The Bee Squad – Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood

The Bee Squad – Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood by Judy Friedlander and Josephine Pajor-Markus (New South Publishing) PB RRP $27.99 ISBN: 9781742238227

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Matthew Kelly said: ‘Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life.’ Therein lies the essence of The Bee Squad.

Part information text and part workbook, this book about biodiversity and the changes we can make in our own backyards and neighbourhoods offers a wealth of ideas for children who want to make the world a better place but feel too small or insignificant to do so.

If you doubt your ability to effect change – you’ll want to turn straight to the stories about ‘Local Nature Champions’ found in each chapter. These stories focus on kids from all over Australia who are learning about, and implementing, positive environmental change.

Perhaps you’ll want to dive straight into the quick facts and find out about all the animals that live in tree hollows or which of our native plants are the tallest flowering plants or older than dinosaurs.

Or you might want to get started on one of the many projects described in the book – working on observation, planting natives, redesigning your garden or even creating a neighbourhood nature corridor. There are also arty activities, tips on photography and advice on how to start a school project or campaign.

As you read, you can feel author Judy Friedlander’s passion for the environment – and you also get the sense that this book could well have been much, much longer than it is. As it is, though, the information and ideas are sure to keep readers and new ‘bee squad’ members busy for well over a year – and into the future.

Perfect for young environmentalists aged 8 years and above, The Bee Squad could also serve as an ideas bank for parents of younger children, as well as teachers wanting to bring more sustainable practices into their classroom programs.