books – Site Title

Countdown to Christmas

🎄✨ The Gentle Countdown to Christmas with Honey & Hubie ✨🎄

As Christmas draws near, the world begins to buzz. Shops fill, to-do lists grow longer, and the days seem to whirl by in a mix of excitement, errands, and festive chaos. Yet somewhere between the wrapping paper and the rushing, there is a quiet kind of magic—one that whispers instead of shouts. And that is where The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie shines brightest. In the days leading up to Christmas, when everything feels fast and full, this story offers something rare: a moment to slow down. A soft place to land. A warm breath in the middle of winter’s hurry.

🌟 A Story That Brings Calm to the Christmas Countdown

While adults check calendars and children count the sleeps until Santa arrives, Honey and Hubie remind us of the kind of wonder that doesn’t rush. Their world is full of gentle courage, small acts of friendship, and the kind of imagination that warms even the coldest December day. Reading their adventures becomes more than just story time. It becomes a pause… a quiet moment shared… a way to settle the heart during the busiest season of the year.

🎁 A Cozy Escape for Families

As Christmas approaches, evenings grow softer—twinkling lights, warm rooms, and time spent together. Honey and Hubie fit perfectly into that space. Children lean in to hear about fairies, woodland creatures, and the brave little greyhound who learns to face her fears. Parents find themselves relaxing too, drawn in by the sincere sweetness of the tale. It is the kind of story that helps families breathe again—something peaceful to balance the noise and excitement of December.

🎄 A Christmas Countdown Full of Wonder

This year, why not make Honey and Hubie part of your family’s countdown?

•Five days before Christmas: Meet Honey and Hubie and slip into their magical world

• Four days before Christmas: Pause the holiday rush with a chapter of soft adventure

• Three days before Christmas: Share a lesson about courage and kindness

•Two days before Christmas: Let imagination take over where stress used to sit

• Christmas Eve: Cozy up together for a heartwarming read that ends the night with smiles

By the time Christmas morning arrives, children aren’t just excited for gifts— they’re filled with wonder, joy, and the warmth of stories shared.

✨ A Book That Feels Like a Calm Winter Night

In a season that often moves too fast, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie reminds us to slow down. To enjoy the small moments. To sit together. To let imagination be the gentle snow that settles over everything else. Christmas may be busy, but a good story has the power to quiet the world for just a little while… and Honey and Hubie do exactly that.

📖 Begin your calm Christmas countdown here:

👉 The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Excellent-Adventures-Honey-Hubie/dp/1838759301

May your days leading up to Christmas be cozy, magical, and filled with adventure. And may Honey and Hubie bring your home the gentle calm the season sometimes forgets to offer.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie

As a teacher who reads to his class, I’m always looking for stories that capture attention, hold imagination, and open the door to meaningful discussion. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie did all three. The dedication alone – “May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of” – sets the stage for what this book does best: keeping that spark of imagination alive.

My students were immediately drawn to Honey, the miniature greyhound, and her unlikely friend Hubie, the bold green frog. Together they explore a world that’s whimsical but surprisingly relatable. The fairies, Moppets, and talking woodland creatures kept the class giggling, but what stayed with them was Honey’s courage — especially when she faced her fears to cross the pond or help another creature in need.

From an educator’s perspective, the pacing and structure work beautifully for group reading. There are natural pause points, making it easy to discuss what’s happening and predict what might come next. The descriptive writing creates clear visual imagery — something that helps young readers connect words to imagination. I even had a few students draw their favorite scenes, and every one of them was different. That’s the mark of a story that lets kids think for themselves.

What I appreciate most is that this book doesn’t preach. The themes of bravery, empathy and friendship emerge naturally through Honey’s journey. the story invites reflection without spelling out a lesson, which makes it a wonderful tool for teaching emotional intelligence and creative thinking.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie feels like a classic in the making — a story that could easily become part of a yearly classroom rotation. It’s warm, heartfelt, and sincere, reminding children that courage isn’t loud or perfect; sometimes it’s just taking that next small step into the unknown.

