In every classroom, stories have the power to shape hearts as much as they shape minds. The right story can help children see the world through another’s eyes and understand emotions they may not yet have words for. Jago Morris’s Milo and Phoebee is one of those stories, a gentle, rhyming tale that opens a door to meaningful conversations about kindness, courage, and the beauty of difference.
For teachers, this book offers a simple yet powerful way to build empathy and connection among students.
At its heart, Milo and Phoebee tells the story of two bees who learn that true friendship and perseverance can overcome any challenge. Phoebee, born with only one wing, dreams of flying but struggles to keep up with the other bees. Her friend Milo never leaves her side, showing her that she is capable and brave in her own way. Through rhythmic storytelling and bright illustrations, the book helps children explore feelings of frustration, hope, and belonging, all in a way that feels safe and engaging.
Teachers can use this story as more than just a read-aloud. It can become a tool for emotional learning. During storytime, educators can pause after key moments and ask simple, open-ended questions: “How do you think Phoebee felt when she couldn’t fly?” or “What would you say to help a friend like Phoebee?” These questions invite children to reflect, empathize, and share their thoughts, helping them understand emotions in themselves and others.
Art activities can also bring the story to life. After reading, students can draw their own version of Phoebee, maybe giving her wings of different colors or patterns to show what makes her special. Others could create their own “bee friends,” designing characters who help each other just like Milo and Phoebee do. These hands-on projects help children internalize the book’s lessons in a fun and creative way.
Group discussions can deepen these lessons even further. Teachers can guide students in talking about what it means to be kind, how to help someone who feels left out, or how differences make a classroom stronger. For older children, role-playing can turn the message into action, for example, acting out scenes where someone helps a friend or finds the courage to try something new.
Milo and Phoebee also fit perfectly into lessons about teamwork and community. Teachers can connect the bees’ accumulate to the classroom itself. Each student has an important role to play, and when one person struggles, others can help. This comparison reinforces the value of inclusion and shared support, helping students understand that everyone’s effort matters.
Empathy is not taught through instruction alone. It grows through experiences that touch the heart. Stories like Milo and Phoebee give teachers a bridge between reading and real-life understanding. They remind children that even the smallest acts of kindness can lift others higher than they could ever fly alone.
If you are an educator looking for a meaningful addition to your classroom bookshelf, Milo and Phoebee by Jago Morris is a perfect choice. Its simple words, powerful message, and lovable characters make it a story that both children and teachers will treasure, and one that helps every heart in the room grow a little bigger.
