What makes this book unique?
Cate and the Garden Bandits incorporates general science facts to drive home the importance of how our world will only survive by interdependence. It also introduces more challenging vocabulary words for enrichment and to accommodate the learning loss that occurred during the early days of the pandemic.

Written by: Betsy Coffeen
Betsy Coffeen is an author, mom, and a lifelong learner. As a child, she spent many hours in her room writing stories that she published under her own press. She attended the University of Arizona, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then returned to school during the pandemic to finish her Master of Science degree in psychology from ASU.
Coffeen spent the last two decades of her life raising her three children and volunteering for Childhelp, a national non-profit aimed toward preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.  She held many board positions and fundraising roles. During her stint, she was honored with the Childhelp Helping Hand Award for her decades of dedication to philanthropy. When she is not writing, running or practicing yoga, she enjoys spending time at home with her teenage children, husband, cat, and dogs.

Illustrator: Ginger Seehafer
Ginger Seehafer is a commercial illustrator who resides and works in the Chicago suburbs. She loves working from her home studio, surrounded by her family, friends and her crew of pets. When she isn’t working on commercial storyboards, Ginger enjoys volunteering and teaching local students how to create art for themselves.

Publisher: Story Monsters Press
Story Monsters Press, an imprint of Story Monsters LLC, is a publisher of children’s books that offer hope, value differences, and build character. Each book also includes a curriculum guide complementing the story for parents and educators to use with young readers.  

Here is what others are saying…

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Cate and the Garden Bandits by Betsy Coffeen is a heartwarming book that children and adults alike will enjoy! As a grandparent, I appreciate books that teach children valuable moral lessons while also being entertaining. Through the character, Cate, children will learn not to assume things about others based on appearances. The wonderful illustrations by Ginger Seehafer are captivating and will keep children engaged with the important storyline. Bravo Betsy Coffeen and Ginger Seehafer!! (Deborah Edmisten~Author) ~Amazon Review by MysteryLover

Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)
“Cate and the Garden Bandits is a colorful, fun, and visually-stunning children's book filled with adorable, charismatic bug characters and a meaningful message about putting aside our differences and working together for the common good.

We'd expect nothing less from a book published by Story Monsters, one of the most prolific and successful publishers to grace our contest. They've garnered quite a reputation!

Cate and the Garden Bandits stands out as one of the best and most well-rounded children's books we've read. The writing is solid. The concept is solid. The illustrations are superb. The characters are adorable. The message is meaningful and resonates well with kids.

So, what is this book about? Well, this book follows Cate, a beautiful blue butterfly who lives and works in a “magical garden” full of flowers, plants, and other friendly bugs like Pete the Potato Bug, Davey the Dung Beetle, and Walter the Earthworm. The peace of the garden is disturbed when a mysterious new type of bug buzzes its way through, causing Cate to tumble off of her leaf. Soon, hundreds of flower petals in the garden go missing, and that mysterious bug appears to be the culprit.

Trying to make things right, Cate confronts the bug (a bumblebee) who sports an eye patch and looks rather intimidating. Cate attempts to start conversation with the bug and to tell them to stop taking the flower petals, but the bumblebee gets cold feet and flies away.

Cate pursues the bumblebee, finding most of the missing flower petals leading to a hive in the process. The bees confront Cate, treating her with a mixture of suspicion and fear. Rather than harming her, the bumblebees decide to show Cate what they've been up to. They show her their babies and explain to her that they need nectar from the flowers to produce honey for their babies. In return, they pollinate the flowers which causes them to grow and prosper.

This is an eye-opening experience for Cate, and soon after for the other bugs. The garden bugs and the bumblebees are able to work together to ensure their mutually beneficial situations.

This is such a great book!” ~Outstanding Creator

Cate and the Garden Bandits has the most beautiful and colorful illustrations. The storyline was adorable as well!

Cate and her friends work hard day after day in their garden to ensure all their flowers stay alive. Cate notices that flower petals keep disappearing, no matter how much they take care of them.

One day, Cate runs into a one-eyed bumblebee and sees he has petals. She follows him to see where he is going with them.

Just wait until you find out why he kept taking the petals...Will Cate still be mad when she finds out the reason why?

Author, Betsy Coffeen wrote a brilliant book which includes the main character showing empathy and compassion. ~Morgan L, Reviewer

Fluttering with enchantment, 'Cate and the Bumblebee' whisked me away into a world brimming with wonder and wisdom. This delightful story follows Cate, a charming butterfly, as she embarks on an enlightening journey following an odd yet kind bumblebee. Their adventure takes flight as the bumblebee unveils the secrets behind the importance of gathering pollen and nectar. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging dialogue, the story effortlessly imparts essential ecological lessons in a fun and captivating way.

If I were to offer a tiny suggestion, it would be to explore more opportunities for "showing" the emotions of the characters rather than relying on "telling." By emphasizing subtle body language, facial expressions, or even descriptive actions, the readers could immerse themselves further into the characters' emotional states, fostering a stronger connection with Cate and the bumblebee.

Overall, 'Cate and the Garden Bandits' is a joyous celebration of friendship and the beauty of nature. ~Julia H, Educator

A Butterfly Solves the Flower Garden Mystery

What a sweet read Betsy Coffeen has delivered with this book. The glossary at the end of the story is a nice touch, especially for kids like my grandson, who loves bugs. It will surely aid understanding for young readers. Her prose is fairly simple, but she's challenging them a little by expanding their vocabulary.

I loved the adorable illustrations. I'm not sure why the author gave the bumble bee one eye and an eye patch, but I'm sure children will like how easy it is to pick him out from the other bumble bees. I loved how illustrator Ginger Seehafer depicted Cate as she tumbled, her little legs made me laugh.

Thank you to Betsy Coffeen, Story Monsters Press, and NetGalley for the free advance reader's copy of Cate and the Garden Bandits. My review is unencumbered by obligation for it, however. It will make a terrific bedtime story. ~ Catriona L, Reviewer

Email/Phone: info@storymonsters.com; (480) 940-8182

Retail Price: $14.95

Pre-order your copy now and be the first to receive when available to ship!

Publication Date: 8/29/23

Trim Size: 8.5 x 8.5 Pages: 32 pages

Interest Level: Grades K-6

Creative Team

About the Author – Betsy Coffeen

Betsy Coffeen is an author, mom, and a lifelong learner. As a child, she spent many hours in her room writing stories that she published under her own press. She attended the University of Arizona, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then returned to school during the pandemic to finish her Master of Science degree in psychology from ASU.

Coffeen spent the last two decades of her life raising her three children and volunteering for Childhelp, a national non-profit aimed toward preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.  She held many board positions and fundraising roles. During her stint, she was honored with the Childhelp Helping Hand Award for her decades of dedication to philanthropy. When she is not writing, running or practicing yoga, she enjoys spending time at home with her teenage children, husband, cat, and dogs.

About the Illustrator – Ginger Seehafer

Ginger Seehafer is a commercial illustrator who resides and works in the Chicago suburbs. She loves working from her home studio, surrounded by her family, friends and her crew of pets. When she isn’t working on commercial storyboards, Ginger enjoys volunteering and teaching local students how to create art for themselves.

About the Publisher – Story Monsters Press

Story Monsters Press, an imprint of Story Monsters LLC, is a publisher of children’s books that offer hope, value differences, and build character. Each book also includes a curriculum guide complementing the story for parents and educators to use with young readers.