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I teach in a large city elementary school, and I look for books that speak to kids who’ve seen a lot. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie does the job. It’s imaginative without excess and heartfelt without preaching. Honey, a small greyhound, and Hubie, her frog friend, step beyond their garden into a wider world — fairies, Moppets, even a skunk — where courage and loyalty matter. My students connected with Honey’s quiet bravery and the steady, respectful tone. The pacing invites discussion, not noise. It opens space to talk about fear, empathy, and standing up for others. If you want a calm read-aloud that builds character and curiosity, add this to your classroom shelf.

Thank you.

The Publishing Journey

It is not just about writing the book, spending hours and hours on end putting it together, getting lost in a world where magic happens, but then comes the question, “What to do with it?” after it is done and finished.

The search began for a publisher who would love my book and give it a chance. I had two offers. One a mega publisher and the other a smaller children’s book publisher. I went with the big one thinking my book would be in good hands. Thinking and the reality are two different things but that’s for another time.

Publishing took a long time as did the illustrations and the back and forth with the publisher. There were times when I was absolutely frustrated and other times when I thought they were doing a good job. The day I had been waiting for came and I got the message that the publishing day was just around the corner! There was a certain sense of euphoria I can’t explain. I was on cloud nine but nervous at the same time. Will it make it? It was a question that kept doing rounds in my head. Then I saw the finished product and I was happy and not so happy. There were certain things that did not set too well. The book size for one thing. The cover was eye-catching and I liked that part.

I had a book out there! The publisher wrote saying, “Success of the book depends on you.” Hmm….I wasn’t sure what that meant. What do I do now? It was hard work getting the visibility that was needed to bump the book up from under millions of titles. Daunting? Yes. Then there was the question of ratings and reviews. In the beginning, it was mostly 5-stars and I was floating around. It was doing well, this little book of mine. However, I came falling back to earth when the first not so good review knocked me off my pedestal! I was irritated, frustrated and I wanted to reply but was told that silence is the best approach. I kept my cool and more reviews started coming in, mostly 5-stars and that one review that still bugs me was relegated to a space at the bottom rung of the ladder.

I still wake up some mornings and rush to see if the book is doing fine. When I see that it is, I breathe a sigh of relief and that, my friends, is more than irritating to say the least. I’m talking about my dependence on a book to bring my mood up or to bring it all the way down. I’ve decided that I’ve done my part and the book will do just fine. I will help it along but if it is a good book, it will find its way.

The sequel is finished and has been accepted. I want to wait a while before I go through the same process again. NOW, I just need a movie producer to pick the book up and to turn it into a hit! Any takers?

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie

When I sat down to write The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie, I wanted to capture the kind of day every child secretly hopes for: the day when the world opens up beyond the garden fence and you discover that courage and friendship live inside you. Honey, the little Italian greyhound, begins the story very much like many of us do—safe, loved, and yet quietly restless.

She has a warm home, caring owners, and a familiar routine, but her heart is tugged by the idea that there might be “something more” just beyond the fence. Hubie, her bright green frog friend in a pirate hat, is that “something more” come to life: he is curiosity, mischief, and optimism all rolled into one.

As Honey follows Hubie out of the garden, the story becomes a journey through all the magic I remember from my own childhood walks in the woods: talking animals, music in the trees, and tiny folk who live in unexpected places. Along the way Honey meets the Buttercup Fairies, joins the Moppets’ grand celebration, learns to swim with the help of a graceful swan, and even helps
rescue baby Carmelia from the fearsome Screeches. Each encounter is meant to feel like a small, complete adventure, but they all circle back to one idea: we grow braver and kinder when we step outside our comfort zone for the sake of someone else.

At the heart of the book is the friendship between Honey and Hubie. They tease, they disagree, and they frighten each other at times, but when real danger appears, Honey finds herself willing to risk everything to protect her friend.

