Kendal, an ordinary drone, makes his mark in a hive of 40,000 industrious female worker bees. Overcoming every obstacle, Kendal earns the greatest honor bestowed in the world of honey bees, the title of "First King of the Bees."

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 entertains 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 A. Hartigan 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.