Bees buzz too close. They land on food. And of course they can sting, an African American dad acknowledges. But worse than their sting would be no bees at all, he explains to his children, reciting a delicious list of reasons why bees are so important. Without them, there would be “no more picnics with watermelon … no more avocados for tacos … no apples, which means no more pie.” In fact, the dad says, “bees are just like you!” Cleverly describing his kids’ behavior in the same bee-like terms of annoyance, he concludes, “But I never stop loving you. You’re … the apple pie of my eye .… my cold watermelon .… the avocados in my tacos. You’re my strawberry heart.” Author/artist Shabazz Larkin was inspired to create this charming, heartfelt, beautifully crafted “love letter” to bees and to his children out of the desire to not pass on his own fear of bees. The warm, lively illustrations are based on photographs he staged with his family. End matter includes a brief guide (with photos) to bees and wasps and “how not to get stung.” Highly Commended, 2020 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 2–7)

A LOVE POEM FROM A FATHER TO HIS TWO SONS, AND A TRIBUTE TO THE BEES THAT POLLINATE THE FOODS WE LOVE TO EAT. "Sometimes bees can be a bit rude. They fly in your face and prance on your food." And yet... without bees, we might not have strawberries for shortcakes or avocados for tacos Shabazz Larkin's The Thing About Bees is a Norman Rockwell-inspired Sunday in the park, a love poem from a father to his two sons, and a tribute to the bees that pollinate the foods we love to eat. Children are introduced to different kinds of bees, "how not to get stung," and how the things we fear are often things we don't fully understand. Shabazz Larkin made his picture book illustration debut with Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table, followed by his author/illustrator debut with A Moose Boosh: A Few Choice Words About Food, both named American Library Association Notable Children's Books and published by READERS to EATERS. He is a multi-disciplinary artist and an advertising creative director. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and two sons. SHABAZZLARKIN.COM