• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

Ten-year-old Daphne is abuzz with excitement! She’s learning the ins and outs of beekeeping from her grandmother. Together they assemble hive boxes, set up a colony, tend the colony and gather honey. Told in a simple, straightforward manner, this beautifully illustrated informational storybook is an excellent introduction to the many aspects of beekeeping. It includes lots of useful information, bee facts and more, all wrapped up in a story that celebrates the connection between grandparent and grandchild.

Catherine Dempsey lives on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Flatrock, a small town near St. John's. She and her husband began raising bees in 2012, starting with two hives. Soon she was involved with establishing the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association, building an active network of beekeepers across the province. A former elementary school teacher, Catherine loves sharing information about the joys and challenges involved with keeping bees. Daphne's Bees is her first book.

Catherine Dempsey's profile page

Veselina Tomova's profile page

Dempsey, debut author and past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association, opens the buzzy world of beekeeping to young readers.

Nature is a wise teacher, and Daphne’s Bees offers a crash course in teamwork, conservation, and caring for your community.

Bursting with information, this book is a gentle story that celebrates the bond between a young girl and her grandmother, while also conveying the genuine awe and wonder the bees enkindle in both beekeepers. [...] Veselina Tomova’s vibrantly hued and richly textured illustrations magnificently depict Daphne’s excitement as well as the intricate world of the bees and the hive. Lush and light-infused, the images bring to life the beauty of the landscape and capture a sense of quiet joy.

Lisa Doucet