A beautifully illustrated book exploring the fascinating world of honeybees, the importance of nature and our relationship with the natural world.
I absolutely loved discovering A Stinger in the Honey. It’s a book that brings the world of honeybees to life in such an imaginative way, and one I think has a particularly important message for the next generation.
A fascinating glimpse into the world of bees
Written for readers aged 10–16, the story follows Lola Smart and offers a fascinating glimpse into the busy, complex world inside a bee colony. From collecting pollen and making honey to the queen, the workers and the challenges of hive life, there is so much to discover.
One of the things I particularly love is how the bees initially see the beekeepers as their enemies, stealing their precious honey. But through troubles and dangerous challenges, they begin to discover that their relationship is more complicated — a give and take, where both have a part to play. I especially enjoyed this perspective, as it encourages us to look beyond the jar of honey on our kitchen table and think about the remarkable work behind it, as well as our relationship with the natural world.
Beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully designed
The illustrations are wonderful, and the book is beautifully designed. There’s a real sense of care in its presentation, and the storytelling makes the lives of these tiny creatures feel vivid, intriguing and full of character.
Why bees matter
Of course, honey is only part of the story. Bees are essential pollinators, helping many of the plants that provide our fruit and vegetables to grow. They also face very real threats, from disease and predators to food shortages and the loss of the flowers and habitats they depend on. The book brings these challenges into focus and reminds us how much our own lives rely on the natural world.
Why I want my children to read it
As a mum, one of the reasons I love this book so much is that I want my own children to read it. I want them to understand where our food comes from, how interconnected nature is, and why protecting wildlife matters. It’s easy to take things like honey, fruit and vegetables for granted, but learning about the creatures behind them can help children develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
The connection to Shaloah Skincare
Bees also have a special connection to my work at Shaloah Skincare. I use organic beeswax in some of our products, including our lip balm and Calendula & Borage Soothe & Repair Cream. Beeswax helps form a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and keep skin feeling soft and nourished. Working with natural ingredients makes me appreciate even more how much nature provides for us, and why we have a responsibility to look after it.
Simple ways we can help bees
There are simple ways we can all help bees, from planting bee-friendly flowers and leaving space for wildflowers to avoiding pesticides where possible. Small actions can make a difference, especially when we teach our children why they matter.
My verdict
A beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully presented book that makes the world of honeybees fascinating to explore. I loved its imaginative approach, and its message feels especially meaningful at a time when understanding sustainability and protecting nature is so important. I would love to see more young people reading books like this — not only to learn about bees and honey, but to grow up with a greater appreciation for the natural world we all depend on.
Buy a copy of A Stinger in the Honey
If you’d like to explore the world of Lola Smart and her fellow bees, you can find the book here:
