This may sound like a strange recommendation, but there is a kids' pop-up
book with some clever name like "The Pop-Up Book of Bees" ;-) that I find
is a great "first book of bee biology" for non-bio types.  It covers all
the major Hymenoptera with special emphasis on honeybees.  Has a really
*wonderful* pop-up honeybee that is about 10 inches long and very detailed.
Cutaways with inside views of beehives, inside views of bumblebee nests,
etc.  Great for "compare and contrast" as well as a good intro to honeybees
and bees in general.  It's intended for kids, but even *I* found it to be
interesting and informative.
 
I'll have to check my copy for the author and real title.
 
--Jane Beckman  [[log in to unmask]]