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The Honeybee Highway
  • Published: 6 May 2026
  • ISBN: 9781368116022
  • Imprint: Disney Publishing
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $49.99

The Honeybee Highway

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WATERCRESS gets an ecological twist in this celebration of honeybees, agriculture, family, and—above all—kid power in the latest addition to Disney Planet Possible Books.

An eighteen-wheeler rumbles to life in Florida, loaded with more than four hundred beehives. Destination? The almond orchards of California, where millions of blossoms are waiting.

Seven-year-old Joey J isn't just along for the ride. She's got work to do. With Uncle Mike and expert driver José, she races through pit stops to keep the bees from flying away, keeps them cool under the blazing sun, and holds her breath at the final inspection site.

Because Joey J knows one thing for sure: These bees matter. They're part of an expansive network of commercial honeybees crisscrossing the country to pollinate food for people all over the world.

After four long days, the team arrives at the orchards. As her bees fill the sky, Joey J can't help but wonder—do they have any idea how important they are?

With the lyricism and family relationships of favorites like WATERCRESS, this stunning debut sheds light on a little-known piece of our world’s food supply and celebrates the magnificent honeybee.
  • Published: 6 May 2026
  • ISBN: 9781368116022
  • Imprint: Disney Publishing
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $49.99

Praise for The Honeybee Highway

Praise for The Honeybee Highway:

“THE HONEYBEE HIGHWAY is a fascinating, full-of-heart narrative about some of the most important inhabitants of our planet—honeybees! Through the kid-tastic voice of JJ, Upchurch shares a narrative I knew nothing about: the transportation of bees to farms around the country. Smith’s mesmerizing  illustrations bring this joyful journey to life. Kids will love this poignant, bee-autiful read-aloud!”
—Kari Lavelle, Author of the Butt or Face series

“I love the book! It made me cry! It reminded me of my childhood.”
—Monica King, VP Southern Arizona Beekeeping Association

“The Honeybee Highway is very well-written. I love the heroine, and the illustrations are perfect!”
—Rein Verbeek, President Florida State Beekeepers Association

“It's a lovely book—wonderful illustrations.”
—Tracy Malterer, President Wisconsin Honey Producers Association

“The story and illustrations are simply magical.”
—Roda Shope, Gardener, Beekeeper, @roda.indigo.acres on Instagram