The Bees Knees Princess

This story is about the joy of meaningful work, perseverance, and family.

The true story of a Romany childhood... Gypsy Princess is a searingly honest account of what life is really like for travelling communities, for girls in particular, and captures a way of life that is slowly fading away. If you enjoyed the memoirs of Mikey Walsh and Jess Smith, you'll be enthralled by Violet Cannon's biography. 'A fascinating and enjoyable insight into Gypsy life' - Closer A true blooded Gypsy, Violet Cannon grew up the Romany way. Life was tough at times, living in a cramped one-roomed trailer, but, unbound by strict routines, Violet spent her days learning to keep home, playing and roaming the fields with a sense of freedom long lost to the rest of modern society. Immersed in the Gypsy way of life, her childhood set her apart from other children. Bullied by classmates, and segregated from 'gorgia' kids (all non-Gypsies), Violet eventually left school at the age of nine to live a life of travel, play and learning under generations-old Gypsy rules on the fringes of society. With traditional values at the heart of her childhood, the pressure of conforming and marrying young was intense. Violet was duty-bound to find a husband, but would her marriage lead to the 'happy ever after' she grew up believing in as a Gypsy girl? What readers are saying about Gypsy Princess: 'A fascinating and realistic look at what it means to be a Gypsy in today's society. A little understanding of Gypsy traditions goes a long way and I hope we see more biographies like this one' 'Violet is so likeable and warm, and the stories are written so vividly that you can really imagine yourself there' 'I could not put this book down - from the first paragraph I was hooked. I would love to read more about this fascinating lady and her family. By the end of the book I felt as if I knew them all'

Fromstiff upper lipto stomping grounds, an amusing look at the history behind commonly-used words and phrasesWhat makes someone "pleased as punch?" Why is New York City called "The Big Apple?" Why do we "dress to the nines?"And what does it mean to escape by the "skin of your teeth?" Every day speech is peppered with hundreds of phrases and expressions, but rarely are their origins contemplated. This intriguing survey delves deep into the history behind hundreds of common words and turns of phrase and uncovers their fascinating and amusing sources. From ancient idioms to up-to-the minute lingo, this is the perfect resource for etymologists and language-lovers alike."

"A buzz ensues when a princess bee is born in the Honey Hive, and in the midst of celebrating, Shimmer discovers that she may, in fact, be the long-lost jewel beetle princess of Mushroom Glen. Join Miss Spider and her entire family as they venture to the royal Beetle Ball, encounter some magical surprises, and find new friends along the way" --Adapted from jacket copy.

Illustrations By: Tara Larsen Chang Inside you is the power to do anything The Princess of Haiku, keeper of simple pleasures, has been kidnapped by her archenemies the Specter of Pandemonium and the Phantom of Excess, who currently inhabit two Ogre sisters, Plethora and Chaotica Glut. Simple pleasures everywhere are in danger. Guided only by a strange riddle given to them by an oak tree, Spiderwort, along with Rosemary, Periwinkle and Cinnabar, have only a little while to find the Princess and get her to safety. As always the fairies will have a little magical assistance this time from a well-meaning Scarecrow and the already ghostly Minstrel of Epic Poems. A world without simple pleasures would be unbearable and it has already started with the children of the world. If it should leave the adults as well, it might very well be gone for good. Luckily for everyone, fairies are the best problem solvers around and Spiderwort is one of the fastest thinking of them all! What if you discovered you had magical fairy powers? Meet the girls of The Fairy Chronicles, otherwise normal girls like you who are blessed by Mother Nature with special gifts. Their extraordinary adventures will change the world!

Benedict has a pretty sweet life for a bear. Every morning the bees leave a jar of honey on his doorstep, and every day he has honey for breakfast and honey in his tea. It’s an important part of his day. But all that changes when the bees go on strike.

When the princess bee is born in the Honey Hive, a celebration begins.