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Saturday, July 2, 2022

Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama. Written by Loree Griffin Burns and photographed by Ellen Harasimowicz. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2022. $19.99 ages 8 and up


"The moment Mr. Connery saw bees 
building a hive in the garage, he knew 
what had happened: one of his colonies
had outgrown its home.
"

Indeed, the colony had gotten too big. When that happens, the bees know just what to do. They swarm, and find another place to settle permanently. The old queen leaves with some of the bees from the first hive, while another queen develops in the original space. 

The swarm in Mr. Connery's barn were already making honeycomb. They were settled; Mr. Connery know the barn was not a safe place for the colony as there would be no winter protection. Luckily, he knew the right man to call. 

Mr. Jon Nelson is also a beekeeper, who removes bees from dangerous places. That work is important to him as he doesn't want the colony to be destroyed. Ms. Burns describes a hive structure prior to watching the two men do ALL the work needed to safely remove Mr. Connery's new colony and provide a safer place for it to thrive. 

The process is presented in coherent text that makes it easy for readers to understand. The color photographs are wonderful and let listeners see every step along the way. A perfect ending shows Mr. Connery and his children relishing a taste of the 'garage-bee' honey. 

Back matter has an interview with Mr. Nelson about the work he does so brilliantly, a glossary, an author's note, sources and a list for further reading. Any child wanting to know more about the wonders of beekeeping will begin to find what they need to know in this very special book. 

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