Skilled workers, architects, builders, guards, cleaners and a selfless queen all working together in perfect harmony — welcome to the beehive.

Author Patti Sherlock of Goshen will sign copies of her new children’s book “The Nectar Collector” from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, 300 S. Capital Ave. in Idaho Falls.

The event is being held in conjunction with the museum’s current Society of Animal Artists exhibit. The book can be purchased on Amazon and in select bookstores.

“The Nectar Collector” is dedicated “to those young and old who stand up for bees,” according to Sherlock. The book aims to educate children about the importance and complexity of bees and their communities.

According to the book, bees organize their hives with designated roles including maintenance workers, architects, builders, guards, cleaners, nursery workers and undertakers. Despite having brains the size of a poppy seed, bees are able to organize their communities to serve and support each other.

Bees provide honey, which has antibiotic properties used in medical treatments for burns and infections. Medicinal honey is used to help patients who have developed immunity to antibiotics, and medical dressings are now being infused with honey for burn patients.

Bees also pollinate flowers, fruits and vegetables, making it possible for humans and animals to access nutritious foods.

Professional beekeepers have reported as much as a 65 percent loss in the bee population in 2024, according to information in Sherlock’s book.

Sherlock offers three suggestions for helping bees: Stop using pesticides that can kill bees, as chemicals sprayed on yards can be ingested by bees and carried back to their hives. Several bee-safe pesticides are available on the market, and recipes for homemade alternatives can be found online.

Plant native plants, which help bees thrive and are easier to grow than ornamental plants because they are suited to local soil and generally require less water.

Allow dandelions to grow. The springtime flower offers essential nutrients for bees. Dandelions can also be used in salads, teas and baked goods.

To learn more about “The Nectar Collector” and Sherlock’s other books, visit pattisherlock.com.