A Bumblebee Sweater

Grandma Needlethorpe knits a sweater for her granddaughter Nellie's role as a bumblebee in the upcoming spring concert. And the result is a huge success - even though the sleeves have to be rolled up and the sweater hangs well past Nellie's knees. A delighted Nellie can't wait to show it off to her school chums, but each time she wears the sweater, Nellie gets into a scrape. And after several trips to the washer and dryer, the rapidly shrinking sweater finally fits her perfectly. But Nellie must wear the sweater one more time before the concert. And one more sweater mishap proves to be the last straw. The bumblebee sweater comes out of the dryer much too small for Nellie. Now it's no good for anyone except the family dog.

But Nellie doesn't mind; she's going to wear a flower costume in the concert. Too bad there won't be a bumblebee on stage after all . . . or will there?

Betty Waterton is the author of eighteen picture books and novels for children. Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Betty now makes her home by the sea in Sidney, British Columbia.