The Bee Book, by Charlotte Milner. DK Publishing, 2018. $20.99 ages 7 and up

"You have probably heard the buzz of a honeybee, but have you ever thought about what causes it to make that sound? For a bee to fly, its wings have to beat very fast. This makes vibrations in the air that we hear ... "

Wow! If you are interested in bees, or think you are, you have come to the right book. I can't imagine there is more to tell you than what Charlotte Milner shares in this wonderful nonfiction work.

The bee's world is evident in the well-designed and written text, beginning with a comprehensive table of contents that immediately takes readers to their most pressing interest. From the first two page chapter that lets readers know 'there are around 20,000 different species of bees' through honey, pollination, the queen, predators, stingers, the dwindling population, and why we need them to 'the bee all and end all', it is filled with information sure to surprise and inform.

"SOME BEES ARE ANGRY ...
KILLER BEES escaped from a science experiment
and have spread across South and Central
America. These bees are very defensive, stinging
10 times more often than other bees."

...BUT THE MOST FAMOUS BEE IS THE HONEYBEE ... "

The honeybees work diligently. Not only do they provide delicious nourishment in the honey they produce, they do so much more than that. They are builders, socialites, and contributors to the production of fully one-third of the food that we eat. How does that happen? Find out here. You will learn about daily life in the hive, about a bee's anatomy and why their return to good health is so very important to our world!

The question and answer format is important for her younger audience, assuring focus and clear understanding before moving on to another topic. She presents the subject in clear and careful text, including important vocabulary that informs. The artwork is equally useful and direct. Many illustrative details help give context to what is being shared. I especially like the sections that explain how necessary bees are to all of us, and her suggestions for helping to keep populations strong and healthy. Learn about the plants that are most beneficial, stay calm when they are near, know as much as you can about them, and tell others. Information is power, and sharing our passion for such subjects can be a very impressive motivator for getting others involved.

Charlotte Milner has aced this job ... taken her love for bees, shared it, and done all she can to encourage the rest of us to take a stand and make the world a better place by learning all we can, and then stepping up and do SOMETHING! There are many compelling reasons for us to do so.