Lily Rosene, author, reading

Lily Rosene is a former high school English teacher who is passionate about literacy initiatives for young people. During her time as a teacher, she observed many students struggling to read on grade level. Rosene knew that many of the reading difficulties she saw in the secondary classroom presented themselves far earlier in students' reading careers. Once her son was born, Rosene confirmed that the joy of reading begins early and at the hands of the parents. She saw the importance of books with catchy titles, engaging artwork, and meaningful themes to initiate parent involvement in their young children's reading. After scribbling a few manuscripts on scrap paper, she shared her newfound dream of creating a children's book with her colleague, the high school art teacher, and the 'How to Bee' series was born. Rosene hopes families will enjoy sharing cozy little moments as a family that turn into big life lessons for little readers later on.

Prior Work

Lily Rosene's writing has been featured in Phi Delta Kappan's prominent education journal, Kappan, highlighting her experience raising English EOC scores in all of her 2021-2022 tenth grade classes through student-choice independent reading. While in the classroom, Rosene was also recognized as the Jordan-Matthews High School’s Beginning Teacher of the Year in 2020, Chatham County Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year in 2021, WRAL’s Teacher of the Week in 2021, and the Pell City Kiwanis Club’s Teacher of the Month in 2023.

Other Affiliations

Lily Rosene received her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, her master’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and her graduate certificate in teaching from UNC Charlotte.


Allyson Watwood is an art educator, watercolor artist, and graphic designer. Through teaching young people the joy of creativity, it sparked the need to create in herself. Watwood sees making art as the truest form of connecting with others and the world around her. Working with Rosene to bring her characters and stories to life allows meaningful, handmade art into the lives of children.

To view more of Watwood’s work, please visit:

Instagram: @allysonmakesart

Facebook: Watwood Creative

Etsy: watwoodcreative.etsy.com