Just One Bee

by Margrete Lamond, Anthony Bertini, Christopher Nielsen (Illustrator)

Just One Bee is a story of hope, determination and never giving up. It shows One-bee and her dream to turn desolate wastes back into fields of flowers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Conservation

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2021

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-fiction narrative picture story showing the action and consequence in an environmental tale of the earth, bees, flora and humans.
It then explains the balance between all inhabitants of the planet and how we can effect each other's existence negatively and positively.
Striking illustrations evoke loss, hope, and change. The illustrators personal artistic interests shine with the vintage illustration on the surrounding pages and then again via the textural graphic stylings of the story art giving a unique epic graphic novel experience.
Very cleverly constructed book with a message for all ages.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although accessible to young readers with some adult intervention, Just One Bee presents a compelling case for caring for our natural world and the critical role that bees play as environment saviours with an older audience clearly the intended audience. Christopher Nielsen's haunting, at times bleak and certainly symbolic and intriguing illustrations present a desolate landscape devoid of plants and a single bee on a mission - having found one flower, he needs another. At the point of success he then has to break through the wall of indifference and despair of 'another' bee.
The book concludes with factual information on bees and their importance written by Antony Bertini -the scientific contributor to this allegory.
Shortlisted for the 2022 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the message behind this book. Using bees, it covers themes of climate change, sharing resources, being willing to make an effort and cooperation. It is a message that people need to hear. However, the execution didn't quite connect with me, particularly once the Other-bee character arrived and with the pace of change that occurred once One-bee pollinates the flower. Still, a thought-provoking read.

[Laura Farrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow… a dystopian story for children. What a stark world the one in this novel presents. And could easily be metaphorical for any issue in the world today… climate change, politics etc.
A deep message for the parents listening to the story. I wonder if the children that are reading or being read to would understand the message though.
The illustrations are simple and beautiful with lots of texture and deep yellow and orange colors, as would be expected in a barren waste land.
4 stars.

[DonutKnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book! A story of hope and hopfeulness!

[Susea Spray · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the theme of climate change effects, Just One Bee provides hope for reversal if everyone works together.
Personally, I found sections difficult to connect with, but it's still a thought provoking book.