For over 20 years I worked as a professional editorial and portrait photographer, the last seven of those in the world of the media. Then, quite by accident, I was introduced to beekeeping — and fell completely in love with honeybees.

The more I learned about these extraordinary little creatures, and how much our planet relies upon them, the more I wanted to tell everyone. So I put down my camera and picked up a pen.

My first children’s book, Betsie Valentine and the Honeybees, was written for children aged 7–9. As Betsie grew up alongside her readers, I wrote Betsie Valentine and the Honourable Honeybee for ages 9–12. The third and final book in the trilogy,  The Honeybees of Hope, takes sixteen-year-old Betsie to Uganda, inspired by my own journey there and the people, places and beekeeping projects I encountered along the way.

Alongside writing, I am a public speaker, travelling around the UK giving talks in schools, to community groups and at events. Through both my books and my talks, I try to share not only my passion for honeybees and the vital role they play in our world, but also what we, as humans, might learn from the way a successful colony works together.

For more about my books, talks and beekeeping, visit mdthequeenbee.co.uk