Twisted hate (twisted series)

Bees are a marvel of nature and vital to human existence. The Bee Book is a great introduction to bees and beekeeping and celebrates the wonder of bees in nature, in our gardens and in the hive.

A honey bee visits up to 1,000 flowers a day yet produces only 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. The Bee Book offers startling insights into the lives of bees and shows how we can best support and benefit from their presence in our gardens and hives. Marvel at the industry and intelligence of bees, the turbulent life of a queen and the remarkable properties of honey. This book includes recipes for simple home remedies and beauty treatments using honey, wax and propolis, such as a honey and clay facial mask, or a sunburn lotion.

Follow our step-by-step guides to create bee-friendly spaces such as bee 'hotels', read about beekeeping, harness the power of honey for your wellbeing and guard the future of the bee.

Gr 5 Up—Half science lesson and half "how to" manual for beekeeping, this enticing book will keep readers occupied for days, if not longer. The first half discusses bee evolution and what goes on in a hive. Information on honey, beeswax, and colony predators and a brief discussion of colony collapse disorder are followed by discussion of the "waggle dance" and several pages of bee houses and bee-friendly flower gardens. The second half is a guide to beekeeping, though it is still compelling for those without access to bee colonies. Along with general content is specific material on topics such as reportable pests and diseases and how to collect a swarm. The book concludes with about 30 projects and recipes, such as beeswax candles and honey lemon cough drops. The work is visually gorgeous, with a balanced layout of photos, illustrations, text, and sidebars. Tenderhearted readers may cringe to learn a drone's genitals are pulled from his body upon mating and that a beekeeper may need to "cull the queen" of a poorly performing colony. This book could broaden the focus for those who like reading about sharks, war, diseases, and things that are a little bit icky yet scientific. VERDICT Fascinating for many ages and a great addition to the science section of any middle or high school library.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX