The Bee Without Wings

Written and illustrated by Amberlea Williams

Princeton Architectural Press

978-1-797222509

40 pp.

Ages 4-8

March 2023

Though some parts of Canada will still be hit by significant snowfalls today, we'll all be anticipating spring and all that that season brings with it: bees, flowers, warmer temperatures, rain and so much more. But things aren't always as expected as Sasha learns.

From The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams

While out with her cat Molly, Sasha finds a bee that is acting differently. She soon realizes it has no wings. She tries to help it, first by bringing it to a flower and then, when that is unsuccessful, by offering it sugar water. After a few sips, the bee is energized. But Sasha knows that, without wings, the bee's life will be very difficult. And so, Sasha takes responsibility for Bea, giving it shelter, food, and safety. Still Sasha knows that Bea longs to fly, and so she devises a contraption that would give Bea the pleasure of flight.

From The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams

But bees do not live forever, and Sasha can see Bea slowing down and eating less. The loss is hard for Sasha and Molly, but they find a way to honour her, and, with much planning and research, Sasha does just that the next spring.

There are so many lessons that parents and teachers can take from The Bee Without Wings whether it be about a bee's life cycle or dealing with loss, but Ottawa's Amberlea Williams doesn't overwork those messages. Instead, she gives us a story of a compassionate child who loves being out in the natural world and recognizes a need to care for living things. In a world of "Me! Me! Me!" it's refreshing to see a child whose heart is full of wonder and empathy. From the child's words and actions to Amberlea Williams's gouache and coloured pencil illustrations, there is brightness and kindness. Even with the tragedy of a wingless bee and her inevitable passing, Amberlea Williams gives us lightness and joy, from eyes bright with curiosity and feeling, to landscapes magnificent in both flowers and snow.

From The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams

Amberlea Williams appends her story with pages about caring for early spring bees and creating your own bee-friendly garden, thus giving young readers an opportunity to do good in the natural world themselves. But, even without those conservation efforts, young readers are encouraged to open their eyes and observe nature as it is. Sasha may have benefited serendipitously by her actions, making a friend in Bea, but her efforts were wholly altruistic, giving Bea sanctuary where her physical limitations may have hampered her. It's a feel-good story that confirms the insight of Laozi that "Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

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An activity sheet from the book is available from the publisher for download here.

 

Daphne's Bees: Guest review

This review was written by Grade 9 student Bronte L.

 

Written by Catherine Dempsey

Illustrated by Veselina Tomova

Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides

978-1-927917503

48 pp.

Ages 7-11

2022

 

Daphne’s grandmother keeps honeybees, and she often lets Daphne inspect the hives. But on the morning of her 10th birthday, Daphne is treated with her very own hive, bee suit, and equipment. With the help of her dad and grandmother, Daphne builds her hive, and starts a new colony. She has drone bees, worker bees, and most importantly, a queen bee! Grandma teaches her all about their different jobs, how to maintain the hives, and their life cycles.

Daphne was so excited. Now she knew for sure that her queen had hatched, and was laying eggs. She also knew the bees were gathering pollen and nectar. The bits of pollen were the little bright colours and the nectar was the juice from the flowers that would become honey.

From Daphne's Bees by Catherine Dempsey, illus. by Veselina Tomova

Daphne soon discovers that keeping bees isn’t all flowers and honey. Bees are protective of their queen, and, if they think they’re under attack, they aren’t afraid to sting the intruder and die in the process. There are also wasps to worry about. Wasps are like pirates, flying around in search of new or vulnerable hives, looking to steal their honey. However, Daphne is protective of her hive, just like the worker bees, and makes sure that nothing is going to happen to it on her watch.

From Daphne's Bees by Catherine Dempsey, illus. by Veselina Tomova

Daphne’s Bees by Newfoundland author Catherine Dempsey and illustrator Veselina Tomova tells the story of Daphne, her hive, and everything she learns along the way to becoming a beekeeper. The book has loads of information, especially for a picture book, and could be enjoyed by kids from kindergarten to Grade 6. The book includes a glossary, background information, and plenty of puns. It’s a great book to build kids’ appreciation for honeybees.

Daphne’s Bees is an essential book for students learning about nature and the importance of pollinators. It’s informative and fun, and includes a lighthearted story with painted illustrations. The little bees and flowers look realistic, and you can tell that the illustrations are actual paintings, with their pencil outlines, canvas texture, and thick paint strokes.

From Daphne's Bees by Catherine Dempsey, illus. by Veselina Tomova

My grandfather used to keep bees, and I know that if I had read this book several years ago I would’ve immediately wanted to help him take care of his hives!

~ Bronte L., Grade 9

Animals Do, Too!: How They Behave Just Like You

Written by Etta Kaner

Illustrated by Marilyn Faucher

Kids Can Press

978-1-77138-569-5

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

May 2017

Though Animals Do, Too! is non-fiction book with a mandate to teach young children about animal behaviour, the book takes a light-hearted approach which leans towards picture book rather than teaching text.  In a series of questions, young readers are asked about fun activities in which they like to engage: dancing, playing tag, playing leapfrog, blowing bubbles, growing food, getting piggyback rides, and being babysat.  For each activity, there is a detailed double-spread asking the question and demonstrating kids partaking.  Then, a double-spread illustration answers the question with an example from the animal kingdom and a single paragraph of text provides the details.  It becomes evident that, if kids like doing those things, Animals Do, Too!

From Animals Do, Too! 

by Etta Kaner 

illus. by Marilyn Faucher

The animals depicted cover the range from mammals to insects, birds and amphibians. Etta Kaner shares the honey-bee dance, gazelles chasing each other to build strength and speed, cattle egrets jumping over each other to grab insects, gray tree frogs who make bubble nests, leaf-cutter ants who grow fungi, marmosets who carry their young piggyback-style and flamingos who babysit.  And though Animals Do, Too! is a concept book and not a story book, Marilyn Faucher's artwork is elaborate and vivid, going beyond children just dancing or playing tag.  For each, her illustration tells a story about the humans, like a party in full swing, with yummy cake and cookies, or the animals in their habitats as part of social communities.  Her art is dynamic and her colours are deep, creating rich scenes, both familiar and not.

From Animals Do, Too! 

by Etta Kaner 

illus. by Marilyn Faucher

Animals Do, Too! is a great introductory animal behaviour book for very young children.  It goes beyond identifying animals and provides a taste for learning about animals without the boring details that their older children might appreciate.  The repetitive queries and responses will help in the reading of the book and make for an entertaining read, though a competent reader like mom or dad or big sister or brother will need to ensure the details are fully clarified.

From Animals Do, Too! 

by Etta Kaner 

illus. by Marilyn Faucher