Retired science and English teacher Jeannie Morrison penned “The King’s Nose, an Ecological Fairy Tale” in an effort to teach children about the role of bees and other pollinating creatures in the food chain.

It’s the story of a king who, because of a painful bee sting, orders the destruction of all flying insects in his kingdom. Bad idea for a guy who loves his royal garden with all of its beautiful roses. The king and young readers receive a valuable science lesson.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

The book’s illustrations contribute vastly to the story, and the true tale of the illustrator is most intriguing. The pictures, Morrison says, were drawn by her longtime friend Jeane Wallace, who suffers from a rare facial cancer that has caused the loss of her left eye, nose and the teeth on the left side of her mouth.

“Her paintings make the story so special,” Morrison says. “Many people would be defeated by this cancer, but Jeane continues to paint and volunteer.”

When Morrison was a science specialist at Highland Meadows, she says she designed lessons using White Rock Lake and neighborhood creeks to learn about the flora, fauna and water cycle.

Morrison has lived in Lake Highlands since 2001. She has five grandchildren — one is the namesake and likeness of “The King’s Nose” hero, Alexander. 

Find a copy of The King’s Nose at here at barnesandnoble.com.