Begin with a Bee

Begin with a Bee is a book about the life cycle of the rusty-patched bumblebee, teaching readers of all ages about the contributions and significance of all bees. It is written by three beloved and prolific writers of award-winning children's books and illustrated by Claudia McGehee. The book offers commentary on how to be a friend to bees and a good citizen of the natural world, as well as introducing native plants that bumblebees need for survival.

Format: Hardback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2021
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

The Chicago Public Library's Best Informational Books for Younger Readers selection, "Begin with a Bee," offers a captivating journey into the life of a rusty-patched bumblebee, teaching readers of all ages about bees and their vital role in the natural world. Through a close examination of the rusty-patched bumblebee's life cycle, the book helps readers understand and appreciate the contributions and significance of all bees.

The story begins in the spring, when the queen bee emerges from a hole in the ground to search for pollen. She finds a nest, known as an "underground best," and lays a few eggs, sealing them in pollen. Throughout the summer, this single queen bee lays more eggs, hatching more worker bees who gather pollen and maintain the colony until the next year's queen hatches in the fall.

Claudia McGehee's captivating illustrations bring the queen bee's life to life, showcasing the poetry and basic science of this remarkable insect. The authors, three beloved and prolific writers of award-winning children's books, impart knowledge about the rusty-patched bumblebee, the first bee to appear on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species list.

In addition to the captivating narrative, the book includes extensive commentary at the end, offering suggestions for being a friend to bees and a good citizen of the natural world. It also introduces native plants that bumblebees need for survival, inspiring readers to seek out, identify, and even cultivate these essential flowers.

"Begin with a Bee" has the potential to inspire a child (or any of us) to engage in bee-friendly activities and contribute to the preservation and conservation of these vital insects. By understanding the importance of bees and their role in our ecosystem, we can participate in the next chapter in the story of all bumblebees and ensure their survival for generations to come.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 210 x 287 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517908041