About this book

Lizzie is the busiest, buzziest bee in Hivetown! David Shannon's vivid artwork and Lizzie's endearing efforts to "do it all" will make children laugh aloud at her frantic antics as she juggles school, multiple sports, dance, violin, and art. With charm and determination, she longs to impress the Queen by winning a spelling contest, but she studies to the point of exhaustion. When she dozes off in the middle of the competition, the only solution is rest — and her refreshing visit to the local Garden finally teaches Lizzie to stop and smell the flowers, "which...is exactly what bees are supposed to do." Shannon's exuberant new book is funny and fresh, approaching the subject of over scheduled children (and adults) with breezy good humour and delivered with his signature fun and heart.

Reviews

"Shannon's illustrations are impressive in their ability to portray a wide range of emotions, activity, and detail. The art is expressive and exuberant, bursting with yellows, pinks, and reds. Lizzie's busyness is mirrored in visually busy illustrations, and readers will enjoy discovering plenty of bee-related puns in the details. Peppered with alliterative bs and zs, the lighthearted text delivers a message that everyone can appreciate: even busy bees need to stop and smell the roses." -- The Horn Book

"The bug-eyed characters in the illustrations are cleverly created with clothing that mimics the shape and texture of bumble bees and hair that gives each bee their own identity....This picture book has a timely message for a generation of families who may find themselves overscheduled." -- School Library Journal

"A powerful message in this time of overscheduling and de-emphasis of play." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Shannon humorously advocates slowing down to appreciate the small things in life in this bee-themed fable....Shannon's excited narration and bold bee caricatures befit a heroine who's always on the move, bringing a jittery energy to the pages." -- Publishers Weekly

Praise for Duck on a Tractor:

* "An energetic, laugh-out-loud tale that's a worthy companion to Duck's first big adventure." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Zany humor once again radiates from both pictures and text: reading out loud is a real delight. Bright, textured colors heighten the madcap antics of each character. The finale wraps things up with a mischievous wink. Fans of Duck's previous outing will revel in this return to gentle anarchy." --Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Too Many Toys!:

*"A master at capturing the workings of a young mind, Shannon combines realistic dialogue with his boisterous illustrations to create another surefire hit. This book provides a pertinent and appealing read." -- School Library Journal, (starred review)

"Shannon's sardonic wit will strike a chord with parents and children alike." --Kirkus Reviews

Praise for A Bad Case of Stripes:

*"Imaginative, vibrant, and at times good and spooky." --Kirkus Reviews, (starred review)
"Shannon's over-the-top art is sensational, an ingenious combination of the concrete and the fantastic." --Booklist