Pixie and the Bees
When it comes to invisible feelings, Pixie teaches it’s okay to not be perfect.
Meet Pixie
She loves to play. She loves to laugh. She is happy.
In Pixie and the Bees
Pixie and the Bees is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of a Pixie who swallows a swarm of angry bees. These invisible bees fill her with buzzing, making her feel confused, embarrassed, and constantly uncomfortable. Despite trying everything, she can’t get rid of them—until one day, she discovers that focusing on her breath helps release them. As Pixie continues to breathe and ride her bike, more bees fly out, and she starts to feel better. Although some bees remain, she finds peace and happiness, learning to live with them.
This touching tale, based on the author’s own experience with anxiety, helps children and caregivers explore big feelings in a gentle and understanding way. It’s a valuable resource being used in schools, therapy offices, and mental health organizations worldwide.
Erica’s capacity for story telling combined with the beautiful imagery by Brooklin define this as a classic in the making.
ISBN: 978-1777350505
PAGE COUNT: 24v
DIMENSIONS: 19.05 x 0.18 x 23.5 cm
PUBLISHER: Open Sky Stories
PUBLICATION DATE: November 6, 2020
Meet Erica
Erica is an author, public speaker, and mentor. She believes that stories can connect and heal us as we move through our beautiful, messy lives.
Meet Brooklin
Brooklin Stormie is an artist and freelance Illustrator living and working in Peterborough, Ontario. She is a grad of OCADU, a pisces, and a believer in dragons.
Where to Buy
This book is excellent for helping kids (and adults) to recognize that anxiety can present itself in many ways, and it’s so painful & frustrating when no one else can see what’s happening in your body.
If you’ve ever lived with an invisible illness, as many of us have, you will understand why I instantly fell in love with this book.
Other Books in the Series
Pixie and the Fox
Once upon a time, there lived a very happy Pixie. One day she met a Fox who took her on a big adventure. For a while, things were wonderful and Pixie had so much fun. But then the Fox left, taking away her laugh, her light, and her dust – all of the things that made Pixie who she is. Pixie must find her way back to herself, so she is once again a very happy Pixie.
Pixie and the Fox is a whimsical tale about learning to stay true to yourself.
Pixie and the Fox is the second book in the Pixie Series.
Book An Author Visit
During an author visit, Erica brings the world of storytelling to life, tailored to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. Her visits typically include interactive readings from her children’s book series, The Pixie Series, where she explores important themes like anxiety, self-doubt, and healthy relationships. Through these stories, Erica encourages conversations between children and their caregivers, helping them navigate big feelings in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to readings, she shares her personal journey as an author, offering insights into the writing process, the power of stories to heal, and the importance of expressing emotions through creative outlets.
Each visit is adaptable to the needs of the group, whether it’s a classroom of young students, a community gathering, or a group of aspiring writers. Activities can range from Q&A sessions where participants can ask about writing and publishing, to hands-on writing workshops designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Erica’s goal is to leave participants feeling inspired, empowered, and more connected to the stories that shape their lives.
Magical Lessons from Pixie
1. Understanding Invisible Feelings:
When Pixie swallows the bees, nobody else can see or hear or feel them. This makes her feel very lonely and sad.
Lesson: Not all feelings are visible to others, and that’s okay.
Example: After reading, ask children to draw or describe any feelings that they think others might not see. Discuss how it’s normal to have these feelings and why it’s important to talk about them.
2. Living with Imperfect Feelings:
At the end of the book, Pixie has released and quieted many of the bees, but there are still some bees that remain.
Lesson: It’s okay to still have some “bees” and to not always feel 100% perfect.
Example: Discuss with children that it’s normal to have ups and downs. Encourage them to express how they feel, even when it’s not all positive, and remind them that they can still be happy even with a few lingering worries.
3. Small Steps Make a Big Difference:
The day that Pixie took one small bike ride was the beginning of her healing.
Lesson: Even small actions, like going for a bike ride, can help us feel better.
Example: Ask children to think of one small activity that makes them happy, like drawing or playing outside, and remind them that doing these activities can help release their “bees.”
…a by-product of your book is that in helping yourself you will be helping others.
Your book demonstrates an excellent example of learning to live with the bees that still remain.
I felt like it was written for me, it spoke right to my heart.
Pixie in the Media
Book Column: Pixie and The Fox (Radio: CBC Ontario Morning with Ramraajh Sharvendiran, May 2024)
Peterborough children’s author Erica Richmond to launch ‘Pixie and the Fox’ at Take Cover Books on May 10 (Web: Kawartha NOW, April 2024)
Turning Anxiety into Pixie Tales (Podcast: Reading With Your Kids, February 2024)
Local author is hoping to use her book to raise funds for the Peterborough Youth Services (Radio: CBC Ontario Morning, May 2023)
Peterborough author Erica Richmond to donate proceeds of ‘Pixie and the Bees’ to help local youth (Print: Peterborough This Week, May 2023)