Valley Bees Community

Our Favourite Bee Books (and others!)

At the bottom of the page you’ll find some wonderful old / antique bee books, available here in their entirety as free downloads.

Natures Gift

A personalised book that answers all your questions about all things bees. By the Craig family. Local to S.E.Queensland and published here in the Mary Valley.

The Bee Book

‘This practical, readable and comprehensive book contains detailed information on honeybees and on every aspect of responsible, successful beekeeping.’ By Peter Warhurst & Roger Goebel.

The Australian Native Bee Book

Tim Heard’s award-winning book, a fabulous read, an absolute must to any Native Bee enthusiast or newbee – if you have one hive, two hives or 52 hives.

Australian Stingless Bees

This compact, easy-to-read book guides you through all aspects of our native stingless bees, from understanding the inner workings of the nest to caring for your own stingless bee or ‘sugarbag’ colony. John Klumpp.

The Australian Beekeeping Manual

The amazing book is aimed at both the novice and experienced beekeeper in Australia. By Robert Owen.

Backyard Bees

Self-confessed ‘beevangelist’ Doug Purdie is on a mission to help cultivate the population of local bees.

The Travelling Beehive

Translated from Spanish, this is a stunningly beautiful illustrative work, a real favourite and a must-read. Elena Garcia, Manuel Ángel Rosado and Juan Hernaz. Not available in print. Great Teacher’s Guide as well.

The Book of Bees

Be still thy beating heart – this book is an absolute favourite. Brilliant! By Piotr Socha and Wojciech Grajkowski. Available at our Valley Bees meets.

Winnie the Poo

Hmm, now where did I leave that HIVE TOOL?

We reckon: what beekeeper would be complete without A Pooh Connection?
This wonderful Bee Friendly Guide is only available online.

Meditation and the Art of Bee Keeping

Mark Magill weaves observations about the remarkable roles bees play in keeping wildlife thriving and cultivated crops blooming, together with personal experiences and practical insights gleaned from his years as a beekeeper.

AG Guide - Native Bee Handbook

The Ag Guide Australian Native Bees. It covers a fair bit, there’s a lot about Solitary Bees where most other books are all about Stingless Bees. “Combining the substantial expertise of many of Australia’s leading native bee researchers, this book is a guide to observing and keeping Australia’s broad range of native bee species.” Danielle Lloyd-Pritchard

AG Guide to Healthily Bees

Pests and diseases can attack specific stages in the lifecycle of the honey bee and they can also attack specific castes. This publication covers the management of pests, diseases and other disorders of the honey bee.

The Sugarbag

An adventure story of two young brothers, Jimmy and Max, who are on their way to visit their grandfather. On the way, they encounter a tiny native bee and hope it will lead them to some delicious sugarbag. Nola Turner-Jensen and Dub Leffler.

Quest for the Perfect Hive

A History of Innovation in Bee Culture
In this charming book, entomology professor Kritsky (who describes himself as “”stung with the love of bees””) incorporates material gathered over decades, from all over the world, to present a lively history of beekeeping.

The Hive

by Bee Wilson
Yep, that’s her real name!
British food journalist Bee Wilson investigates humans’ relationship with the honeybee.

The Honey Eater

The Honey Hunter Join one of India’s finest poets and one of France’s best-loved illustrators on a visual and poetic journey to the bee-heart of the Sundarban.

Stingless Bees

Importance, Management and Utilisation.
A Training Manual for Stingless Bee Keeping

The Honey Trail

IN PURSUIT OF LIQUID GOLD AND VANISHING BEES

A chronicle of the author’s world travels savoring local honey and learning the intricacies of its production.

Tasmania-based journalist Pundyk unblushingly compares a taste of honey to having “an orgasm in your mouth.” Grace Pundyk.

Letters From The Hive

An amateur beekeeper, entomologist and conservationist, Buchmann (The Forgotten Pollinators ) surveys humankind’s relationship with the oft underappreciated bee from prehistoric times to the present, emphasizing the necessity of protecting their habitats from environmental degradation.
Stephen Buchmann.

The Reason for Flowers

Their history, culture, biology, and how they change our lives. Author and scientist Stephen Buchmann explains how bees, butterflies, and other insects; birds; and bats all relate to flowers in ways crucial to the well-being of nature.
Stephen Buchmann