“When I began to write, some people humored me. “You’ve always been out there!” Some tried to discourage me. “ You know what the odds are…you know how many writers there are out there?” Some were sarcastically nasty. “You, Leonard a writer?” While i don’t think about negative vibes too much let me tell you about where the inspiration for KELLY AND THE BEE came from.
I was walking in my alley admiring the flowers. I envisioned them looking good in my house. As I took out my penknife and started cutting some …a bumblebee flew into my mouth and down my throat.
From that experience onward I added a few scenes, marked up a few characters and 11 drafts.
Later I had a copy for my editor!! We’d like to give a thankful shoutout to Tessa Avila who was our shepherd throughout the publishing process. Tessa is a valuable bee in our hive of questions and queries! I hope you enjoy it and get a lot of pleasure reading to the young ones! Purchase here!” NEW RECENT MONTEREY HERALD ARTICLE FEATURING KELLY AND THE BEE AND THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR, PUBLISHED ON 9.19.2021. Thank you…Lenny!

REVIEWS

“I think the story is engaging and fun and the illustrations over the top.  Congratulations and good for you!!!!!” – Maura

“I got two of these books as gifts for my grandchildren. The book is well-illustrated, amusing, and sturdy in construction, a must for kids! :)” – Steve

“This story is lighthearted and fun, simultaneously it is hilarious and beautiful to look at. All ages would enjoy this story. Highly recommend!!” – Sophia

“I just read your book! The pictures are wonderful!!!❤️” – Sandrine

“Sorry for the belated response. The drawings are terrific and I am pleased that you shared yet another aspect of your person. Very impressive. Hope to see you soon.” – Alan

“I got mine! Your mail lady! Just need it autographed! The kids love it!” – Jolene

Lovely illustrations and verbal imagery, charming conundrum, wise mom, and a paean to the eructation arts. – Paul deLeon

I haven’t been keeping up on Facebook lately, but I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. If you still I Have to get a gift for a child I recommend “Leonard ONeill‘s Book called “Kelly and the bee” I got it for one of the few children in my life and she loves the book and I know many of my friends now have grandchildren so don’t wait to order it from Amazon and you will make some child very happy because not only is the story wholesome but the illustrations are beautiful. That’s it for me right now, and I’ll be getting back on Facebook soon but I had to get this out of me before another day when by. – Tony Albano

Reviewed By Amy Louise Hill for Readers’ Favorite
“Kelly and the Bee by Leonard O’Neill is a light-hearted book for children. In
the town of Pacific Grove, a young girl named Kelly is picking flowers from
her garden. Kelly loves to be outside, surrounded by nature, but one day
something unexpected happens. Whilst enjoying the fragrant smell of the
flowers, Kelly opens her mouth and a bee flies in! Kelly panics and tries
and tries to get the bee to fly back out again, but nothing works. After
trying everything, Kelly rushes into the kitchen to get help from her
mother. But when Kelly tries to explain what has happened, all that comes
out of her mouth is buzzing from the bee. Kelly finally thinks of a way to
tell her mother, but will she be able to remove the bee that is now lodged
in her throat? Find out in this enjoyable book.
Kelly and the Bee was a pleasure to read. It is a short but sweet book that
children are going to love. The story itself makes you feel calm and
relaxed, as the main character happily picks flowers from her garden. I
feel children will benefit from this wonderful book in many ways as it also
has an educational aspect to it. When reading, I thought about how it
could be used to teach children to appreciate nature more, because it
shows how enjoyable it can be to surround yourself with nature. The
illustrations are fun and vibrant which fit perfectly with the story’s theme. I
hope to see more of Leonard O’Neill’s work in the future and wish him all
the best!” – Amy Louise Hill

Hi Lennie!
I was talking to my brother Jay’s daughter who told me that their three-year-old girl is absolutely obsessed with your book. She insists that it’s read to her every night and she has added to the beautiful artwork on the cover pages.

I had to tell you.
I did read it before I gave it to her, loved it, but refrained from any artistic additions. Didn’t think it needed anything:)

Hoping you’re well and good. Spring is finally making its way to Maine and I’m suddenly looking to put in screens. No complaints.
Give me a signal if you’re coming east sometime.

Best, Maura

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