Gr 1-3 A "Meet the Family" chapter begins this straightforward and easy-to-follow introduction to bees. The life cycles of the queen, drones, and worker bees are then detailed, starting with larvae and how they become specialized to perform their specific tasks. Each colorful page contains bright bold artwork. It amplifies the text, especially in the chapter on how returning bees communicate the distance and direction of a good pollen source for the rest of the female worker bees. The insect's vital role in pollinating fruits and vegetables is emphasized, as is the importance of protecting habitats where bees can find and gather the pollen they need to live. A small glossary shares a page with a further reading section. VERDICT This brightly colored work is a lovely and informative addition to the growing number of bee books. Most nonfiction collections will want. Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA