ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — In a quiet corner of Southern Maryland, where bees hum, stories bloom and generations live under one roof, author and educator Nocola Williams is planting more than just seeds — she’s planting legacy.
A retired elementary school teacher turned children’s author and backyard beekeeper, Williams launched her journey into writing and environmental education in April 2020, at the height of the pandemic. What began as a family garden in the backyard has blossomed into The Hip Hop Homestead, a multigenerational project — and the name of her publishing imprint. The name reflects a simple truth: “We love listening to music while doing our chores.”
Now, through her books and her bees, Williams is creating a movement — one that connects storytelling, environmental awareness and cultural reflection.
Bugzee and the Bees: Where Family Meets Nature
Williams’ latest release, “Bugzee and the Bees,” is loosely based on her own family. The story follows a young boy nicknamed Bugzee — an affectionate name given to her grandson Sage by his great-grandmother, Barbara Thompson. Set in a multigenerational home much like their own, the book introduces young readers to the world of beekeeping through a culturally grounded, accessible lens.
But Williams didn’t stop at the story. At vendor events, she invites community members to donate a copy of the book for $10, with each donation supporting second-grade classrooms in St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Her goal? Equip each classroom with 25 books, stickers, bookmarks and an in-person author visit that teaches students the importance of pollinators, the joy of storytelling and how they too can become Bee-Frienders — friends to the bees.
“It’s about seeing yourself reflected in the pages of a book,” Williams says. “When that happens, you’re part of the conversation. You’re not ignored. You have a sense of ownership in the world.”
Global Beekeeping Tales: Where Folklore and Ecology Collide
Williams is also the creator of the “Global Beekeeping Tales” series — folktale-inspired stories that explore beekeeping traditions around the world. The first installment, “The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant,” is based on research by zoologist Dr. Lucy King and explores the surprising relationship between elephants and honeybees in Kenya.
The series continues with “The Legend of the Boisterous Bear” (set in the Republic of Georgia) and “The Legend of the Fearless Falcon” (Malta), both in the production pipeline. These books challenge stereotypes, celebrate environmental caretaking and highlight the global impact of beekeeping through stories children can grow with.
The work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Williams’ books have earned multiple awards, including the Story Monsters Approved Award for Cultural Diversity, the International Impact Book Award and a Mom’s Choice Gold Award. Her work has even been reviewed in the American Bee Journal — a rare honor for a children’s author.
Giving Locally, Reaching Globally
Over 260 books have already been donated to beekeeping organizations across North America, including Detroit Hives, Sprout & Blossom in California and Honeybee Centre Kids in Canada. In Southern Maryland and Prince George’s County, her books are making their way into the hands of children through workshops, classrooms and community events.
But the mission doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. For the past two years, Williams and her husband have traveled to South Africa with the Amaro Literacy Mission, distributing books, school supplies and hygiene kits to orphanages and schools. They’ll return again this October.
A Life Lived in Full Bloom
Nocola Williams is not just writing books — she’s building bridges: between generations, across continents and through the pages of every story she tells. Whether it’s the buzz of bees, the laughter of children or the flip of a page, her work reminds us that every small act — every seed, every story — can grow into something lasting.
As she puts it best: “Our mission is clear — planting seeds that grow. Sharing our knowledge is what we aim to sow.”
Website for Book Donations:
https://www.thehiphophomestead.com/product-page/donate-a-bugzee-and-the-bees-book
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