22 Books About Honey Bees for Kids

Learn about some excellent and engaging books about bees for kids with a focus on honey bees, from a person who is a honey bee fan and children’s librarian. Find a great selection of picture books about bees, nonfiction books about bees, and children’s books about bees for kids of all ages. You will find bee books for preschoolers, primary grades, and books about bees for older kids as well. So sit back and enjoy perusing these books about honey bees. To save you time, brief descriptions are included with each selection. Whether you are looking for books about bee life or some fun picture books featuring bees, this list has got you covered. Many of these books about bees would be perfect for reading aloud at a honey bee themed party or as part of a bee-themed unit of study.

Why I Love Books About Honey Bees for Kids

Honey bees make a great educational theme, with many cross-curriculum connections that can be made with science as well as geography. In my family, we rely on bees to pollinate the apple trees in our orchard. We even have a special house for them.

Here is a selection of books about honey bees, organized by reader age. Many of these books are nonfiction titles with some fiction titles included as well. Quite a few of these books are on the shelves at one or more of the children’s libraries where I work. I hope you find some great books about honey bees to enjoy and learn from.

***Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.*** Already know what you’d like to get from Amazon? Here’s a handy way to get to the website, linked to a fun honey bee tree game. Just click on the link, then browse around and do your shopping.

Take Me To Amazon!

Bee Books for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Books for preschoolers and toddlers typically have the following characteristics:

Simple Text: Use short sentences and basic vocabulary to cater to the limited language skills of young children.

Engaging Illustrations: Feature colorful and captivating illustrations that support the storyline and encourage visual engagement.

Interactive Elements: Include interactive features such as flaps, textures, or simple activities to keep young readers actively involved.

Repetitive Patterns: Incorporate repetition in the text or storyline, which helps reinforce language skills and enhances predictability for young readers.

Large and Durable Format: Have a sturdy and larger format suitable for small hands to hold and turn pages independently.

Age-Appropriate Themes: Explore themes relevant to the daily lives and experiences of toddlers and preschoolers, fostering connection and understanding.

Simple Storylines: Present straightforward and uncomplicated storylines that are easy for young children to follow and comprehend.

Rhyming Text: Include rhymes or rhythmic patterns, which not only make the reading experience enjoyable but also support language development.

Positive Messages: Convey positive and relatable messages that align with the emotional and social development of young children.

Short Length: Keep the length of the book suitable for the attention span of toddlers and preschoolers, typically ranging from a few pages to a short story.

The books for preschoolers and toddlers listed below aim to create an enjoyable and educational reading experience, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of books and learning.

“The Buzzy Bee Book for Kids” by Alice McGinty: Filled with colorful, illustrations, this delightful and informative book introduces young readers to the world of bees through engaging storytelling, combining facts with an entertaining narrative and activity ideas.

“Five Bizzy Honeybees” by Lance Douglas: This book is a counting book that incorporates the theme of honeybees, helping children learn numbers while exploring the buzzing world of these important insects.

“I See Honey Bees” by Julia Jaske introduces kids to the world of honey bees through engaging illustrations and simple language, fostering curiosity about these fascinating insects.

“Explore My World: Honey Bees” by Jill Esbaum is a delightful children’s book that combines vibrant photographs with easy-to-understand facts, making it an enjoyable educational read about the lives of honey bees.

“Life of a Honey Bee” by Amelia Lockhart is a captivating look into the life cycle and daily activities of a honey bee, presented in a way that is accessible and educational for young readers.

Bee Books for Kindergarten, First and Second Grade

Books for kindergarten, first, and second-grade readers often have the following characteristics:

Simple Text with Increasing Complexity: Gradually introduce more complex vocabulary and longer sentences as children progress through these early grades.

Illustrations Supporting Text: Include illustrations that complement and enhance the text, aiding in comprehension and providing visual cues.

Varied Reading Levels: Offer a range of reading levels within each grade to accommodate different skill levels and encourage growth.

Repetitive Patterns and Predictable Storylines: Maintain some repetition or predictability to support emerging readers while incorporating more varied story structures.

Introduction of Chapters: Some books for second graders may include simple chapter divisions, providing a gentle introduction to longer, more structured narratives.

Engaging Characters: Feature relatable characters and situations that resonate with the experiences and interests of children in these grades.

Theme Exploration: Explore a variety of themes that align with the expanding interests and curiosity of early elementary school students.

