Ten-year-old Daphne is abuzz with excitement! She’s learning the ins and outs of beekeeping from her grandmother. Together they assemble hive boxes, set up a colony, tend the colony and gather honey. Told in a simple, straightforward manner, this beautifully illustrated informational storybook is an excellent introduction to the many aspects of beekeeping. It includes lots of useful information, bee facts and more, all wrapped up in a story that celebrates the connection between grandparent and grandchild.

Catherine Dempsey lives on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Flatrock, a small town near St. John's. She and her husband began raising bees in 2012, starting with two hives. Soon she was involved with establishing the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association, building an active network of beekeepers across the province. A former elementary school teacher, Catherine loves sharing information about the joys and challenges involved with keeping bees. Daphne's Bees is her first book.

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• Winner, 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Children's Educational Picture Book

"Beekeepers know the sweetest tasting honey comes fresh from a beehive – this book is honey from a hive! It reminds readers of all ages of the special connection between us and our environment, as well as the importance of family, sharing, and time spent together."
— Dr. Andrew Byers, Senior Apiculturist & Program Lead, Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture

"The author has captured a love for beekeeping, and a true desire to share that love and respect for nature, with the next generation."
— Becky Wallroff, another beekeeping grandmother.

"Daphne's Bees is an essential book for students learning about nature and the importance of pollinators. It's informative and fun, and includes a lighthearted story with painted illustrations."
— Guest review, CanLit for LittleCanadians, Feb 15, 2023

"There's lots of food for thought in this story of a key agricultural activity in the familiar setting of a home garden, with in-depth detail to stimulate interest and new learning for young readers."
— CM: Review of Canadian Materials, Oct 28. 2022