An uplifting story about starting nursery with a bubbly neurodiverse character at its centre. Written from the heart by debut, neurodiverse author, George Kirk, and illustrations buzzing with charm from Ana Gómez.
Bessie's head is full of bees, absolutely buzzing with them. And that is just fine. Until one morning, Granny takes them somewhere new. . . NURSERY! Soon Bessie realises that no one else at nursery has bees, so she keeps hers hidden inside. Now Bessie's head isn't just buzzing with bees. . . it's BURSTING with them!
Can Granny help Bessie back to feeling like herself again? And will Bessie find a way to share her bees with everyone in a way that feels right?
This empowering story gives voice to the often complex experiences of growing up with ADHD through the visual, accessible metaphor of bees. Bessie and her bees help readers see themselves represented and also understand those around them. This book offers a universal message for all and is an important addition to everyone's bookshelf.
Bringing debut, neurodiverse author George Kirk to the Templar picture book list with a story featuring a main character with ADHD - and Bessie will be back in 2026 in Bessie's Bathtime!While there has been an increase in positive representations and neurodiverse voices elsewhere in children's books, this is yet to be seen in the picture book space. Templar can be one of the first to champion neurodiverse voices and stories.Brilliantly brought to life by Ana Gómez, illustrator of How to Make a Story and How to Catch a Rainbow published by OUP, with her approachable, accessible child characters and clever visual representations.CEO of the ADHD Foundation, Dr Tony Lloyd, came on board as consultant, so we could ensure accurate representations and accessibility for neurodiverse readers.Cover treatment: matt lam, SPUV and foil. 
