Begin with a Bee – Discover the Life of the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee

A Poetic Journey Through the Secret Life of Bees Begin with a Bee invites children and adults alike to step into the world of the rusty-patched bumblebee, a gentle yet endangered pollinator native to North America. Follow the life of one determined queen bee as she emerges in spring, searches for nectar and pollen, and carries the hope of an entire colony within her. Through lyrical storytelling by award-winning authors Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Phyllis Root, paired with Claudia McGehee’s stunning earth-toned illustrations, this beautiful nonfiction book weaves together science and poetry to awaken wonder and care for bees. Young readers will watch the queen build her underground nest, lay her first eggs, and nurture generations of worker bees through summer. In fall, next year’s queen hatches to ensure the cycle continues. The detailed back section introduces native plants that support bumblebees and shares practical ways we can become guardians of these vital pollin