What do you think?
Rate this book
A abelha
A abelha é uma das criaturas mais admiráveis do mundo... mas está em perigo.
Bzzz, bzzzz, bzzzz... estás a ouvir? Muito perto, a zoar, a zumbir... Uma abelha! Este é um livro para descobrires o incrível trabalho das abelhas.
Dançando e volteando de flor em flor, as abelhas sorvem o néctar e espalham o pólen. O pólen dá origem às sementes, as sementes a novas plantas, e estas plantas a novas flores. É um ciclo maravilhoso e perfeito, que só pode terminar em mel!
Entra nesta viagem e descobre também como, todos juntos, podemos defender as abelhas.
Bzzz, bzzzz, bzzzz... estás a ouvir? Muito perto, a zoar, a zumbir... Uma abelha! Este é um livro para descobrires o incrível trabalho das abelhas.
Dançando e volteando de flor em flor, as abelhas sorvem o néctar e espalham o pólen. O pólen dá origem às sementes, as sementes a novas plantas, e estas plantas a novas flores. É um ciclo maravilhoso e perfeito, que só pode terminar em mel!
Entra nesta viagem e descobre também como, todos juntos, podemos defender as abelhas.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2018
9 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Kirsten Hall
114 books7 followersKirsten is a native New Yorker. After college, where she majored in English and minored in Child Development, Hall taught preschool and then Kindergarten while studying Early Childhood Education in NYU’s masters program. Her first easy reader book was written (and published) when she was in the 7th grade. Since then she has written approximately 150 early reader and chapter books for children, on a broad range of topics, for publishers including Scholastic, HarperCollins, Barnes & Noble, Random House, and Chronicle.
In addition to writing, Hall operates her own boutique illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Hall currently resides in New York City.
In addition to writing, Hall operates her own boutique illustration and literary agency, Catbird Productions. Hall currently resides in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
August 13, 2018
Love, love, love this enchanting book that reveals the day-to-day activities of honeybees. Lyrical wordplay, chic black and white illustrations with pops of bright colors, and cute little bees with ribbons round their necks. An adorable must-read!
August 21, 2018
The key here is the artwork by Isabelle Arsenault, as it always is with every picture book she does. Get your hands on everything she has done. I am a huge fan. This one features what you can see from the cover, vibrant yellow, gold, tangerine, watercolors. Much of the text rhymes, and is also vibrant, but also informational, about bees and what they contribute to our world. Followed by a letter to readers about the importance of the all-important and endangered bees to the continuance of the planet. Plant bee-friendly plants, vote for bee-friendly politicians! Buy honey! Take the risk of annoying your neighbors and install hives in your backyard!
5 stars for the art, 3.5 stars for the text, 1 star extra for the cause.
5 stars for the art, 3.5 stars for the text, 1 star extra for the cause.
November 24, 2018
Such a beautiful book, wonderful illustrations and perfectly designed pages, reminiscent of Lucienne Day, 5 stars plus for those. I loved the cute smiley honeybees. The text is good too, and very informative, although I found that in the battle between the information rich text and the lovely eye candy illustrations, I was ignoring the bee information and just enjoying the visuals, the facts couldn't compete for me. I love Isabelle Arsenault, Lucienne Day, bees, and the colour yellow so my eyes had a treat and were constantly distracted from the text. A great book though and such an important subject for children to know and care about.
June 5, 2018
This is a wonderful singing verse with such fun illustrations and art. I really do love this book. It is all about the dance of the honeybee and why and how they do what they do. I love the little waggle dance the bees do.
Both kids are into a big bee phase right now and we are reading all kinds of things about the honey bees. They loved this book.
It really was a fantastic little story. It’s so beautiful. This is one of my favorites of the year.
Both kids are into a big bee phase right now and we are reading all kinds of things about the honey bees. They loved this book.
It really was a fantastic little story. It’s so beautiful. This is one of my favorites of the year.
January 3, 2019
I love the bright colours! So wonderful on a cold and grey January day! And of course Isabelle Arsenault is among my Apostles of Art: she can do no wrong and I simply revere her. She was the reason I borrowed this book from the library to begin with, as I hadn't kept up with her in a while and have borrowed a stack of some of her work I've managed to miss (quite a lot of it, apparently as she's a busy artist!).
