What do you think?
Rate this book
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet
When Loretta dropped her armload of firewood on the hearth, a mysterious tube fell from between the logs. It was a leafcutter bee nest. Loretta took it back out to the woodpile and watched as holes appeared. But where were the bees? She found more holes appearing in leaves on her rose bushes. And even some of the rose petals. But where were the bees? Leafcutter bees are more efficient than honey bees for pollinating gardens. The book includes instructions for building a nest that may lure wild bees to your yard.
- GenresChildrens
34 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2016
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 23, 2023
There is always excitement on the nights when we have a Lois Wickstrom book to read in our house. And I think this one has to be one of our favourites. It had a slightly slower start than some of her others and normally that would cause my two children to lose interest straight away. However, the fact that they not only kept reading but were actively engaged is testament to how much they love this author!
The story was fantastic, as always. It was engaging, lively and fun. We all seemed to connect with it and we have already read this book multiple times. My daughter is looking forward to when we have time to follow the craft instructions provided at the end. Yet another hit but a brilliant author. I can’t wait to see what is next.
The story was fantastic, as always. It was engaging, lively and fun. We all seemed to connect with it and we have already read this book multiple times. My daughter is looking forward to when we have time to follow the craft instructions provided at the end. Yet another hit but a brilliant author. I can’t wait to see what is next.
January 23, 2024
Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet is a delightful story that is educational but also entertaining. It teaches children about bees, well the non-stinging type. I’m allergic to bees so these type of bees sound right up my alley for my garden.
Loretta sure loves her insects. In this book she finds a bee nest but no bees. She is on the hunt to find them. Lois once again incorporates learning into her story. There are instructions for creating your own Leafcutter bee nest and lure bees to your garden to allow bees to hatch.
The colourful illustrations bring the story to life as we journey along with Loretta and learn about nature. The story is for children 3 – 8 years. My son and his sons are going to try this out now that they had read this story.
Loretta sure loves her insects. In this book she finds a bee nest but no bees. She is on the hunt to find them. Lois once again incorporates learning into her story. There are instructions for creating your own Leafcutter bee nest and lure bees to your garden to allow bees to hatch.
The colourful illustrations bring the story to life as we journey along with Loretta and learn about nature. The story is for children 3 – 8 years. My son and his sons are going to try this out now that they had read this story.
Read
August 1, 2016When Loretta dropped her armload of firewood on the hearth, a mysterious tube fell from between the logs. It was a leafcutter bee nest. Loretta took it back out to the woodpile and watched as holes appeared. But where were the bees?
She found more holes appearing in leaves on her rose bushes. And even some of the rose petals. But where were the bees?
Leafcutter bees are more efficient than honey bees for pollinating gardens. The book includes instructions for building a nest that may lure wild bees to your yard.
Loretta's curiosity leads to discovery in this delightful illustrated children's book. Written on about a third grade level, this would be appropriate as either a read-aloud to your kids, or a relatively early reader for your young school age kids. There's also a science project for constructing a leaf cutter bee nest at the back, a great resource for a nature project for classroom or homeschool.
Content:
This is a children's book, and there's nothing offensive in it. Unless you don't like life on a farm, or bees. Personally, things that sting tend to be low on my list of friendly pets, but the leaf cutter bee is mild, and rarely stings unless handled. Also, their poison is milder than that of say the honey bee. They can damage prize rose bushes, so they are sometimes considered pests.
Final Analysis:
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet is an educational look into the life of the leafcutter bee and its contribution to life on a farm. There are clear instructions on how to create a nest for these relatively docile creatures, as a project for the kids. It's well illustrated, with watercolor pictures on every page.
Science projects are always a plus, and having one at the end of an entertaining illustrated children's book is a great combination. The instructions for building a leaf cutter bee nest are clear, and make for a great family project, whether your kids are homeschooled (like mine) or whether you are teaching a classroom. I've seen the inquisitive nature of kids in my four, and it's refreshing to see a girl who enjoys learning about bugs and their contribution to life. Five Stars!
* I received an electronic copy for an honest review
She found more holes appearing in leaves on her rose bushes. And even some of the rose petals. But where were the bees?
