I recently had a chance to review Be Wee with Bea by author Liz ONeill. The book is based on the author's own life, and it has a very distinctive voice to the writing. The wee bear, Bea, does different mental and physical activities to help deal with the different situations and emotions she faces. The book is targeted towards middle grades, and aims to help them improve overall health, wellness, and self-esteem.
ONeill is a former teacher, abuse advocate, and mental health worker. She wanted the book to include an anti-bullying message, bring awareness of body image perception, and improve self-insight in young readers. The characters in the book are lovely characters, with Bea helping new friends who have been in bad situations. It shows the characters supporting each other, despite their differences.
I really liked the concept of the book. I can see how it could definitely be used to help children of a certain age work through challenges and build self-esteem along the way. The writing style is unique - it was different from any book I have read before. I could really tell that the author was trying to gently help readers along their own journeys.
Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iUniverse
About the Author
Liz ONeill taught English and Creative Writing for grades 6-8, 9-10 and graduate and undergraduate for 25 years. She received an M. Ed. with a minor in English from Eastern Connecticut University. ONeill spent 28 years in a religious community and 30 plus years as an abuse advocate and mental health worker in a psych and substance abuse hospital. “Bee Wee With Bea” is her first book and she is currently working on “Be Wee With Bea Part 2” which will continue the adventures of Bea and is based on ONeill’s experience moving in with her partner and their pets. ONeill is a third-generation Vermonter and currently resides in Brookline, Vermont.
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