Dog Daze, the first in the Honey Moon Series, centers around the adventures of middle schooler, Honey Moon. The book clearly demonstrates the importance of friendships, bravery, kindness, respect, and commitments while embracing who you are.

I love the early reference by the dad comparing Honey to a "regular Pippy Longstocking." That's exactly what comes to mind when she picks out her outfits like the bumblebee outfit and brings her backpack shaped like a turtle with her everywhere. Quirky, unique and embracing every bit of it...that's Honey!

Super fun to read and a great book to read to younger children as well.

Honey Moon is the name of the title character who is the sister of Harry (and Harvest) Moon. There are a number of books (at least 15) about Honey and siblings in this middle grade reader series.


The writing is accessible and fun, the message is clean and wholesome without being preachy at all. My own kids are mostly grown up, but I could definitely imagine us having read this one as bedtime read together.


In the fun narrative about Honey and friends setting up a summer business as dog walkers, there are more subtle messages about bullying, belonging, confidence, honesty, generosity, friendship, loyalty and being comfortable with who you are. If that sounds like a tall order for a short book, I can only reiterate that the gentle storyline presents fairly difficult philosophical messages without being preachy or monotonous.


The art is whimsical and supports the story very well. I really enjoyed this book.


Four and a half stars!


Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.