Slovenia Book Club Questions (link)

1.   What locations and landmarks did you recognize in Painted Hives?  What images, memories, or family stories do you associate with them?  How do these locations and landmarks connect to Slovenian heritage?

2.   The book describes Slovenia as a “magical place” where Wilber has an “Aha! moment”.  In what ways is Slovenia a “magical place” in your mind?  What “Aha! moments” have you had with regard to Slovenia?

3.   Do you have any Slovenian ancestors/relatives who were/are beekeepers?  If so, what do you know about their beekeeping?  Do you feel a connection to beekeeping through your Slovenian roots?  What do you think is different about beekeeping in Slovenia versus other places in the world?

4.   How does the Slovenia of today, the one you read about in the book, compare with the Yugoslavia you have heard about from family members?  What do you think of and feel when you imagine your grandparents or great-grandparents in Slovenia?

5.   Have you personally visited Slovenia?  If so, how did you feel when you were there, and what are some of your favorite places and experiences?  If not, what would you like to experience if you were to visit Slovenia?

6.   The generosity and graciousness of Slovenians is legendary.  How have you or your family experienced this generosity?

7.   What was your reaction to the Slovenian cuisine Wilber had?  Were you surprised he opted for pizza and cheese toast rather than goulash and potica?

8.   A few of the characters in the book come different ethnic backgrounds.  How is Slovenia a “melting pot” because of its location?

9.   The Slovenian language is notoriously difficult to learn.  What words or phrases were passed on to you from family members?  What do you remember about trying to learn the language?

10.  Why did your ancestors leave Slovenia?  What stories/thoughts/emotions does this bring about?

11.  What do you want your non-Slovenian friends to know about Slovenia?

Middle/High School Discussion Questions (link)

1.   Do you think Painted Hives is a believable story?  Why or why not?  Are parts of it believable?

2.   Why did Wilber make the choice he made at the end of the story?  Was this the right choice?  What do you think will happen next?

3.   What does Wilber learn about the world and about himself in his travels?  How have you learned from travel?

4.   Wilber takes a leap in going to Slovenia, a place he knew nothing about and had no connection to.  What country or countries would you like to travel to?  What would you like to learn about while you are there?

5.   Slovenia is described as a “magical place” more than once in the book.  What do you think of when you picture a “magical place”?  What are “magical places” that you have experienced?

6.   Throughout the story, Wilber is unable to see what is right in front of him and seems stuck following the path he thinks he is supposed to be on.  Why do you think it is difficult for people to see what is right in front of them?  What is the danger of getting “stuck on a path”?

7.   Why do you think the author incorporates bees into the story?  What did Wilber learn from his beekeeping experience?  What did you learn about bees from reading Painted Hives?

8.   Dr. Bob, Mr. Pulijn, and Lailith could all be described as mentors in some way to Wilber.  What did he learn from each of them?  Who are mentors in your life and what have you learned from them?

9.   How is Nina different from Wilber?  Why do they get along so well?  What do you think Wilber learns from her?

10.  How would you describe an “Aha! moment”?  What “Aha! moments” have you had in your life?

11.  Why do you think the author chose “Painted Hives” as the title of the book?  What is the significance of painted beehive panels and how does that represent what Wilber learns along his journey?

12.  What is the meaning of the first kiss?  Why do you think the author dedicates several pages to it?

13.  Wilber often finds himself in situations where he is outside of his comfort zone and needs to ask strangers for help.  What are some times in your life where you have needed to ask a stranger for help?  What is difficult about initiating a conversation with a stranger?

14.  How would the ending of the story have changed if Wilber had missed the ferry or if Mr. Beno hadn’t come along after the car broke down?  Do you think Wilber would have come to the same realization?  How do you think the story should have ended?

15.  How would you describe Wilber’s personality?  What aspects of Wilber’s personality do you see in yourself?

16.  What are the “signatures” or dominant traits of the other main characters in the book?  Why are these important?  In what ways can you relate to these characters?

17.  How would you describe the other elements of the story (in addition to Character): Plot, Setting, Conflict, Theme?

18.  What are some of your favorite bee puns from the book?  Why are puns an effective means of humor?

19.  Toward the end of the book, Wilber says his dad does not like technology because it draws people apart.  In what ways do you think this is true?  In what ways does technology help to bring people together?

20.  What is the significance of recurring dreams?  What are some recurring dreams you have had?  What do you think they mean?

Middle/High School Activities (link)

1.   Draw a map of Slovenia and Croatia, including major cities and tourist attractions.

2.   Research the history of Yugoslavia.  How was Yugoslavia formed?  Who was its leader?  What countries were part of Yugoslavia?  How did Slovenia gain its independence?

3.   Design 2-3 painted panels for a beehive.  What are the messages you want to convey in your panels?

4.   Using a design you find on the internet, build your own beehive from scratch.

5.   Research pollinators and their impact on the world.  In addition to honey bees, what other insects/animals are pollinators?  Why are they important?

6.   Write ten of your own bee puns/metaphors/one-liners.

7.   Research traditional Slovenian cuisine.  What are traditional foods of Slovenia?  Which of these would you like to try?

8.   Write an additional chapter for the story.  What would happen next?

9.  Rewrite the end of the story around a plot line of your own.  How do you think the story should have ended?