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  • Writer's pictureNZ Booklovers

Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet by Rachel Weston



Bee amazed, bee informed, bee delighted by the super-duper, power-packed bumblebee.

Full of fascinating buzz facts, video links, and ideas, this wonderful book is perfect for little readers.

It features information on why bumblebees have whiffy feet, how their bodies work, their super eye power, their family and life cycle, and how we can help this integral insect survive.

Sprinkled throughout the book are gorgeous illustrations of the endearing bee, while there’s also plenty of photographs to intrigue young scientists.

The information is accessible and easy to understand, but Weston doesn’t talk down to her readers.

Throughout the book Weston asks the reader simple questions that will delight children and make for some rich conversations - what special talent would you like?

She’s also included some simple experiments that further learning, as well as lots of links to more information. Video links aid deeper understanding.


The book also provides a powerful example about the power of inquiry. While schools use inquiry as a way to drive student learning, this book can be the real-life example that can show students the power and development of following their own research. The book was inspired by a question Weston's husband asked her, about whether she knew where bumblebees lived. She didn't believe him when he told her they lived underground. This started her own learning journey, discovering about the bee, their relevance to the eco-system, food and crop production, and their amazing abilities.

A charming interactive book that would make a wonderful non-fiction addition to any library.

Reviewer: Rebekah Fraser Weston Books, RRP $18.99

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