As bee populations decline, children's books on the topic seem to proliferate. Here comes another wonderful offering, designed to introduce bees to young audiences, show how they live and go about making honey, and offer encouragement to protect bees and ensure their future. Unlike many other DK products that feature photos, this picture book employs very effective illustrations laid out in logical and appealing spreads. Detailed, captioned close-ups, side-by-side comparison charts, and paths indicated by arrows (and the occasional helpful bee) guide young readers through specifics, keeping content engaging and accessible. The concluding suggestions for action, such as how to behave around bees or what to plant in bee-friendly gardens, are helpful and practical. One graphic indicates that one out of three mouthfuls of food that we eat has been made with the help of pollinators such as bees. These kinds of facts help bring the material into focus, making this an excellent supplement for classroom units or for sharing at home.

A comprehensive, elementary-level introduction to the honeybee.In well-organized two-page chapters, Milner explores honeybee colony structure, reproduction, pollination, honey production, the importance of bees to food production, threats, and more. From a brief opening survey of different bee species to a concluding section on planting a pollinator-friendly garden, the facts are unfurled in a direct, unhurried manner. The author carefully pitches her presentation to her audience, often supplying leading questions ("How do bees make honey?"; "What is a swarm?") as segues. She includes scientific and other specialized vocabulary ("stamen," "larva," "waggle dance," "nurse bee") naturally and with appropriate context to aid comprehension. Her bright, matte illustrations, dominated by honey yellows, are similarly unfussy, clearly communicating the desired information and offering the occasional challenge (spotting the queen in a swarm). Most humans depicted are white, save in the final spread. The factors contributing to bee-population decline are presented with suitable gravity and with concrete suggestions for readers to help mitigate them (building a "bee hotel"; planting wildflowers). While it's too bad she uses the sensationalistic term "killer bee" and practicing beekeepers will smirk at the implication they are never stung, the presentation on the whole is both responsible and accurate.Though low on frills, as solid an introduction for the age range as can be found in print. (Informational picture book. 4-10)