A Beekeeper's Year

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-The fascinating working relationship between humans and honeybees is revealed in this informative and engaging book. Following a hobbyist beekeeper through the four seasons, readers are introduced to the tools and methods used to handle and nurture the bees. The well-written text and superb full-color photographs describe the process for introducing a new queen in the spring, tending the hives during the summer months, extracting honey in the fall, and keeping the hives safe and warm in the winter. Illustrations are carefully placed to enhance children's understanding of the interesting facts presented. The final sections include a glossary of ``Beekeeping Terms'' and several interesting recipes using honey. A fine addition to any collection.-Barbara B. Murphy, Shaler Area School District Libraries, Pittsburgh

Stephanie Zvirin

From the arresting jacket photograph to the recipes on the last page of the text, this is a most intriguing book. Giving readers a glimpse of what honeybees do best, it focuses on the work of Minnesota hobbyist beekeeper John Wetzler. From early April, when Wetzler first divests his hives of their protective winter wrappings, to autumn, when he seals them up again, it follows the beekeeper through his various chores--checking for developing young bees, adding new queens, collecting honey, and more. Johnson's conversational text is wonderfully informative, clearly explaining every aspect of the beekeeper's responsibilities, and Von Ohlen's many clear and engaging photos, all in full color, show the work in progress, often taking us right inside the hive. A follow-up note about commercial beekeeping rounds out the text, and there's an excellent glossary, complete with page references, to ensure that kids will grasp the concepts Johnson introduces. Pair this with books on honeybee behavior and physiology, and you may find a few budding apiarists in your midst.