The Honeybee



Last updated Monday, December 21, 2020

Author: Kirsten Hall
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1481469975
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2020

Synopsis:
Bzzz…
What’s that?
Do you hear it?
You’re near it.
It’s closer,
it’s coming,
it’s buzzing,
it’s humming…
A BEE!
With zooming, vibrant verse by Kirsten Hall and buzzy, beautiful illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault, this celebration of the critically important honeybee is a honey-sweet treasure of a picture book.

Note to readers:
•  The Honeybee is a fun book to learn about bees. The book will show us how bees live together and help each other

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a honeybee? A flying insect that collects flower nectar and makes and stores honey from the nectar it collects.
•  What sound does a honeybee make? Bzzz!

Vocabulary

•  Pollen - the powdery element found in flowers. It needs to be transferred from one flower to another in order for it to bear fruit.
•  Nectar - the juice of a plant, flower and/or fruit that helps make honey
•  Hive - the shelter or home for honeybees
•  Honeycomb - a structure formed by bees to keep honey, pollen, and lay eggs

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What did you learn about honeybees from this book?
•  Why are honeybees important? Honeybees are super-important pollinators for flowers, fruits and vegetables. This means that they help plants (and food) grow!
•  Do you think honeybees are dangerous? Why? Honeybees can be dangerous because they can sting you. They won't sting or attack you unlees they feel threatened.

Craft ideas:
•  Review resources and activities from https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Honeybee/Kirsten-Hall/9781481469975
•  Make a paper ring with a paper bee cut out that you have drawn.
•  Draw a beehive with "wobbly" bees (accordian-pleated paper)
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2020-the-wonders-of-science-and-technology/

Special activities:
•  Write a letter to Congress that explains that you love bees and want them to pass laws to protect the environment.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!