The Nectar Collector

Praise for The Nectar Collector: "Sherlock's storytelling pulls us into a wealth of fascinating information about bees and their work while entertaining us with a gripping tale of loveable characters, with and without wings." —Tina Welling, author of Writing Wild: Forming a Creative Partnership with Nature "The Nectar Collector has everything a kid looks for in a story—fascinating characters, a dynamite plot, and enough insight into the lives of bees to satisfy any budding apiologist. This is a book to be savored." —Tim Sandlin, founder and executive director of The Jackson Writers' Conference "A deep breath of caring." —Alice Crockett, retired school and public librarian Pollination, Purpose, and Power in Every Chapter. Alenya is no ordinary honeybee. She's a daring forager with a nose for the sweetest nectar—and a heart that refuses to quit. When wildfire smoke forces her hive into the mountains, Alenya must face down predators, unravel hive secrets, and confront a world turned upside down. With her loyal friend Shanahee by her side, she risks everything to protect her colony—and discovers just how powerful one small bee can be. The Nectar Collector is a heartfelt, high-stakes adventure about resilience, friendship, and finding your place in a world buzzing with challenges. With environmental themes, natural science details, and a strong female protagonist, this richly told insect tale is perfect for readers ages 8–12. Perfect for fans of Charlotte's Web, The One and Only Ivan, and other classic animal stories Great for classrooms exploring pollination, beekeeping, and environmental stewardship Blends adventure with eco-conscious fiction that inspires curiosity and care for the natural world Ideal for readers who love: Middle-grade novels with insect characters Nature-based storytelling with STEM tie-ins Chapter books about hive life and teamwork Kids' books on pollinators, sustainability, and courage