In Seymour’s Big Day, B.A. DeLong invites young readers into a sunlit garden alive with wonder, adventure, and the tender lessons of growing up. This charming children’s book follows the journey of Seymour, a spirited baby bee who wants nothing more than to prove that he’s ready for the big world beyond his hive. Written with warmth and simplicity, the story captures the imagination of children and resonates with the parents reading it aloud. With another adventure for Seymour and Baby Owl already on the horizon, this series promises to grow into a treasured collection for families everywhere.
At its heart, Seymour’s Big Day is a story about independence, bravery, and the enduring love of family. Seymour, frustrated at being treated like “just a baby bee,” hatches a secret plan to leave his hive alone at dawn and venture into the garden. As he soars into the sky, readers are treated to delightful imagery of a young bee’s perspective—vivid flowers, the hum of life, and the intoxicating freedom of flight. Seymour’s confidence is infectious; he’s finally doing “big bee things,” and his excitement will resonate with every child who has yearned to test their own wings.
However, the tale is as much about the challenges of growing up as it is about its joys. When Seymour discovers the most beautiful flower he has ever seen, he dives in headfirst, collecting as much pollen as he can. His determination to show his hive he’s ready for independence is admirable, but fatigue and inexperience soon set in. He finds himself unable to carry his heavy load back home, trapped inside the flower as its petals close around him for the night. It’s a moment of quiet vulnerability that many readers—children and adults alike—will find deeply touching. Seymour’s longing for his family underscores a gentle truth: growing up doesn’t mean going it alone.
As dawn breaks, Seymour is rescued in a heartwarming turn. Birds chirp, sunlight streams through the opening petals, and Seymour discovers that his worried parents and hive mates have come for him. The rescue, as we learn, is thanks to an owl who carried word of Seymour’s plight. This serendipitous act introduces Baby Owl, hinting at a future friendship and adventures to come. Back in the safety of the hive, Seymour realizes that perhaps there’s no rush to leave his “baby bee” days behind. The story ends with a reaffirming embrace of family and a newfound appreciation for patience and growth.
DeLong’s writing is perfectly pitched for young readers. The prose is simple yet evocative, making it ideal for bedtime reading, while the illustrations (if carried through in the published version) would no doubt enhance the whimsical, gentle tone. The pacing is deliberate, allowing young readers to absorb Seymour’s emotions fully—from his soaring excitement to his quiet fears and joyful relief.
The upcoming third book in this series promises to build beautifully on Seymour’s world. Readers who fell in love with Seymour and the kind-hearted Baby Owl will be delighted to learn of their next adventure together. In the forthcoming story, Seymour and Baby Owl embark on a nighttime camping trip that sparkles with forest magic. With glowing flowers, friendly fireflies, and Baby Owl’s moonstone lantern lighting their way, the friends share laughter and awe under the starlit sky. When a storm hits, Seymour bravely helps them find shelter, strengthening their bond as they swap stories and songs through the night. By dawn, the friends exchange tokens—honey drops and the moonstone—as symbols of their enduring friendship. It’s a tender, enchanting narrative that promises to expand on the themes of courage, companionship, and wonder introduced in Seymour’s Big Day.
B.A. DeLong’s enchanting series is quickly becoming a beloved collection, beautifully illustrating the significant milestones of childhood against the vibrant backdrop of nature and the comforting embrace of friendship. Seymour’s adventures resonate deeply, capturing the universal struggle between a child’s burgeoning desire for independence and the familiar comfort of home. Parents will undoubtedly see their own little ones reflected in Seymour’s determined yet vulnerable spirit, recognizing the same courage and apprehension in their daily discoveries.
Children, on the other hand, will find a kindred spirit in this spirited little bee, who, with each new experience, is learning to spread his wings and embrace the world around him. The ongoing success of Seymour’s Big Day has already sparked eager anticipation for the next installment. With promises of magical nights, the strengthening of existing friendships, and the introduction of exciting new challenges, Seymour and Baby Owl’s upcoming journey is poised to captivate and charm readers, young and old, all over again. Their evolving story reminds us of the joy found in exploration and the invaluable support of true companions.
