Clan Apis

ISBN: 096772550X
by Jay Hosler
Active Synapse 2000
Age Level: 7 and up

Many of us have a very distinct image of evolution, born of science classes and popular myth. We can almost see that brave creature, a cross between a fish and a frog, taking it's first tentative steps onto land, forging ahead into the barren wilderness that would someday produce humanity. How egotistical we all are. As Jay Hosler very rightly points out, the world was already teeming with life: insect life. Clan Apis is a funny, tender, and (gasp) educational journey through the life of one smart-mouthed honeybee, Nyuki. She makes her way from a tremulous larva to a full-fledged pollen gatherer with the help of her tireless sister Dvorah, her garrulous but dim brother Zambur, and the magnificent Queen of her hive. Also not to be missed are her friends outside the hive, from paranoid flower Bloomington to practical dung-beetle Sisyphus. Another title that provokes giggling at inappropriate times, Clan Apis also features an excellent behind the scenes look at the author's inspiration and work with bees.

review by Robin

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