Izzy, the busy bee

A children’s book by Mikkel Elbech · illustrated by Ashley Milo

The Story of Izzy the Busy BeeThe Story of Izzy the Busy Bee

An illustrated chapter book about escaping the hive mentality, overcoming stress, and discovering the joy of charting your own path.

Read all about it

click to watch the trailer

The story

So what’s the buzz about?

When Izzy takes on too many roles at Big Honey Incorporated, the pressure builds until he suffers a mid-air stress blackout. Rescued by a kind bunny named Sheila, Izzy discovers that there is more to life than the relentless corporate grind.

Friendship & Community Resilience & Mental Health Independence & Entrepreneurship

Complete with 12 engaging chapters and expressive illustrations by Ashley Milo, this story bridges the gap between light picture books and deeper middle-grade fiction.

It is a timely, beautifully told fable that translates real-world conversations about stress, work-life balance, and career autonomy into an inspiring adventure for young minds.

For parents, teachers & educators

Tiny bee, big lessons

Engaging and relatable, Izzy's journey opens the door to meaningful conversations around emotional wellness and personal growth

Friendship & Community

A thoughtful entry point for discussing what makes a supportive friend, how to reconnect after growing apart, and the value of building a healthy community.

Resilience & Mental Wellness

When exhaustion and stress bring Izzy down, he shows young readers that true resilience isn't about working harder—it's about recognizing your limits, accepting help, and finding a healthier path forward.

Independence & Self-Employment

Izzy’s journey from a cog in a giant corporate machine to the proud founder of 'Plan Bee' introduces young readers to the empowering world of independence, entrepreneurship, and creative self-reliance.

A natural fit for classroom read-alouds, social-emotional learning (SEL), and structured discussions around mental wellness, peer community, and self-reliance.

News of Orange County

In the press — News of Orange County

“Local author addresses stress issues with children’s book”

Read the interview with Mikkel Elbech about the story behind the story.

Meet the characters

Friends from the hive & beyond

Eight unforgettable characters brought to life through vibrant illustrations by Ashley Milo. Who will be your favorite?

Izzy — character illustration

Izzy

Bumblefoot — character illustration

Bumblefoot

Sheila — character illustration

Sheila

The Queen — character illustration

The Queen

Waggle Dance Instructor — character illustration

Waggle Dance Instructor

Tiffany — character illustration

Tiffany

Bruce the Friarbird — character illustration

Bruce the Friarbird

Jules the Daddy Raccoon — character illustration

Jules the Daddy Raccoon

Choose your format

Take Izzy home with you

Enjoy the printed illustrated chapter book, read on any screen, or press play on the full-cast immersive audiobook.

…and many other retailers worldwide

The immersive audiobook

The voices behind the buzz

Nine performers — plus a choir of lady bees — bring Izzy’s world to life in the audiobook version of the story.

Gary Middleton

Gary Middleton

Narrator

Mikkel Elbech

Mikkel Elbech

Izzy · Jules · Lazy Guy Bee

Mason Born

Mason Born

Bumblefoot

Mary Elbech

Mary Elbech

Sheila

Megan Hannay

Megan Hannay

The Queen · Mocking Lady Bee

Sara Peña

Sara Peña

Waggle Dance Instructor

Michelle Michaels

Michelle Michaels

Tiffany

Wendy Wagoner

Wendy Wagoner

The Caretaker

Molly Rosett

Molly Rosett

Skeptical Lady Bee

Choir of Lady BeesAnna “Nana” Dinyés · Megan Hannay · Shannon Ross

Listen to the full book
Mikkel Elbech and Ashley Milo, the author and illustrator of The Story of Izzy the Busy Bee

Mikkel Elbech & Ashley Milo

The creators

The humans behind the hive

Inspired by author Mikkel Elbech’s own journey from corporate stress to creative self-employment, Izzy’s story was written to give young readers the vocabulary to value mental health and independence early in life.

Written byMikkel ElbechIllustrated byAshley Milo

Release party

Release Party in Hillsborough, NC

On August 27th 2023, the release party for the book was held at Volume Records & Beer in Hillsborough, NC. Among attendees were illustrator Ashley Milo and several members of the audiobook cast. The book could be purchased at an impromptu pop-up shop, and Mikkel Elbech delivered a heartfelt speech. Photos by Will Gehrman.