You Are a Honey Bee!
written by Laurie Ann Thompson
illustrated by Jay Fleck
Dial Books, April 2023
ISBN: 978–0593529690
32 pages, ages 2 to 5
Other Books in this Series:
The first in an adorable, STEM nonfiction picture book series that encourages very young readers to learn—through gentle interactivity and play—about the animals who share their world.
Swish, swoosh, fly! You might have heard the words “busy as a bee,” but what do bees actually do each day? Did you know bees clean their rooms, help feed baby bees, and build the hive they live in? From birth to first flight and beyond, discover all that goes into being a bee in this charming picture book, the first in the Meet Your World series.
This playful and informative series invites you to take a closer look at the amazing animals that live right alongside you in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes across North America. In each book, words and art inspire you to act out animal actions that are not so different from your own habits. And robust backmatter offers even more facts and fun. From the animals’ families and foods to their environments and behaviors, let’s meet your world!
Slovak edition available. Licensed by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for distribution in Group 6/April 2024.
Activities
- FREE Education Guide and Activity Kit, including bee craft, point of view essay, and science board game! (CCSS and NGSS aligned for grades PK‑2)
- FREE You Are a Honey Bee! coloring page download
- GoNoodle.com’s Bee Breaths: Get rid of anxiety and frustration with these relaxing bee breaths.
- #GreenPB2023 Launch Event excerpt video
- Pinterest Meet Your World idea board
Accolades
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library Selection, Group 6/April 2024
Reviews
“VERDICT: A very useful work for environmental science and animal studies in the classroom and for individual reading. The hardworking life of a honey bee is shown through a lively text and colorful illustrations which offer significant information.” (School Library Journal)
“Young readers are encouraged to emulate a honey bee’s actions as they learn about its basic biology.… Setting key verbs in all-caps, the chirpy text uses the second person, further encouraging readers to relate to the insect protagonist: “You STOP on a flower. You unroll your long tongue and DRINK up the sweet nectar…SLURP!” (Kirkus)
Imagination Soup: New Nonfiction Books, April and May 2023
Reading Is My Superpower: Book Review of You Are a Honey Bee!
YA and Kids’ Books Central: Book Review of You Are a Honey Bee!