Book Review Wednesday - The Case of the Vanishing Honeybee

The next time you pick a delicious apple or collect a pint of blueberries, think for a moment about how that fruit grew from a pollinated flower. That pollination is in large part thanks to the steady work of the honeybee. But as Sandra Markle points out in her book The Case of the Vanishing Honeybee: A Scientific Mystery the honeybee is disappearing and without them some of our delicious crops will certainly suffer. While scientists and beekeepers know that massive number of bees are vanishing they can’t quite figure out why. Is it something in their habitat? Are they overworked? Is a deadly fungus or pesticide to blame? Markle’s book explores a number of possible explanations in a clear and concise format. The book is balanced with rich information and supported by impressive photographs. A glossary, list of additional resources, and recommended ways to help only add to this fine example of an informational text. The Vanishing Honeybees is both informative and thought provoking. Recommended for budding scientists, earth activists, and anyone who love apples enough to hope the honeybee will survive.