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