Secrets of Bees

Everything about this information book is worth five stars! Congratulations to all the team involved, including Professor Beverley Glover and Dr Sally Lee from Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Here we see Nosy Crow collaborating again with the University of Cambridge. This is the first book in a fascinating new series entitled Think Big and will appeal to young and older readers alike.

From the attractive half-title page, I was hooked on this gorgeous softback which took me on a journey of discovery. Ben Hoare’s obvious enthusiasm for bees, and his curiosity about this topic seep through the volume, beginning with his Introduction. Each spread poses a question about the characteristics and uses of bees. Inquisitive children will love finding out ‘How many bees are there?’ (pp.8-9), ‘What happens inside a hive?’ (pp.18-19) and ‘Why do bees have stings?’ (pp.24-25), for example. The last spread is particularly useful and encourages the young person to play their part in ‘How we can help bees?’ (pp.28-29).

Throughout the publication the reader is given information in bite-sized chunks along with some intricate and clear illustrations. I was amazed to learn that, ‘Ancient bees … lived at least 120 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the planet’ (p.7), and that, ‘There are more than 20,000 different species’ of bees (p.8). Such nuggets of information propel the curious child to continue through the book and read more. I found the pages drilling down into the senses of bees awe-inspiring: ‘What does it feel like to be a bee?’ (pp.14-15), explains, for example, how bees can see ultraviolet patterns.

In summary, this is an excellent children’s book filled with interesting facts written and illustrated by experts in their fields. We are fortunate to have high quality books like this to increase our knowledge in such a captivating way. The illustrations enhance the text throughout, with the result that reading this book is highly satisfying. All schools and libraries should find a place on their shelves for books such as this. Also, I highly recommend it as a gift which will leave its mark on the young reader in a positive manner.