Szilvia S. Jennings’ Sophie Moon and the Honeybees named a Distinguished Favorite at NYC Big Book Awards

Szilvia S. Jennings’ children’s early chapter book Sophie Moon and the Honeybees earned a Distinguished Favorite honor at the 2026 NYC Big Book Awards. The recognition spotlights a story that blends beekeeping, emotional resilience and environmental themes for young readers.

Why it matters: - The award puts Sophie Moon and the Honeybees in front of a broader audience of parents, educators and young readers looking for books that combine storytelling with STEM and emotional learning. - The honor underscores continued interest in children’s books that connect personal growth with nature and environmental stewardship.

What happened: - Szilvia S. Jennings’ Sophie Moon and the Honeybees was named a Distinguished Favorite at the 2026 NYC Big Book Awards. - The book was recognized in the Children’s Inspirational category. - The NYC Big Book Awards highlighted the book’s themes of STEM, intergenerational bonding, mindfulness, personal growth and environmental stewardship. - The announcement was made Sept. 8, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

The details: - Sophie Moon and the Honeybees follows nine-year-old Sophie Moon during spring break at her grandfather’s log cabin. - Sophie expects a new puppy but instead receives honeybees and a hive to help install. - Sophie becomes curious about beekeeping and learns under her grandfather’s guidance. - As the school year moves through the seasons, Sophie uses the beehives for comfort and reflection. - The story shows Sophie navigating friendships, anxiety and fear while building confidence. - The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, Tertulia and other online book retailers. - The NYC Big Book Awards received submissions from around the world, including entries from the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Dubai, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. - Cities represented among the entries included Auckland, Baltimore, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hollywood, Johannesburg, Manhattan Beach, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Sydney and West Palm Beach. - Publishers represented included Beacon Press, Berrett-Koehler, Casemate, Edinburgh University Press, Forbes Books, Kiplinger Books, NYU Press, Palgrave Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Rizzoli, Routledge, The White House Historical Association, University of California Press, University of Nebraska Press, Weaving Influence Press and Wiley. - The awards competition is judged by publishers, writers, editors, designers, booksellers, librarians and professional copywriters. - Winners and distinguished favorites are selected based on overall excellence. - The awards sponsor said the field included authors from around the globe and expressed excitement about sharing the books with a worldwide readership.

Between the lines: - The recognition fits a broader market for children’s books that mix emotional development with educational content. - The bee-centered story gives the book a clear nature-and-science angle that may help it stand out in a crowded category.

What's next: - The full list of NYC Big Book winners and distinguished favorites is available on the award site: More information. - The NYC Big Book Award is announced every fall and is open to authors, publishers and illustrators. - The Independent Press Award deadline is Dec. 15 each year. - The Awards Dinner is scheduled for April 10, 2027, during BookCAMP on April 9-10, 2027.