ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
SCIENCE
Browne, Meghan P.

The Bees of Notre-Dame

40 pp. | Random/Random House Studio | October, 2023 | Trade ISBN 9780593374566 $18.99 | Library ISBN 9780593374573 $21.99 | Ebook ISBN 9780593374580 $11.99
(2) K-3 Illustrated by E. B. Goodale. In April 2019, people held their breath as the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral burned. Among the priceless items to survive the flames were beehives housed on the cathedral's roof. Browne's lyrical picture book tells the story of the bees who call Notre-Dame home and the fire that threatened their hives. Drawing parallels between the cooperative worker bees and the cooperation displayed by rescue workers during and after the catastrophic fire, the story takes on greater symbolism: "Come! Rebuild. Work with each other. You are stronger together." Goodale's mixed-media illustrations combine printing, colored pencils, and a variety of paints and collage materials to create a vibrant spring in Paris before the explosion of smoke and flame encroaches on the idyllic scene. Yellows, pinks, and greens are replaced by violent reds and oranges, while clouds of gray smoke that engulf the images fill the once-open spreads. Images of the burning cathedral and the valiant efforts of rescue workers effectively build tension. The welcome news of the bee colony's survival closes the story, while details in the concluding note let readers know that the difficult task of rebuilding Notre-Dame is underway.
Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

RELATED 

SCIENCE

How to Build an Insect
by Gibson, Roberta
SCIENCE

A Quick History of Math
by Gifford, Clive
SCIENCE

Butterflies Are Pretty...Gross!
by Mosco, Rosemary
SCIENCE

Summertime Sleepers
by Stewart, Melissa
SCIENCE

Birds
by Krestovnikoff, Miranda
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?