Andrena A Mining Bee

Author/illustrator Elaine Sedgman uses a graphic style to relate the scientific details of the life of a mining bee. Helpful information at the back fills in the background of the fictitious Andrena, a member of the native North American genus andrena.

There are over 20,000 bee species in the world. Most are solitary and 64% of these solitary species nest in the ground. Solitary ground-nesting bees are active in their surroundings for a very short time — often just 10 days to 2 weeks. Within that time, a female digs a nest, protects it from predators, lays her eggs and forages for food for her larvae. She does all the work by herself. Not like honey bees that have to rely on help from worker bees. (p. 28)

Sedgman adds a bit of humour to tell her story. In case there is any confusion between what is real and what is not true, Sedgman clarifies in her notes at the back of the book.

Everything is true. Well, perhaps not the soccer game using Bombylius eggs for balls. And maybe mining bees don’t use umbrellas when it rains or play cards when they are bored. (p. 28)

Anthropomorphizing an animal to tell its life story is a common technique for presenting complicated information. Sedgman has combined this with a graphic design to make a significant number of scientific facts and terms more accessible to younger readers. Without these devices, the information on its own would be challenging to many children - and adults. The glossary at the back also provides support for readers.

Nectar guides: Markings and patterns in flowers that lead bees to nectar. These directional patterns are invisible to humans as colours are in the ultraviolet range, but can be seen by bees. (p. 30)

With the emphasis on the critical role of pollinators to our food supply, Andrena a Mining Bee may serve as an introduction to young readers looking for more than a graphic novel. But don’t let the format deceive you. There is more than enough detailed scientific information for even the most inquisitive student.