Bizzy Mizz Lizzie

Book excerpt: From a bestselling Caldecott Honor Illustrator, a tale buzzing with energy and humor about a busy bee who won’t slow down to enjoy the simple joys in life. 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 book is funny and fresh, approaching the subject of over scheduled children (and adults) with breezy good humor and delivered with his signature fun and heart. “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