Book description
The ABCs of California's Native Bees - A Colorful, Call-to-Action Journey
Krystle Hickman's debut book feels less like a manual and more like an invitation to wander through the hidden corners of California with a buzzing companion in hand. Each chapter is a lettered vignette that pairs a vivid photograph with a short narrative about one of the state's most elusive pollinators. From the stealthy ground-nester "A" (the Agapostemon), whose pale blue stripes shimmer under canyon sun, to the flamboyant red-winged "Z" (Zeragato), every page is a triumph of both science and artistry.
What sets this book apart is Hickman's knack for turning technical details into stories that resonate with anyone who has ever watched a bee pause on a petal. She describes how certain species are devoted to a single flower type, or how others behave like "infinitesimal conquerors," raiding nests in the night. These anecdotes are punctuated by her own field notes-little moments of wonder that remind us we're sharing a planet with creatures far more complex than they appear.
The photography is nothing short of breathtaking. Every image feels carefully composed, as if each bee has been framed for a gallery exhibit. The contrast between the sharpness of the bees and the soft blur of their habitats gives readers a tangible sense of place-whether it's the dusty dunes of Death Valley or the shaded understory of a Redwood grove.
Beyond its visual feast, the book serves as a gentle rallying cry for conservation. Hickman doesn't shy away from the threats these insects face: habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Her voice is hopeful yet urgent, encouraging readers to support native plant gardens, engage in citizen science, or simply pause to observe the tiny wonders around them.
In short, The ABCs of California's Native Bees is an accessible, beautifully crafted celebration of biodiversity that will leave you both awed by the hidden intricacies of bee life and motivated to protect the ecosystems they inhabit. Whether you're a seasoned entomologist or just someone who loves a good story about nature, this book offers a delightful, eye-opening adventure that will linger long after you close its pages.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience