Deep in the village all the animals were preparing for the annual circus competition. It was a series of obstacle courses, and Bee was tired of watching on the sidelines and cheering on the competitors every year. But she was finally old enough this year. However, even though she was really fast, her family advised her not to join.
“All the larger animals will be competing,” her mother told her. “Even the fastest rabbit of them all, Bo, will be there… You’re only a little bumblebee! You’ll get trampled!”
Bee was devastated. She announced, “Just because I’m a bumblebee, doesn’t mean I can’t win." She flew out into the night wanting to practice. She buzzed over to the empty obstacle course on the stage inside the gigantic circus tent. Unfortunately, she bumped right into Mosquito. Mosquito was always insulting everyone, like a pest. He was smirking.
“What are you doing here late at night?” He laughed. “Wait a second, are you competing? You’re never gonna win! Bo is obviously the fastest!"
“I can if I try.” Bee tried to act confident. “I can practice every day.” But Mosquito simply shook his head, smirked again and flew off into the night.
She noticed two large eyes peering at her from the audience. Miss Owl smiled and flew swiftly over.
“I heard you wanted to compete,” she spoke gently. “I also heard Mosquito’s comment a few seconds ago. Do not let him get you down, Bee. You can do it. Use your size to your advantage. I’ll see you later, dear. I’m rooting for you.”
For the next few days, Bee was hearing more about the other competitors. A few cats, birds, foxes, and even a turtle were competing in the race. However, Bo was going to be there.
She started going to the circus every night, when she could practice alone, without anyone bothering her. But Bee stuck to Miss Owl’s words, for she was known as the wisest animal in the village.
The day of the circus competition arrived, and Bee was buzzing with anxiety and excitement. She heard many people whisper as they spotted Bee hovering above the line, waiting for the whistle. No one ever had seen a bumblebee compete, ever.
Finally, Bee heard the whistle screech, and she zoomed forward, passing a lot of animals. Use your size to your advantage, Bee reminded herself. All she had to do was get past her hardest challenge: Bo.
He was fast. Bo jumped past every obstacle like it was nothing. The crowd held their breath in anticipation as Bo and Bee rushed towards the line. Neck to neck, they dashed like their life depended upon it. With one last burst of energy, she flew past Bo and landed with a small thud onto the floor.
They erupted with cheers. Bee had done it. She had won the competition. She heard Mosquito shriek with surprise.
Bee knew her practice had worked. She knew then that if she worked at something, she could do anything.