Development of Reading Skills: Include elements designed to enhance reading skills, such as sight words, phonics, and basic comprehension questions.

Age-Appropriate Humor: Infuse age-appropriate humor to engage young readers and make the reading experience enjoyable.

Incorporation of Facts and Information: Introduce informational elements or facts, contributing to both fiction and non-fiction genres and expanding knowledge.

Encouragement of Critical Thinking: Pose questions or scenarios that encourage readers to think critically and reflect on the story.

Gradual Transition to Independent Reading: Provide opportunities for independent reading with books that align with the growing confidence and abilities of young readers.

The books about bees for these early elementary grades aim to balance educational content with engaging storytelling, fostering a love for reading and supporting the development of essential literacy skills. Many of the nonfiction titles include features like a table of contents and an index to help young readers find the information they need.

“Give Bees a Chance” by Bethany Barton: In addition to being a beautiful picture book about bees, this is an engaging and humorous exploration of the importance of bees in our ecosystem, encouraging readers to appreciate and protect these essential pollinators.

“Honey Bees” by Martha Rustad: In this engaging nonfiction book, Martha Rustad introduces young readers to the fascinating world of honey bees. Through simple language and vibrant illustrations, children will learn about the life cycle of honey bees, their role in pollination, and the creation of honey. A perfect introduction to the importance of these buzzing insects.

“Honey Bees” by Lola M. Schaefer: This book provides young readers with an accessible and informative exploration of honey bees. This book covers the basics of honey bee life, behavior, and their essential role in the ecosystem. With colorful illustrations and simple text, it’s an ideal choice for beginning readers curious about these important pollinators.

“Honey Bees and Honey” by Lola M. Schaefer: Delve into the delightful world of honey bees in this informative book for beginning readers. Focused on the sweet reward of honey production, the book explores the process of how honey bees collect nectar, create honeycombs, and ultimately produce the golden honey we enjoy. A delightful journey into the hive for young minds.

“Honey Bees and Hives” by Lola M. Schaefer: Go on an educational journey into the intricate world of honey bees and their hives. This book introduces young readers to the structure of bee hives, the roles of worker bees, and the queen’s vital responsibilities. With clear explanations and engaging visuals, it’s a perfect starting point for children interested in the teamwork of a bee colony.

“Honey Bees and Flowers” by Lola M. Schaefer: Explore the beautiful relationship between honey bees and flowers in this informative book for beginning readers. Young minds will discover how honey bees collect nectar from flowers, facilitating the essential process of pollination. With captivating illustrations and straightforward text, it’s a delightful introduction to the interconnected world of bees and blossoms.

“Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees” by A. A. Milne: A classic tale from A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh series, this story follows the beloved characters as they encounter a swarm of bees. Filled with humor and charm, the narrative explores the characters’ interactions with bees, offering young students an entertaining introduction to these fascinating insects in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Books About Bees for Kids in Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade

Books for third, fourth, and fifth graders often have the following characteristics:

Increasing Text Complexity: Gradually introduce more complex vocabulary, sentence structures, and plot developments to challenge and support advancing reading skills.

Varied Genres: Explore a diverse range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction, to cater to different interests and broaden reading experiences.

Chapter Books: Transition into chapter books with longer and more intricate narratives, allowing for a deeper exploration of characters and storylines.

Development of Themes: Address themes that align with the interests of upper elementary school students, fostering in depth understanding.

Character Growth and Relationships: Present characters with more depth, allowing readers to witness growth and development over the course of the story.

Incorporation of Subplots: Include subplots to add complexity to the narrative and maintain reader engagement.

Enhanced Reading Skills: Build on foundational reading skills, incorporating elements like figurative language, more advanced comprehension questions, and literary devices.

Informational Texts: Introduce more challenging informational texts, providing opportunities for students to develop their research and analytical skills.

Critical Thinking Challenges: Pose thought-provoking questions and scenarios that encourage critical thinking and reflection on the text.

Introduction of Series: Include book series that allow readers to follow characters through multiple adventures, fostering a sense of continuity and connection.

Independent Reading Promotion: Encourage independent reading by offering a variety of books that cater to individual interests and reading preferences.

Expanding Literary Elements: Introduce literary elements like symbolism, foreshadowing, and point of view, enhancing students’ understanding of storytelling techniques.

These books about bees for middle and upper elementary grades aim to balance educational content with engaging and age-appropriate narratives, promoting continued literacy development and a lifelong love of reading.

