Los Angeles Times Best Science Books of 2025
Los Angeles Times Best Affordable Books for Plant Lovers of 2025
2025 Foreword INDIES Award Finalist, Environment & Ecology
"From windswept deserts to coastal bluffs and alpine meadows, Krystle Hickman's travels across wild landscapes reveal rare and elusive pollinators, each one meticulously photographed and arranged in a brilliant A-to-Z tribute. Her evocative writing brings each bee's story (and her own) to life." Olivia Messinger Carril, coauthor of The Bees in Your Backyard
"When Krystle Hickman talks bees, I listen. This book is a stunning portrait of the landscape around us, and then Krystle draws us in closer to a macro look at the overlooked, diverse, gorgeous, fascinating bees that deserve our attention and awe. As readers, we are so lucky to experience these creatures' stories through her eyes and words." Alie Ward, host of the Ologies podcast
"Nat Geo Explorer Krystle Hickman takes us with her on several years of adventures discovering the myriad fascinating native bees of California. If you've ever wanted to know more about our unique native ground and twig-nesting bees, this is the essential bee primer for you. I encourage you to dive in and enjoy this vibrant bestiary, illustrated with 237 of her breathtakingly beautiful original photographs." Stephen Buchmann, co-author of The Forgotten Pollinators
"Be warned. This book might induce readers to become more careful observers of bees, seek venues for nature walks or become curious about native plants. [ ...] A fascinating read [ with] superb photographs." California Review of Books