Leafcutter bees are more efficient than honey bees for pollinating gardens. The book includes instructions for building a nest that may lure wild bees to your yard.
Loretta's curiosity leads to discovery in this delightful illustrated children's book. Written on about a third grade level, this would be appropriate as either a read-aloud to your kids, or a relatively early reader for your young school age kids. There's also a science project for constructing a leaf cutter bee nest at the back, a great resource for a nature project for classroom or homeschool.
Content:
This is a children's book, and there's nothing offensive in it. Unless you don't like life on a farm, or bees. Personally, things that sting tend to be low on my list of friendly pets, but the leaf cutter bee is mild, and rarely stings unless handled. Also, their poison is milder than that of say the honey bee. They can damage prize rose bushes, so they are sometimes considered pests.
Final Analysis:
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet is an educational look into the life of the leafcutter bee and its contribution to life on a farm. There are clear instructions on how to create a nest for these relatively docile creatures, as a project for the kids. It's well illustrated, with watercolor pictures on every page.
Science projects are always a plus, and having one at the end of an entertaining illustrated children's book is a great combination. The instructions for building a leaf cutter bee nest are clear, and make for a great family project, whether your kids are homeschooled (like mine) or whether you are teaching a classroom. I've seen the inquisitive nature of kids in my four, and it's refreshing to see a girl who enjoys learning about bugs and their contribution to life. Five Stars!
* I received an electronic copy for an honest review
August 10, 2016
‘Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet’ is a delightfully informative book aimed at children between three and eight years, by American author Lois J Wickstrom. Not feeling qualified to review this work alone, I enlisted the help of someone of appropriate age.
Noah already knew about quite a bit about bees but enjoyed the story and particularly liked the interactive section in the final third of the book. The subtlety of the title was lost on him, but parents who read the book with their children will appreciate it.
At 34 pages it was possible to finish the book in one session, as there were a lot of pictures. We read it electronically and sadly the artwork didn’t convert well in this format. However the cover design was appealing and Noah liked it.
This book conveys information in an enjoyable way which will encourage children to learn about the life-cycle of the leafcutter bee. At seven, Noah is towards the upper age limit and his interest was definitely stimulated, so much so that we had to find out as much as we could afterwards about the leafcutter bee which is presumably what the author had in mind. The vocabulary is age appropriate and Noah managed to read the entire book himself.
I note that the author has written several other books about insects and will definitely look out for them in hard copy form for Noah’s younger brother, but Noah said he would have preferred a slightly more complex story. Nonetheless, ‘Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet’ is an engaging book and we award four stars.
Reviewed by Julie and Noah at www.whisperingstories.com
Noah already knew about quite a bit about bees but enjoyed the story and particularly liked the interactive section in the final third of the book. The subtlety of the title was lost on him, but parents who read the book with their children will appreciate it.
At 34 pages it was possible to finish the book in one session, as there were a lot of pictures. We read it electronically and sadly the artwork didn’t convert well in this format. However the cover design was appealing and Noah liked it.
This book conveys information in an enjoyable way which will encourage children to learn about the life-cycle of the leafcutter bee. At seven, Noah is towards the upper age limit and his interest was definitely stimulated, so much so that we had to find out as much as we could afterwards about the leafcutter bee which is presumably what the author had in mind. The vocabulary is age appropriate and Noah managed to read the entire book himself.
I note that the author has written several other books about insects and will definitely look out for them in hard copy form for Noah’s younger brother, but Noah said he would have preferred a slightly more complex story. Nonetheless, ‘Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet’ is an engaging book and we award four stars.
Reviewed by Julie and Noah at www.whisperingstories.com
January 23, 2023
Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet is an okay children’s book. In the story, Loretta loses her bonnet, while looking for wood for the fireplace. When she was preparing the wood, she found a strange brown tube. Her mother explains that it was made by the bees, it was their nest where the mom lays her eggs. Loretta returned the nest outside so the bees would be able to hatch and find flowers. She found a lot of clues that the bees had hatched and were flying about. She wanted to find them so she went walking in the woods and she finds that bees have actually made a nest in her lost bonnet. She wanted her bonnet back but realized she shouldn’t mess with the bees and allowed them to keep it. When she got home. Her dad suggests they made a home for the bees in the yard and Loretta was happy because she wanted more bees.
