In the Trees, Honey Bees

July 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 3-Short, simple rhyming words and phrases, printed in large type on realistic illustrations, describe the amazing life cycle of the honeybee. The vibrantly colored scenes center on a beehive hidden in a tree trunk and the grass and gardens surrounding it. Brief paragraphs in a smaller font provide more information about the insects depicted activities. Arbos incredibly detailed, lifelike close-ups of female worker bees performing the jobs through which they rotate during their short lives greatly enhance the text. Two pages of information about honeybees are appended. Deborah Heiligmans "Honeybees" (National Geographic, 2002), illustrated with simple folk-style gouache paintings, also stresses the many jobs of worker bees. In "The Life and Times of the Honeybee" (Houghton, 1995), Charles Micucci offers pages filled with tables, charts, and diagrams that overflow with interesting tidbits for readers seeking greater detail. A wonderful choice for sharing aloud, Mortensens finely crafted book makes a solid addition."Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH"

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