Pea, Bee, & Jay #1: Stuck Together; Brian "Smitty" Smith

The first in a new series of bee-rilliant graphic novels from Brian “Smitty” Smith is fun, fresh and definitely brings the hap-pea.

Pea loves to roll. So when he is challenged to roll further than any other fruit or vegetable has rolled before he is totally up for proving to a sassy strawberry that he is more than up to the task. But when a storm hits, Pea finds himself lost in the wilderness and in a whole world of trouble. With the help of some new friends, a Blue Jay who cannot fly and a Queen Bee who avoids responsibility, can Pea find his way back home…

An adventurous Pea, a know-it-all Bee and a Blue Jay who is yet to find his wings find themselves forming an unlikely team who have to deal with angry acorns, raspberry blowing raspberries and a menacing fox as they try to find their way back to the farm from which Pea has rolled. The funny and highly entertaining adventure is filled with puns and jokes and simple and expressive full-colour illustrations convey the fast-paced action.

Whilst on the journey back to the farm, all of the trio learn important lessons and readers can learn something from each of them. Bee may not love the responsibility that comes with being Queen of the hive but the other bees depend on her so she must fulfil her role. Jay learns to push himself and to give this thing called flying a go - yes, he may not quite have it all worked out but failure is all part of learning. And Pea learns that there is more to life than proving yourself to others, he is happy with himself and has found the best thing ever…friends. The story emphasises the importance of perseverance, overcoming difficulties, teamwork and friendship. Pea, Bee and Jay make for a great trio and the ending sets up perfectly for another adventure.

Perfectly suited to those children who enjoyed the Narwhal and Jelly series and are ready to move on to something that is slightly more challenging. A very en-jay-able read.

Recommended for 6+.