The Royal Bee

Reach for this book when your child feels limited by their circumstances or feels like an outsider looking in on a world where they do not yet belong. Set in ancient Korea, it tells the story of Song-ho, a boy from a poor family who is forbidden from attending the school for wealthy children. Despite the rigid social barriers, his hunger for learning and his mother's unwavering support lead him to find a way to listen from the shadows. This is a powerful story about the universal right to education, the weight of social class, and the quiet dignity of perseverance. It is ideal for children ages 5 to 9 who are beginning to notice social differences or who need encouragement to pursue their own unique talents. Parents will appreciate the way it frames education as a hard-won privilege, fostering gratitude and a sense of justice in young readers.