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.

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

An illustrated chapter book about escaping the hive mentality, overcoming stress, and discovering the joy of charting your own path.
click to watch the trailer
The story
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.
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
Engaging and relatable, Izzy's journey opens the door to meaningful conversations around emotional wellness and personal growth
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.
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.
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.

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








Choose your format
Enjoy the printed illustrated chapter book, read on any screen, or press play on the full-cast immersive audiobook.
The classic illustrated chapter book edition — perfect for independent young readers, educational libraries, or shared read-aloud discussions.
Izzy on any screen, ready in seconds — perfect for reading on the go, tablets, and digital classroom libraries.
An immersive full-cast production with music and sound. Press play and listen together.
…and many other retailers worldwide
The immersive audiobook
Nine performers — plus a choir of lady bees — bring Izzy’s world to life in the audiobook version of the story.

Narrator

Izzy · Jules · Lazy Guy Bee

Bumblefoot

Sheila

The Queen · Mocking Lady Bee

Waggle Dance Instructor

Tiffany

The Caretaker

Skeptical Lady Bee
Choir of Lady Bees — Anna “Nana” Dinyés · Megan Hannay · Shannon Ross

Mikkel Elbech & Ashley Milo
The creators
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.
Release party
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.