in a wide range of exhibitions and publications, including more than a dozen books. She lives in Québec City, Canada.