The Honeybee (Honeybee and Friends)

The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall, with illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault, is an absolute delight from start to finish. The story follows the journey of a little bee buzzing from flower to flower, bringing to life the critical role these tiny creatures play in our world. The lyrical, vibrant text makes it a joy to read aloud, and the rhythmic flow will easily capture the attention of both children and adults. What truly makes this book shine, though, is the breathtaking artwork. Isabelle Arsenault’s illustrations are soft, warm, and rich with detail, creating imagery that feels almost alive on the page. Every spread is a work of art that invites readers to pause and soak in the beauty. This is more than just a picture book—it’s a gentle, engaging way to teach children about the importance of honeybees and their place in our ecosystem. The Honeybee is a must-have for any home, classroom, or library, and it’s one I’ll be coming back to again and again.

What do I love about THE HONEYBEE, written by Kirsten Hall with illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault? EVERYTHING--starting with the cover, which introduces a wide-eyed, smiling honeybee flying above a meadow chock full of wildflowers. When I open the book my eyes land on the magnified black and yellow strips of the bee's belly, a gorgeous piece of art work that could hang in MOMA. Then, already stung by the visual bite of this pictures, my poetry-loving eyes land on the lyrical words. BZZZZZZ says the bee. The book takes us from summer through autumn through winter to spring, when once again an abundance of flowers pours out through the sprinkling of wonderful words. Wild. Free. ZOOOOOOOOOM. Shhhh. Do you hear it? Then POW here she comes again, larger than life, still smiling, still wide-eyed, and back on the job. She locates the nectar, twists and turns in the pollen, insuring the propagation of more and more flowers. Clearly and comprehensively, the book covers the life cycle of the honeybee, including the mysterious dance that draws sister bees to the nectar. This glorious book, full of art, poems and science, is the first of many, I hope, from this talented pair.

Very sweet book

I used this for people to sign for my daughters 1st BEE day and it was precious!

Story is cute and teaches children why bees are important, exactly what bees do. And they don't have to be so scared. Teaches a healthy respect for insects. Sturdy, great size and beautiful artwork

This was a really fun book to read to my daughter.

Just way too long of a story in my opinion, but beautifully illustrated book

The artwork on all the pages is so lovely to look at! The storyline is educational and fun, it in a very wonderful and poetic read. This book would be great at home or in the classroom - it’s an easy way to learn about bees, pollination, and Spring!

Fácil leitura para a idade.

Il libro preferito della mia piccoletta

This book is so cute! My daughters recently went to a honeybee farm and were fascinated by bees - this book is both educational but fun to read. Many examples of onomatopeias. Illustrations are beautiful.

A bee-autiful collaboration from Kirsten Hall and one of my all time favourite illustrators, Isabelle Arsenault. The artwork is perfectly executed and I love the pops of pantone honey yellow throughout. The story is told in buzzy rhythm and rhyme and is a delight to read aloud. A timely read but not in any way preachy- just a wonderful celebration of our friend, the humble honeybee.

One of our family’s favourites, we’ve bought a stash for gifts. Beautiful rhyming that is a joy to read aloud for both the reader and listener.