This is a book originally written for beginner readers, but adults like me will be delighted by the charming watercolour illustrations showing fields of flowers which are punched up with touches of fluorescent orange to really make the colours pop. The story about how bees go about collecting pollen and creating honey is simply told, but at the very end there's an important message about the importance of bees and their environmental impact. 4.5 stars for how cheerful the illustrations are.
This is a book originally written for beginner readers, but adults like me will be delighted by the charming watercolour illustrations showing fields of flowers which are punched up with touches of fluorescent orange to really make the colours pop. The story about how bees go about collecting pollen and creating honey is simply told, but at the very end there's an important message about the importance of bees and their environmental impact. 4.5 stars for how cheerful the illustrations are.
June 8, 2018
While the author conveys good information about honeybees, I actually decided to check this book out for the illustrations, which as beautiful. Though the text isn’t written in verse, I could imagine it set to music to accompany the lovely pictures.
January 16, 2019
American author Kirsten Hall and French-Canadian illustrator Isabelle Arsenault join forces in this beautiful picture-book tribute to the honeybee. In simple, poetic text, the activities of the bee, as it works toward producing honey, are set out. From gathering nectar from the flowers to filling the honeycomb, the honeybee keeps busy, always flying around, always buzzing, always working. Most of all, though: always helping the world's pollination process...
As is clear from Hall's afterword, the subject of honeybees and their important role in maintaining ecological balance is dear to this author's heart, something that comes through loud and clear in her text. The narrative reads very well - "Four tiny wings; / they buzz and they sing. / They're clapping and flapping; / the busy bee's lapping" - and manages to be both informative and beautifully descriptive. The artwork, done in ink, gouache and pencil, is absolutely gorgeous! Everything from the color palette and the general composition of each page, to the use of lines to indicate motion, is very well done indeed. That moment when the narrative forcefully names the bee, and there is a massive two-page painting, is a wonderful example of text and image working together as they should, building a sense of excitement and wonder. Highly recommended, both to my fellow Hall and Arsenault fans - I admire both, myself - and to anyone looking for picture-books about bees.
As is clear from Hall's afterword, the subject of honeybees and their important role in maintaining ecological balance is dear to this author's heart, something that comes through loud and clear in her text. The narrative reads very well - "Four tiny wings; / they buzz and they sing. / They're clapping and flapping; / the busy bee's lapping" - and manages to be both informative and beautifully descriptive. The artwork, done in ink, gouache and pencil, is absolutely gorgeous! Everything from the color palette and the general composition of each page, to the use of lines to indicate motion, is very well done indeed. That moment when the narrative forcefully names the bee, and there is a massive two-page painting, is a wonderful example of text and image working together as they should, building a sense of excitement and wonder. Highly recommended, both to my fellow Hall and Arsenault fans - I admire both, myself - and to anyone looking for picture-books about bees.
May 14, 2018
Vibrant illustrations guide bees to flowers and pollen in this rhyming story of how bees make honey. Some illustrations and text are a bit misleading - it seems like the bees are making honey out of the pollen they collect (honey is made from the nectar, and pollen is collected, too, to make into other food for the hive). The hive/honeycomb is also shown attached directly to tree branches, which doesn't really happen in cold climates - they tend to nest in cavities. A note to readers offers some suggestions for those who want to help bees. Well-intentioned with lots of kid appeal.
July 3, 2021
4.5 STARS We loved this! One of my favorite picture books in recent months, and my five-year-old asked for multiple rereads (immediately following the first one!) so that's always a good sign ;-) The illustrations are delightful, bright and cheerful (and the cutest little bees ever!) -- totally lovely with just the right amount of whimsy but not getting cartoony. The text is exceptional! It's jam-packed with information about honeybees yet it rhymes effortlessly and is so expressive and immersive and fun. I'll post a few of my favorite examples below. There's a note to the reader in the back with ways you can help bees. (I personally would have liked a few suggestions for further reading or bibliography but it's still quite strong as is.) This was a joy to read (and reread) and I'll be on the look out for more work by Hall and Arsenault.
[bees in the hive]
"Chew, chew -- that's what we do,
We suck out the nectar,
We suck it straight through,
Chew chew -- we're changing it's makeup,
We're giving the nectar a chemical shake-up.
Chew, chew-- we make it like glue.
Make it thick, make it stick,
Make it slick, make it new!"
**********************
"Outside the hive come shorter days,
Cooler winds and softer rays,
fewer eggs to birth and raise...
With the queen less busy,
the hive's less buzzy,
and bees amass
all soft and fuzzy.
