How Detroit’s Own Risonna Perkins is Turning Grief into Hope with "Meet the Buzzbees"

Detroit knows a thing or two about resilience. The community knows how to rebuild, how to lean on family, and how to find beauty in the hustle. For local author, property owner, and substitute teacher Risonna Perkins, that Detroit spirit isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s the heartbeat of her new children’s book, Meet the Buzzbees.

Born in Detroit and raised by a "trinity" of powerhouse women—her mother Constance, her grandmother Lauretta, and her aunt Cathy—Perkins has spent her life surrounded by examples of strength. But when cancer took all three women, Perkins faced a darkness that many in the community know all too well.

"I vowed to fight back," Perkins says. "I created a cancer awareness book for my city, my people, and anybody who has ever had to face cancer alone."

A Magical Journey Through Bumblebee Lane

Illustrated by the talented Susie Hartings, Meet the Buzzbees follows a young girl named Giselle who is grieving the loss of her pet bee, Buzzie. Along with her friend Gianni and the whimsical Susie the Snail, Giselle travels to a magical realm where she meets a royal family of bees living on Bumblebee Lane.

The book leans into "social-emotional learning," using the loss of a pet to help children navigate the complex feelings of grief without feeling overwhelmed. But the magic goes deeper:

• A Living Legacy: Characters like Constance and Eloise are inspired by the real women who shaped Risonna’s life.
• Scientific Discovery: Perkins, a self-proclaimed science lover, includes "Did You Know?" pages that teach kids about pollination and the environment.
• Local Roots: The story even features a shout-out to the local nonprofit Detroit Hives, connecting the fantasy world back to her city’s conservation efforts.

More Than Just a Story

For Perkins, writing this book was a way to "reclaim her power with a pencil" after a sudden career shift left her seeking financial and emotional independence. When her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2020—just as the world was shutting down—Risonna saw firsthand how difficult it was to find resources like oncology therapists and financial assistance.

"In my culture, when you’re looking for those resources, it’s often too late," she explains. "Proper preparation prevents poor performance. I wanted to put those resources in an easy place for parents to find."

Since announcing the book, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from families impacted by cancer. For Perkins, each message and review is another step in her own healing. As she puts it, this book was created with a pencil, imagination, and love—and through it, she found a way to bring her mother back to life on the page.

The book concludes with vital information for families, making it both a heartwarming tale and a practical tool for survival and healing.

Save the Date: Support a Local Author

Risonna Perkins is proof that even in the saddest situations, something wonderful can blossom. Come out and support one of our own as she celebrates the launch of this incredible project.

As Risonna says, "Nothing is impossible. Create your wildest dream and it just may come true!"

Follow on Instagram: @meetthebuzzbees

Pre-order now at Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes &

Author meet and greet at the main Detroit library on March 9 from 4pm-6pm