The hive of honeybees living in Zinnia’s hair is actually the least of her problems. Her best friend, who also happens to be her brother, has left home with no explanation. And the one thing that makes her happy and keeps her sane - knitting - has just got her detention. She’s never felt more alone. But the bees have a lot to say about it
starting with finding her brother. AGES: 9-12 years AUTHOR: Danielle Davis grew up in Singapore and Hong Kong and now lives in Los Angeles where she reads, writes, and roller skates. She’s earned an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing and her short stories have been published in literary magazines. She’s had the privilege of teaching English to middle school and community college students and currently volunteers with literary organisations in L.A. Zinnia and the Bees is her first novel. ILLUSTRATOR: Laura Horton is a freelance illustrator who has always had a passion for family, creativity, and imagination. In 2014 she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration and animation from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. When not working, Laura can be found drinking tea, reading, and game designing. She currently lives in Espoo, Finland, where she’s working to obtain a master’s degree in game design and development. SELLING POINTS:

Quirky debut voice: Danielle Davis delivers a complex middle-grade novel that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt alone, strange or stranded.

Explores the coming-of-age issues of new friendships, family, loss, and finding one’s self

Cleverly infused with elements of magical realism.

Told from alternating perspectives: 12-year-old Zinnia and the colony of honeybees that come to inhibit her hair