Bren MacDibble was raised on farms all over New Zealand, so is an
expert about being a kid on the land. She now lives in Melbourne
with her family and a cheeky dog, works with gifted children, and
teaches writing at TAFE.
www.macdibble.com
'How to Bee by Bren MacDibble is a story full of contrasts -
delightful in its dialogue, thought-provoking in subject matter
and, at times, quite harrowing as the horrors of this future
reality is exposed. It is also a story of friendship and family -
the bonds that hold us together through tough times and the ability
to survive in situations not of our own making.
MacDibble hasn't avoided any of life's disappointments by skilfully
crafting characters who often challenge us; those who are flawed
and others who remain faithful throughout. She quietly introduces
her young readers to a world where domestic violence, child abuse,
phobias and environmental catastrophe have become the everyday.
Poverty and violence are never hidden in this book and neither is
love, tenderness and kindness. It's a must read for all ages - for
the adults who shape the world we live in and for the children who
will guide the future. How to Bee is an engaging read; a story of
challenging concepts offered within a heart-warming tale.' Reading
Time
...'MacDibble has created a vivid unusual world through her use of
made-up colloquialisms, which are quirky and easily understood. She
is skilled at describing a scene in a few brief words and her
dialogue is colourful and snaps with energy. The original voice in
the writing is one of the main strengths of this satisfying story
which will be enjoyed by most readers aged 8 to 12.' Magpies
..."How To Bee is enchanting and atmospheric, achingly beautiful.
Captivating until the final page.' Diva Booknerd
UK reviews:
'Quirky, original and heartfelt, this is an all too plausible
dystopian adventure, exploring themes of family loyalty and the
environment.'
Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, 16/02/2018 (Editor's Choice for Middle
Grade that month)
'How to Bee' is a moving, intelligent novel, offering plenty of
food for thought and a cast of appealing- and not so appealing -
characters which linger with you long after the story is
finished...
Sue Wilsher, North Somerset Teachers' Book Award, North Somerset
Teachers' Book Award blog, 14/06/2018
'MacDibble writes with confidence and ease - the book feels
different, atypical, which makes it shine brightly in the field of
current children's fiction. It turns out being is a complicated
business, but with books such as this, children will buzz with
excitement about their ability to influence their own futures.'
Claire Zinkin, MinervaReads blog
'How to Bee is perfect. It gave me the same shivers as 'Skellig'.
Not a word is wasted and the voice is compelling. This is a future
classic.'
Louise Nettleton, Bookmurmuration blog, 23/04/2018
'This story, set in a dystopian landscape, reminds us of the vital
role played by the bees that we take so much for granted, but there
is even more to the story than environmental issues. We see extreme
poverty and domestic violence but also courage and the ultimate
insignificance of material comforts when compared to the love of
friends and family.'
Jan Lennon, Carousel magazine, 01/10/2018
'This powerful, engrossing and engaging novel is a great
introduction to dystopian fiction and tackles environmental issues,
poverty, social inequality and problematic family relationships.
Peony is a strong and inspiring protagonist and, despite some of
the darker themes, this is a story filled with hope, as unlikely
friendships blossom and a strong sense of loyalty prevails.'
Seven Stories Centre for Children's Books
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