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.
Hello book lovers! Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so I am excited to tell you a little bit more about Anandamayi Baker whose book Bee-Coming Strong charmed and captivated me from beginning to end! I personally would recommend this book to all of those that love inspiring children’s reads, it makes for the perfect read for children and parents/caregivers alike! With today’s author spotlight, a biography of the author and an interview between me and Anandamayi Baker will be shared, and I hope that you book lovers enjoy reading it! To kick this off here is an author bio about the wonderful Anandamayi Baker!
I am a lover of nature whose amazing childhood experiences with bees, butterflies, trees, and flowers were instrumental in getting me through the rocky environment of my early years. Through my long-time practice of yoga, I overcame my own corkscrew antenna and big glasses to lead a happy, healthy life. My desire to help children learn tools to become calmer, kinder, and gain greater self-esteem as well as connect more deeply to nature led me to write Jazianzza’s story. You can search my name and join our hive’s monthly newsletter for all things bees, mindfulness, inclusivity, and plain old fun!
Now, how wonderful does Anandamayi Baker sound?! Anandamayi Baker is a truly exceptional writer and I hope that you lovely readers have a read of the author’s work because you will not regret it! Please see below an interview between me and the author and I hope that you enjoy Anandamayi Baker’s answers to my questions, they are incredible and provide some great advice too!
Thank you for joining us today at Red Headed Book Lover! Please tell us more about yourself
Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Aimee. I honestly never thought I’d write a book. Growing up in a dysfunctional home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I found refuge in nature—studying ants, watching bees, and connecting with the living world around me. My grandfather kindled that love by helping me raise monarch caterpillars, showing me the magic of transformation.
After graduating from UC Davis with a degree in Community Development and Race Relations, I worked various jobs while searching for a deeper meaning to my life and the world. Everything changed when I discovered yoga and the teachings of master yogi Ramakrishna Ananda at the Yoga Center of California. For 40 years, the meditation and mindfulness practices have transformed my life from one of low self-esteem and confusion into joy and purpose.
Bee-Coming Strong emerged from all of this – my childhood refuge in nature, my yoga practice, and my desire to give children the tools I wish I’d had.
Could you please tell us readers about your book and what inspired you to write your book?
When I lived on beautiful Palomar Mountain, bees would regularly walk around the palms of my hands during outdoor meditation – a marvelous experience that planted the seeds for this book. I thought, “What if I could write a story that helps children become more aware of nature and gives them tools for handling life’s challenges?”
A rare autoimmune disease forced me to leave Palomar, and when COVID-19 hit, I remembered that original idea. During those isolated months, the answers that had helped me through my own struggles – mindfulness, breathing techniques, self-acceptance – felt more urgent than ever. Severe anxiety, depression, bullying, and loneliness were rampant, especially for children.
I asked the Universe for a sign as to whether I should write something that addresses these issues. The answer came clearly when a little bee clung to the car’s side view mirror through a rainstorm. I knew it was time to tell Jazianzza’s story!
Using my decades of practicing the path of yoga, combined with my deep love for nature, I endeavored to create a story that could help children become calmer, kinder, more inclusive, and more connected to the natural world.
Little Jazianzza – with her corkscrew antenna, her big glasses, and her brave heart – came to life.
What would your advice be for aspiring writers?
That’s a great question, Aimee! As I said, I never thought I’d write a book – especially not when I was in my 70s!
The greatest boon for me was discovering the Happily Ever Author Club, an online community where experts and fellow writers offer guidance, support, and accountability. That enthusiastic, supportive environment made tackling such a herculean task feel possible. Having cheerleaders matters enormously when you’re writing a book. It’s honestly a bigger project than you could imagine. A great saint from the 19th century said, “The company you keep is stronger than your willpower.” It’s so true, in every level of our lives!
My advice? Find your people – whether it’s a writing group, a trusted friend, or an online community. Listen to constructive feedback, even from nay-sayers, but don’t let anyone stop you. If an idea truly landed in your mind and heart, there’s probably a real gift in seeing it through, not only for yourself, but for others, as well. We’re all unique, and we have no idea how our stories might positively impact others. Honor that story if it settled within you.
Most importantly: never give up. If the idea came to you, it came for a reason. Trust that.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or do you only write when you feel inspired?
Aargh… I’m not the best role model for having a regulated writing life! Much of my inspiration for Bee-Coming Strong came from ideas that popped into my mind during meditation. There were days when I wouldn’t write anything, and I could feel it marinating. It took me a couple of years to write this little children’s book.
Many people swear by rigorous writing schedules – an hour a day, several hours a day – but that approach just didn’t work for me. I beat myself up about it until I finally realized we’re all different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for writing. The Happily Ever Author Club was wonderful at coaching us not to self-sabotage about our individual processes.
Here’s what I learned: whether you’re writing a book or raising a child, if we don’t have deep kindness for ourselves, it’s hard to give it to others. That lesson has transformed how I work. I’m grateful to experience the growth writing this book has brought me.
Lastly, when can we readers expect to read more wonderful books from you?
Another book? Well, there is one forming – again with Jazianzza as the main character! This story centers around Sam C. Pillar, a young caterpillar terrified of something he’s only heard whispers about but never seen. He’s supposed to build himself a little green enclosure and then… something big happens that he doesn’t understand. Complete transformation? How could he not be afraid?
When Sam meets Jazianzza early in his journey, will her wisdom about facing fear and trusting the unknown help him find the courage to take that leap? Are there other little creatures ready to cheer him on?
I’m excited to see where Jazianzza’s next adventure takes us. Stay tuned!
Its official book lovers, I am obsessed with Anandamayi Baker! If you have liked what you have read about the author and are interested in learning more, then please do have a browse of the links below! You will not regret it.
Goodbye for now book lovers,
