The subject in The Great Pollinator Count by Susan Edwards Richmond is not new, but the presentation is fresh and gives the information in an informative (even I learned a few things; such as how to know which pollinator has the shiny hiney) but it is also done in a fun manner. Learning to count the insects, learning about the plants included and more make this a clever book.
I wish the illustrations by Stephanie Fizer Coleman were a bit more realistic, but they work well for the aged five and up reader and/or listener. The color is good, details minimal to medium allowing the reader to focus on the story and not just the art, but is not lacking either. It allows for the secondary story to come out as well (the main character dealing with a classroom partner that is different from them, and how they will go through feelings because of that).
The format allows things to be good for individual reading, being read to in a one-on-one setting, or in the classroom. Therefore, it can just be a nice story, or to be in addition to a classroom lesson. The subject is good for the lover of bees and/or “buggies” in general, but it is also a good way to help a child get over a fear of them as it shows how cool they can be. The extras included are fun and allow the book to grow with the child. Due mid-April 2025; I read via an online reader copy.
There are several extras included at the end that allow the book to grow with your reader audience.
