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Bobbie Bee Apiary lives with his family in the little town of Beeville, located on Sunny Downs Farm. One day, Bobbie Bee develops brown spots, which are later diagnosed as an indication of Varroa mites. He must stay in bed and rest while treated with propolis and pollen. Eventually, it is revealed that Bobbie Bee caught Varroa mites from another young bee named Amelia, who he had helped free from a muddy bog near some reeds. Bobbie Bee kept it a secret since his parents had told him never to go near there. However, his sister Tiffany had followed Bobbie Bee and his friends, and she told on them to their parents. Their mother and father scold Bobbie Bee and Tiffany for keeping the truth from them, but Bobbie Bee feels good after telling the truth. He strives to make a greater effort to place more trust in his family.
This fully illustrated book has several layers of sweetness. For one thing, it is a nice introduction for children to beekeeping, which doesn’t get too technical but includes details sure to make them curious about the whole process. Even the fact that Bobbie Bee gets Varroa mites is educational since those parasites are hazardous to honeybees (although since the story is for younger readers, they get treated more like chickenpox). In addition, it is also a nice tale about a young bee who learns not to keep secrets from his parents, especially ones about going to dangerous places. Among the main lessons taught by the story is for children to share things with their families as a source of support and love. Overall, this book is a fun read. Children stuck in bed for a short while—or perfectly healthy elsewhere—would enjoy hearing it.