Before Reading - What do you know about bees
Some people think of bees as a pest, something dangerous or something to be scared of. However as you learn more about these insects you will soon realise that they are a very important part of our world.
Take a look at the following resources about bees. It is probably best to start with the video, "Why do we need bees?"
As you are looking at them, keep in mind the following two questions:
Take a look at the following resources about bees. It is probably best to start with the video, "Why do we need bees?"
As you are looking at them, keep in mind the following two questions:
- Why are bees important?
- What can we do to make sure that bee populations don't die out?
Read chapters 1-3
Peony lives with her sister and grandfather on a fruit farm outside the city. In a world where real bees are extinct, the quickest, bravest kids climb the fruit trees and pollinate the flowers by hand. All Peony really wants is to be a bee. Life on the farm is a scrabble, but there is enough to eat, a place to sleep, and love. Then Peony's mother arrives to take her away from everything she has ever known ...
Read the first 3 chapters to get a feel for this story.
You will be introduced to the main character, Peony and learn about her passion for becoming a bee. Afterwards discuss some of the following: What do you notice about the names of the characters in the story? What have you learnt about the character of Peony and her family? What words would you use to describe her? What do you think Peony means by the Urbs? What do you notice about the way she speaks? Do you think she is a strong character? Why? |
If you kept on reading . . .
What do you think is going to happen now, especially since Peony has not been chosen to bee?
How do you think Peony's mother might fit into this story? Do you wonder whether or not she misses her children while she lives in the city? Can Gramps continue to look after them? Will they survive on the little they have?
Can the farm continue in this way, using children as bees? Could their be a long term environmental solution to the problem?
Can Peony be the character to tackle some of these problems? Read this story to find out!!
How do you think Peony's mother might fit into this story? Do you wonder whether or not she misses her children while she lives in the city? Can Gramps continue to look after them? Will they survive on the little they have?
Can the farm continue in this way, using children as bees? Could their be a long term environmental solution to the problem?
Can Peony be the character to tackle some of these problems? Read this story to find out!!