Bee populations are decreasing and this is a growing concern for everyone, due to their crucial role in our food chain and ecosystem. So author and small-time farmer Bianca C. Ross decided to do something about it. In her second book in the Herbert Peabody series,
Herbert Peabody and the Incredible Beehive, Bianca tells a captivating tale to help children understand the important role that bees play in our food chain, the importance of environmental sustainability, and connects kids with where their food comes from – by showing them how growing their own fruit and vegetables is important, fun and rewarding. Here, author Bianca C. Ross explains the story behind the story and her motivation to inform and educate kids on the bee’s plight…
Why is it so important to educate kids about the role bees play in the eco-system?
“Much of our food production relies on pollination from bees,” explains Bianca. “Without them, we would lose crops including apples, oranges, pumpkins and berries. Presently, bee populations are decreasing and so far we don’t understand why. By taking an interest in our bees, we can take proactive steps to ensure their survival.”
What tips to you have for parents to educate children?
“Showing children the work bees do in the garden is a great start,” Bianca suggests. “Observing bees buzzing from flower to flower, collecting pollen, will demonstrate the hours of work bees do to pollinate flowers which then produces our food. Budding flowers in the veggie patch help children understand how fruits and vegetables form, and how plants rely on bees for this crucial process in food production. Also, visiting a beehive gives children a first-hand experience of how hives work. Engaging children in ways they understand makes explaining tricky topics that much easier, for both them and their parents!”
What can kids, and parents, do to help the bees?
“Buying local produce means bees have a constant supply of flowers nearby. And flowers mean there’s pollen to collect, and busy bees keep hives humming. Organic produce is best for bees. Pesticides may disrupt bee behaviour, and this could attribute to the decline in bee populations. Bees love local, native plants and wild flowers. Farmers’ markets and nurseries can advise what plants thrive in your area.”
What are some of the ways the book helps children understand about food sources?
“Throughout the story, Herbie’s rhymes engage children with important topics, including food production and community, in a fun way. Farmer Herbie grows fruit and vegetables in his vegetable patch at Mulberry Tree Farm. When he discovers that his new neighbour, Bee, is having trouble finding enough pollen to supply her family’s hive, Herbie decides to lend a
hand to find more flowers. With the mysterious disappearance of the historic Huffelton House gardens, Herbie engages his problem solving skills and helps young readers learn about pollen’s crucial role in food production.”
How can parents help connect kids to their food sources?
“Shopping at farmers’ markets gives children the opportunity to meet the farmers who produce their food,” says Bianca. “Children learn about seasonal produce and can ask farmers questions about their favourite fruits and vegetables.
Starting a herb garden or veggie patch at home allows children to see firsthand the time and effort required by plants to produce food. Studies show that children who are involved with growing their own food are far more likely to give fruit and vegetables a try.
Helping in the kitchen is a great way for children to learn about and connect with food. Start with chopping soft fruit and vegetables, such as bananas and cooked pumpkin, and preparing simple recipes to keep children involved and interested.”
Melbourne-based Bianca C. Ross is a small-time farmer with almost a decade of international marketing experience in advertising agencies and ten years brand management in food companies across children’s products. She observed a disconnect between children and their understanding of where food comes from, so she conducted her own research amongst parents about the creation of a character that teaches the importance of vegetables in a fun way. After a positive response, Herbert Peabody was created. Herbert Peabody and the Incredible Beehive is the second book in the series, following the success of Herbert Peabody and his Extraordinary Vegetable Patch. Find out more here
