The Secret Life of Bees

Buzzwing the honeybee takes everyone on a guided tour of the world of bees . Not only does she welcome the reader into her hive, but Buzzwing also introduces bees from all over the world. A fabulous celebration of bees and the amazing role they play in our lives, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ even includes bee tales from around the world.

Buzzwing explains the roles taken by different bees in her hive and gives lots of details about bee anatomy. I had no idea that bee eyeballs are hairy! Buzzwing then shows everyone inside the hive and how bees make honey. The information is presented in short accessible sections with plenty of illustrations and diagrams.

There is so much to be learned about bees in these pages, showing just how fascinating their ‘secret’ lives are. ‘Buzzing Around the World’ looks at different types of bees - there are about 20,000 in the world- and how they differ. One thing I really like is the inclusion of a number of bee related stories from around the world- the tradition of telling news to the bees and the Aboriginal story of the lady of the moon, for example.

The book is full of colourful, engaging illustrations and some pages have things to find on them, encouraging close exploration. The final page offers ideas for how to ‘be a bee friend’, showing how to help these amazing insects who make the world ‘a sweeter place’.

The Secret Life of Bees

Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Vivian Mineker

Words and Pictures ISBN: 978-0711260498

Welcome to our World

Welcome to our World

Customs, traditions, culture and languages from all round the world are celebrated in this wonderful book.

The introduction explains that we are all different, but all have things in common. It encourages the reader to make friends with others, to have fun, to share what is different and what is the same. It encourages them to have a go at other languages, using the pronunciation guide in the book, looking them up online or trying to hear them 'spoken by a native speaker' It promotes a sense of excitement and discovery which permeates the whole book.

From greetings to mealtimes, from family to pets, school to clothing, this joyous book explores all areas of life, asking questions of the reader along the way. 'What special hats do people wear in your country?', 'How do you get to school?', 'Do you have any clothes you like to wear for special occasions?'. 

There is so much in this book which could be used in school. The section on playtime games called 'My Turn!' would be great fun to try out and build upon to create a bank of alternative games for playtime. Drinks and recipes from around the world could be made and tried, encouraging everyone who has a favourite to share it with their friends. 

The illustrations are wonderful- full of joy and colour- adding to the appeal of this lovely book.

Welcome to our World   

Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Harriet Lynas

Nosy Crow     ISBN: 978-1788001373