I’m
passionate about honeybees. It’s hard to imagine that a small insect plays such
an important role in life on planet Earth.
third of honeybee colonies are disappearing due to colony collapse disorder
(CCD)—a phenomenon in which the majority of worker bees in a colony disappear leaving behind a queen, plenty of food, and a few
nurse bees to care for the young
bees and the queen.
the invasive varroa mite, new or emerging diseases, pesticide poisoning,
habitat changes, inadequate forage/poor nutrition, and potential
immune-suppressing stress.
Bursting with close-up photography and detailed illustrations, this book explores
why honeybee populations are decreasing and discusses how scientists and
beekeepers are working to save them. The plethora of fascinating facts will
keep readers mesmerized.
by Tracy C. Read (Firefly Books, 2011)
A packed 22 pages of common and lesser known scientific facts about bees:
“Scientists have identified over 20,000 bee species in the world, and close to
4,000 species are found in North America.”
While exploring the beauty, significance, and habits of bees, readers
will appreciate high magnification photographs as well as the richness of facts
in the main text and text features.
by Charles Micucci (Houghton Mifflin, 1995)
Depicts the life cycle and habits of the honeybee, describing in detail the
organization of the hive and the making of honey. Basic facts, some amusing, and full-color
illustrations provide readers with everything they need to know about bees and
how they live.
by Sandra Markle (Walker, 2004)
Did you know that killer bee colonies are invading honeybee hives and taking
them down? Sandra Markle explains the similarities and differences between
European and Africanized (killer) honeybees, discusses how killer bees have
spread, and examines efforts to control killer bee populations.
The four chapters: The World of Bees, Bees at Work, Life in the Hive, and
Keeping the Bees in Flight discuss the features, habits, and pollination efforts
of different kinds of bees as well as how people are working to save bee
populations. Once you read the book you will want to do further research, so
check out the Resources (books and website) on pg. 44.
Terrence
“Terry” Young, Jr., M.Ed., MLS is an active
retired school librarian and the chairperson of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes
for Excellence in Science Books for the children’s, middle, and hands-on
categories. In his 39 years in education and 36 years as a member of the
American Library Association and several of its divisions, he has served on the
Caldecott, Sibert and the Margaret A Edwards committees. His articles on school
libraries, science, and STEM literacy have been published in Knowledge Quest, Book Links, School Library
Connection, School Library Journal, School Library Monthly, and Science Books & Films. Terry is the
author of all “School Libraries Work!” editions. He is also a frequent speaker
at local, state, and national conferences.
Most Popular Posts
Resignation
Re-thinking “E” Is for Everyone
We Need Diverse Nonfiction
The 5 Kinds of Nonfiction
Behind the Books: Does Story Appeal to Everyone?
10 STEM Picture Books
Nonfiction Authors Dig Deep by Melissa Stewart
Nonfiction Authors Dig Deep by Deborah Heiligman
Is It Fiction or Nonfiction? A Twitterchat
5 Kinds of Nonfiction, Book Lists
Topics
2 Responses
I also love Loree Griffin Burns's The Hive Detectives, a Scientist in the Field book.
It's not honeybees specifically, but I really loved Bethany Barton's Give Bees A Chance. Have you read that one, Melissa? If so, would you still characterize it as expository NF? It takes an interesting and very engaging/interactive approach which I loved.
The Heavy Medal Blog has been discussing Give Bees A Chance quite a bit. Here's one link:
http://blogs.slj.com/heavymedal/2017/09/28/give-picture-book-non-fiction-a-chance/
Yes, it is expository nonfiction because it doesn't tell a story. Interestingly, though, the LOC gives it fiction as well as nonfiction subject headings.