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Better Together
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Meet the critters, places, and traditions from Wintertime in Timothy Hollow.

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Come this way to meet the critters of Wintertime in Timothy Hollow!

Come Say Hello!

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Speedy Turtle

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Speedy Turtle is an old turtle with a quick step and a kind heart. Once grumpy, he learned gentleness from the youngsters around him. Wrapped in a gray scarf with yellow goggles on his head, he reminds everyone that even the fastest among us can slow down for kindness.

Sable is a young groundhog who has just moved to Timothy Hollow, where his biggest dream is finally coming true—experiencing winter for the very first time. Curious, kind, and quietly adventurous, he explores the snowy woods with wonder alongside his new best friend, Sammy Squirrel. From his cozy cabin in the woods, Sable discovers that winter holds more magic than he ever imagined.

Sable Groundhog

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Whistlepig is Sable’s older brother—a steady, kind-hearted presence with a talent for making others feel safe and welcome. Whether he’s carving little wooden treasures or baking gingerbread treats, Whistlepig guides his family with patience, warmth, and a quiet strength.

Whistlepig Groundhog

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Miss Polly Porcupine

Miss Polly Porcupine is the beloved teacher of Sycamore Schoolhouse, an older soul with a sweet, encouraging heart and a gentle way of guiding her students. Jovial and kind, she greets each day with rosy cheeks, wire-rimmed glasses, and a pocket full of lemon candies to brighten young spirits. Dressed in her red and green velvet attire, Miss Polly’s old-fashioned warmth and patience make every critter feel seen, capable, and cherished.

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Sammy Squirrel is Sable’s best friend and constant companion, a lively red squirrel bursting with energy, curiosity, and heart. Athletic, funny, and endlessly encouraging, Sammy is always ready for adventure—or a laugh—often with a hidden dessert tucked away for later. Generous and sweet-natured, he proves that friendship means showing up, cheering loud, and sharing joy every step of the way.

Sammy Squirrel

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Madame Squirrel is Sammy’s mother, an eccentric yet determined critter who lives in a burrow tucked into the side of a hill. Partly blind and hard of hearing, she is endlessly devoted to cleanliness—sweeping her dirt floors with fierce purpose and even brushing snow from the ground in hopes of making it sparkle. With her trusty broom always in paw and big plans for her own venture, Squirrel Suds Cleaning Services, Madame Squirrel bustles through life with stubborn pride, quirky determination, and a heart as busy as her sweeping hands.

Madam Squirrel

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Miss Millie

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Miss Millie is a petite gray mother mouse with a careful heart and a proper way about her, living with her children—Milo Mouse, Max Mouse, and Meadow Mouse—inside a pine tree trunk she keeps neat and welcoming. Though a bit stern and often nervous, she is deeply motherly and devoted to raising her little ones to be kind, mannerly, and thoughtful members of the community. From behind the gray door and red shutters of their candle-lit home, Miss Millie watches over her family with quiet determination, always striving to do what is right.

Meadow Mouse is Miss Millie’s eldest daughter, a soft gray mouse with a gentle heart and a vivid imagination. Though she worries about getting lost, her kindness and careful nature make her a wonderful teacher—especially when she patiently helps friends like Sable learn to skate. Delicate, sweet, and endlessly giving, Meadow finds comfort in small joys, from snowy afternoons to her favorite frosted gingerbread mice.

Meadow Mouse

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Max Mouse is Miss Millie’s middle child—a warm brown mouse with a bold spirit and a nose that twitches whenever he’s feeling nervous. Adventurous and full of energy, Max loves nothing more than racing across the ice to play his favorite game, ice hockey, where he proudly wears an acorn helmet and uses a striped candy cane as his stick. Brave, playful, and determined, Max brings excitement and courage wherever he goes, proving that even a little mouse can play big.

Max Mouse

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Milo Mouse is the youngest of Miss Millie’s little ones, a sleek black mouse who finds winter far too chilly for his liking. Shy and cautious by nature, Milo often sticks close to home, sometimes sucking his thumb when he feels nervous or unsure. Small and tender-hearted, he brings a quiet sweetness to his family, reminding everyone that bravery can be gentle and slow.

