    | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2021 Gr 5 Up—Church details the fascinating life of bumble bees, or "humble-bees," as they were once known, and their complex relationship with humans. The initial chapters explore bumble bee history, including bees that arrived in Iceland via Viking ships. Anatomy topics include a third eye that detects light intensity and bumble bee poop. Scientists have been studying bees for the last 200 years, but they are just now learning how the insects' sesame seed–sized brains accomplish great feats. Bumble bees can create mental pictures and are social learners. The main focus of the text centers on commercial beekeeping industry practices and the introduction of harmful pesticides, pathogens, and parasites that are causing startling declines in bee populations worldwide. The text ends on a hopeful note, with stories of citizen scientists who are encouraging a global wave of change. Young readers can find small ways to help bumble bees that will make a difference. VERDICT A welcome addition that fills the gap between picture books and adult nonfiction for budding bee enthusiasts, or for school reports.—Amy Fellows, Multnomah County Library, OR - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/01/2021 This well-researched book about bumblebees around the world doubles as a call to arms to save them from disappearing. With references to Indigenous peoples' knowledge of bumblebees, scientists like Charles Darwin, and today’s researchers, the author discusses the history of bumblebees, their different types, their habitats and locations, and what distinguishes them from the better-known honeybees. Their brains may only be the size of a sesame seed, but scientists have discovered that bumblebees are capable of learning from watching each other and can solve complex problems. Honeybee deaths due to colony collapse disorder are described, as are the probable causes of the decimation of bumblebees. The book offers suggestions for those wanting to help, such as volunteering as citizen scientists to track bumblebees or to create habitats to attract them. Unfamiliar terms are defined within the text, and a glossary, references, photos, maps, and index are included in the back matter. Final source notes and some illustrations were not seen. Not for casual readers, this extensive book will be most useful for student researchers. - Copyright 2021 Booklist. Loading...
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