That moment—when a quiet, uncertain little dog stands up to a threatening Screech—is the true center of the story. Hubie later tells her that real
friendship is when you care so deeply for someone that you would give your life for theirs without thinking of your own. I wanted young readers to see that bravery doesn’t always roar; sometimes it looks like a trembling friend who refuses to run away.

The book is dedicated to my son, and that dedication is very real. I wrote this story hoping that he, and children everywhere, would never lose their sense of fantasy, because it is where compassion, courage, and creativity first learn to walk.

Honey ends the day muddy, tired, and smelling like a skunk, but she is also changed: she has danced, swum, rescued, laughed, and learned what true friendship feels like. It is not a “perfect” ending, but a perfectly honest one—a
reminder that the best days are often a little messy, a little risky, and filled with memories that last long after the bathwater runs clear.

T. J. Mueller

A Beautiful Book Review

A Fresh Look at The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller
📚 Get your copy on Amazon

I recently spent a quiet afternoon reading The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie, and I wasn’t expecting it to charm me the way it did. I thought it would be a simple children’s story, but there’s something genuinely special about the way this book blends imagination with gentle life lessons.

The first thing that caught my attention was how naturally the author brings her characters to life. Honey, the miniature greyhound with an enormous amount of heart, instantly feels like a character children can connect with. And Hubie — the bright green frog with a rainbow stripe down his back — adds a playful energy that makes their friendship feel real and endearing.

What surprised me most is how effortlessly the story invites readers into its world. The places Honey and Hubie explore feel almost dreamlike, yet grounded enough for kids to picture themselves right beside the characters. The mix of magical creatures and simple moments gives the book a comforting balance of excitement and warmth.

As I read, I kept thinking about how well the book captures the emotions children experience when they try new things — curiosity, nervousness, bravery, and the joy of succeeding. Nothing is overexplained or forced; the story lets kids understand these feelings through Honey’s journey. That’s something not many children’s books manage to do well.

The writing has a soft, comforting rhythm, which makes it especially nice for a bedtime read. You can pause between scenes and talk with kids about what they think Honey or Hubie might do next. It’s the kind of story that naturally encourages conversation and imagination, without feeling like a “lesson book.”

Knowing a bit about T. J. Mueller’s background makes the story even more meaningful. You can sense her deep connection to nature and childhood wonder in every page. Her writing feels sincere — not polished to perfection, but honest and full of heart. It reminded me of the kinds of stories that stay with children long after they’ve grown.

If you’re looking for a children’s book that blends adventure, gentle messages, and a big dose of imagination, this one is definitely worth picking up. It has that timeless feeling that makes you want to revisit it again — not just for kids, but for the adults who read along with them.

📚 Get your copy on Amazon

Honey, the Greyhound

I saw this review online and it was a good one. It also said that the book was a “potential classic in the making.” That is a huge compliment. I’ve read all the classics from Charlotte’s Web, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz and the list goes on and on. Those are timeless classics, beautiful stories that have the power to capture your imagination and to stay with you long after the story is finished.

This is what the review said:

“The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a children’s book that receives positive ratings for its heartwarming and imaginative story about friendship, courage, and kindness. Reviewers describe it as enchanting, with themes that emerge naturally and encourage emotional intelligence and creative thinking. The book is considered a potential classic, perfect for storytime that blends fun and fantasy with meaningful lessons for children aged 10-12.

Here’s the background on Honey, the miniature greyhound. I met Honey when I was an undergrad and my boyfriend at the time brought her over. She was a rescue who had been badly abused and shivered all the time. One evening, we were sitting on the couch watching TV with Honey and Twitty (my cat at the time) sitting between us. Not thinking, I reached over to stroke Twitty on the head and that’s when Honey went for my nose and nipped it, not too gently either! That nip broke the skin and caused some bleeding. It was a mad dash to the ER where they checked me out and I got a Tetanus shot. No major damage was done but hence my fear of dogs. A short time after that, I had this idea in my head and I started putting it together with Honey as one of the main characters in my book. Why? I don’t really know. I guess I felt sorry for her.

