Ned Kelly and the City of Bees — Thomas Keneally

Ned Kelly would never have imagined shrinking his size in order to escape the dreary hospital bed where he's recovering from appendicitis. But, that's exactly what Apis, his new friend (who happens to be a bee), helps him do with the aid of a special gold liquid. At apian size, Ned flies off with Apis and Nancy Clancy (who speaks only in rhyme) to try life in the hive. Although he questions some of their practices, like disposing of old drones who can't work anymore, Ned soon makes friends with the bees, including Romeo, a drone lovesick for the Queen, Basil, a drone-rights activist, and even the haughty Queen herself.