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Case Of The Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery (2013)

by Sandra Markle(Favorite Author)

4.03 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1299755763 (ISBN13: 9781299755765)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Millbrook Press

review 1: Released October 2013, this is an up-to-date picture book about Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). This book does an excellent job informing readers about the role of the honeybee colony, addressing the top theories behind colony collapse (frequent habitat changes, mobile phone usage, varroa mites, a deadly fungus and pesticides) and explaining some of the things scientists and researchers are doing to stop CCD. The book also lists websites and books for additional information on the topic.
review 2: As with The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs (Millbrook, 2011), Markle conveys the troubling mystery confronting American beekeepers, farmers and scientists. In 2007, beekeepers in the United States first met to discuss Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). “Beekeeper... mores everywhere were losing about 30 percent of their hives. In some places, the reported losses were as high as 50 percent.” CCD not only affects local farmers and beekeepers; it has significant implications for the larger ecosystem. Markle sets out the issues in a clear way for middle grade readers, providing insight for a slightly younger audience than Loree Griffin Burns' The Hive Detectives (Houghton Mifflin, 2010). Markle clearly explains how bees pollinate flowers, bring pollen and nectar back to the hive, and care for their young, making honey in the process. She then proceeds to discuss possible causes of CCD, asking the basic question: What is killing the honeybees? Various possibilities are considered in turn, from monoculture and urban development, to overwork and transportation of hives, and also infections from mites, fungus and viruses. Readers come away with an understanding of the way scientists consider the different possibilities. Interesting experiments are explained, providing a glimpse into the scientific process. Full-color photographs, maps, captions and headings provide good support for middle grade readers moving into more in-depth scientific reading. An author’s note, further facts, suggestions for action, and resources for further reading are included in the rich, accessible backmatter. (glossary, index, bibliography) less

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