Bugzee and the Bees is the story of a multigenerational African American family of beekeepers who teach the youngest member lessons about the importance of honeybees.
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I want to thank everyone for being patient during this process. This batch goes out to all backers in the lower 48. You should receive your package sometime next week. I have 5 international orders yet to ship and still 8 people who have not completed the survey, but their is light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait to hear what you think.
I am so happy to announce that the books arrived at my house, well 1,000 of them anyway. The other 3,000 are being warehoused because I just don't have the space right now. I just checked a few minutes ago and thanks to all of you 306 books were purchased and 296 will be donated to our 6 organizations and several elementary schools. I wouldn't "bee" here without you! Thank You Give me some time to prepare to ship your books. I will start hand delivering orders next week and mailing the following week. Nocola
Hello Bugzee Backers, Today is my birthday!!! Thank you for being patient while we wait for the shipment of books to arrive. I received word that the books will be in port on April 27th. I hope to have them in my possession by the middle of May and in your hands shortly thereafter.
We are still missing about 29 surveys and/or address updates. If you don't complete your survey, I will be unable to send your books when they arrive. I went in and updated local pickups who were either missing an address or survey. If you see my address 23855 Hollywood Road, don't panic. I put it in as a place holder in order to move forward with the process. Another link will be coming soon for your survey. Thank you
Some good news: Bugzee and the Bees was one of four books awarded a Story Monster Approved designation in the area of Cultural Diversity in 2024.
On Thursday of this week, we were rubbing noses with titans in the literary world. It was amazing to speak with authors creating books for underrepresented populations.
I'll let you know when I have the books. You'll "bee" hearing from me soon.
Hello everyone, Thank you so much to everyone who has completed their survey thus far. I checked in about 17 days ago and we have not made much progress. I won't be able to send you your books and goodies without a completed survey. The survey has about 4 questions and will take just a few minutes to complete. If you can't find the survey, please click here to retrieve it. https://bugzee-and-the-bees.backerkit.com/ As always, thank so much.
While you wait for Bugzee and the Bees, please consider downloading a Free ebook of The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant here: https://tinyurl.com/GetFreeElephantEbook
Hello Bugzee Backers, The Backerkit survey was sent to you earlier in the week. There are a few questions for you to answer regarding your order. I will send more information about the shipping charge (if you are not a local pick-up) closer to the time when the books will arrive at my home. So far, 36% of you have completed your survey, Thank you! If you did not receive your survey or it got lost in the spam pile, use this link to retrieve your survey. https://bugzee-and-the-bees.backerkit.com/
As 2024 comes to a close, I wanted to share some exciting updates on the progress of Bugzee and the Bees!
Book Updates
Our artistic director, Melinda Martin, has been working tirelessly to add some special features to the book as a thank-you to our incredible supporters:
Special Fold-Out Pages: We’ve included four fold-out pages featuring beekeeping terminology, definitions, and even photos from my own backyard apiary.
Duplex Dust Jacket: This double-sided dust jacket is a real treat! The front showcases the stunning cover art, while the back unfolds into Bugzee’s Beekeeping Basics, an infographic packed with honeybee facts we couldn’t fit into the main book.
Duplex Dustjacket
Illustrator Projects
Our talented illustrator, Tyrus Goshay, has also been busy with some exciting Bugzee extras:
Exclusive Campaign Sticker: Introducing the “I’d Rather Bee Reading” sticker, created just for our supporters!
Free Sticker for everyone
2. Bugzee’s Big Book of Activi-Bees: Tyrus and his team have begun work on a companion activity book filled with hands-on projects, jokes, puzzles, and coloring pages—all honeybee-themed.
Production Timeline
With all the amazing additions, we’re running about a month behind schedule, but here’s where we stand:
I’ve officially placed an order for 4,000 copies (OMG!).
A sample copy of the book has been ordered to ensure everything looks great.
The final edits are wrapping up to ensure the dust jacket, cover, and interior are error-free.
Delivery is now expected in late March to early April 2025. (But it could be earlier)
Keep an eye out for a survey in the coming weeks—please complete it promptly to ensure timely delivery of your book!
What’s Next
Later in 2025, look out for Book 2 in the Global Beekeeping Tales series: The Legend of the Boisterous Bear. This story, set in Georgia, will be illustrated by the talented Lika Labadee, who lives in Tbilisi, and guided by Melinda Martin as our artistic director once again.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year! You’ll “bee” hearing from me soon! 🐝
Bugzee and the Bees is a labor of love four years in the making. We are so excited to share this project with you.
Don't need a book about beekeeping. NO WORRIES, have you considered becoming a sponsor? We have partnered with some really great organizations around the world. We all believe that it is of the utmost importance to get books in the hands of children. All pledge levels $75 or higher have a book donation automatically built in. Check out our sponsor pledge level on launch day. Donated books will be split evenly between our six partners.
MY FAVORITE PLEDGE LEVEL:
For the majority of the campaign my favorite pledge level will be priced at $75. (That means you are buying six books for about $12.50 each). This pledge level includes:
3 books for you
3 books donated to our partners
1 Bugzee and the Bees E-book
1 Set of Lessons/Activities (PDF)
1 Mason Bee Craft Kit
1 Mason Bee Information Guide (Nature Watch)
1 Bugzee Sticker
1 Hip Hop Homestead Magnetic Bookmark
1 Social Media Shout Out
FOR OUR FOLLOWERS: On Launch Day you will receive an email with a "Secret" pledge tier that unlocks this same reward for $60. That makes each book just $10. That is quite a bargain for six 10 x 10 Hardcover, autographed books.