The book was cute if you like bees. I am not a bee person but I do love how the author teaches the reader about the different lives the insects may live - this one just happens to be about bees. I do also like that the author put in instructions for kids to make their own bee hives for their backyards. The best thing this author does is teach and make it a hands-on experience. However, I always feel there are pieces of the story missing when I read this author’s work.
The book was cute if you like bees. I am not a bee person but I do love how the author teaches the reader about the different lives the insects may live - this one just happens to be about bees. I do also like that the author put in instructions for kids to make their own bee hives for their backyards. The best thing this author does is teach and make it a hands-on experience. However, I always feel there are pieces of the story missing when I read this author’s work.
February 1, 2023
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet is another wonderful creation by Lois Wickstrom! This book has detailed illustrations and contains educational materials. Children can learn about bees, specifically leafcutter bees from this story. I would also show children a photo of a bee nest after reading this story. This can help children know that when they see the nest, they need to respect it because bees are inside it.
A great activity to do with your child would BEE to grow a garden and take photos to document different animals/insects that visit the garden to pollinate the flowers. Loretta and her father also make a home for the bees in the story, so this book lends itself to making a bee home.
I always enjoy Wickstrom's books because they have educational value and are fun to read. Bees in Loretta's Bonnet is a fantastic book for any curious child who loves insects and gardens.
A great activity to do with your child would BEE to grow a garden and take photos to document different animals/insects that visit the garden to pollinate the flowers. Loretta and her father also make a home for the bees in the story, so this book lends itself to making a bee home.
I always enjoy Wickstrom's books because they have educational value and are fun to read. Bees in Loretta's Bonnet is a fantastic book for any curious child who loves insects and gardens.
January 22, 2023
5 Stars
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
Bee’s in Loretta’s Bonnet is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of all ages will enjoy reading. This author is one of my son’s and I favorite authors. He enjoys her books and we read them over and over again. One of the things I love most is her books are fun and educational and each one has a different message. Loretta is a young girl eho loves nature and learning things about nature. In this book Loretta has a arm full of wood and when she drops it a long tube which is called a leafcutter bee’s 0 nest. Read along as she learns the importance of a leafcutter. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . We look forward to reading more from this Author.
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
Bee’s in Loretta’s Bonnet is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of all ages will enjoy reading. This author is one of my son’s and I favorite authors. He enjoys her books and we read them over and over again. One of the things I love most is her books are fun and educational and each one has a different message. Loretta is a young girl eho loves nature and learning things about nature. In this book Loretta has a arm full of wood and when she drops it a long tube which is called a leafcutter bee’s 0 nest. Read along as she learns the importance of a leafcutter. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . We look forward to reading more from this Author.
January 23, 2023
Loretta is picking up logs to bring in to place in the hearth when a mysterious tube falls out. Come to find out, Loretta has found a nest for leafcutter bees. Loretta is all excited and asks her mother what she should do. Loretta finds a safe place for the nest until the weather is warmer and the bees begin their work.
This book focuses on the science of bees and pollination. The end of the book has directions on how to make your own bee nest.
The bee on the front cover of this book almost looks 3D!! It's super cool looking (at least it is on my Kindle!) This book would be great for a library in a school, homeschool, co-op, daycare, or a personal one! I love this author and the science subjects that she covers.
This book focuses on the science of bees and pollination. The end of the book has directions on how to make your own bee nest.
The bee on the front cover of this book almost looks 3D!! It's super cool looking (at least it is on my Kindle!) This book would be great for a library in a school, homeschool, co-op, daycare, or a personal one! I love this author and the science subjects that she covers.
January 24, 2023
3 Stars
Bees In Loretta’s Bonnet is the second book in the Loretta’s Insects series by Lois Wickstrom. It is an interesting, educational, and entertaining illustrated children’s storybook, with an engaging story that even has a project step-by-step guide to building a bee nest, to attract wild bees to your garden, at the end. This is a fun story, and we get to learn all about wild bees along the way.
