Book Description

A gentle and poetic exploration of mindfulness, empathy, and our connection to the natural world.

When a bumblebee lands unexpectedly, one child is prompted to pause, breathe, and simply be. Lyrical prose by Cynthia Mackey pairs seamlessly with Vikki Zhang’s lush, theatrical illustrations to guide readers through a rich sensory journey—balancing fear with curiosity and stillness with play.

With each page turn, readers are encouraged to notice small details in nature and in themselves. Hidden animals, shifting scenery, and gentle prompts (“freeze like a tree,” “breathe like a snail”) transform the experience into a playful invitation to practice mindfulness. Ideal for encouraging emotional awareness, observation skills, and calm, If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe is a standout read-aloud for home, classroom, or storytime.

Perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened and My Mind Is a Mountain, this picture book rewards rereading and inspires a deeper appreciation for the quiet wonders around us.

About the Author

Cynthia Mackey is a Canadian author of children's books including Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker and The Lullaby Monsters. Her poetry has appeared in The Toy, The Dirigible Balloon, Little Thoughts Press, and Hit the Road magazine. A former mentee of acclaimed author Jean E. Pendziwol, Mackey holds a Bachelor of Education and brings her background in early childhood education into her writing, which emphasizes joy, playfulness, and social-emotional learning. She lives in British Columbia, Canada.