Blog Archives
Self-Taught Illustrator
Happy Bumble Bee follows a cheerful little bee on his daily nectar-gathering adventures, teaching children about pollination, friendship, and the beauty of working together in nature. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always love animals and nature, and I love bees. And so is my 4-year-old son. One day, he asked me if I could find a book about round bumble bees for him, and I decided that I should be the one who wrote and illustrated that book. That’s how Happy Bumble Bee was born. It is the book per my son’s request.
How did you balance scientific facts with storytelling to keep the book both educational and engaging?
I did a bit of research about bees, and I also read other authors’ works regarding bees.
Can you describe your illustration process and the choices you made along the way?
As a self-taught illustrator, it is not easy at all to write and illustrate the book yourself. I had to do research on how to do mood boards and format the book. I looked for different references, did many sketches, and learned more about color theory when I started coloring the book. There were a few artists that I admire and I joined their online courses, it did help me a lot through the process of illustrating the book.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently sketching my 2nd book. It is another children’s picture book, age group is 2-6. It is about the friendship of a little boy and his rescued cat. This one will be a little longer, 44 pages. Therefore it may take me a while to finish. Hopefully early 2026 it will be available.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
He wakes up, he does his morning routines, and flies out of his cozy nest to look for flowers.
On the way, he also meets many friends. If it rains, he will find shelter so his little wings can stay dry.
He works hard all day as a pollinator, bringing lives and happiness to all the plants, crops, animals and people.
“Happy Bumble Bee” is a a perfect book for children and parents who love to learn more about animals and nature. It also teaches young children about nature and the benefits of bumble bees with the important message : Bees are friends!
The book is a Gold Award Recipient of Mom’s Choice Award (April 2025).
Happy Bumble Bee
In Happy Bumble Bee, author and illustrator Ngoc Khanh Schmidt introduces readers to a cheerful little bumble bee who lives in a tree and ventures out daily in search of sweet nectar. His journey takes him across fields and gardens, meeting an array of friends along the way: a ladybug, a bunny, and even a friendly fox. Each day, his companions eagerly await his visits. After a long day of buzzing from flower to flower, the bumble bee often curls up for a nap atop a blossom, sometimes even dozing off on flowers tended by human friends. Though his work is tiring, it’s clear that being a happy bumble bee is also incredibly rewarding.
One of the standout qualities of this delightful children’s book is how seamlessly it blends entertainment with education. Young readers not only enjoy the charming story but also learn the important role bumble bees play in pollinating flowers and sustaining plant life. Schmidt skillfully transforms a serious environmental topic into a lighthearted and engaging adventure that children will love.
Another especially touching element is the way the story highlights friendship. The little bumble bee’s connections with both animals and humans beautifully illustrate that friendship transcends differences. It’s a gentle yet powerful message for children, emphasizing respect, kindness, and harmony among all living beings.
At the back of the book, Schmidt includes an informative section titled “Benefits of Bumble Bees,” offering readers a deeper understanding of the vital work these pollinators perform. It explains how bumble bees support the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and how their efforts are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The illustrations, also created by Schmidt, bring the story to life on every page. Rendered in muted, soothing colors, each image complements the text perfectly and enhances the storytelling.
Happy Bumble Bee is a charming and educational addition to any child’s bookshelf. With its adorable protagonist, engaging narrative, and meaningful lessons, it is a book that belongs not only in homes but also in school libraries, ready to inspire young readers for years to come.
Pages: 40 | ASIN: B0DV9VVBLK
LITERARY TITAN 