Bea's Bees

May 24, 2019

Gr 1-4-Buzz, buzz! A busy beehive creates the soundtrack of Bea's walk home from school. Every day, the child stops to watch the bees fly out and back again, collecting nectar for the others in the hive. Bea loves observing their behavior until one day, an ominous silence indicates to her that the bees are gone. She asks both her science teacher and librarian for answers, but they themselves are unsure. Therefore, Bea takes things into her own hands and sets about bringing the bees back. An empowering story, this book shows readers that one person-no matter the age-can make a big difference. The lovely illustrations are a pleasure to behold, and the bees manage to be realistic and yet not intimidating. While this is a work of fiction, the author and illustrator use true facts about bees and what is happening to them, including a guide for readers to take steps to preserve the bees remaining in the world. A beautiful final touch includes drawings of each wildflower seen in the book accompanied by its appropriate name. VERDICT This informational picture book is a necessary addition to elementary library shelves as an important contribution to the understanding and conservation of bees.-Mary Lanni, formerly of Denver Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2019
When Beatrix notices that bees have left their hollow-tree nest in her local park, she needs the town's help to bring them back.Bea walks to school through the park, where she discovers a nest of active bumblebees in a hollow oak tree. She is fascinated with the tiny creatures, and she visits the tree every day. But one day, the nest is silent; the bees are gone. She asks her teacher about it, but he doesn't know why bees disappear. She notices the flowers around the oak tree have been cut down. She asks the school librarian, who helps her find books about bees. She learns all about bees--what they eat, how they pollinate, and what kinds of foods would stop growing without them--and that information is shared with readers. Bea makes a plan. In early spring, she plants wildflowers around the tree. She does her science report on bees, and she hands out seeds at school. Seedlings sprout all over town, and finally the bees return. The illustrations, which depict Bea as black, are colorful but largely redundant of the text. An endnote in small font and scientific language is appropriate for older readers, and the final page of labeled wildflowers is a lovely and useful finish. The story is paced well, and Bea is likable enough, but the book's design lacks professional polish.This well-intentioned effort falls short. (Picture book. 6-10)

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