Whangamata abuzz with bee book for kids

Beverley The Bee the local song, book, honey, wrap and bag is written by local author Shaun Fay.

Finding groups of dead bees can be concerning for bee lovers.

Shaun Fay — who loves bees — was walking along the beach and particularly concerned when he saw a group of dead bees along the shoreline. He wondered why this happened.

''I learnt that a strong offshore wind can push bees out to sea and they can't get back. One big puff can be more than enough,'' he says.

At the same time he looked up and the Te Ra boat was just heading back to port.

''And the idea happened.''

Shaun has written children's book Beverley the Bee with accompanying song, a bees wax wrap, a jar of honey and bag. He wrote it during lockdown when he couldn't travel for work.

The book is about Beverley the bee who lives beside the Whangamata seaside.

''The message behind the book is that bees are the most important insects in the world and we all need to love them and look after them,'' Shaun says.

The book made it on to the Suzy Cato Show and has been played on children's television and radio shows throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Shaun has been in marketing for ad agencies and radio stations (including the Australian Radio Network as group creative director) for many years. With wife Diana, they own Beside the Seaside business which offers to find tourists local accommodation, bach care, aged care and publicity.

He says putting the book together has been fun. Shaun wrote the song, local musician Mike Frogley wrote the music and Simon Dallow's niece Katie Dallow sang it. They linked up with local companies for the honey and bees wax wrap and Emma Perrin illustrated the book.

People can buy the book, honey, wrap and bag for $29 at Whangamata Information Centre, Tairua Information Centre, Whanga Books, Whitianga I-Site Visitor Information Centre or online www.besidetheseaside.co.nz.