Pedro, Nick, Yulee, Sally and Martin are buzzing with excitement today! The five friends are visiting Martin’s neighbor, Mr. Cardinal. He keeps beehives in his backyard, and he’s offered to show them how honeybees live. As the kids help Mr. Cardinal with his work, he explains how bees feed and pollinate, what happens inside their colony, how they build their hives and even why they like to dance! He also tells the friends why some bee populations are in trouble and what people can do to help. And the perfect sweet ending to the day? Honey, of course! These children are sure to remember: it’s best to ”bee a friend“ to the bees of the world! This playful book mixes narration, facts and appealing illustrations to introduce young children to why the world needs bees, and how people can help them thrive. It’s part of the critically acclaimed Exploring Our Community series from award-winning author and illustrator Scot Ritchie, which features the same five culturally diverse characters throughout. Comprehensive yet entertaining, the book encourages children to look closer at the natural world around them, including in cities, and raises their awareness about how each person can do something to help the environment. It aligns perfectly with the early science curriculum, particularly sustainability and stewardship, and understanding life systems. Rounding out the information in the story are a full bee illustration with the parts identified, a glossary and two activities that can be done at home or in school. K-Gr 3-The newest installment in the series takes a look at the wonderful world of honeybees. A diverse group of youngsters visits their beekeeper neighbor, Mr. Cardinal, for a glimpse into the habits and habitats of their pollinator friends. The illustrations are cute, colorful, and relatable, featuring the children, buzzing bees, and the companionship of an adorable dog and cat. Fun facts (did you know that bees can't see the color red?) and pleasing puns ("bee a good neighbor!") increase interest and comprehension while effectively educating readers. Information about the dangers of pesticides and loss of bee habitats, as well as activity suggestions such as building a bee bath, will inspire environmental awareness and action. The book can also be used in the classroom to talk about other Common Core themes such as the life cycle of plants. Back matter includes a helpful glossary of science terms including larvae and native species. VERDICT Recommended for general elementary collections; animal lovers and budding conservationists will enjoy this peek into the life of a familiar and crucial species.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OHα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. ... a fun and informative story about bees that will engage both kids and their parents.― Sherbrooke Record ... animal lovers and budding conservationists will enjoy this peek into the life of a familiar and crucial species.― School Library Journal An informative addition to Ritchie's Exploring Our Community series and a useful selection for many libraries.― Booklist ... an exciting addition to Ritchie's “Exploring Our Community” series.― CM Magazine Scot Ritchie is an award-winning author-illustrator of over 50 books including Follow That Map!, Look Where We Live! and My House Is Alive!: The Weird and Wonderful Sounds Your House Makes. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Scot Ritchie is an award-winning author-illustrator of over 50 books including Follow That Map!, Look Where We Live! and My House Is Alive!: The Weird and Wonderful Sounds Your House Makes. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.