WATERCRESS gets an ecological twist in this celebration of honeybees, agriculture, family, and—above all—kid power in the latest addition to Disney Planet Possible Books.
An eighteen-wheeler barrels across the country, loaded with over 400 beehives. It’s bound for the almond groves of California, and seven-year-old JJ is along for the ride!
Once there, the honeybees will pollinate the almond flowers, bouncing from tree to tree to help the almonds grow. These beehives are part of the honeybee highway, an expansive network of commercial beehives that play an essential role in growing the food that feeds the people of our world—just ask Joey J. She’s a honeybee expert and an essential member of her uncle’s team. Uncle Mike, Jose, and Joey load up the bee crates and make the long journey across the country—stopping only at night so as not to disturb the bees. After that, there is a lot to worry about, like how to keep the bees cool, passing inspection, and wondering if native pollinators will ever be able to help grow enough food to feed the planet.
With the lyricism and family relationships of favorites like WATERCRESS, this stunning debut sheds light on a little-known piece of our world’s food supply and celebrates the magnificent honeybee.
Shanna Upchurch has had her work acquired by the Highlights Hello magazine and is a critique group leader and active member of SCBWI. She grew up in rural, Midwestern America the daughter of a geneticist who encouraged her scientific explorations. Her memories of childhood include barefoot romps through the woods, observing crawfish and tadpoles in the creeks, and spying on families of cottontail rabbits nesting in the backyard. All of which gave Shanna a deep appreciation for the natural world. She currently lives outside of Dallas with a bunch of chickens and children where, in addition to her day job, she manages a small homestead. Her favorite part is tending to the bees, of course! She is well-known in the broader community as the person who will throw on a bee suit at any time of day to lovingly relocate a swarm or inspect a hive. Her own honeybees are quite spoiled and produce rich, clover honey on account of the fact that Shanna won’t let anyone mow the back pasture.
Dagmar Smith is an illustrator based in Virginia. Her work explores themes of idyllic daily life, sisterhood, and a quiet side of love. You can often find her holed up at a cafe with a hot drink. If she’s not there, scribbling away in a sketchbook, Dagmar is probably hanging with her calico cat, Penelope.
WATERCRESS gets an ecological twist in this celebration of honeybees, agriculture, family, and—above all—kid power in the latest addition to Disney Planet Possible Books.
An eighteen-wheeler barrels across the country, loaded with over 400 beehives. It’s bound for the almond groves of California, and seven-year-old JJ is along for the ride!
Once there, the honeybees will pollinate the almond flowers, bouncing from tree to tree to help the almonds grow. These beehives are part of the honeybee highway, an expansive network of commercial beehives that play an essential role in growing the food that feeds the people of our world—just ask Joey J. She’s a honeybee expert and an essential member of her uncle’s team. Uncle Mike, Jose, and Joey load up the bee crates and make the long journey across the country—stopping only at night so as not to disturb the bees. After that, there is a lot to worry about, like how to keep the bees cool, passing inspection, and wondering if native pollinators will ever be able to help grow enough food to feed the planet.
With the lyricism and family relationships of favorites like WATERCRESS, this stunning debut sheds light on a little-known piece of our world’s food supply and celebrates the magnificent honeybee.
Creators
Shanna Upchurch has had her work acquired by the Highlights Hello magazine and is a critique group leader and active member of SCBWI. She grew up in rural, Midwestern America the daughter of a geneticist who encouraged her scientific explorations. Her memories of childhood include barefoot romps through the woods, observing crawfish and tadpoles in the creeks, and spying on families of cottontail rabbits nesting in the backyard. All of which gave Shanna a deep appreciation for the natural world. She currently lives outside of Dallas with a bunch of chickens and children where, in addition to her day job, she manages a small homestead. Her favorite part is tending to the bees, of course! She is well-known in the broader community as the person who will throw on a bee suit at any time of day to lovingly relocate a swarm or inspect a hive. Her own honeybees are quite spoiled and produce rich, clover honey on account of the fact that Shanna won’t let anyone mow the back pasture.
Dagmar Smith is an illustrator based in Virginia. Her work explores themes of idyllic daily life, sisterhood, and a quiet side of love. You can often find her holed up at a cafe with a hot drink. If she’s not there, scribbling away in a sketchbook, Dagmar is probably hanging with her calico cat, Penelope.
