Miri and The Honeybee

**2025 Bronze Medal Winner of Readers' Favorite International Contest-YA Adventure**

"The novel is both heart-rending and hopeful, with a despicable villain, more than a bit of mystical magic, numerous cute and tender inter-canine conversations, and an endearing collection of human protagonists. Reminiscent of classic Disney properties in its prose and content (with a touch of saccharine Lifetime-television drama in the mix), the narrative is sure to provoke a healthy mix of tears and cheers, and will likely engage middle-grade readers. Poignantly compelling and ultimately upbeat; keep tissues handy." Recommended Kirkus Review

"For anyone interested in animal rights, pet ownership, and animal ethics, this book is a must-read." RECOMMENDED by the US Review

"IR N.J. Lujan's MIRI AND THE HONEYBEE is a delightful story. It’s a change of pace for the author, but one she manages with great style." IndieReader

When Small Dog, a senior Yorkie, is dumped on the side of the road by her breeder, when no longer able to produce as a "dispenser," she's discovered by a kind human and soon learns not all humans are scary. In fact, her new human, Georgia, is quite lovely. But, for Small Dog-now known as Miri-there is one problem. Miri's last puppy remains with the breeder who so cruelly dumped her. She pains to leave Georgia and her new pack, but she must risk losing everything to find her puppy. So, she sets off and with the help of new friends she meets along the way, and a brave honeybee, she finds something unexpected-the dispenser wasn't just a dispenser after all.