
Kendal The Baker
Bee
by John A. Hartigan
6" x 9" Trade Paper, 156pp, $10.95. ISBN:
978-1-59663-788-7
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $9.95
A Tale about Heroes and Good Deeds
This is a values-packed fantasy for ages nine to ninety.
Neither genius, training nor athletic ability makes a hero. Follow Kendal, an
ordinary drone, as he makes his mark in a hive of 40,000 industrious female
worker bees. From his earliest days, he’s bent on being productive. But going to
bakery school comes first. It’s only then that Kendal the Baker Bee moves on to
prove his worth in his colony and to do good deeds wherever he goes.
Just as soon as he learns to fly, Kendal grapples with serious problems. His
troubles cascade at every turn, one after the other: killer bees, a forest fire,
a honey shortage, his brother drones’ despair and near bankruptcy of a little
boy’s family. Having overcome every obstacle, Kendal earns the greatest honor
bestowed in the world of honey bees, the title of “First King of the Bees.” But
his adventure can’t end here—there’s more to do. Kendal holds the key to
perpetuate a mysterious power that binds his ancestors over the last 400 years
with all 303 queen bees happy in retirement nearby. Kendal’s decision means a
long life or his death.
Kendal the Baker Bee leaves a lasting legacy that proves kindness can melt hard
hearts and that giving is more rewarding than receiving.
Kendal’s story will entertain and inspire all who dare to dream, whether nine or
ninety, or in between.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: During his 38 years of public service, John
Hartigan wrote thousands of administrative memoranda and analyses
involving finance and management of complex organizations. But a
persistent passion for creative writing brought him to the pad and pencil
in his spare time. In 1972, he penned the story of a honey bee for his two
children. Even today, they can recall vividly the exploits of Kendal and
his pal, Greeney the Caterpillar, who made them laugh and cry. Recently
Jean, his loving wife of 45 years, suggested he write a book. John never
looked back. He dusted off the four-page story of “Kendal the Baker Bee”
and wrote a full-blown fantasy adventure. Since retiring as Vice President
for Finance and Business at the State University of New York at Albany,
John has used his writing skills in behalf of nonprofit organizations. Now
he finds fulfillment by working on four new fantasy books. They all
reflect his belief that nature’s creatures and their fascinating lives
help in our quest to find meaning in our lives and in our relationships
with each other.