Tag: message

A New Year’s Message from Honey, Hubie, and T. J. Mueller

As the calendar turns and a brand new year stretches its wings, Honey and Hubie pause on the edge of their favorite woodland hill, watching the first sunrise of the year spill gold across the trees. And just like those two tiny adventurers, we — readers, dreamers, families and little explorers–take a moment to breathe, to look back, and to look forward with hope.

This past year has been a journey neither Honey nor Hubie ever expected. What began as a small tale about a courageous miniature greyhound and her daring frog friend slowly grew into something larger, warmer, and beautifully shared.

Children discovered them in classrooms.

Parents read their story at bedtime.

Teachers used their adventures to spark imagination.

Families met them together, one cozy page at a time.

And through it all, Honey’s gentle bravery and Hubie’s loyal heart reminded us that even the smallest characters can teach the biggest lessons.

Looking Back on the Journey So Far

The world of Honey and Hubie blossomed with every reader who welcomed them into their home. Their adventures –filled with fairies, Moppets, talking woodland friends, and magical landscapes — became a place where children could laugh, dream, and learn what courage can look like.

But something else happened too.

Grown-ups began to see themselves in Honey’s quiet determination and Hubie’s fearless curiosity. The story reminded many of us that imagination isn’t something we grow out of. It’s something we return to when life feels heavy and we need a spark again.

As the dedication says:

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

This year, that message touched hearts in ways words can barely capture.

Stepping Into a Brand New Year

With the start of a new year, Honey and Hubie are ready for more.

More discoveries.

More laughter.

More unexpected bravery.

More reminders that friendship is one of the strongest kinds of magic.

Honey hopes this year brings quiet courage — the kind that helps little ones take their next brave step.

Hubie hopes this year brings curiosity — the kind that makes children ask questions and explore the world with wonder.

Together, they look forward to meeting new readers, revisiting familiar ones, and continuing their journey with anyone who believes the world becomes brighter when we choose kindness.

A Heartfelt Wish for the Year Ahead

From T. J. Mueller, from Honey, from Hubie, and from every magical creature hiding between the pages:

May this new year bring gentleness to your days, courage to your heart, and wonder to every corner of your life.

May children discover new stories, new questions, and new dreams.

May parents find small moments of calm and connection.

May teachers continue shaping young minds with stories that lift imginations toward the sky.

Above all, may this be a year filled with the kind of adventure that reminds you that magic is real, and it often begins with a single page.

From our little woodland world to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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.