Ashley P. Moseley wins NYC Big Book Award recognition for children's book

Ashley P. Moseley's This Birdie Told Me was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Children’s Educational category at the NYC Big Book Award, bringing international attention to a rainforest-themed children's title that blends storytelling with STEM learning. Moseley will also appear on The GAB TALKS on October 13 to discuss the book and the role of early wildlife education.

Why it matters: - The NYC Big Book Award recognition puts Ashley P. Moseley’s children’s title in front of a global publishing audience. - The award can help expand visibility for a book aimed at ages 3 to 8 that combines reading, science, and conservation themes. - The recognition also adds momentum ahead of Moseley’s featured appearance on The GAB TALKS.

What happened: - This Birdie Told Me, written by Ashley P. Moseley and illustrated by Kayla Griffin, was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Children’s Educational category. - The honor came from the NYC Big Book Award. - Moseley will be a featured speaker on The GAB TALKS on October 13. - The announcement originated in Granite Falls, North Carolina, on September 29, 2026.

The details: - This Birdie Told Me follows a friendly scarlet macaw named Ranger through the rainforest canopy. - The book uses rhythmic verse and scientific facts to teach early learners. - The story includes information about scarlet macaws, their habitats, their diet, and rainforest ecosystems. - Griffin’s illustrations use bright colors to reflect the rainforest setting. - The book is positioned for children ages 3 to 8, along with parents and educators focused on animals, nature, and environmental awareness. - The NYC Big Book Award evaluates submissions through an independent panel of publishers, writers, editors, designers, booksellers, librarians, and professional copywriters. - Winners are selected on overall quality, design, and literary excellence. - This year’s competition drew entries from authors and presses around the world. - The field included submissions from countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Dubai, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. - Participating publishers included Beacon Press, Forbes Books, NYU Press, Penguin Random House, Rizzoli, Routledge, and Wiley. - The award program is announced every fall and is open to authors, publishers, and illustrators worldwide. - The award also includes an annual Awards Dinner on April 10 at BookCAMP, held April 9-10, 2027, with more information available here, here, and here.

Between the lines: - The win reflects continued interest in children's books that mix literacy with STEM and environmental education. - Moseley’s invitation to speak on The GAB TALKS suggests the award is helping elevate her platform beyond the book itself. - The scale of the competition underscores that the distinction came from a broad international field, not a niche contest. - Award sponsor Gabby Olczak said the program has “an amazing list of authors from around the globe” and said she was excited to share the books with a worldwide readership.

What's next: - Moseley’s October 13 appearance on The GAB TALKS will spotlight the book’s inspiration and her broader work as an author. - The NYC Big Book Award’s next public milestone is its April 2027 Awards Dinner at BookCAMP. - The award recognition may support broader classroom, library, and family interest in This Birdie Told Me.

The bottom line: - Ashley P. Moseley’s book earned international recognition for turning rainforest science into a children’s story with clear educational appeal.