Part of the Mothers of Xsan series, The Bee Mother, or Nox Ap, offers readers a look at the distinct yet interconnected roles of bumblebees, yellow jacket wasps, and honeybees in Northwestern British Columbia. Written by author Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) from Gitxsan Nation, this beautiful book weaves the science of ecosystems and seasonal change into a compelling story-like narrative that embeds teachings about reciprocity, resilience, and value. With compelling and colourful illustrations by Metis artist Natasha Donovan, this informative book includes Gitxsan words throughout and introduces readers to the Gitxsan Moons, the Nox Ap life cycle, and the relational nature of living things. A valuable addition to any school library, this book is ideal for grade 2 to 6 lessons about life cycles, biodiversity, biomes, and First Peoples Knowledge of sustainability and stewardship.

Other End Matter: Information about the Gitxsan Nation and the Gitxsan Moons
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) (Gitxsan Nation), Illustrator Natasha Donovan (Métis)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Melanie M., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Hetxw'ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson (he/him/his), is from the Gitxsan Nation of the Northwest Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in this strong matrilineal society, Brett developed a passion for the culture, land, and politics of his people, and a desire to share their knowledge and stories. Brett has worked in the film and television industry for over 13 years and is a volunteer board member for organizations such as Ka Ni Kanichihk and sākihiwē festival. Brett also works with the Prairie Climate Centre to connect western science and Indigenous Knowledges.

The award-winning Mothers of Xsan series is Brett’s first series of books and part of a larger vision to share the worlds of the Gitxsan Nation. With the support of his wife, Jeri, and their children, Warren and Ruby, Brett endeavours to continue sharing stories with his writing, artwork, and photography.

Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson's profile page

Natasha Donovan is the illustrator of the award-winning Mothers of Xsan series (written by Brett Huson). She illustrated the graphic novel Surviving the City (written by Tasha Spillett), which won a Manitoba Book Award and received an American Indian Youth Literature Award (AIYLA) honor. She also illustrated Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer which won an Orbis Pictus Honor Book and an American Indian Youth Literature Award (AIYLA). Natasha is Métis, and spent her early life in Vancouver, British Columbia. Although she moved to the United States to marry a mathematician, she prefers to keep her own calculations to the world of color and line. She lives in Washington. www.natashadonovan.com

Natasha Donovan's profile page

Each of the Mothers of Xsan illustrated children’s books presents science within the cultural context of the Gitxsan Nation’s close relationship with nature, with an emphasis on mothers. The Bee Mother shines a spotlight on pollinators: bumblebees, honeybees, and wasps.

MONTECRISTO Magazine

AICL has enthusiastically recommended the other six books in the Mothers of Xsan series. The Bee Mother is a timely and relevant addition to the series. Highly recommended.

American Indians in Children's Literature

Described with delicious adjectives (“pillowy moss floor”) that enrich the story...lushly ­colored and detailed; the fur on the bumblebee looks ready to be brushed. This great blend of nonfiction with narrative and amazing illustrations will engage readers in the life of bees and their significance to the Gitxsan Nation. A solid general purchase.

School Library Journal

This is a book to read slowly and savour. Guided by a teacher or elder, middle graders can pore over sumptuous visuals as they build language skills, gain a better understanding of the Gitxsan, and appreciate the value of nature’s gardeners.

Quill & Quire

Who doesn’t like bumblebees? They shouldn’t be able to fly and yet there they are bobbing among the spring flowers and making Nature come to life. They are a wonder and this beautiful little book simply and colourfully explains why.

The British Columbia Review

I am forever enamored with the way that traditional depictions of the natural world that Natasha Donovan includes in her illustrations. The entire series masterfully blends together nonfiction information about different mothers with an emphasis on the interconnectedness between humans and non-humans.

The Tiny Activists