How to Bee

In a future Australia without bees, Peony dreams of becoming a bee, a hand pollinator. Despite being too young, she is determined to be the best bee on the farm. However, her age and her ambitious plan create challenges for her to achieve her goal. How to Bee is a captivating and thought-provoking novel for middle grade readers that explores a dystopian social landscape with an intense and original voice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2018
Publisher: Old Barn Books

In a future Australia, where bees have vanished, children are employed to scramble through the fruit trees with feather wands, reminiscent of the pear farmers of Hanyuan in China. Peony, a young girl with a dream of becoming a bee, a hand pollinator, possesses remarkable qualities such as lightness, speed, and determination. Despite being a year too young, she is determined to be the best bee the farm has ever seen. However, her age poses a challenge as she struggles to convince everyone around her to support her plan.

How to Bee is a captivating and thought-provoking novel for middle grade readers, delving into an all-too-possible dystopian social landscape. With an intensely compelling and original voice, the book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Set in a world where nature has been profoundly affected by human actions, Peony's journey showcases the strength and determination of young individuals in the face of adversity.

Through her adventures, Peony meets other children who have been assigned similar tasks. They form a tight-knit community, supporting and encouraging each other as they navigate the challenges of their new lives. The novel also sheds light on the complex social dynamics and power struggles that exist in this futuristic society.

Peony's determination to become a bee is unwavering, and she refuses to let anyone or anything stand in her way. She studies the behavior of bees, learns about pollination, and practices with her feather wand. She even manages to convince a reluctant farmer to allow her to help with the beekeeping.

As Peony's skills and knowledge grow, she becomes a valuable asset to the farm. She helps to increase the yield of the fruit trees and improves the quality of the produce. Her success attracts the attention of the authorities, who begin to monitor her activities closely.

Despite the risks and challenges she faces, Peony remains steadfast in her pursuit of her dream. She understands the importance of bees and the role they play in the ecosystem. She also realizes that her actions can have a positive impact on the world around her.

How to Bee is a beautifully written and illustrated novel that will captivate middle grade readers with its unique and engaging story. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of preserving our natural environment and the delicate balance of nature. The novel also offers hope and inspiration, showcasing the resilience and determination of young individuals in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, How to Bee is a must-read novel for middle grade readers who are interested in science fiction, adventure, and environmental issues. With its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and beautiful artwork, this book will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 131 x 199 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910646441