1. The Honeybee and the Robber by Eric Carle.
I’ve forever adored Eric Carle’s children’s books. The enchanting artwork and effortless verses create a lasting impression as we journey through the captivating tale of a honeybee’s existence on our planet.
2. Honey by David Ezra Stein
David Ezra Stein presents an enchanting story about a youthful bear who emerges from hibernation yearning for his beloved treat. The delightful artwork beautifully captures Bear’s playful quest, while the concise sentences and evocative language allow young readers to truly immerse themselves in the captivating world of bees.
3. Little Bee by Chronicle Books
Little Bee, with its delightful finger puppet, playfully showcases the myriad of activities bees engage in for the amusement of babies and toddlers within this charming board book.
4. The Big Honey Hunt by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Embark on a timeless journey with the beloved Bear family in this cherished Berenstain Bears tale, as they embark on a quest to find the finest honey. A delightful trip down memory lane for those of us who are young at heart, reminiscent of the treasured books that graced our childhood days.
5. The Little Yellow Bee by Ginger Swift.
Discover the enchanting realm of bees through this captivating picture book, designed to captivate the imaginations of our youngest readers. Featuring robust board pages, perfectly crafted for little hands to effortlessly hold and explore.
Young Readers – Pre-K through 3rd Grade
6. UnBEElievables: Honeybee Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian.
Delight in the harmonious blend of captivating illustrations and a collection of 14 whimsical poems that whimsically delve into the enchanting world of the honeybee. With an aim to foster a profound connection with young readers, each poem eloquently unfolds from the perspective of the industrious bee, resonating with delightful rhymes and captivating rhythms.
7. The Boy Who Lost His Bumble by Trudi Esberger
An enchanting tale that explores a world devoid of honeybees, revealing the intricate web of life and introducing young readers to the captivating life cycles of these remarkable creatures.
8. Kaia and The Bees by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Like countless children, Kaia harbors an innate dread towards bees and their notorious stingers. However, her trepidation gradually dissipates as she delves into the fascinating realm of beekeeping, courtesy of her knowledgeable father. Through his insightful teachings on the intricate process of honey production, Kaia’s perception shifts, revealing the immense significance of bees in our ecosystem.
9. The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Deegan
Adored by apiarists and educators alike, this timeless tale delves into the enchanting world of a beehive and the captivating journey of bees, as the enchanted bus undergoes a whimsical transformation into a buzzing beehive.
10. Save The Bees by Bethany Stahl
Embark on a thrilling adventure alongside three comrades who unite to rescue the bees, granting you a captivating perspective from a bug’s vantage point. This remarkable book marks the third installment in an enthralling series dedicated to preserving our beloved planet.
Elementary Readers – Grades 3rd through 6th
11. What if There Were No Bees by Suzzane Slade and illustrated by Carol Schwartz
With captivating illustrations and a wealth of scientific knowledge, this concise and captivating book unravels the intricate relationship between humans and honeybees, shedding light on their vital role in preserving the delicate harmony of our natural world.
12. The Honeybee Mystery – A Boxcar Children’s Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner
During their customary visit to the Sherman farm, the Alden family stumbles upon a surprising scarcity of honey. Intrigued by this enigma, they embark on an investigative journey, unraveling the intricate secrets behind honey production. The Boxcar Children series has garnered immense adoration from devoted readers, cementing its position as a cherished literary gem throughout the years.
13. How to Bee by Bren MacDibble
In a dystopian realm devoid of bees, a captivating narrative unfurls, entailing children’s arduous ascent up trees to undertake the vital task of pollinating flowers. This enchanting tale delves into profound themes like domestic strife and the poignant sense of forsakenness, all within the captivating canvas of a bee-less world.
14. The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe (Scientists in the Field) by Loree Griffin Burns
In the realm of knowledge-sharing, this captivating book breathes life into the realm of science, captivating the minds of young readers with an engaging narrative that sheds light on a world without the enchanting presence of honey bees.
Pre-Teen/Middle School
15. Why I’m Afraid of Bees by R.L. Stine
Goosebumps, the beloved book series for preteens, takes readers on a whimsical journey where a 12-year-old boy finds himself in a peculiar predicament of swapping bodies with a bee, akin to the Freaky Friday phenomenon. As he navigates the perplexing challenge of reclaiming his own form, he discovers profound insights on the consequences of bullying.
16. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid by Mikaila Ulmer
At the tender age of 14, Mikaila Ulmer shares her inspirational tale of how a bee’s sting sparked the ingenious concept of establishing a lemonade stand, all while shedding light on the challenges faced by the honeybee community. With her own experiences as a guide, Mikaila extends her heartfelt advice to aspiring young visionaries who yearn to pursue their dreams.
Teenager/Adult
17. The Bee Book by DK, Emma Tennet, et al.
The reader is expertly guided through the process of cultivating a bee-friendly garden adorned with exquisite flowers, accompanied by stunning photos and comprehensive instructions. Additionally, valuable insights on beekeeping are provided to help them embark on this exciting journey.
18. Plan Bee by Deb Baker
Deb Baker’s Queen Bee Mystery Series takes readers on a thrilling journey as two determined women stumble upon a lifeless corpse, only to find it mysteriously vanish! With a delightful blend of wit and captivating personalities, Baker ensures that readers are thoroughly entertained throughout this delightful and enjoyable tale.
