Project Description
The King of Bees
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Jim LaMarche
A gentle intergenerational tale for young readers about the importance of patience and the fascinating work of beekeeping. From award-winning author Lester Laminack and celebrated illustrator Jim Lamarche.
“A gentle tale full of Southern charm…[LaMarche’s] ink-and-watercolor spreads are light and dreamy, with evocative sunrise shades and detailed looks at beekeeping equipment and the bees themselves.” —Publishers Weekly
“Informative and visually dazzling.” —School Library Journal
Henry wants nothing more than to be like his Aunt Lilla and work with the beehives on their Lowcountry farm. He watches her every day, working hard outside in her bee suit, but what amazes him the most is her ability to communicate with the bees. Henry feels certain he can, too. Then one day, Aunt Lilla tells him the bees are preparing to leave the hive and may leave the farm entirely. Henry believes it is up to him to communicate with the bees and convince them to stay, before it’s too late.
An author’s note includes additional information about bees and bee conservation.
Price: $17.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-953-7
Publication Date: 4/1/2018
Page Count: 32
Size: 10-1/2″ x 10-1/2″
Age Range: 4 – 8
Language: English
F&P: GRL O, Gr 3, Genre RF
Lexile: AD600L
Themes: Beekeeping, Bravery, Curiosity, Helpfulness, Intergenerational Relationships
BISAC 1: JUV002140 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc.
BISAC 2: JUV024000 JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Country Life
BISAC 3: JUV013030 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
Reviews
“[A] quiet tale of love and honeybees…. Visually lovely and tonally appealing” —Kirkus Reviews
“Sweetly nostalgic ink-and-watercolor illustrations could depict the past or the present and offer an atmospheric complement to the gentle, warm, and informative text.” —Booklist
“A gentle tale full of Southern charm…[LaMarche’s] ink-and-watercolor spreads are light and dreamy, with evocative sunrise shades and detailed looks at beekeeping equipment and the bees themselves.” —Publishers Weekly
“An informative and visually dazzling picture book about beekeeping…. A must-have for most collections, perfect for reading aloud to a small group and for introducing a nature unit on bees.”—School Library Journal
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“Stunning landscapes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry marshlands and expressive portraiture” —Foreword Reviews
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Awards
Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) —The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2019
Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Intermediate Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2019-2020
North Carolina Author Awards (AAUW Award for Juvenile Literature, Nominee) ―North Carolina Literary & Historical Association, 2018
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Meet the Author
Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit website here.
Meet the Illustrator
Jim LaMarche is one of the most talented artists working in children’s books today. His books include Rainbabies and Albert, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. He lives in California.