It needs to be said up-front. This terrific book is one that should be shared far and wide!
Dr Judy Friedlander is the founder of PlantingSeeds projects. The project runs an urban educational and regeneration initiative in schools called the B&B Highway (Bed and Breakfast for Bees, Birds and Biodiversity). This book takes us out of the school and into our backyards.
As wildlife are pushed out of their homes due to removal of their habitat, it’s time for us all to step up and do our bit. And lots of ‘bits’ make a big difference. The Bee Squad teaches us all the different things we can do from learning about species that live near us, understanding pollinators, finding ways to cool our neighbourhoods, learning to be a nature detective and how to make homes for creatures like bees, insects, birds and possums.
We read about biodiversity, understanding what it means and why it’s so important. We are asked to sit quietly in our yard and look around. Notice all the things we might not have noticed before. There are so many. Then go back in another week and see what’s changed. We’re training our eyes to notice things.
We explore rock pools and waterways, meet frogs and ants, and learn about Indigenous wisdom. We learn how to be a citizen scientist and meet inspiring young local nature champions discovering what they have done to help biodiversity in their neighbourhoods.
This book is a fabulous call to action. But it’s more than that. It’s a path to building a connection with nature, to take our eyes off the screen and look at the wonderous creatures and living things surrounding us, even in the most built-up areas.
It’s fabulous. Buy it or borrow it (bet you’ll still want to buy it). And put it into the hands of a young person. It’s more important than ever.
Reviewed by Rowena Morcom
Age Guide 8+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Judy Friedlanderis the founder of PlantingSeeds Projects, the environmental organisation whose flagship program is the B&B Highway. The B&B Highway (Bed and Breakfasts for Bees, Birds and Biodiversity) is an educational and practical program that links hundreds of B&Bs at schools in four Australian states to form regenerative corridors.
Judy is also a University of Technology Sydney Adjunct Fellow.
When she is outside in nature, Judy becomes the kid she was – where a local creek, ‘rock bridge’, gum trees and ferns sheltered a wonderland of tadpoles, frogs, cicadas, birds and possums.
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