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.

Natasha Donovan (she/her/hers) is a Métis illustrator originally from Vancouver, British Columbia. Her sequential work has been published in This Place: 150 Years Retold, Wonderful Women of History, and Thomas King's graphic novel Borders. She is the illustrator of the award-winning Surviving the City graphic novel series and Mothers of Xsan children's book series, as well as Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

. She currently lives by the Nooksack River in Washington State. @natashamdonovan

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"

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.

--Ron Verzuh "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"

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.

--Tamara Saarinen "School Library Journal"

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.

--Jean Mendoza "American Indians in Children's Literature"

Publisher: Highwater Press

Pub date: 2024-05-07

Length: 32 pages