The story is cute, while inspiring children to learn while they read. I enjoyed reading the story with my grandson, but the illustrations weren’t up to the standard of most of her other books that we’ve read, so they didn’t hold his attention like others have. Still, an interesting read, though.
Happy reading!
Bees In Loretta’s Bonnet is the second book in the Loretta’s Insects series by Lois Wickstrom. It is an interesting, educational, and entertaining illustrated children’s storybook, with an engaging story that even has a project step-by-step guide to building a bee nest, to attract wild bees to your garden, at the end. This is a fun story, and we get to learn all about wild bees along the way.
The story is cute, while inspiring children to learn while they read. I enjoyed reading the story with my grandson, but the illustrations weren’t up to the standard of most of her other books that we’ve read, so they didn’t hold his attention like others have. Still, an interesting read, though.
Happy reading!
January 23, 2023
Loretta is a very observant little girl. When she brought firewood into the house, she found a small tube between the logs. She took it back outside and waited to see what would happen next. What was that tube? Will Loretta know when and how to look out for signs of activity?This author has written another great story. What kid does not love bugs! This story also has a follow up project for the children to make. Anytime a craft can be made for a children's book, you know you have a well written story. The pictures also made it easy for children to follow. This book is a must have for every child's library.
December 10, 2023
I learned so much from Lois Wickstrom’s Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet! I know this is a children’s book, but like a lot of Lois’s books, it is a science lesson disguised in an easy-to-read, superbly written story about a little girl losing her bonnet and what a swarm of bees have done with it. It also teaches that not all bees have stingers! Something else I didn’t know!
It’s the same Loretta we have grown to love, on another scientific adventure of discovery and learning.
As with other Loretta books, Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet is beautifully illustrated by Francie Mion.
I loved this book and have awarded it 5 stars.
Return to shop
It’s the same Loretta we have grown to love, on another scientific adventure of discovery and learning.
As with other Loretta books, Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet is beautifully illustrated by Francie Mion.
I loved this book and have awarded it 5 stars.
Return to shop
February 8, 2023
5/5 Stars
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. The author sure knows how to keep kids coming back. My daughter absolutely loves the books by this author.
Loretta goes outside to gather firewood for her family. She finds that the wood is stuck together by the ice. As she finds something to get the wood unstuck she loses her bonnet. When she goes out that spring she finds that the bees have made a home in her bonnet. I couldn't choose a quote for her.
Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.
Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. The author sure knows how to keep kids coming back. My daughter absolutely loves the books by this author.
Loretta goes outside to gather firewood for her family. She finds that the wood is stuck together by the ice. As she finds something to get the wood unstuck she loses her bonnet. When she goes out that spring she finds that the bees have made a home in her bonnet. I couldn't choose a quote for her.
Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.
January 24, 2023
I love these books by this author. Especially when she gives you a treat with an activity you can do with your kids after reading the book. In this story we learn about bees and their importance. The author makes it clear that we don’t fear bees but we do need them. In the back of this book is detailed instructions on how to make a bee home for your yard with your littles. This is definitely worth the purchase. Your kids will love it.
January 25, 2023
Loretta is carrying firewood when she drops it and discovers a leafcutter bee nest. There are holes throughout the tube shaped bee nest but no bees to be found. Where are the bees?
Looking around, she discovers more holes in the rose bush and their leaves but no bees? What happened to them?
This is a fun and educational book about leafcutter bees. I am not a fan of bees but this was really informative and made me appreciate them more.
Looking around, she discovers more holes in the rose bush and their leaves but no bees? What happened to them?
This is a fun and educational book about leafcutter bees. I am not a fan of bees but this was really informative and made me appreciate them more.
January 26, 2023
Loretta looses her bonnet while trying to chop wood for the fireplace. When putting the logs on her mother finds a box cutter bee nest. Her mother tells Loretta to go put the nest outside for the garden for spring time, and Loretta sees her bonnet up in the tree. Loretta goes to reach for her bonnet and it’s taken over by bees, so Loretta tells the bees to keep her bonnet.
Cute little story to learn about bees.
Cute little story to learn about bees.
