Am I Even a Bee?

Written by Felicity Muth

Illustrated by Alexa Lindauer

Am I Even a Bee? is the story of Osmia, a solitary bee, decidedly green and unquestionably un-fuzzy. Osmia has always believed she is a bee, (her mom told her so), but recent run-ins with people, and even other insects, leave her wondering, “Am I even a bee?!” Confused, Osmia faces an identity crisis, and she turns to her meadow for comfort. It is here that she meets her new friend and guide Xyla, a carpenter bee who, like Osmia, does not fit the black-and-yellow social mold. Through some adventures and chance encounters, Osmia and Xyla meet a slew of non-honey bees, each special and important to the meadow in their own unique way. Osmia discovers that while fame is great, diversity and acceptance are essential to a happy ecosystem. As it turns out, there is no one way to be a bee!

PRAISE FOR AM I EVEN A BEE?

“Muth presents ideas to children in an appealing, sometimes amusing way. While a few of Lindauer’s colorful, double-page pictures include fanciful elements related to the story, the bees and flowers are illustrated with accuracy as well as vitality and grace.”

Carolyn PhelanBooklist, Starred Review, March 2022

“It’s lovely to read a charming and fun book to my grandchildren that informs them about Nature and is a step towards making them good stewards of our planet Earth.”

Isabella Rossellinifarmer/ filmmaker

“Am I Even a Bee? is the endearing tale of a confused little bee, a celebration of the wonderful diversity of life, and, perhaps, a parable for human society.”

Professor Dave Goulsonauthor of Silent Earth

“Am I Even a Bee? is a playful and vibrant introduction to the diverse array of colors, shapes, sizes, and habits of the native bee world. I loved it!”

Jessica RykkenEntomologist, Denali National Park

“A gentle, emphatic story about belonging while bee-ing different, adorably illustrated by Alexa Lindauer, that will leave young readers in love with the natural diversity of real bees.”

Professor Alex Wildworld-renowned insect photographer, Curator of Entomology at The University of Texas at Austin

AM I EVEN A BEE? IN THE NEWS

For more information on the bees and everything Am I Even a Bee? checkout the book’s webpage

Book Details

Title: Am I Even a Bee?

Author: Felicity Muth

Illustrator: Alexa Lindauer

Publication Date: April 5, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-936097-40-1

$17.95

Dist. by Publishers Group West
www.pgw.com, 800-788-2123

Available at your favorite local bookstore or at Bookshop.org

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