The Last Honeybee

by Sage Greenleaf

A farm adventure about tiny helpers.

Grade 1 (Level I): Early readers10 pages

A child learns why bees are disappearing and what can be done to help them

Characters

Grace

Mrs. Apley

Risograph Two-Color

Story Arc

You step into the warm garden. A tiny bee buzzes past you. You pull your hand back quickly.

The bee lands on a bright pink bloom. You watch its small legs move. Your brow crinkles a little.

Mrs. Apley walks to the garden gate. She waves to you gently. Her eyes crinkle at the corners.

You walk over to Mrs. Apley. You point a finger at the bee. You make a small ‘Hmmph’ sound.

Mrs. Apley kneels by the strawberry patch. She shows you a tiny green berry. ‘Look closely,’ she whispers.

You look at the small berry. Then you look back at the busy bee. You put your head to the side.

Mrs. Apley shows you her garden book. Pictures of fruits fill the pages. ‘Bees help these grow,’ she smiles.

You see apples, peaches, and berries. A little bee is on every page. You point to a juicy orange.

You watch a bee land on a sunflower. It collects sweet yellow dust. You do not flinch this time.

You pick a ripe red strawberry. You eat it all up. You smile at the buzzing bees.

Make one of your own next.

buzzes: It means the sound a bee makes when it flies.; A tiny bee buzzes past you.
bloom: This is a flower that is open and pretty.; The bee lands on a bright pink bloom.
crinkles: It means to make small folds or lines, like when you squint your eyes.; Your brow crinkles a little.
gently: It means to do something softly and kindly, without being rough.; She waves to you gently.
patch: This is a small area of something, like a little garden spot.; Mrs. Apley kneels by the strawberry patch.
whispers: It means to speak very softly, so only someone close can hear.; ‘Look closely,’ she whispers.
collects: It means to gather things together.; It collects sweet yellow dust.
flinch: It means to make a quick, sudden movement because you are surprised or scared.; You do not flinch this time.
ripe: This means a fruit or vegetable is ready to be eaten.; You pick a ripe red strawberry.