Bea's Bees

An empowering story, this book shows readers that one personno matter the agecan make a big difference. The lovely illustrations are a pleasure to behold, and the bees manage to be realistic and yet not intimidating. While this is a work of fiction, the author and illustrator use true facts about bees and what is happening to them, including a guide for readers to take steps to preserve the bees remaining in the world. A beautiful final touch includes drawings of each wildflower seen in the book accompanied by its appropriate name.VERDICT This informational picture book is a necessary addition to elementary library shelves as an important contribution to the understanding and conservation of bees -- School Library Journal
Beatrix discovers a wild bumblebee nest on her way home from school and finds herself drawn to their busy world. When her bees mysteriously disappear, Bea hatches a plan to bring them back. Can Bea inspire her school and community to save the bees? Bees provide us with valuable resources, and some types of bees are in danger of disappearing forever. But ordinary people (and kids!) can help save them. Filled with fascinating facts about bumblebees and ideas to help preserve their environment, "Bea's Bees" encourages kids ages 5-6 to help protect bees and other pollinators. Charmingly illustrated by Ellie Peterson, this entertaining and informative story by Katherine Pryor is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections. -- Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch
[T]he final page of labeled wildflowers is a lovely and useful finish. -- Kirkus Reviews
This story offers a great introduction to the important work bees do as pollinators, and Bea teaches us how to plant wildflowers to help feed the bees. -- Whole Kids Foundation
This picture book not only shines light on the importance of looking after bumblebees but also has a diverse main character. That said, it is much more than just a message, it is a story too, one that children will enjoy reading, full of beautiful illustrations which add depth and humour. -- Picture Book Perfect

Katherine Pryor is an award-winning children's book author who enjoys watching bees buzz in her Seattle backyard. Ellie Peterson is a writer, illustrator, and science teacher in the Seattle area.