Description
Book SynopsisAm 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!
Trade Review"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." - Booklist, Starred Review by Carolyn Phelan, 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 Rossellini, farmer/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 Goulson, 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 Rykken, Entomologist, Denali National Park
"A gentle, empathetic 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 Wild, world-renowned insect photographer, Curator of Entomology at The University of Texas at Austin
