Lane Cove Local Releases the Bee Detectives Story with CSIRO

Lane Cove Local Vanessa Ryan-Randall has taken her love of bees to the next level.  She has released a book called Bee Detectives published by CSIRO.

We asked Vanessa a few questions about the book and her life in Lane Cove.

How Did Your Love of Bees Begin?

About 4 years ago, we bought our own stingless beehive, so I became quite interested in them.

I started to look for some picture books about these bees but could only find one!

I then sat down and started writing a story about these bees, and after about a year, I had a manuscript worth sending to CSIRO. The rest is history!

Bees are so important to our world. Everyone knows about the honey bee, but they are not native to Australia (although their honey is delicious!).

We have lots of bees native to Australia, such as the social stingless bees and then the ones that live alone – such as the blue-banded bee, teddy bear bee, and the carpenter bee!

How Did You Get Into Writing?

I am a primary school teacher and have written educational material before and many lessons but never a picture book.

What is the Book About?

When Olivia and Hamish see a smoky haze coming from their local park, they’re ready to spring into action! But it’s not a fire – it’s a nest of Australian stingless bees that needs their help.

Kids join Olivia and Hamish as they learn about the bees in our backyards. From Blue-banded and Teddy Bear to Carpenter and Leaf-cutter bees, our two budding Bee Detectives discover how our native bees live, what they like to eat and the important work they do to pollinate plants.

Kids will explore the wonders of Australia’s native bees – and be inspired to become a Bee Detective, too. It’s a real buzz!

The book introduces kids to different types of Australian native bees and gives fascinating facts about how they live.

Aspiring Bee Detectives can learn how to help native bees and attract them to your backyard.

The Book features detailed illustrations to help kids identify native bees they might find.

How Can I Buy The Book?

The book will be stocked at the Burns Bay Bookery from 1st April 2021.  You can also purchase online here.

How Long Have You Lived in Lane Cove?

We have lived in Lane Cove for about ten years.

Where is Your Favourite place to Grab a Coffee in Lane Cove?

I am not a big coffee drinker, but our favourite pizza shop is Geos!

What Are Your Favourite Lane Cove Activities?

I love getting outside and am passionate about trying to make the world a better place, even if it is just in my own household for now. I think we all think life is too hard, convenience is too easy, and the world will be ok if we keep treating it and the people who are different the way we do. I love to bushwalk and play soccer with the Lane Cove Football Club Over 35’s

Contact

Website:  www.vanessaryanrendall.com
Instagram: @vanessaryanrendall
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @educateempower11/

Vanessa is also available for:

  • Talks on Gifted Education
  • Writing teacher notes for books (picture books, junior fiction and young adult fiction)
  • Book reviews, Author Interviews and Book tours.
  • How to live in a city and be more sustainable

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