The Broken Bees’ Nest

The Broken Bees’ Nest is part of the Makers Make it Work Series. Tying into the popular Makers Movement, Makers Make it Work is a series of fun easy-to-read stories that focus on problem-solving and hands-on action. It features bright, eye-catching art and explanatory sidebars with additional information on the topic. 

Arun and Keya find the perfect tree for a tree house. Too bad it comes with a battered bees’ nest! These bees need a new home—right away! But Keya is afraid and unsure if she wants to help the bees. The kids’ neighbor, Dr. Chen, helps them dress in a beekeeper’s suit to keep them safe. Then, Dr. Chen shows them how to use smoke to calm the bees. Once the bees have a new home, Dr. Chen and the kids prepare the honey to be eaten. In the end, Keya is no longer afraid of bees and is excited to help take care of the new hive. 

The Broken Bees’ Nest is a fun, easy-to-read story that teaches readers about bees. Each page has five to seven simple sentences and a large picture. Readers will relate to Keya, who is afraid of bees. With the help of her brother and an adult, Keya learns that bees are fascinating. Each two-page spread includes a sidebar that gives more information about bees, beekeepers, and how to keep safe around bees. Bee facts are integrated into an engaging story, so The Broken Bees’ Nest never feels like a textbook.   

As part of the Makers Make it Work Series, The Broken Bees’ Nest “focuses on problem-solving and hands-on action.” The brightly colored illustrations show a traditional family and a caring adult neighbor, who teach the children how to help the bees. The story features diverse characters as Arun and Keya are of Indian descent and Dr. Chen is Asian. According to the publisher, Kane Press, “these books show kids how to use their hands, their heads, their creativity, and their problem-solving skills to overcome every challenge facing them.” 

The Broken Bees’ Nest uses simple sentences, likable characters, and relatable conflict. The brother and sister are kind to each other, and the adults are shown in a positive light. In addition, after reading the book, readers will have a new understanding of bees and how to keep safe around them. Plus, the book includes information on how to be a friend to bees by planting a bee-friendly garden. These elements make it the perfect book for young readers interested in nature. To learn more about insects, fly to the nearest library and check out Invasion of the Insects by Ada Hopper and On Beyond Bugs! by Trish Rabe. 

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None