[SNS Total Followers 165,000!] SAKAE's Latest Work 'The Bee, Up, and the Star Honey Thief' Decided for Release on June 19, 2026!

Kodansha Ltd. will release the new picture book "The Bee, Up, and the Star Honey Thief" by SAKAE, a highly popular picture book author with a total of 165,000 followers on social media, on June 19, 2026 (Friday).

This work is the long-awaited second picture book in the popular "The Bee is a Star Honey Shop" series, which has been serialized in the magazine "Otomodachi" since 2024.

It is a book featuring beautiful illustrations meticulously drawn down to every corner of the pages, and a "search-and-find" element that offers new discoveries with each reading.

Embarking on a New Adventure Across Five Stars in the Universe! The Bee and Up's New Journey

In this installment, the Bee and Up go on a journey to collect special star honey for the annual "Star Honey Festival."

They visit five uniquely characterized stars: the Warm Star, the Fluffy Star, the Sparkling Star, the Fizzy Star, and the Crackling Star.

As you read the story, you might notice a child quietly following the Bee and Up, or characters from the previous book hidden within the pages... The book is packed with "search-and-find" elements where you have to look closely into every corner of the page to find the characters.

And making their first appearance in this installment is the "Star Honey Thief." Although a "thief," they are depicted with an irresistibly endearing and lovable appearance. Please read the picture book to find out what kind of character the "Star Honey Thief" is.

Stunning Illustrations and a Beautiful World That Adults, Not Just Children, Will Want to Read

A major appeal of "The Bee, Up, and the Star Honey Thief" is the beautiful illustrations meticulously drawn down to every corner, filling the entire pages.

With vibrant cosmic scenery, finely detailed backgrounds, and dynamic compositions, each turn of the page unfolds a world that seems to evoke sounds, light, and even textures.

The endpapers, found when opening the book cover, will feature the first-ever complete illustration of the Bee's house, which had not been publicly revealed before!

Furthermore, the end of the book includes a catalog of the "Star Flowers" that appear in the story. Filled with the author's playful spirit, you can enjoy every corner of the book repeatedly.

"The Bee, Up, and the Star Honey Thief" is currently available for pre-order at bookstores nationwide and online.

We encourage you to pick it up for your nightly story time or as a gift for someone special.

"The Bee, Up, and the Star Honey Thief"

Release Date: 2026/06/19

Price: 2,000 yen (excluding tax)

Details here (Kodansha Ane♡Hime.net)

https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/anehime/anehimebooks/0000422892

Author Information

SAKAE (Sakae)

Born in Hokkaido. Graduated from Osaka University of Arts, Department of Design. Since 2024, has been serializing "The Bee is a Star Honey Shop" in the magazine "Otomodachi" (Kodansha).

Past works include "The Ghost Cake Shop" (Micro Magazine), "Arekore Caldea Encyclopedia SAKAE & Suruba Fate/Grand Order Works" (Seikaisha), and "The Bee and Up's Galaxy Apple Pie" (Kodansha).

The first picture book, "The Bee and Up's Galaxy Apple Pie," is now on sale!

Having obtained a large "Apple Star," the duo sets off into space to find ingredients to make a "special dessert."

What kind of dessert will they create?

"The Bee and Up's Galaxy Apple Pie"

Release Date: 2025/04/10

Price: 1,600 yen (excluding tax)

Details here (Kodansha Ane♡Hime.net)

https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/anehime/anehimebooks/0000407847

Check the special website for the latest information on the "The Bee is a Star Honey Shop" series!

https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/special/hachi