The Bee-Man of Orn

By Frank R. Stockton

Book Overview

A poor old Bee-man must leave his beloved hives to search for his true identity in this wry, classic tale, transformed with splendid paintings by the incomparable P.J. Lynch "But what have I been transformed from?" "That is more than I know," said the Junior Sorcerer. "But one thing is certain- you ought to be changed back." When a young sorcerer appears at the Bee-man's hut and tells him he may have been magically transformed from some other creature, the old man packs up his honeycombs and sets off to find out just what his true nature might be. Maybe he once was the arrogant master of a fair domain? Or one of the dreadful monsters beneath the black mountain? On his journey, the simple but honest old man meets up with some memorable characters: a Languid Youth in search of invigoration; a lively, boot-colored Very Imp; and a fearsome dragon about to devour a baby, a baby toward whom the Bee-man feels strangely drawn. Brought to new life with enchanting illustrations by award-winning artist P. J. Lynch, this comic American folktale concludes with a final, satisfying twist that says much about fate, identity, and the captivating power of bees.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763622397
• ISBN13: 9780763622398
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 10.7" x 11.7"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Was written in 1887

I remember liking this story and the Maurice Sendak illustrations from childhood and just kind of assumed that the story was written around the time of the release of the Sendak illustrated edition. It wasn't as it turns out.

Stunning book

Beautiful tale, and the illustrations are wonderful. The CD showing the creation is a great way to have your child see and value the work that went into the book. Absolutely stunning. This book will move from the 5 yr old's shelf to mine when he turns 12, and then he'll beg me for it when he has a five year old. And that begging will be futile :)

great fairy tale

I ordered 5 of copies of the this book. We used it in a mother-daughter book club this summer. We visited a bee keeper, tasted many types of raw honey and honey comb. We learned many new things about the health benefits of honey. Some discussions that this book sparked: Are bees our friends too? Living things that are transformed in nature What animals transform food they eat into foods for people What is the difference between being magically transformed and being transformed through growth? The illustrations are beautiful. The Disc that comes with shows the artistic process. My children and myself found that very interesting.

The Bee Man of Orn

I agree with the above reviews completely! As an aspiring children's book writer and illustrator I can not praise JP Lynch's masterful ability to weave his illustrated visions with verse. I was so deeply taken by the detail of the illustrations of the book, that I was even more spellbound when I watched him share his process in the DVD. His journey into the illustrations is a wonderful accompaniment to the story, and not only that but the music that (he?) chose for the background make the adventure into his 'medievil world' all the more breath taking. I felt like I was there in the world of the story all the more as I watched the DVD & artwork unfold. I highly reccomend both the book and the DVD for aspiring artists and story lovers! As for children, or the child within any adult, it is a precious story of being true to who you already are!

Astoundingly Beautiful Illustrations & Story

Stockton outdid himself with this amazing story of the Bee Man - my all-time favorite picture book character. Exquisitely illustrated by P.J. Lynch, the story comes to life to tell of the Bee Man, aptly named for the swarms of bees he keeps as company. A sorcerer comes to reveal a life-changing secret to him, so he sets out on a journey to confirm its truth, and therefore his own origin. The living watercolor illustrations are positively luminous and as visually enchanting as any I've had the pleasure of witnessing. Impressive work by Lynch once again...he's truly one of the best in the business. The big bonus is the accompanying DVD highlighting Lynch's work in progress on this project. If you want to be awed, check it out.