Pollinator Pit Stops!

I can't think of a better way to end the week than with this book!

A Pathway for Pollinators 

by Michelle Schaub; illus. by Blanca Gómez 

40 pages; ages 4-8

Norton Young Readers, 2026

themes: ecology, pollinators, plants

Flitter.

Flutter.

Buzz.

Hum.

Come … watch a meadow thrum.

As cities grow, meadows go – where will the pollinators feed? In this book, children work together to create a chain of pollinator pitstops that connect the wild meadows beyond town limits to a city park. From rooftops and window boxes to patches of yard, they sow seeds of native plants that provide what the local insects, birds, and bats need.

What I like about this book: I love the lyrical language Michelle uses to bring us into the world of pollinator corridors. And the text reminds folks to be mindful about the ways we tend the plantings, by avoiding the use of chemicals that harm the pollinators. Back matter discusses why we need pollinators, why the pollinators need us, and the importance of choosing the right plants for a pollinator garden. There’s also a section about the importance of pathways as well as why we want to think about trees and shrubs as part of a pollinator pit stop. From the end pages through the pages, Blanca’s bright images invite us to explore the world of pollinators and their plants.

Beyond the Books:

Make a map of your neighborhood. Put in flowering trees that line the streets, and draw in where  people have planted flowers in gardens or window boxes. Is your neighborhood a good place for pollinators?

Create a pollinator pit stop. If you don’t have space in a yard, consider a 15-inch diameter container for a patio or balcony. Check out the lists of native plants for your region at XERCES 

Go pollinator-watching. You can watch bees or butterflies, hummingbirds, or even bats (in the evening). Keep a list of all the pollinators that live in and visit your neighborhood.

Michelle is a member of the STEAM Team Books group. You can find out more about her at her books at her website www.michelleschaub.com. You can find more about recently released STEM and STEAM books at www.steamteambooks.com

Today we’re joining Perfect Picture Book Friday. It’s a wonderful gathering where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's website. Review copies provided by the publishers.