HOW TO BEE BY BREN MACDIBBLE

How to Bee is a multi-award winning middle grade novel set in a future when bees are extinct. It is up to fearless, agile kids to replace the bees and pollinate the flowers that produce essential foods.

Peony, who is nearly 10, lives with her Gramps and sister Mags on a fruit farm way out of the city. Although life is tough and only the bare essentials available, she lives a full life along with her best friend AJ and her dream to one day become a bee.

Her mother prefers life in the city and believes Peony will too. She comes to the farm and drags her literally kicking and screaming into a new life that Peony wants no part of.

The city frightens her with “raggy people” begging for food and the dust and crowds. She arrives at what seems like a palace to start her new life as a servant along with her mother.

Peony is introduced to what she believes are ridiculous rules and incredibly lazy bosses. After a fiery first meeting with the daughter of her employers, Esmeralda, a shaky friendship grows. Together they work to overcome their problems. Esmeralda needs to stop being afraid of going outdoors and Peony needs to get back to the farm and become a bee.

Bren MacDibble introduces us to a possible future while telling a touching story of a friendship that conquers adversity. Peony is a wonderful character who possesses wisdom and bravery way beyond her years. The language and descriptions of what Peony sees conjure an alarming picture that is softened by the love of family. This is a fabulous book.

For Ages: 8+ years

Number of Pages: 224 in paperback form.

Published: April 2017

Themes: Overcoming challenges and the importance of family.

Rating: 4/5

I wish:: I could be Peony’s friend.