Celebrity chef Richard Sandoval pens children’s book to help save bees

Summertime is in full swing at Stoke & Rye at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon and the menu reflects the season. Celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval took time out of his busy schedule to join his talented team of chefs to create a Summer Solstice Soirée dinner paired with summer drinks on Thursday, the first official day of summer.

In addition to traveling to his many establishments and serving up light and refreshing dishes, Sandoval has been busy promoting his new book, “Viva Abejas,” which highlights bees and their role in the ecosystem.

“Viva Abejas” means “long live bees” in Spanish and follows the story of young Ricardo and his abuela, the Spanish word for “grandmother,” and Ricardo’s chance meeting with a character called “Queen Bee” in the yard and how the bee shares with him the importance of bees.

“The storyline was inspired by my own experiences … and the importance of family traditions,” Sandoval said. “I wanted to create characters that children could relate to and learn from, especially about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.”

Sandoval said he commissioned a talented Mexican illustrator, Andres Nunez Byeck, of the Yucatan Peninsula to create the art for this book to bring some of his cultural sensibilities into the book as well. When the book launched this spring, many of the properties within the Richard Sandoval Hospitality group incorporated bee-related ingredients into the menu.

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“Honey, for instance, is such a versatile ingredient and it was exciting to create new dishes and drinks that highlighted its unique flavors. These special menu items not only delighted our guests but also sparked conversations about the importance of bees and sustainability,” Sandoval said. “Many people are surprised when they learn about the crucial role bees play in our food chain. Bees are responsible for one in three bites of food. Educating people about these facts often leads to a greater appreciation for bees and more support for conservation efforts.”

Sandoval believes that educating the next generation about sustainability is crucial.

“Children are incredibly perceptive and capable of understanding complex issues when presented in an engaging way. By teaching them about sustainability through stories and hands-on activities, we can instill values that will guide their actions in the future. If we can make these topics interesting and accessible to children, we can foster a generation that is more conscious and proactive about protecting our planet,” Sandoval said.

The response has been positive, and Sandoval and his team have created classroom packets, learning modules and an educational video to help this message reach 60,000 young learners annually. Sandoval said that they have partnered with education and curriculum experts at Slow Food USA to design an in-classroom lesson plan to help bring hands-on learning more comprehensively to children in classrooms globally. 

“Many parents have shared that their children have become more interested in nature and more curious about where their food comes from. It’s been rewarding to see families engaging in discussions about bees and sustainability and even taking action by planting bee-friendly gardens or supporting local beekeepers,” Sandoval said.

Although Sandoval has built an empire with 60 locations across four continents, 11 countries and 10 U.S. states, doing this project has been very meaningful.

“Writing this children’s book has been one of the most fulfilling projects of my career. It’s a joy to see how a simple story can open up new worlds for children and inspire them to care about the environment,” Sandoval said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for sustainability and food through this medium. I hope that families will not only enjoy the story but also take its messages to heart and incorporate them into their daily lives.”

To learn more and to get a copy of “Viva Abejas” visit RichardSandoval.com.