★★★★★
With so many species of bees, even scientists can have trouble identifying them…they officially listed its genus and species as “bee cute furry face.”
The above is just one of twenty thousand species of bees that populate our world – bees live on every continent (except Antartica) and play an extraordinary role in the ecosystem.
This little book of bees covers everything and anything you’d want to know – from the evolution:
…the first bee buzzed alongside a lumbering Stegosaurus…That’s where the story of bees begins, one hundred and thirty million years ago…
to the quirky behaviors:
Pollen Pants
When collecting poll, bees mix the pollen with nectar to make it sticky and pliable…The effect is that the bee appears to be wearing a pair of pants made of pollen.
This book will take you on a journey!
All in all, if you can’t already tell – I loved it. It’s short, it’s sweet and it’s almost unbearably cute.
I’ve read a lot of animal books in my time and the one thing that always bugs me is how… clinical… those books sound.
Habitat. Diet. Phenotype. Rinse & Repeat.
And then I pick up Hilary’s book, and right at the beginning, I read this gem:
A bee’s most recognizable trait is its cuteness.
There’s just something special about a book where you can absolutely tell that the author is just as excited as you are!
I loved all of the cool facts scattered throughout the book. Apparently there’s a jar of honey uncovered from a crypt that’s thousands of years old…and it’s still good?? Are you kidding me?
The chapter about honey was so much fun to read – and yes, there IS more to do with honey than just eating it.
And the beekeeping section! Oh my gosh. It just killed me.
When the stings happen (and they will), beekeepers will tell you the best relief is swearing loudly.
I adored the illustrations that decorate nearly every page – they are absolutely charming and so well done. To see them was a delight!
My favorite part…was probably the dedication.
It’s so wholesome that I can’t even stand it!
Overall – if you (or your curious kiddo) want to learn more about bees, gardens and just about anything that involves a buzz – look no further! Highly recommended!!
With thanks to the author and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Interested in this one from Hilary Kearney? Buy it here: Amazon
Miranda Reads 