I love sharing children’s books with you and this morning I would like to share a new addition to our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: Annabelle Bee and Now There Are Three (Adventures of Annabelle Bee and Benjamin Butterfly) by Debra Raso O’Connor Illustrated by Stephen Lomazzo.
Before I share my thoughts on this children’s book I wanted to share another Annabell Bee book Christmas Gift Guide 2025: Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree (Adventures of Annabelle Bee and Benjamin Butterfly) by Debra Raso O’connor (Author), Stephen Lomazzo (Illustrator).
I sat down this morning to read Annabelle Bee and Now There Are Three a hardback children’s full of amazing illustrations. Annabelle Bee has a best friend Benjamin like a lot of us have. They live in a Butterfly Tree which I wish I could visit. How about you?
Benjamin lives high in the leaves and Annabelle lives in a hive in a hole in the trunk of the Tree. During the day they live in a Garden and collect Nectar and Pollen. Sometimes Benjamin would give Annabelle a ride. Isn’t that nice?
Benjamin takes Annabell to meet Bailey who live in the Milkweed Plants. A #teachingmoment for my family as we researched Milkweed Plants. Bailey was a Caterpillar. Annabelle couldn’t believe they were brothers, but Benjamin reminded Annabell Baily would change.
The next day Annabelle couldn’t find Benjamin anywhere. Then the next day Benjamin was back after spending the day before with Bailey. Benjamin asked Annabelle to go see Bailey the next day, but Annabelle didn’t want to share Benjamin with Bailey.
The next day when Annabelle see’s Bailey, she tells him they almost match with their stripes. Annabelle asks Benjamin to go back to collect Nectar with her, but he decides to stay with Bailey. The next few days Benjamin is missing again.
Annabelle decides to change the way she looks but Benjamin laughs at her. Benjamin reminds Annabelle he likes both her and Bailey but keeps playing with Bailey. That night her mom Queen Bee helps Annabelle get the stripes off.
Queen Mom reminds Annabelle she doesn’t have to change who she is. Benjamin keeps disappearing so Annabelle tries to join other Bees, but it wasn’t the same. Benjamin is waiting for Annabelle one morning and ask her to go see Bailey who has changed.
Bailey was hanging upside down under a leaf in a green blanket. Benjamin let’s Annabelle know Bailey will be there a while and he ask her to go play because he had missed her. Annabelle learns they can still be friends even if they are apart for a bit. Annabelle asks Benjamin to go check on Bailey because he is important to him. When they get there, a Butterfly is there which is Bailey.
I love how the Author has taken the time to include Butterfly facts for us to learn in the back of the book which could be used when #Homeschooling your children or just to share with their friends and family who love Butterflies as much as I do.
About the book:
Caterpillars Change-Friendship Does, Too
Annabelle Bee and Benjamin Butterfly’s friendship is put to the test when Annabelle has to share Benjamin’s time with his little brother, Bailey. Bailey doesn’t even look like Benjamin-he’s a green and black caterpillar, and eats milkweed instead of nectar. How strange!
But with just a little bit of patience, Annabelle may see that Bailey has more in common with her and Benjamin than she thought, and she may learn that sharing friendship can help bonds grow even stronger. . .
Young readers can explore friendship, jealousy, and the magic of transformation in this charming follow-up to Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree.
About the Author
Debra Raso O’Connor is a grandmother and retired pediatric nurse. She was born in Montreal, Canada and lived in Granby, Quebec and Mississauga, Ontario before her family was transferred to Texas where she lives now. Her hobbies include painting, gardening, reading, and needlework. Annabelle Bee and Now There are Three is a follow-up to her first book, Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree.
Stephen Lomazzo is an illustrator, fine artist, and designer who lives and works in his hometown of Eau Gallie, Florida, alongside his border collie, Trixie. Since graduating from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2005, he has displayed his unique styles in many galleries and shows, as well as illustrated for numerous magazines and book projects.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
