If Bees Disappeared, written and illustrated by Lily Williams. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2021. $25.99 ages 6 and up

 "If honeybees disappeared ...

so would many of the plants they pollinate. 
Wind pollination creates less plant diversity
than bee pollination. Plant diversity is important
for the strength and health of an environment. 
While some plants would be able to survive 
without honeybee pollination, the crops they 
produce would look different, be less 
flavorful, and have a shorter life span."

The importance of the honeybee to our way of life is clearly pointed out in Lily Williams' fourth book about endangered species. Honeybees play a very important role in the food chain, and we would be without much of the food that pleases and sustains us without their survival.  

The book begins in Kent County, England, a place where many bees live. Ms. Williams informs readers about bees; their ancestry, the number of species found in the world, the fact that they are the very best pollinators. An accompanying illustration shows development through the ages, leading to the honeybees she is presenting in this fine book. 

She explains the role of all three types of honeybees: drones, workers, and the queen. They must work together for success. They are threatened by both environmental changes and damage done by humans. What she wants her readers to know is that many things will be very different if bees disappear. It would not only affect plants. Loss of those plants would lead to less of many favorite foods: apples, blueberries, chocolate, coffee. Continuing along that line of thought, what happens when those plants disappear. It is sobering to think of the many changes in the natural world which all have a direct effect on life as we know it. 

As with everything else we know about climate change and its effects, we do know that we can begin to make different and effective changes to stem the loss. Have you thought about what you might plant in your backyard garden to attract and sustain the local bee population? If we don't change, the bees will DISAPPEAR and what will we do then? It is a sobering thought, isn't it? 

Excellent, helpful artwork complements the information provided in the text. Engaging and informative, this is another exceptional addition to the series. A glossary, an explanation of the dangers of decline, a list of suggestions for getting involved, an author's note, a bibliography, and a short list of additional sources  are included in back matter. Worthy of a spot in classroom or home libraries.