Billie’s Buzz

Alison Brown studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University and Goldsmiths College, London, and worked as a designer in an advertising agency before beginning a full-time writer and illustrator. She learned to draw by copying cartoon strips from her comics and her father’s newspapers, particularly the Peanuts cartoons by Charles M. Schulz. She lives in Leeds.

“A great book to help children (and some adults) to overcome their fear of bees – and we definitely need the bees.” – The School Librarian quarterly journal“A brilliant book to introduce bees to youngsters, while highlighting their importance to us all.” – Creative Steps Magazine“[Alison Brown's] illustrations are magical, she brings additional vibrancy to the story with them, Billie becoming incredibly real and everything being charming to look at and discover the detail in. A delightful celebration of being a bee and of being yourself.” – Armadillo Magazine“[A] beautifully written book, a celebration of bee-ing your true self.” – Parenting Without Tears“Alison Brown’s lovely story celebrates bees’ importance, and with fun illustrations to support the text.” – Absolutely Education magazine, Summer 2024 edition"A fun book a-buzz with an abundance of humorous detail on every spread and vital messages about being true to yourself and the importance of friendship.” – Red Reading Hub"The perfect book for young children who are nervous of bees or learning about their unique importance in the natural world.” – Lancashire Post“[With] lovely messages … around how important it is to be yourself.” – NewsChain