Discover the Secret Lives of Bees: More Than Just a Sting!
When we think of bees, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s their sting. But did you know bees have a whole arsenal of clever defense strategies to protect their hive—and their sting is just one small part of it? That’s the exciting world Defending the Hive: The Story of the Bee’s Sting introduces to young readers.
Meet Buzz, the Brave Guard Bee
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, children will follow Buzz, a young and eager worker bee, as she learns to defend her hive. Like all Guard Bees, Buzz’s job is to keep her home safe from all sorts of intruders, from tiny ants to fierce wasps. But being a Guard Bee is about more than just stinging. In fact, bees have a whole range of fascinating defense tactics, and teamwork is one of their greatest strengths.
Beyond the Sting: How Bees Defend Their Home
Bees are smart defenders, and Defending the Hive shows readers the many ways they protect their home. Buzz learns early on that her stinger isn’t the only tool in her toolbox. Here are a few amazing facts about how bees guard their hive:
- Pheromones as a Warning System: When a bee stings, it releases a special scent that smells like bananas. This pheromone signals other bees to swarm and defend the hive. But bees only use this as a last resort when absolutely necessary.
- Heat as a Weapon: When wasps try to invade, bees sometimes use a non-stinging strategy—they surround the wasp in a tight ball and buzz so hard that they generate enough heat to stop the intruder. This teamwork shows how smart bees are when it comes to protecting their hive.
- Non-Stinging Defenses: Sometimes, stingers aren’t needed at all! Bees can push away smaller intruders, like ants and spiders, by nipping at them or simply nudging them off the hive. This lets them keep the peace without risking their lives.
Teamwork: The Hive’s True Superpower
One of the most important lessons Buzz learns is that teamwork is key to protecting the hive. Whether it’s creating heat to stop wasps or rallying together to form a barrier against intruders, the bees show young readers that working together is often more powerful than going it alone.
This theme of teamwork runs throughout Defending the Hive: The Story of the Bee’s Sting, making it a great way to teach children not only about the wonders of nature but also about the importance of cooperation and strategy in everyday life.
Meet the Cast: Queen, Drone, and Worker Bees
The book also explores the different roles within the hive. Did you know only female worker bees have stingers, while drone bees (the males) don’t? And the queen, although rarely needing to defend herself, has her own special stinger used only when facing rival queens. Each type of bee plays an important role in the hive’s survival, and young readers will enjoy learning about the different responsibilities each bee carries.
Why Defending the Hive is a Must-Read for Kids
Defending the Hive: The Story of the Bee’s Sting isn’t just an adventure story—it’s also a chance for kids ages 4-8 to learn fun and interesting facts about bees in a way that’s easy to understand. Written by a beekeeper with a background in ecology, this 41-page picture book is packed with rich illustrations and engaging storytelling. Plus, with two fun coloring pages included, it’s a book kids can enjoy over and over.
This story is perfect for any child curious about the natural world, teamwork, and the vital role bees play in keeping our planet healthy.
The book is available in both Kindle ebook and paperback formats on:
Also available in paperback format at:
- Waterstones (a leading British book retailer with over 300 stores across the UK and neighboring countries).
You can also download the coloring pages of the book here for your children to enjoy.
The following are a few sample pages from the book for you to explore and enjoy.