“The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story” by Jay Hosler takes readers on a captivating journey, narrating the life of a honey bee and providing a unique perspective on the intricate workings of a hive. 

“Honey Bees” by Victoria Blakemore offers an informative and visually appealing exploration of honey bees, covering their behaviors, roles, and the importance of these pollinators in our ecosystem. 

“Explore Honey Bees!: With 25 Great Projects” by Cindy Blobaum goes beyond storytelling, offering hands-on projects for kids to delve into the world of honey bees. This book combines fun activities with learning to inspire young minds. 

“All Things Bees for Kids” by Animal Reads: This book is a comprehensive guide for children, covering various aspects of bees’ lives, including their anatomy, behavior, and the vital role they play in nature.

“The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive” by Joanna Cole: Join Ms. Frizzle and her students on a buzzing adventure as they shrink down to explore the intricate world inside a beehive. In this educational journey, elementary students will learn about the life cycle of bees, the importance of pollination, and the fascinating organization of a bee colony, all presented in the entertaining and informative style of the Magic School Bus series.

“Bees: Busy Honeymakers” by Eulalia Garcia: Take young readers on a captivating journey into the world of bees. From flower to hive, this book explores the busy lives of honey bees, highlighting their role as essential pollinators. With vivid illustrations and accessible text, elementary students will gain a deeper understanding of the vital work these buzzing insects contribute to our ecosystem.

“The Honey Bee’s Hive: A Thriving City” by Joyce L. Markovics: Introduce elementary students to the intricacies of a honey bee’s hive in this educational book. Delving into the hive’s structure and the various roles of worker bees, drones, and the queen, young readers will discover how these insects work together to create a thriving city. An engaging exploration of the hive as a bustling community.

“Bees: A Honeyed History” by Piotr Socha: This beautifully illustrated book takes elementary students on a historical journey through the world of bees. From ancient times to modern beekeeping practices, this book provides a honeyed history of the human-bee relationship. With detailed illustrations and informative narratives, young readers will gain insight into the cultural and ecological significance of bees.

“The Honey Makers” by Gail Gibbons: This book provides elementary students with a comprehensive look at the world of honey bees. From hive construction to pollination, this book covers the life cycle of bees and the honey-making process. With clear explanations and detailed illustrations, young readers will gain a deeper appreciation for these remarkable insects and their contributions to our environment.

“The Bee Tree” by Patricia Polacco: Patricia Polacco weaves a heartwarming tale that introduces elementary students to the wonder of bees. In this story, a young girl embarks on an exciting journey with her grandfather to find a bee tree. Along the way, they discover the importance of bees and the sweet rewards of their hard work. A delightful narrative with themes of curiosity, nature, and family.

Other Ideas for a Unit Study About Bees

In addition to reading about honey bees and gathering knowledge from books, and unit study of honey bees could expand understanding in a variety of areas. By incorporating a variety of activities, you can create a comprehensive and engaging unit study about honey bees for elementary grades. Here are some more ideas to engage and inspire students when studying about honey bees:

Introduction to Honey Bees: Introduce basic honey bee anatomy and their life cycle. Get free educational resources from the National Honey Board.

Hive Dynamics: Explore the structure of a beehive and the different roles of bees within the colony.

Honey Bee Behavior: Study honey bee communication through dances and pheromones.

Pollination Exploration: Create hands-on activities like simulated flower pollination to illustrate the concept.

Honey Production: Learn about the process of honey production from flower to hive to jar and explore the different types of honey and their flavors.

Beekeeping Basics: Introduce the basics of beekeeping, discussing the tools and equipment used. If possible, arrange a visit to a local beekeeper for a firsthand experience.

Art and Crafts: Engage students in art projects related to honey bees, such as creating bee-themed artwork or constructing a model beehive.

Field Trip or Guest Speaker: Arrange a field trip to a local botanical garden or nature reserve with a focus on pollinators. Invite a beekeeper or a local expert to share insights and answer questions.

Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments, such as observing bee behavior or investigating the properties of honey.

Culinary Exploration: Integrate a cooking activity where students can taste different types of honey and create honey-inspired recipes.

Bee-Themed Games: Put together a bee-themed game like virtual bingo to help students remember bee facts.

Free Printable Bee Party Invitations: Celebrate bees with free printable bee themed party invitations to a bee themed party.