January 29, 2023
What a cute little story for young readers. A lost bonnet turns into a learning experience for little Loretta. I read this book aloud to my five year old niece who is not a fan of bees. The book has her wanting to lose one of her hats outside for the bees to make a nest in too. We both enjoyed the story! The little helpful bee nest making instructions at the end was a bonus. This spring we will be making one to see if we can attract some bees to our yard for our flowers.
February 1, 2023
This was a really cute book. Loretta’s story taught me some new information because I had never heard of this kind of bee. The story flows really nicely. I think it’s easy to read and is perfect for those little kids who love to read. I have read a few books by this author and I highly recommend their stories to anyone who has small children and who want to help them explore their imagination through books.
February 2, 2023
I feel this is a good educational book, great for school or homeschooling. The book has great information about leaf cutter bees. I also like that at the end, the book shows you how to make a nest for bees, which is a great activity to get talking about helping bees and why we need them. Although the pictures don’t match the other cover style, I enjoyed the outdoor spring illustrations and thought the pages near the end were beautiful.
February 5, 2023
Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet is a children’s book that will be fun for all ages! This book predominantly aims to teach children about bees (leafcutter bees). The illustrations are impeccable and really help to bring the explanations to life. This book portrays observations of your surrounding and how to handle predicaments that may occur. It also shows the compassion that should be shown to insects in general. This is great learning material that shows the situation from a kid’s point of view.
January 22, 2023
Great story! It talks about how we need to coexist with nature. I just love this author and how she relates to children with different topics. I enjoy reading these aloud with my niece, and how my older children like to listen in. I would recommend this author to any and all care givers of children.
January 23, 2023
Cute story. The art in this book is sweet. I like that the author is telling an interesting story to draw kids in and then shows Loretta learning about bees, learning to respect the bees and nature and not being afraid. The make your own bee nest in the back is a fun craft and project to do with your kids.
January 23, 2023
Loretta is out getting firewood when she discovers a mysterious tube. After her mom explains that the tube is actually a leafcutter bee nest, she places it in the woodpile. Loretta waits and watches as the season changes to see if the bees will hatch.
I really enjoy Loretta's stories. These are educational and have an activity in the back of the book. Great for children who like science.
I really enjoy Loretta's stories. These are educational and have an activity in the back of the book. Great for children who like science.
January 28, 2023
This was a really cute book! Not was only was it cute it was also informative about bees. This book is definitely for older children in my opinion, because younger children aren't going to understand some of the science and logistics of this story. There are also some really neat and interesting crafts and projects at the end of this book that kids would enjoy!
January 28, 2023
Read this book with my 6 year old. We loved it. We had recently learned about honey bees, so it was nice to learn about another type of bee! I like how she includes learning in books but makes it fun! Lois Wickstrom is a children's book author I will continue to come back to over and over. Very cute story.
January 31, 2023
Cute informative children’s story about bees. Pictures are fitting for the story. If I had younger children, I would surely read this to them.
This author writes the cutest most entertaining children’s books. There is even a fun craft at the end to further capture a child’s interest in nature and learning. Teachers and parents should discover this book and in turn a love for bees.
This author writes the cutest most entertaining children’s books. There is even a fun craft at the end to further capture a child’s interest in nature and learning. Teachers and parents should discover this book and in turn a love for bees.
February 6, 2023
Bees in Loretta's bonnet Is a nice and cute quick read for you and your family. You learn a Little about the Leafcutter bees. Which I didn't know was a different kind of bee. I love all bees , they are super important and I'm excited to try the little project at the end to make a home for the bees. I like that the author Lois Wickstrom uses different styles when Illustrating.
January 22, 2023
Another gem from Lois, a lovely story with beautiful artwork teaching children about bees and ways they can support them in their own backyard. There’s even an activity in the back for children and adults to enjoy.
January 23, 2023
I honestly had never heard of Leafcutter bees before this. I am impressed by the amount of things Ms, Wickstrom teaches everyone. My daughter really enjoyed the pictures and the craft at the end we may be trying this summer. This is a really good lesson and read.
January 31, 2023
This was a cute and educational children's book. I loved the interaction between Loretta and her mother. It is very easy to understand an read. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching for kids.
January 23, 2023
Very cute book. Was a tad slow starting but after the first couple pages it was very exciting! And the craft project at the end I will definitely be doing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews