"The Secret Life of Bees" Cookbook

Sue Bee Honey of Iowa has produced a Special Edition cookbook inspired by the feature film "The Secret Life of Bees," which opened in theatres in October 2008. All net proceeds from the sales of the cookbook will go to benefit First Book, a nonprofit organization that gives new books to children from low-income families.

The cookbook features recipes from the main cast members Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. They include dishes such as Honey Cornbread, Easy Homestyle Chicken, and Crispy Honey Drops, recipes for which can be viewed at Sue Bee Honey

First Book was founded in 1992 and has worked with a variety of existing literacy programs across the United States. Since its inception the organization has distributed more than 50 million books to children in over 3,000 communities.

When "The Secret Life..." was first published in 2001 I read it over a humid and lazy weekend that summer. I loved the book and never imagined that I would become a beekeeper a few years later. Books, when I was a child, were my dearest companions and my life-savers. I hope you will consider supporting First Book, to foster the love and excitement of reading in another child. Your contribution will be an enriching one and may help change the course of a youngster's life.

[Poster: Fox Searchlight]

Movie production begins for "The Secret Life of Bees"

Author Sue Monk Kidd has a new website on which she has posted this announcement:

"Fox Searchlight began principal filming for the screen adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees on January 9th in North Carolina.

"Written and directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood, the movie stars Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens and Academy Award Jennifer Hudson as her caretaker and 'stand-in' mother, Rosaleen. The two soon discover a trio of beekeeping sisters played by Queen Latifah (August), Alicia Keys (June) and Sophie Okonedo (May). Completing the cast is Paul Bettany as T. Ray, Tristan Wilds (Zach), Derek Luke (Neil) and Hilarie Burton (Deborah).

"Producing for The Donner's Company are Lauren Shuler Donner and Jack Leslie and for Overbrook Entertainment, Will Smith and James Lassiter. Joe Pichirallo will also produce."

Kidd's website: http://www.suemonkkidd.com