The Buzz on Wild Bees: The Little-Known Pollinators that Keep Our Planet Humming

An engaging introduction to the wide world of wild bees

Say the word “bee,” and most kids think of honeybees or bumblebees. But there are around 20,000 discovered species of bees―and most of these are wild, solitary bees that don’t live in hives. Readers will discover fascinating facts about these lesser-known bee species, from mason bees and mining bees to leafcutter bees and vulture bees.

Using clear, concise language and plenty of fun word play, this introduction to wild bees describes their life cycles, habitats, and behaviors … some of which are weirder than others! It also explains the importance of wild solitary bees to many ecosystems, the challenges these bees face, and the things we can do to be part of the solution.

Vibrant, detailed illustrations created with pencil, crayon, and watercolor provide close-up views that are buzzing with life. Full of fun facts, The Buzz on Wild Bees invites readers to celebrate and protect all the world’s bees.

KIRA VERMOND is an award-winning writer with over 2,000 articles to her name. She is also the author of a number of nonfiction books for kids, including Why We Live Where We Live, which won the 2015 Norma Fleck Award and Trending, which won the 2021 Yellow Cedar Award and was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book. She lives in Guelph, Ontario, with her family.

JUNE STEUBE has created illustrations for books, magazines, informational posters, museum exhibits, coins, and film. Her clients include The Caterpillar Magazine, Canada Post, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Royal Canadian Mint. She is also the illustrator of the award-winning Dig, Dance, Dive. June lives with her husband on Pigeon Lake, in the Kawartha region of Ontario.