Synopsis
Part of the If Animals Disappeared collection. Though bees are small, their importance is BIG. Today there are over 250,000 species of bees but all of them are in danger. Because of disease, pesticide exposure, lack of foraging habitats, and poor nutrition, entire honey bee hives are dying. What would happen if bees disappeared completely? Artist Lily Williams explores how such a loss would effect not just bees' environment, but the world as a whole.- ★★★★☆
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- The study of science provides opportunities to learn about Allah’s ﷻ design as a way to get to know Him while also learning about an important tenet in Islam—serving as guardians of this Earth. We have been entrusted to take care of and responsibly use the resources that Allah ﷻ has provided.
- Bees are so special they are even mentioned in the Quran! In the chapter named An-Nahl (The Bee) Allah ﷻ says “And your Lord inspired the bees: ‘Make [your] homes in the mountains, the trees, and in what people construct, and feed from [the flower of] any fruit [you please] and follow the ways your Lord has made easy for you.’ From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colors, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.” (16:68-69)
- What is a food chain? What is a food web? What is an ecosystem?
- What is the role of a pollinator?
- How is pollination essential to plants?
- What makes bees a keystone species?
- As pollinators, how do bees impact the food we eat, the medicine we take and the clothes we wear?
- What is the very first thing anyone can do to help bees? Learn, learn, learn.
- Older children may read further about pesticides and explore the advantages and disadvantages of its use.
Mindful Muslim Review
This series combines vivid illustrations with a gentle introduction to ecology—a branch of biology which focuses on understanding organisms and their habitats. This series can be used as a tool to deepen an understanding and reverence of the ecosystems Allah ﷻ has created, the interdependencies of Allah’s ﷻ creations and the impact our choices can make on the environment. In this story, readers are introduced to our dependencies on a special group of pollinators that are mentioned in the Quran—the honeybees. The glossary along with the information and the Author’s Note in the back of the book not only reinforce the concepts put forth but also give a list of actions that children can do to help protect honeybees. Building this awareness at a young age is vital to teach future stewards of this Earth how to care for our planet.
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