A Bee in a Matchbox - by Cynthia Zordich

Book Synopsis

A Bee in a Matchbox is a tender, beautifully illustrated story about looking past fear, discovering connection, and realizing that differences make friendships magical.

Chuckie, a lovable dog, has always been told to stay away from bees. Bees sting. Bees are dangerous. At the same time, Bee has been taught that dogs chase and hurt bees. But when the two finally meet, something surprising happens: curiosity replaces fear, and play replaces panic. When an accident leaves Bee injured, Chuckie must find a way to protect his new friend. With the help of his owner, Chuckie gently places Bee in a matchbox and stands guard for days.

Through warm storytelling and vivid illustrations, A Bee in a Matchbox reveals a universal message: sometimes the things we fear are simply misunderstood. Author Cynthia Zordich delivers a heartfelt, emotionally rich story brought to life by Anna DeMalo's expressive and lush illustrations. A perfect read-aloud for classrooms, bedtime, and conversations about kindness and acceptance.

Review Quotes

"A Bee in a Matchbox, Penn Hills native's children's book, captures an unlikely friendship"--Joshua Axelrod "The Pittsburgh Post Gazette "Good Person" Sunday Edition"

"Children and adults alike will be captivated by A Bee in a Matchbox and the magic surrounding how Chuckie and the bee became best friends. Overall, a great children's book with a relevant message!"--Christine Nguyen "Readers' Favorite"

About the Author

Cynthia Zordich is a writer, editor, and founder of THREAD, a private platform that connects the wives, spouses, and families of NFL players and coaches. She also serves as editor of The Playbook, a magazine dedicated to sharing the stories and voices of the NFL community and is the coauthor of When the Clock Runs Out. With her debut children's picture book, A Bee in a Matchbox, Cynthia brings her passion for storytelling to young readers, inspiring empathy, courage, and connection through the magic of an unlikely friendship. Cynthia is married to former pro safety, Michael Zordich, and they have three children, Michael V., Alex, and Aidan. Learn more at nflthread.com and beeinamatchbox.com.

Anna DeMalo is an illustrator and designer. A Bee in a Matchbox is her first illustrated book, sparking a deeper interest in visual storytelling beyond the page. Anna works freelance in merchandise design, runs a shop featuring curated handmade and vintage goods, and continues to pursue design and illustration across different forms. Visit Anna's shop at shopsunbather.com.