FREE-SPIRITED JAZIANZZA has a problem. She’s got a corkscrew antenna and must wear big glasses. Will she always feel awkward in her hive? Will the wisdom of MamaQueenzieBee and her friend Tree be able to help her know that she is important just as she is, or will she forever have a sense that she is out of place? A honey bee learns to navigate bullies, build self-confidence, and foster inner peace in this illustrated children’s book. Jazianzza Azzaza Buzzabee is a young honey bee who cares for all creatures, including her new butterfly friend, Lydah, who recently had a scare after being chased by a hornet. Jazianzza is concerned, as is the rest of her hive, with the dwindling number of flowers to drink from and must cope with the bullying ways of her sister Sisizza and her gang. But luckily, MamaQueenzieBee (aka MamaQB) is there to help Jazianzza learn new ways to handle stress from without and within. MamaQB suggests that, just as bees shake off water from their wings, so should Jazianzza “shake off any sadness you feel. Shake off anything that isn’t you. Just because they’re not always happy doesn’t mean you should be the same way. Be Jazianzza in your own beautiful way.” The young bee later learns breathing techniques via a pollen ball placed on her stomach in order to emphasize the slow in-and-out breaths used to calm down. Everything Jazianzza discovers comes into play when she unexpectedly faces a hornets’ nest and must save her hive. Baker’s tale provides a compelling introduction to relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation—with readers being encouraged to try Jazianzza’s methods themselves—as well as different ways to approach bullying and learning to believe in yourself. The hero’s childlike wonder is adorable (and pairs well with the cartoonlike color illustrations by Martinache) and will spark a giggle or two, as when she’s remembering Lydah’s transformation into a butterfly: “She said that first she was an egg, and then a cat or a pillow or something like that, and she walked on the ground with a whole lot of legs!” This entertaining story delivers an engaging platform for adults to discuss meaningful issues with young audiences. Brimming with compassion, this sweet tale encourages readers to see the best in themselves. — Kirkus Reviews ​ Jazianzza the honey bee learns to navigate bullies, build self-confidence, and foster inner peace in this illustrated children's book, narrated directly to the reader. An empowering story for 4-9 year olds, as well as their caregivers! FREE-SPIRITED JAZIANZZA has a problem. She's got a corkscrew antenna and must wear big glasses. Will she always feel awkward in her hive? Will the wisdom of MamaQueenzieBee and her friend Tree be able to help her know that she is important just as she is, or will she forever have a sense that she is out of place? Bee-Coming Strong tells the story of Jazianzza, a delightful little bee who is curious about everything. Having had poor eyesight from birth, she once inadvertently flew into the side of her hive, leaving her with a corkscrew-shaped antenna. Supported by her new glasses, she delights in all the beauty she discovers as she buzzes her way through the world. She appreciates friendships with Lydah Butter Fly and Tree, living her life with wonder, curiosity, and joy. Amid her joy, however, she feels some sadness. Her sister bees chide her for getting lost and make fun of her for being different. Looking for solace, she goes to MamaQueenzieBee and asks for help. MamaQB, a very wise Queen indeed, teaches Jazianzza some simple but remarkably effective practices for building self-confidence and not allowing fear to overcome her. Children and adults who have read Bee-Coming Strong describe being captivated by Jazi's story and the colorful illustrations that bring her and her friends to life. Readers also report that they find MamaQueenzieBee's wise advice helps them in their human lives, too. A honey bee learns to navigate bullies, build self-confidence, and foster inner peace in this illustrated children's book. Jazianzza Azzaza Buzzabee is a young honey bee who cares for all creatures, including her new butterfly friend, Lydah, who recently had a scare after being chased by a hornet. Jazianzza is concerned, as is the rest of her hive, with the dwindling number of flowers to drink from and must cope with the bullying ways of her sister Sisizza and her gang. But luckily, MamaQueenzieBee (aka MamaQB) is there to help Jazianzza learn new ways to handle stress from without and within. MamaQB suggests that, just as bees shake off water from their wings, so should Jazianzza "shake off any sadness you feel. Shake off anything that isn't you. Just because they're not always happy doesn't mean you should be the same way. Be Jazianzza in your own beautiful way." The young bee later learns breathing techniques via a pollen ball placed on her stomach in order to emphasize the slow in-and-out breaths