'Come now, rest.
Join our nest.
Huddle and cuddle,
The winter's our test.' [says the Queen]"
Consider pairing with Gail Gibbons' The Honey Makers
[bees in the hive]
"Chew, chew -- that's what we do,
We suck out the nectar,
We suck it straight through,
Chew chew -- we're changing it's makeup,
We're giving the nectar a chemical shake-up.
Chew, chew-- we make it like glue.
Make it thick, make it stick,
Make it slick, make it new!"
**********************
"Outside the hive come shorter days,
Cooler winds and softer rays,
fewer eggs to birth and raise...
With the queen less busy,
the hive's less buzzy,
and bees amass
all soft and fuzzy.
'Come now, rest.
Join our nest.
Huddle and cuddle,
The winter's our test.' [says the Queen]"
Consider pairing with Gail Gibbons' The Honey Makers
May 30, 2018
The language in The Honeybee is like a song - "This is the flower the bee has chosen. This is the flower the pollen grows in." And, "Chew, chew - we're changing its makeup, we're giving the nectar a chemical shake-up." The illustrations are zippy, exciting, and beautiful. I cannot decide which I like best - the dancing bees illustration or the hive in the tree near the end. I think there's so much storytime potential with this book. There's lots of movement and rhyme. Children can buzz, tap, and flap their way through the entire book. I gave it my best and was exhausted! There are also many fun things to ask children about. For example, can they see the pollen sacks on the dancing bees? And why are the bees dancing and tucking away pollen?
June 1, 2018
A spirit of admiration for bees dominates this upbeat, informative glimpse into the life of a worker bee. The story starts in a field of flowers where the bee searches until it finds the perfect flower, “This is the flower the bee has chosen. / This is the flower the pollen grows in. / This is the flower, its color so bright, / its sweet blooming scent calls the bee from its flight.” The bee laps up nectar then heads back to the hive where the process of making honey is described. Eventually, the hive settles in for the winter, and when spring comes, a final page shows the cycle beginning again as a worker bee heads out to find flowers. The text is informative and pleasingly rolls off the reader’s tongue. Cheerful yellows and blacks dominate the illustrations. A final page gives suggestions to help honeybees thrive in our neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, as a long-time admirer of the bees in my flower garden, it bothered me that Arsenault rendered the basic anatomy of the bee incorrectly. Bee thoraxes are rounder and covered with hair (the hair is an important part of how bees spread pollen). The proboscis is less a nose (as shown) and more of a tubular mouth part. The swarm of bees that comes for the nectar was likewise jarring. It might not always seem like it, but bees come to flowers as individuals not in a cohesive swarm as depicted. The text managed to be correct while still accessible to young readers, so it is disappointing that the illustrations are not similarly accurate.
Unfortunately, as a long-time admirer of the bees in my flower garden, it bothered me that Arsenault rendered the basic anatomy of the bee incorrectly. Bee thoraxes are rounder and covered with hair (the hair is an important part of how bees spread pollen). The proboscis is less a nose (as shown) and more of a tubular mouth part. The swarm of bees that comes for the nectar was likewise jarring. It might not always seem like it, but bees come to flowers as individuals not in a cohesive swarm as depicted. The text managed to be correct while still accessible to young readers, so it is disappointing that the illustrations are not similarly accurate.
January 3, 2018
Really charming, beautiful illustrations and well described bee-havior (get it?!?). I thought there was a lot of information in this book and was unsure what age the target audience is. My suggestion is 2nd or 3rd grade just because of the amount of content. Although I enjoy rhyming text, some of the rhymes seemed forced here. I really like the book but maybe a wee bit of editing before publication?
September 20, 2018
IT RHYMES!
Having read a pile of other books today, I am happy to report that in this one, the rhymes are as harmonious as the buzzing of a bee:
"Four tiny wings, they buzz and they sing. They're clapping and flapping, the busy bee's lapping"
This is just lovely. It gives information about bees, their beehive, and their life cycle, and turns it into a story. The art is in harmony with the text, and uses a limited palette of colors--mostly blacks and yellows with a few pops of pink--in a way that should win this book awards, though it'll probably be passed over for some awful new book by Jon Klassen or someone like that.
No matter. This book is a delight to read and a delight to review. Thank you to author & illustrator.
