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Rating: 
Summary: Very promising!
Review: I thought I was buying this book for my son to read a few years down the road when he fell into the 4-8 age range recommended. Imagine my reaction when, at 20 months, he started to push it onto my lap every morning saying, "Bees! Bees!" Now I'm not claiming my son is some sort of prodigy. I think this book is just one of those gems that captures the interest of children exceptionally well. True, part of it is undoubtably the illustrated overlays. Well, if reading this book to him now because of the fun pictures gets a child exposed to science and the world aroung him, it might lead to a real enthusiasm for the subject matter down the road. I can foresee many more of these first discovery books on our shelf soon! The one thing that disappointed me enough to subtract a star from my rating was the lack of any information about the dangerous side of bees. No mention at all was made of their stingers, or that humans should keep clear of the hive unless they are properly outfitted and trained to handle bees. Parents will have to remember to stress this point on their own. Otherwise, the text was very thorough in describing these creatures, their habits and social structure, as well as defining the bees' role in the natural world. The tone was straightforward and nonpatronizing enough that I found it interesting even as an adult. This book will definitely have a space on our shelf for all the children to come.
Rating:
Summary: Very promising!
Review: I thought I was buying this book for my son to read a few years down the road when he fell into the 4-8 age range recommended. Imagine my reaction when, at 20 months, he started to push it onto my lap every morning saying, "Bees! Bees!" Now I'm not claiming my son is some sort of prodigy. I think this book is just one of those gems that captures the interest of children exceptionally well. True, part of it is undoubtably the illustrated overlays. Well, if reading this book to him now because of the fun pictures gets a child exposed to science and the world aroung him, it might lead to a real enthusiasm for the subject matter down the road. I can foresee many more of these first discovery books on our shelf soon! The one thing that disappointed me enough to subtract a star from my rating was the lack of any information about the dangerous side of bees. No mention at all was made of their stingers, or that humans should keep clear of the hive unless they are properly outfitted and trained to handle bees. Parents will have to remember to stress this point on their own. Otherwise, the text was very thorough in describing these creatures, their habits and social structure, as well as defining the bees' role in the natural world. The tone was straightforward and nonpatronizing enough that I found it interesting even as an adult. This book will definitely have a space on our shelf for all the children to come.
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