Bumblebee

K-Gr 4-Kennaway shows the bumblebee queen in the wider context of nature, including forest and mountain scenes, along with striking representations of other wild animals in their habitat. Telling the story of the queen bee from the time of her spring awakening to late summer when her year's work is done, Wilson sensitively transitions to autumn, when the cycle begins anew. The introduction of the cuckoo bee with her ill intentions infuses this true tale with a gripping conflict. The narrative provides a wealth of information, and though the same facts can be obtained in a variety of nonfiction texts, the artwork and lyrical writing make this book stand out. Back pages include steps to take and plants to grow to help bees, now endangered in many locations. Even in libraries with adequate resources on the topic, this book is a welcome addition.-Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

. (Picture book. 5-8)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

As summer arrives, the nest becomes busy. Early one evening a curious weasel pokes its head down the mouse-hole. The buzzing of the worker bees creates a roar in the entrance tunnel. The weasel doesn't stay long!. Later, a digging sound outside the mouse-hole brings some workers flying out to protect their nest - straight into a startled badger. The badger leaves in a hurry, too! Excerpted from Bumblebee by J. V. Wilson All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.