The Boy Who Lost His Bumble: questions to ask and activities to try
A boy loves the bees in his garden, until one day they disappear. The Boy Who Lost His Bumble is a gentle introduction to the seasons and why bees matter.
What age is it for? The Boy Who Lost His Bumble is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Bees, the seasons, and caring for nature.
The Boy Who Lost His Bumble (Trudi Esberger)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Bees, the seasons, and caring for nature
Read it in autumn or spring. Talk about where bees go in winter, and plan something to help them, like planting flowers.
What it helps with
- The seasons and nature's cycles
- Why bees matter
- Missing something you love
- Patience while things return
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did the boy love watching?”
- “What happened on the rainy day?”
- “What did he try to get the bees back?”
- “When did the bees come back?”
- “Where do bees go in winter?”
- “How can we help bees?”
5-minute activities to try together
Bee garden
Plant bee-friendly flowers in a pot or garden, like lavender.
Season wheel
Draw a circle in four parts and show what the garden looks like in each season.
Free printables: The Boy Who Lost His Bumble worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Bog Baby (Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward)
- Best for
- Caring for wild creatures, and letting them go
- Age
- 3-7
Errol's Garden (Gillian Hibbs)
- Best for
- Gardening, community, and asking for help with a big idea
- Age
- 3-7
Because of an Acorn (Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer and Frann Preston-Gannon)
- Best for
- How everything in nature is connected
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.