Elizabeth Weigandt

A unique fantasy adventure for readers, ages 8-12

As a young worker bee in a hive of thousands, Manuka knows she’s supposed to do her job and not make trouble. But, when a mysterious disease brought on by poisoned honey spreads, sickening everyone, she can’t stand mute. When she and her best friend, Cotton, try to warn their queen, the evil Acacia steps in and banishes them. Now they must find a cure while fending for themselves among predators in a treacherous world. On their adventures, they meet new friends: the brave bumblebees, the fierce killer bees, a lovesick male bee, and a fast-talking hummingbird, to name a few. But, before anything can be resolved, Manuka must face Acacia again and deal with her deadly horde of wasps.

QUEEN BEE is a celebration of the power of individuals, ideas, and teamwork. Young people will thrill in experiencing the amazing world of honeybees up close for the first time.

Praise for Queen Bee:

QUEEN BEE is the whole package for parents. It has a great and exciting story, which will be great for all kids. The main character, Manuka, is someone you instantly like. She’s a speak-your-mind kind of bee who calls someone out when she sees something wrong, and will do something if she sees the opportunity to help. Added to that is the subtle message woven throughout the story about the environment. This book will give parents many opportunities to talk with their kids about the environment and global warming, talk with them about bullying, talk with them about doing what you think is right, and let them discuss self-confidence and believing in one’s self. Queen Bee is going to be a huge hit. – Mark Cheverton, New York Times bestselling author of Minecraft-inspired novels such as INVASION OF THE OVERWORLD and BATTLE FOR THE NETHER

Queen bee doesn’t waste any time introducing the central conflict and from that moment on compels you through an epic story that weaves together a collection of delightful and memorable characters. Ms. Weigandt crafts scenes of intense action and imagery throughout, from the vast majestic interiors of the bee hives to the regal garb of its inhabitants. A story of friendship, self discovery and adventure, intertwined with an elegant mythology of the bees and their origins makes this debut an engaging first what I hope will be a longer running series. – Ian Tadashi Moore, Author, WHERE ALL THE LITTLE THINGS LIVE

The exhilarating tale of one bee’s journey to find her place in the world and a delightful blend of humor and action, filled with a memorable and endearing cast of characters you’ll want to revisit time and again. – Megan Cutler, Author, the MYSTICAL ISLAND TRILOGY

QUEEN BEE is a great book for young readers. It is a great way for kids to learn a lot about bees, how they live, work (and) survive together. The book contains a lot of accurate nonfiction wrapped up in a captivating story appealing to young readers. – Gretchen Abrams, education programs coordinator at The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Queen Bee is a richly imagined tale that will leave readers dizzy and delighted. Worker bee Manuka’s coming of age journey to save her hive is at turns challenging and relatable. Young readers will grow with her through the action, alongside a cast of diverse and memorable characters. It will have you believing there’s more going on in your backyard than you could have possibly dreamed! — Erin McAuley, Editor, Impluvium Studios

QUEEN BEE celebrates the power of the idea and becoming our best self. I appreciate the easy flow of the storytelling, the quirky dialogue and attention to detail as Ms. Weigandt paints every single hair on our heroine bee’s head and her surroundings so vividly and lyrically. There is an optimism and can-do spirit that weaves throughout the tale which I think will be quietly inspirational and entertaining for younger and older audiences alike. – Chris Kuhn, author of THE MUSE UNLOCKED and OUR SEASONS

This was an amazing book. The characters were amazingly defined. It is listed as a youth book but thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. Really highlights lessons learned and to be learned. Great book. – Anonymous reviewer (Amazon review)

I am a 4th-5th grade teacher, and the students in my class loved Queen Bee! The characters were so well-developed and fun to follow! We hope there is another Queen Bee book! – Kristi (Amazon review)

I bought a few of these books, what a great read!!! Perfect for a middle school boy or girl. – Lisa (Amazon review)

Very enjoyable read! I loved the beautiful world and spirited characters the author created. Nicely done. – Christine (Amazon review)

Manuka is an individual, independent worker honeybee in a hive full of honeybees that are supposed to think and act alike. She frequently finds herself in trouble for speaking her mind and exhibiting non-conforming behavior. It has been a dry season and flowers are scarce. The hive is sick from a mysterious illness and as Manuka questions authority, she and her friend Cotton are banished from the hive by Queen Bee attendant, Acacia. As their adventure begins, Manuka and Cotton make friends with the bumble bees and a savvy hummingbird among others. They hear of a “Sacred Tree” that may hold a cure for the hive. Her courage and determination to save her hive is resolute. Although written for the middle school age group, I enjoyed reading this book. I am looking forward to reading more in this series from the author. I highly recommend this book. – Patty Geiger (Amazon review)