Cover image of "The Nectar Collector" by Patti Sherlock with bees and nature scene.

Pollination, Purpose, and Power

Alenya is a honeybee on a high-stakes mission—gathering nectar while navigating wildfire smoke, outmaneuvering predators, and helping her colony survive a season of change. Blending real bee science with adventure and humor, The Nectar Collector is a warm, fast-moving middle-grade novel for readers who love animal stories, environmental themes, and protagonists who don’t back down.

“A spirited forager and her closest companion are tested as their world changes.” —The Children’s Book Review

For readers ages 8–12.

Patti Sherlock
Softcover: 978-1-961905-64-1 | $12.95
E-book: 978-1-961905-72-6 | $5.99
October 14, 2025 | 246 pages | Ages 8-12 years​

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Study Guide

Wholesale inquiries from retailers and schools are welcome via our Contact page. Schools receive a 10% discount on all purchases. 12 Willows titles are also available through all major bookseller platforms. Download our Sell Sheet.

In the media

Two Bees in a Podcast – interview – “Writing, Beekeeping, and Inspiring Young Beekeepers with Patti Sherlock” – April 14, 2026

The Children’s Book Review – book review – December 2025

“Sherlock’s storytelling pulls us into a wealth of fascinating information about bees and their work while entertaining us with a gripping tale of loveable characters, with and without wings.”
—Tina Welling, author of Writing Wild: Forming a Creative Partnership with Nature

“The mix of real-world facts about honeybees with compelling fiction makes The Nectar Collector a memorable and rewarding read—highly recommended for middle-grade readers who enjoy anthropomorphic.” 
—The Children’s Book Review

“A deep breath of caring.” 
—Alice Crockett, retired school and public librarian

“The Nectar Collector has everything a kid looks for in a story—fascinating characters, a dynamite plot, and enough insight into the lives of bees to satisfy any budding apiologist. This is a book to be savored.”
—Tim Sandlin, founder and executive director of The Jackson Writers’ Conference

“A thoughtful, character-driven animal adventure, compelling allegorical fantasy, and a memorable and rewarding read. Highly recommended.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books