This book had some beautiful and important insights into the significance of the natural world and our connection with it. At times the book read a bit slow for me, however, I’m very glad to have read this book and now I know a lot more about insects and plants thanks to it.

This book is essentially a detailed travelogue of a journey back to a realistic perception of the natural world that sustains our being, with bees playing a guiding role in the journey.

When I say 'detailed' I mean the book goes into considerable detail in describing species (especially bee species), their behavior, and ecological aspects. As the journey progresses, the author's perspective broadens to assimilate other eukaryote (plants and animals) life forms.

As a naturalist I found the material interesting — certainly with its human touch more engaging than the dry scientific papers I try to keep up with. My fear though, is that the level of detail will be a limiting factor in attracting readership. Sales may be enough for the publisher, but I don't see that many delving into the contents.

If one thinks of eco-lit as a means to try to broaden the perspectives of the many that are mostly enveloped in the human bubble, then this book may not be a good starting point to breaking out. Many fascinated with their electronic gadgets and games may tire of this book quickly and miss the significant points within. On the other hand, this is an excellent book for those that have begun this journey and are desirous of more understanding.

Thus, though I applaud the authors effort, I felt I couldn't rate it more than four stars, and would not recommend it as a starting point for those that need coaxing. Our little blue canoe needs a critical mass of understanding if our youth are to have much of a future.