My favourite beginning bee book is Sammataro, D. and Avitabile,
A. (1986) The beekeeper's handbook. 2nd ed. Dexter, MI, USA;
Peach Mountain Press. 132 pp.
 
Very clear, easy to follow, with excellent diagrams, including
ones showing the basic hive manipulations which beginners often
want to know about and find very confusing.  The internal and
external anatomy diagrams also make excellent overheads for use
in beekeeping courses.