I often refer to my son Griffin as the bee’s knees. 

This, understandably, causes some confusion.  What exactly is meant by comparing someone to the knees of a bee?  Is it good or bad?  A compliment or an insult?  This poem, The Bee’s Knees, is my attempt at some explanation.

The Bee’s Knees -Version 1.0 (Text of the current paperback)

The Bee’s Knees – Version 2.0 (Extended play, for slightly older audience - paperback version forthcoming)

Kingston-based illustrator Nick Csernak (http://www.thekitschen.net/) has created a series of fun and lively drawings to accompany the poem and they are now published in a full-colour paperback.  The book can be purchased from Lulu.com, in either paper or digital format.

We depend upon bees to pollinate flowers and crops – they are a vital member of our ecosystem.  But around the world, bee populations are in decline, primarily due to pesticide use and habitat destruction.   A dollar from each purchased copy of the book “You’re The Bees Knees” will be donated to associations dedicated to preserving global bee populations, including Avaaz.org (https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees_1/?cl=896038176&v=8123).

To view and purchase the book from Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/you-are-the-bees-knees/14914620?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/2

You’re the bee’s knees
You’re the pod’s peas

You’re the brook’s trout
You’re the bean’s sprout

You’re the forest’s trees
You’re the ocean’s breeze

You’re the whale’s fluke
You’re the moose’s toque

You’re the maple’s keys
You’re the snowflake’s freeze

You’re the bobcat’s meow
You’re the eagle’s eyebrow

You’re the pizza’s cheese
You’re the pepper’s sneeze

You’re the grizzly’s growl
You’re the wolf pack’s howl

You’re the triangle’s threes
You’re the square’s equal degrees

You’re the circle’s infinity
You’re everything to me.

What I’m trying to say
In this roundabout way

Is that you’re the bee’s knees.
Everyone agrees.

Or, I could say this instead
You’re the best thing since sliced bread.

Kingston-based illustrator Nick Csernak (http://www.thekitschen.net/) has created a series of fun and lively drawings to accompany this children’s poem and they are now published in a full-colour paperback. 

The book can be previewed and purchased from Lulu.com, in either paper or digital format.

Enter coupon code IDES305 to get a 15% discount!

We depend upon bees to pollinate flowers and crops – they are a vital member of our ecosystem.  But around the world, bee populations are in decline, primarily due to pesticide use and habitat destruction.   A dollar from each purchased copy of the book “You’re The Bees Knees” will be donated to associations dedicated to preserving global bee populations, including Avaaz.org (https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees_1/?cl=896038176&v=8123).

To view and purchase the book from Lulu.com:  http://www.lulu.com/product/14914620

You’re the bee’s knees
What more can I say?

You’re the bee’s knees
And all that entails, okay?

Do you know what I’m getting at?
About bees, knees and all that?

You’re the segmented leg joints of hive-building, pollen-collecting, nectar-producing, flying insects, furry and fat
Smaller than a raven, but bigger than a gnat.

You’re the knees of the bee
I’ll re-phrase it, if I may.

The wee bees need their knees, you see?
Nevermind.  Let me put it this way:

You’re the bee’s knees
You’re the pod’s peas

You’re the pizza’s cheeze
You’re the pepper’s sneeze

You’re the brook’s trout
You’re the bean’s sprout

You’re the forest’s trees
You’re the ocean’s breeze

You’re the whale’s fluke
You’re the moose’s toque

You’re the maple’s keys
You’re the snowflake’s freeze

You’re the bobcat’s meow
You’re the eagle’s eyebrow

You’re the grizzly’s growl
You’re the wolf pack’s howl

You’re the triangle’s threes
You’re the square’s equal degrees

You’re the circle’s infinity
You’re everything to me.

What’s my point?  It clearly can’t be missed.
What I’m saying, merely, is just this:

You’re the bee’s knees.
Everyone agrees.

Or, what I could have said instead
It’s so obvious, it’s funny
You’re the best thing since sliced bread
With peanut butter and honey.