The Queen Who Banished Bugs: A Tale of Bees, Butterflies, Ants and Other Pollinators (If Bugs Are Banished)

Review\nThe Queen Who Banished Bugs eloquently demonstrates how even the creepy, crawly bugs that bite and make little ones very nervous play a crucial part in our natural growing cycle. Robinson's story is droll and quite funny at times, in spite of the awfulness of the Queen's attack on all insects. Mary Ferris Kelly's illustrations work splendidly with the story and enhance the mood of this book. Each panel is filled with details sure to catch observant young eyes. From the shocked looks on the doomed insects' faces to the unhappy faces that adorn Queen Libertine's skirts, Kelly makes each picture work so very well. The Queen Who Banished Bugs is a great selection for storytime, especially before a class outing or picnic where insect guests are a given. This book goes a long way to teach kids how each living being plays a part in our world. The Queen Who Banished Bugs is most highly recommended.\n"Very clever little book!" Amazon reviewer"The message is simple but so very important and timely." Amazon reviewer"Fabulous and fun way to teach children the importance of pollinators!" Amazon reviewer "Captivating writing and the exquisite illustrations." Amazon reviewer"Terrific illustrations and smart rhymes." Amazon reviewer"As entertaining for adults to read as it is for children to hear." Amazon reviewer\nDo you ever wish there were no bugs to bother you when you go outside? Not thinking it through, Queen Libertine flies into a rage when a tiny sweat bee lands on her heel, and she immediately banishes all bugs in the kingdom of Dunce.
"She didn't stop at caterpillars, moths, bees and ants -
bats, beetles and snakes did not have a chance!
All of these critters play important roles
in getting food in our cups, our plates, our bowls!"
After getting rid of all insects, Queen Libertine is livid when there is no more watermelon or cheese or cashews, all foods that rely on pollination.
One in every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators, so imagine only the hamburger bun on your plate, but not the meat or the French fries. (Wheat is self-pollinated, but potatoes and alfalfa (food for the cows) need insects!)
"Since reading Doug Tallamy's book, Bringing Nature Home, I love planting things that are useful to bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators," says author Ferris Kelly Robinson "This notable book changed my philosophy on gardening, and now I judge the importance of a plant by how much wildlife it sustains. So, when I walk through a garden or the woods and see lots of tattered chewed-up leaves on plants, I tip my hat to it and think, 'Good job.'"
With illustrations that are both enchanting and hilarious and a humorous rhyming verse, The Queen Who Banished Bugs addresses both the problem and the solution to our declining pollinators.