Bee the Change

By James Preller

The Big Idea Gang is buzzing with excitement! They're going to show Clay Elementary just how important bees can be in this chapter book series about making a case—and making a difference—by the author of Jigsaw Jones.

After Kym and Lizzie get the awesome opportunity to visit a bee colony, they realize all the wonderful things bees do!

But how can it be that these amazing insects are disappearing? And what will happen to our food chain without the great pollinators buzzing about? If only everyone else at Clay Elementary could understand how important the bees are for the environment! Now that's a big idea that needs to be shared!

With the help of Connor and Deon, Kym and Lizzie set out to show their school the beauty of bees, and use their powers of persuasion to make a difference in the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jul 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9780358056034

James Preller

James Preller is the author of the popular Jigsaw Jones mystery books, which have sold more than 10 million copies since 1998. He is also the author of Bystander, named a 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection, Six Innings, an ALA Notable Book, and Mighty Casey, his own twist on the classic poem, “Casey at the Bat.” In addition to writing full-time, Preller plays in a men’s hardball league and coaches Little League. He compares coaching kids to “trying to hold the attention of a herd of earthworms.” He lives in Delmar, New York with his wife, three children, cats and dog.

Book preview

Text copyright © 2019 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Illustrations copyright © 2019 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

All rights reserved. For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book, write to [e-mail] or to Permissions, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 3 Park Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10016.

hmhbooks.com

Cover illustration by Stephen Gilprin

The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file.

ISBN: 978-1-328-85770-5 hardcover

ISBN: 978-1-328-97339-9 paperback

eISBN 978-0-358-05603-4

v1.0719

For Jim Mullen, teacher, friend

—J. P.

— CHAPTER 1—

Top Secret!

Lizzy O’Malley opened the front door before Kym Park even reached the top step. Give me a minute. I’m almost ready.

It was nine o’clock on a sunny Saturday morning. A good time to catch up on sleep. But not for Lizzy and Kym. They were going to meet a beekeeper.

Kym held up a finger to her father, who was parked in the driveway. One minute, she signaled. Kym entered the living room.

Lizzy’s twin brother, Connor, was lounging on the couch. He was awake, but barely. There was still sleep in his eyes and a bowl of dry cereal on his lap.

Hey, Connor, Kym said. Do you want to come too?

Where are you going? he asked.

My parents’ friend is a beekeeper, Kym said. We’re driving out to his farm for the day. I’m super excited.

Bees? No, thanks, Connor said. I don’t like getting stung. Besides, I already have plans for today. I have a thing.

A thing?

Yeah, Deon and I are . . . well, it’s top secret, Connor said, holding up a hand. I promised Deon I wouldn’t tell a soul.

Kym stepped closer. Come on, what’s the big secret?

Sorry, but I’ve taken a solemn oath, Connor explained. There’s no way you can make me tell. Wild horses couldn’t drag it out of me. Not now, not ever.

Kym shrugged. Sure, whatever.

Lizzy hurried into the room with a backpack slung over her shoulder. I brought a package of Oreos, she said. I figured we might need them. You know, in case of an emergency.

Not cool! Connor protested, tossing a pillow in Lizzy’s direction.

Tough cookies, Lizzy said, grinning at her twin.

Kym reached for the door. Catch you next time, Connor.

Okay, okay, Connor said, rising from his seat. If you’re going to make a big deal out of it, Kym, I’ll tell you.

No, I’m good, Kym said.

Connor followed the two girls to the doorway. "Okay, if you absolutely have to know, Deon and I are making our own superhero comic book. It’s going to