What about Hubie? I had a fascination where frogs were concerned. My childhood days were spent looking for them in the streams and little creeks around my place. Once I came across a pond hidden deep in the woods and there were several rainbow-colored frogs in the water and some were sunning themselves on the rocks. I know now that they could have been poisonous, back then I only saw the beauty of the colors on their back. Lo and behold, Hubie was in the making!

It’s interesting how some things take hold and out of an imaginative mind comes a story that has the ability to capture the imagination of young minds and to keep them captivated. It seems that this book is doing just that. Unbelievable though it is, as an author it puts a smile on my face.

A New Book Review

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2025

Format: Kindle

A Heartwarming and Magical Tale of Friendship and Adventure That Every Child Will Love.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is an absolutely delightful children’s book that captures the magic of imagination while delivering a meaningful lesson about friendship, courage, and kindness. From the first page, it draws young readers into the enchanting world of Honey and Hubie, two lovable characters whose adventures are as heartwarming as they are exciting.

What makes this story stand out is its perfect balance between adventure and valuable life lessons. The author beautifully conveys the importance of true friendship how it’s not just about having fun together, but also about understanding, trust, and standing by each other when things get tough. Young readers will easily relate to the emotions and experiences that Honey and Hubie face, making this book both entertaining and educational.The writing is vivid and imaginative, full of colorful descriptions that spark curiosity and wonder. Each page feels alive with creative energy, drawing readers deeper into a world where anything is possible. The story’s pacing is just right for children fast enough to keep them engaged, yet calm enough to let them absorb the story’s messages.

Parents and teachers will appreciate how the book encourages empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also opens the door for thoughtful conversations about what makes friendships strong and why kindness matters. The blend of adventure and gentle moral lessons makes it an ideal bedtime story or classroom read-aloud.

Mueller’s storytelling talent shines through every page, blending humor, imagination, and emotion seamlessly. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie isn’t just a book it’s a journey into a world of wonder that teaches timeless values in the most charming way possible.

This is the kind of story that children will ask to hear again and again. A true gem that deserves a spot on every young reader’s bookshelf!

Thank you.

Book Review

Reviews are worth their weight in gold because good ones are hard to come by so this one definitely put a smile on my face.

A Dad’s Perspective

October 29, 2025

Reading The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie with my kids was one of those experiences that reminded me why storytelling still matters. Every night, we’d get a few pages in, and they’d lean closer—not because the story was loud or flashy, but because it felt alive. The author’s words paint a world full of color and curiosity, where bravery isn’t about fighting dragons but about facing something new with heart.

The story opens with a dedication that perfectly captures its spirit: “May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of.” That single line sets the tone for everything that follows. This book isn’t just about adventure; it’s about protecting that childlike wonder we sometimes forget to nurture. You can tell it was written by a parent who understands how powerful imagination can be.

Honey, the miniature greyhound, and Hubie, the loyal green frog, are a pair that children instantly connect with. Their journey takes them beyond the safety of the garden into meadows, forests, and encounters with fairies, frogs, Moppets, and even a skunk named Twister. Through every challenge, Honey discovers courage, kindness, and the kind of quiet strength that resonates deeply with young readers.

The pacing is steady and thoughtful, which makes it perfect for reading aloud. There’s action and excitement, but also calm moments where kids can picture what’s happening or ask questions. My oldest, who’s just starting to read independently, kept stopping to guess what might happen next. That kind of engagement doesn’t come from noise—it comes from good storytelling.
What stands out most to me as a father is that the book never talks down to kids. It gives them credit for being thoughtful and imaginative. When Honey crosses the pond despite her fear or stands up for a friend, those moments land quietly but meaningfully. The message of courage and friendship isn’t forced—it’s felt.

