The honeyed side of the street is where life tastes delightful! Were you aware that a colony of bees must traverse approximately 55,000 miles to gather sufficient pollen for crafting a mere pound of honey? During a single collection run, a solitary honeybee will pay a visit to 50 – 100 flowers, adorning its hind legs with approximately 35% of its body weight in golden pollen.
Delve into the captivating world of these tiny creatures and unearth fascinating insights into the immense influence they exert on our daily existence. Unveiling the secrets within a handful of bee-centric books, prepare to be enthralled by an array of enchanting reads catering to children of all generations.
Babies and Toddlers
1. The Honeybee and the Robber by Eric Carle.
Eric Carle’s enchanting children’s books have forever captivated my heart. With their mesmerizing artwork and delightful verses, they weave an unforgettable tale of a honeybee’s journey through life on our planet.
2. Honey by David Ezra Stein
David Ezra Stein presents a delightful story about a youthful bear who emerges from hibernation with an irresistible desire for his preferred treat. The imaginative artwork beautifully captures Bear’s playful quest, while the concise sentences and vivid language allow young readers to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting world of buzzing bees.
3. Little Bee by Chronicle Books
Little Bee playfully emerges from the heart of this charming board book, inviting babies and toddlers to explore the multitude of activities bees engage in.
4. The Big Honey Hunt by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Embark on a timeless journey with the beloved Berenstain Bears as they embark on a quest to uncover luscious honey. A delightful nostalgic tale that resonates with those of us who are considered the “grown-up” children, evoking precious memories from our cherished past.
5. The Little Yellow Bee by Ginger Swift.
Delve into the enchanting realm of bees with this exquisite picture book crafted to captivate the hearts of the little ones. Its pages, robust and resilient, are designed to be embraced effortlessly by tiny hands.
Young Readers – Pre-K through 3rd Grade
6. UnBEElievables: Honeybee Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian.
An enchanting fusion of captivating artwork and a collection of 14 individual poems that whimsically delve into the intricate world of the honeybee. To ensure a lasting connection with young readers, every poem is skillfully narrated through the eyes of the buzzing bee, resonating with delightful verses and captivating melodies.
7. The Boy Who Lost His Bumble by Trudi Esberger
An enchanting tale unfolds, painting a vivid picture of a world devoid of honeybees. Within the pages of this captivating book, young readers are introduced to the intricate life cycles of bees, while delving into the profound interdependence that exists within the realm of nature.
8. Kaia and The Bees by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Like countless other children, Kaia harbors a deep-seated dread of bees and their agonizing stings. However, she discovers a newfound courage that enables her to conquer her fears. This newfound bravery blossoms as her father imparts upon her the profound significance of bees within our world, enlightening her about the intricate process of honey production.
9. The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Deegan
Adored by both bee enthusiasts and educators, this timeless tale delves into the captivating world of a beehive, unraveling the mesmerizing life cycle of bees as the enchanted bus unexpectedly transforms into their buzzing sanctuary.
10. Save The Bees by Bethany Stahl
Embark on a thrilling journey alongside three comrades who unite in their mission to rescue the bees, offering a captivating perspective from the eyes of a bug. This remarkable tale marks the third installment of an extraordinary series dedicated to the preservation of our planet.
Elementary Readers – Grades 3rd through 6th
11. What if There Were No Bees by Suzzane Slade and illustrated by Carol Schwartz
With its captivating illustrations and intriguing scientific knowledge, this concise yet enthralling book unveils the profound role of the honeybee as our ally in preserving the delicate equilibrium of our ecosystem.
12. The Honeybee Mystery – A Boxcar Children’s Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner
During their traditional visit to the Sherman farm, the Alden family stumbles upon an unexpected honey scarcity, sparking their curiosity to embark on a captivating investigation. Along their journey, they unravel the secrets of honey production, acquiring newfound knowledge. For countless years, the Boxcar Children series has captivated the hearts of devoted fans, establishing itself as an all-time beloved literary treasure.
13. How to Bee by Bren MacDibble
In a desolate realm, amidst the remnants of an apocalyptic era, a captivating tale unfolds. It depicts a world where the survival of flora relies on the valiant efforts of children who ascend towering trees to pollinate flowers. In this poignant narrative, themes of domestic turmoil and the anguish of being forsaken are artfully interwoven, casting a mesmerizing spell. All this unfolds against the backdrop of a bee-less world, where the absence of these tiny creatures leaves a void in the heart of nature itself.
14. The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe (Scientists in the Field) by Loree Griffin Burns
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating pages of this enlightening book, which ingeniously weaves together science and storytelling, immersing young minds into a world devoid of the miraculous honey bees.
Pre-Teen/Middle School
15. Why I’m Afraid of Bees by R.L. Stine
Goosebumps, a beloved literary collection for young adolescents, presents an eccentric narrative where a 12-year-old boy unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a peculiar situation of body-switching with a buzzing bee, reminiscent of the enthralling Freaky Friday concept. In his pursuit to reclaim his original form, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing invaluable insights on the consequences of bullying.
16. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid by Mikaila Ulmer
Unveiling her remarkable tale, Mikaila Ulmer delves into the inspiration she derived from a bee sting, which ignited the ingenious concept of establishing a lemonade stand and shedding light on the predicament of the honeybee. Aged merely 14, Mikaila imparts invaluable counsel to aspiring young entrepreneurs, urging them to fearlessly pursue their aspirations.
Teenager/Adult
17. The Bee Book by DK, Emma Tennet, et al.
The reader is guided through the enchanting journey of creating a bee-friendly sanctuary adorned with exquisite flowers, bolstered by captivating photographs and accompanied by expert instructions to embark on the mesmerizing world of beekeeping.
18. Plan Bee by Deb Baker
In Deb Baker’s captivating Queen Bee Mystery Series, an intriguing tale unfolds as two fearless women embark on a quest for the ultimate truth after stumbling upon a lifeless body, only to find it mysteriously vanish into thin air! With her signature wit and an array of captivating personas, Baker effortlessly captivates readers, ensuring an enjoyable and entertaining reading experience.