This is a lovely story about James, a child who suffers from social anxiety. He would love to have friends and to be able to fit in, but when he tried bees buzz in his tummy and nerves take over. But one day during lunch James finds a group of children rapping and suddenly the beat he finds becomes the bridge to others.

A beautiful story for children which I very much enjoyed.

This is a great recommendation for children who experience anxiety, and using music to be themselves. It was a sweet story and I loved the illustrations.

James has social anxiety and has a hard time speaking up for himself when he needs to. Music is one way James copes with his anxiety, but at school he gets in trouble for his "beats". With the encouragement of classmates, he finds his voice and his beat. This is a fun, engaging read with wisdom sprinkled in. Find your people, use your voice!

This was a sweet, relatable book about a little boy who has anxiety and how he learns to work around it. The illustrations, verse, and characters were enjoyable. I would love to read this to my boys who sometimes get overcome with shyness or nerves.

I absolutely adored this book. The depiction of anxiety will certainly connect with anyone who has ever dealt with it. I appreciate the different ways the characters were able to speak and deal with their anxiety. This is a great SEL title for any school, home, or community library.

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I loved this look at anxiety. It's such a great way to let the beat take you away to a clamer place. I don't know how to rap but I think this book shows how it can help bring a clamness to the highly anxious.

Thank you to Netgalley, Edelweiss, and Free Spirit Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this picture book for my students. This is a sweet story that shows what happens when someone learns how to express themselves through music and rap. However, there is no set plot to help things move along. I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars

This was an interesting way to illustrate anxiety for kiddos. I'd never likened that feeling to bumblebees in the chest, but it makes sense! Lots of potential for this one to help kids process big feelings.

Such a cute story about overcoming your anxiety and finding your voice even at a young age. Children need this kind of story, I needed it when I was younger

It grew on me in a second read, and I will share this with my 9yo, because James’ story of finding his beat, how to find his space and identity are inspiring.
The themes, plot and the characters are 5/5.
Good representation.
The colour scheme is imaginative, and the art is cute 3.5 stars

James struggles at school. He has a hard time speaking up in class and around others. He has social anxiety, like me. In this wonderful story we follow along with James as he discovers that his love and talent for music and the beat help him get through his anxiety. We get to celebrate rap music and the power of music. On top of all that we learn how to discover ways we can help our little ones with anxiety. James learns to find his voice with the music he loves so much. I love the positivity of this story and how encouraging it is, especially because it uses music to do so. Music is a big part of life and my 5 year old son and 1 year old daughter relate everything through music. That made this story even more meaningful for our family. The illustrations really add to the wonder of the story with bold bright colors and relatable characters. Your family will love this story of encouragement and the power of music. Enjoy this adventure with your family.
We are so thankful to the publishers and to NetGalley for allowing us to read the ebook ARC and we can’t wait to add this one to our home collection.
1000 stars

Such a fun and entertaining book for the kids! This book provides many valuable lessons for children to carry on for the rest their lives

In this inspirational story, the narrator comes into his own through the power of music. He quells anxiety, makes new friends, and learns more about himself. Questions to discuss are including at the end.

This is a great addition to the SEL books that help kids identify and overcome anxiety (like Piper Chen Sings). The main character is likeable and relatable, and the reader is immediately on his side. Fellow student Aria emerges as a wise hero. The illustrations are vivid and skillful, whether James is being carried away by the swarm of bumblebees feeling or the glowing music is reaching out to him. Can't wait to put this on the bookshelf for young students to find. I also appreciate the back matter, both the discussion questions and the author's personal note. Thank you to Free Spirit Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved how this book raised topics of anxiety and really gave great descriptions and visuals for the anxiety being like a swarm of buzzing bees. The authors note at the end of the book was touching, as was the entire story. Reflection questions at the end really add value to this title and extend the discussion and reflection on topics of anxiety, nervousness and fitting in. A perfect title for the classroom or for any nervous, anxious or neurodiverse kid in your life to feel seen.

This was a cute story about finding yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. I liked how James was influenced by music. I also enjoyed how he described nervousness as busy bees. I also loved the illustration. How there were so many different races and cultures displayed on the pages.

Cute book. I like how the author discussed anxiety as an early stage. Although this is younger than my target audience I will be purchasing for friends.

Excellent book for young people
Thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity to read and enjoy this wonderful book

When you find your circle, it helps with dealing with your anxiety.

I really loved reading this book which deals with a little boy’s anxiety to speak up even when he’s right and needs to. He has difficulty with expressing himself and getting close to his classmates. However, when he finds the right people who understands him he is opening up more and gets more social.

The writing and the illustrations get along perfectly. Such a good storybook that will help the young ones dealing with similar issues.


Thank you, Free Spirit Publishing, for the ARC.

James learns that he can work through the anxiety he feels when speaking to a group by transforming the words into music and rhythm. We can all learn to work through and talk about the things that make us anxious.
The illustrations by Anastasia Magloire Williams are simple, personalized, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Teacher Created Materials | Free Spirit Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Oct 22 2024