Rajko Radivojac
Author of practical beekeeping books and children's picture books
I write practical books on beekeeping under my own name and publish selected children's picture books under the pen name Ray Smart. This site brings together my books, background, and current work.
From First Hive to Honey Harvest
An Illustrated, Practical Guide for Beginners
From First Hive to Honey Harvest: An Illustrated, Practical Guide for Beginners is a beginner-friendly beekeeping guide that helps new beekeepers build a strong foundation before expecting their first honey harvest. Drawing on the author's firsthand apiary experience, the book offers clear, practical instruction on the essential early stages of beekeeping, including choosing an apiary location, obtaining healthy bees, selecting and preparing hives, understanding colony life, and managing bees through the seasons.
Written for readers with more questions than answers, the book emphasizes realistic expectations, careful observation, and steady learning rather than quick results. With more than 230 photographs supporting the instruction throughout, it provides an accessible, visually guided path from the first decision to keep bees to the knowledge and habits needed for a successful harvest.
Pčelarstvo – Ilustrovani priručnik za napredne pčelare
Beekeeping – Illustrated Manual for Advanced Beekeepers is a book published in Serbian for beekeepers who already understand the fundamentals of beekeeping and want to deepen their practical knowledge. It presents, in a clear and systematic way, the methods and technologies used in modern beekeeping, with particular attention to the production of all major bee products. Richly illustrated and grounded in real beekeeping practice, the book serves as a reliable guide for experienced beekeepers seeking greater confidence, better results, and a deeper understanding of their craft.
How to Say No
How to Say No is a warm and empowering picture book that helps young children understand their feelings, trust their voice, and learn that setting healthy boundaries is both important and appropriate. Through a gentle story and memorable examples, it shows children that saying "no" is not about being unkind, but about self-respect, emotional safety, and confidence. Thoughtfully designed to support early social-emotional learning, the book reflects key NAEYC-aligned values by encouraging emotional literacy, self-advocacy, and meaningful adult-child conversation.
The Adventure of Ray the Smart Kitten
The Adventure of Ray the Smart Kitten is an educational picture book for children ages 3–7 about courage, kindness, and the joy of discovery. When Ray, a smart and curious kitten, gets lost in the forest, he meets new friends, faces unexpected challenges, and learns that bravery grows through kindness, trust, and perseverance. With its gentle storytelling and charming illustrations, the book offers young readers a warm adventure that encourages emotional growth, curiosity, and confidence.
Matica – Osmijeh na licu
Matica – Smile on Your Face is a book published in Serbian for beekeepers who want to learn the practical art of queen rearing, both for the needs of their own apiary and for the market. Clear, focused, and richly illustrated with original photographs, it offers a valuable guide to one of the most important and specialized areas of modern beekeeping. Grounded in real practice, the book is designed to help beekeepers build confidence, improve results, and develop the knowledge needed for successful queen production.
Pčelarstvo – Ilustrovani priručnik za početnike
Beekeeping – Illustrated Manual for Beginners is a book published in Serbian for those taking their first steps into the world of beekeeping. Designed as a practical introduction to bees, beekeeping equipment, and essential beekeeping work, it gives beginners a clear and accessible foundation for understanding the craft. Richly illustrated with original photographs, the book combines useful guidance with visual clarity, making it a reliable companion for new beekeepers who want to build knowledge, confidence, and good habits from the start.
About Rajko
Rajko Radivojac is a beekeeper and author with many years of practical experience, observation, and education in the field of beekeeping. He has published three beekeeping books in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has written more than 40 articles for regional beekeeping magazines, establishing a strong and respected presence in practical beekeeping literature.
His work is shaped by a clear and experience-based style that values practical instruction, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of the rhythms of beekeeping through the seasons. He writes with the goal of making beekeeping knowledge accessible, useful, and grounded in real-world practice.
Rajko also served for many years as president of the beekeeping association Prva Pčela in Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he supported the local beekeeping community and helped promote the sharing of practical knowledge and experience among beekeepers.
Since moving to the United States, he has expanded his work into children's literature, publishing two picture books under the pen name Ray Smart. Across both practical writing and storytelling, his work reflects a commitment to clear communication, meaningful content, and a genuine connection with readers.
With a background in book publishing, magazine writing, leadership in the beekeeping community, and long-term hands-on practice, Rajko Radivojac brings credibility, experience, and dedication to everything he writes.