gecko press All the Dear Little Animals Written by Ulf Nilsson Illustrations by Eva Eriksson Translated by Julia Marshall
One day we had nothing to do We wanted some fun Then Esther found a bumblebee Oh here’s something she said something sad and tragic The bee was furry stripey and dead She stroked it in her hand Its wings were tattered and its legs stuck out 1
Little bee said Esther her voice choked with emotion I love you 2
Esther was brave I was just little I was afraid of everything especially of dying I didn’t even know anyone who’d died You hold it said Esther while I dig it a little grave I hid my hands You’re scared she said rolling her eyes Bees can sting I answered It’s dead stupid said Esther