The story has its quirks, and that’s part of its charm. It feels handcrafted, not polished by committee, and that’s a compliment. You can sense the author’s sincerity in every line. That kind of authenticity is rare—and children, in their own way, can tell when a story is written with love.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is the kind of book that lingers after the last page. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a gentle nudge to both kids and parents to hold on to imagination a little longer.

A timeless, heartfelt story that celebrates courage, curiosity, and the quiet magic of growing up.

Thank you Ron

Book Review

A Teacher’s Perspective

My students were immediately drawn to Honey, the miniature greyhound, and her unlikely friend Hubie, the bold green frog. Together they explore a world that’s whimsical but surprisingly relatable. The fairies, Moppets, and talking woodland creatures kept the class giggling, but what stayed with them was Honey’s courage – especially when she faced her fears to cross the pond or help another creature in need.

From an educator’s perspective, the pacing and structure work beautifully for group reading. There are natural pause points, making it easy to discuss what’s happening and predict what might come next. The descriptive writing creates clear visual imagery – something that helps young readers connect words to imagination. I even had a few students draw their favorite scenes, and every one of them was different. That’s the mark of a story that lets kids think for themselves.

What I appreciate most is that this book doesn’t preach. The themes of bravery, empathy, and friendship emerge naturally through Honey’s journey. The story invites reflection without spelling out a lesson, which makes it a wonderful tool for teaching emotional intelligence and creative thinking.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie feels like a classic in the making – a story that could easily become part of a yearly classroom rotation. It’s warm, heartfelt, and sincere, reminding children that courage isn’t loud or perfect; sometimes it’s just taking that next small step into the unknown.

I honestly didn’t put that much thought into the story when I wrote it but looking at this, it blew my mind!

Thank you.

A Wonderful Book Review!

Sure feels like Christmas! Every review is worth its weight in gold and this one sure is. Keep it coming!

“May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of.”

This simple yet powerful dedication sets the tone for the entire story of The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie. It’s a children’s book that carries the unmistakable heartbeat of a parent writing not just for the world, but for their child. That personal touch gives the story a warmth and an undercurrent of care, imagination, and gentle encouragement to dream big. The story follows Honey, a miniature greyhound with an adventurous spirit, and her loyal friend Hubie, a bright green frog whose curiosity has made him something of a legend among the garden creatures. Together, they journey beyond their familiar world—through meadows, forests, and encounters with fairies, frogs, Moppets, and even a skunk named Twister. Along the way, Honey faces challenges, discovers courage she didn’t know she had, and learns the true meaning of friendship.

The pacing is well measured for young readers. Each chapter builds on the previous one, with just enough suspense to hold a child’s attention without overwhelming them. The language is descriptive and whimsical, painting vivid scenes that feel lifted straight from a child’s daydream—bubbling streams, dancing fairies, and bustling woodland creatures. The story respects a child’s imagination rather than talking down to it. The book’s greatest strength lies in its themes. Honey’s journey is more than a woodland adventure; it’s about overcoming fear, discovering inner strength, and forging loyal friendships. When she crosses the pond despite her fears, stands up to danger, and learns what real friendship means, the story delivers a clear and gentle moral arc.

The ending, with Honey reflecting on her magical day at a not-so-magical moment, feels honest and satisfying. Stylistically, the book leans into classic storytelling, evoking the feeling of a tale read aloud by lamplight. That timeless tone fits perfectly with the opening dedication and its sense of preserving childhood wonder. The story includes some quirks, giving it a certain charm. What truly stands out is the sincerity behind it—something children feel instinctively. This book delivers on its promise. It protects and celebrates the fantasy at the heart of childhood, inviting young ones—and parents—to remember the thrill of stepping beyond the garden fence and finding a bigger world waiting. A sweet, classic-feeling adventure that encourages courage, friendship, and wonder.

On Amazon