Can you have too many books about honeybees?

People often ask me to recommend books on beekeeping and other related topics.  I have listed some of the books I keep on hand.  Some are about beekeeping, others are how to harvest and use products of the hive while others discuss honeybee behavior or gardening to help our all pollinators. I generally lean to how to books, but occasionally I read a novel that includes honeybees as integral characters. I especially love books that capture the interest of children and teach them about pollinators and nature.

I prefer to shop locally and encourage others to to shop locally when possible.  Alas, Waxahachie does not currently have a book store so I frequently buy books through Amazon. I have registered as an Amazon Associate so I may earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price consumers pay.  It may earn me a few cents toward the maintenance of this site. Thank you!

Beekeeper's Lab by Kim Lehman  is a delightful book for both children and adults.  It would actually make a great book for beekeeping class.  It has 52 "labs" ranging from setting up a hive, smoking the bees, honey extraction to helping pollinators.  Instructions are clearly written with beautiful color images.  I have used many of the "labs" when working with students at schools and gardening events. ISBN 978-1-63159-268-3

Beeswax Alchemy by Petra Ahnert has become my go to recipe book for skin care products. From soaps to salves, lip balms and perfumes there is something for everyone. There are several great projects such as waterproofing canvas shoes, creating batik dish towels and encaustic art.  Once you begin harvesting honey and wax from your hives, this is a great resource for learning how to use them.

Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley is one of the most fascinating books I have read on honeybee behavior. Dr. Seeley and his students have gone to unbelievable lengths to document life in the colonies, "dream homes" for honeybees, how they communicate and build consensus. The final chapter or epilogue waxes philosophically about how man might learn to live more harmoniously with one another. Our news media journalists would benefit from this book,too.

ISBN 978-0-691-14721-5

The Practical Beekeeper by Michael Bush is the book I use the most. It is my favorite beekeeping reference.  While you can read all the same information from his website for free. http://www.thepracticalbeekeeper.com/  I highly recommend a hard copy.  It's great to take to the bee yard to observe the bees and learn better beekeeping practices and how to handle problems. Michael Bush has several books.  This book is actually a compilation of three of his other books.  I find it much handier to have all the information in one book. ISBN 978-161476-064-1

Queen Spotting by Hilary Kearney is a great tool for developing an eye for spotting the queen.   Hilary takes you through the hive and you will learn the role of worker bees, drones and queens. The book is laced with vignettes in the life of a beekeeper.  Every page has stunning crisp images that literally give you the picture of the information she deftly describes. Her blog, Beekeeping Like a Girl is a wealth of information. Hilary has other books and cool games for sale on her site. https://girlnextdoorhoney.com/the-shop/