Having read a pile of other books today, I am happy to report that in this one, the rhymes are as harmonious as the buzzing of a bee:
"Four tiny wings, they buzz and they sing. They're clapping and flapping, the busy bee's lapping"
This is just lovely. It gives information about bees, their beehive, and their life cycle, and turns it into a story. The art is in harmony with the text, and uses a limited palette of colors--mostly blacks and yellows with a few pops of pink--in a way that should win this book awards, though it'll probably be passed over for some awful new book by Jon Klassen or someone like that.
No matter. This book is a delight to read and a delight to review. Thank you to author & illustrator.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
Some great cool facts about bees, beautifully illustrated!
I was looking at it for storytime and... I think it may be a little too boring, unfortunately? The early pages have some fun rhymes and sounds, but there's not a narrative per se, and while the illustrations are gorgeous, they may not read well to a crowd. Somewhere around the part where bees are talking about changing the chemical composition of nectar, I thought "aaaand I've lost the toddlers".
I don't know, maybe I'll try it and they'll prove me wrong! Kids find all sorts of weird stuff more interesting than I think that they will!
I was looking at it for storytime and... I think it may be a little too boring, unfortunately? The early pages have some fun rhymes and sounds, but there's not a narrative per se, and while the illustrations are gorgeous, they may not read well to a crowd. Somewhere around the part where bees are talking about changing the chemical composition of nectar, I thought "aaaand I've lost the toddlers".
I don't know, maybe I'll try it and they'll prove me wrong! Kids find all sorts of weird stuff more interesting than I think that they will!
October 31, 2018
I enjoyed the cute illustrations here, as well as the poetic-but-factual text. Full review here: https://www.theproblemsite.com/book-s...
December 9, 2025
Quel bel album! Les illustrations sont magnifiques et on initie déjà les touts-petits à la poésie 💙
November 16, 2018
The flap text reads like a horror movie -- BZZZ... What's that? Do you hear it? You're near it. It's closer, it's coming, it's buzzing, it's humming. --IT'S MICHAEL MYERS.
No, it's a bee and it's ADORABLE.
Beautifully illustrated, rhythmic text, and educational about the life and purpose of a honeybee. Extended information in the endpapers.
No, it's a bee and it's ADORABLE.
Beautifully illustrated, rhythmic text, and educational about the life and purpose of a honeybee. Extended information in the endpapers.
July 20, 2024
Fun way to learn facts about bees.
July 26, 2018
Both joyous and informative, this lovely book makes me feel both happy and hopeful.
August 1, 2020
An interactive book with all the different sound effects that can be made. A book that can be used for teaching preschoolers about bees. I enjoyed the illustrations and colors.
June 21, 2019
This beautiful book is about bees, flowers, and the art of growing. The poetry is descriptive but easy for younger students to read and understand. The reader learns about bees and their busy job going from flower to flower to help our gardens grow. The illustrations are rich and exciting for students to look at too. I would use this book to also inspire questioning the transition between winter to spring, a garden unit, or another lesson on descriptive vocabulary.
March 2, 2019
Un livre magnifique qui permet de sensibiliser les lecteurs à un sujet important. Un album qui peut aussi être utilisé avec les enfants qui présentent une phobie des abeilles afin de les aider à mieux les comprendre et de les exposer graduellement à leur peur.
June 9, 2018
Absolutely stunning art work. A bit long but the subject and illustrations make up for it.
March 9, 2020
Delightful rhyming text that is engaging and informative! Buzzz-tastic!
July 9, 2021
We need to familiarize children with hone bees and their importance to our lives. This a great book to start that lesson.
July 22, 2021
Beautiful watercolor illustrations in yellow black and white. The same as a honeybee. Makes the daily routines of a bee seem sweet and vibrant
September 30, 2022
Super schön gestaltet. Die Zeichnungen sind simpel aber sehr süß. Besonders die Bienenkönigin hat es meinem Kind angetan.
Es gibt recht wenig Text, aber dafür ist es sehr melodisch geschrieben. Daumen Hoch an die Übersetzerin!
Es gibt recht wenig Text, aber dafür ist es sehr melodisch geschrieben. Daumen Hoch an die Übersetzerin!
April 10, 2024
Pretty! Cute too, 20 month old liked it a lot too!
May 21, 2024
Love everything about this book! Connect it with the nonfiction book, “Honeybee” by Candace Fleming
July 30, 2024
The CUTEST book explaining in childlike detail what the life of a bee entails. Beautiful artwork and illustrations as well!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews