Beatrice was the sort of bee who didn't like chores, a problem for any member of the bee community. While the rest of the hive was buzzing around, pollinating flowers, building hives and making honey, she fluttered around in search of the finest spices for a perfect pot of tea. She was very proud of her tea, and just wanted to share it with her friends. She just couldn't wait for them to finish their chores. Her tea would get cold!

Beatrice decided she would go to them. She grabbed her teapot, some saucers, and headed down the river in her peanut shell boat....

The first friend she spotted was busy in a pink tulip. Beatrice called to her, but her friend said, "come back later!"

She went further down the river, where she spotted another friend, looking rather tired in the grass. When she asked him if some tea sounded good, he closed his eyes and fell asleep!

Further still she went, spotting another bee friend, making quite a noise, buzzing and humming. Beatrice offered her a warm cup of tea. Maybe they could take a break and talk about the weather? Her friend, though, kept right on working, too busy, it seemed, to even notice Beatrice's perfectly lovely tea.

Beatrice floated home, dejected. She was certain they would simply love her tea, and her company, if only they would just take a break. Having no one to share with was certainly sad. Beatrice decided she would not let her tea go to waste and poured herself a cup of tea, a little tear running down her face.