Milo Mouse

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Melody Meadowlark is a bright yellow-and-brown meadowlark who lives in Meadowlark Park and attends school alongside Sable. Curious and observant, she loves to perch quietly, watching the world below before bursting into song in her musical bird-speak. Though few critters understand her language, Melody shares a special bond with the mouse, squirrel, and groundhog families—and with Miss Polly Porcupine—who can hear not just her words, but the heart behind her song.

Melody Meadowlark 

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Vicky Rabbit is a bright and adventurous critter with a bold spirit, a kind heart, and a steady dose of common sense. Down-to-earth and quietly confident, she often keeps her twin brother, Vincent, in line while leading the way with calm wisdom and courage. Pretty and poised, Vicky moves through wintertime with grace, always ready to help, explore, and do what feels right.

Vicky Rabbit

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​Vincent Rabbit is Vicky’s scrappy twin, known for speaking his mind and charging headfirst into adventure. A little bit of a troublemaker with plenty of bravado, Vincent loves snowball fights and showing the world how tough he can be. Beneath his bold exterior, though, is a kind-hearted rabbit who cares deeply—he just prefers to let his strength speak first.

Vincent Rabbit

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Snowball the Snowman stands watch over Meadowlark Park, a cheerful sentinel who signals the true beginning of winter in Timothy Hollow. Each year, one special critter is chosen to place his carrot nose and crown Snowball the Snow King, a beloved tradition that marks the first snowfall and begins the season’s festivities. With coal-dark eyes, licorice smiles, and his royal blue hat topped with a snowy pom-pom, Snowball is more than a snowman—he is winter itself, brought lovingly to life.

Snowball the Snow King

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Step softly and take a look around. Melody Meadowlark invites you to explore the cozy corners of Timothy Hollow—special places where critters gather, stories unfold, and every season brings something to celebrate. From quiet paths to well-loved homes, these are the spots that make Timothy Hollow feel like home.

Cozy Corners of Timothy Hollow

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Follow Melody Meadowlark as she soars through Timothy Hollow. Can you spot her in the pictures?

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Timothy Hollow

Timothy Hollow is a gentle valley where all the critters live and look after one another. It is home to Meadowlark Park, Beavercreek, Willow Pond, Sycamore Schoolhouse, Primrose Peak, and the Blue Mountains, with winding paths that connect cozy homes and busy days. Bordered by Creatures’ Woods, the hollow is filled with mice, rabbits, groundhogs, skunks, otters, turtles, birds, and many other woodland friends. In Timothy Hollow, being neighborly matters—critters help when they can, try their best, and show the very best of kindness every day.

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The Blue Mountains rise high above Timothy Hollow, their peaks colored in smoky blue and charcoal gray. In autumn, fiery red trees dot their slopes, while high above stands Primrose Peak, glowing pinkish-white with blossoms in spring and snow shining in the winter sun. Few critters venture here because the climb is long and steep, but those who reach the top are rewarded with the most breathtaking views of Timothy Hollow, Creatures’ Woods, and lands beyond.

The Blue Mountains

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Primrose Peak

Primrose Peak rises high above Timothy Hollow, a crown of mountains brushed in soft purples, rosy pinks, and calm blues. As the light changes throughout the day, the peaks seem to glow—sometimes lavender at dawn, sometimes dusky blue by evening, and often touched with hints of pink, like petals caught in the sky. These are the highest peaks of the Blue Mountains, standing quietly and watchfully over the land below. To the critters of Timothy Hollow, Primrose Peak is a place of wonder and dreaming—a reminder that even the tallest, quietest places can be full of color, magic, and possibility.

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Creature's Woods

Melody swoops cautiously through Creature's Woods. She's carrying a flashlight to light the way. Take great care!

Creatures Woods marks the edge of Timothy Hollow, where tall sycamore, ash, and pine trees grow thick and close together. The forest is dim and hushed, alive with the flutter and calls of many birds who nest high in the branches. The woods have a reputation for being a little frightening, as Snicker Snack, the orange tom cat, is known to hunt there, and a great horned owl makes its home among the tallest trees. Though full of life, the shadows and quiet cause many critters to think twice before venturing in. It is a place of mystery—beautiful, watchful, and best explored with care.

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Meadowlark Park 

Meadowlark Park is the heart of Timothy Hollow, a place where paths cross, stories begin, and seasons are celebrated. At its center rises Holly Berry Hill, where critters slow down in winter to sled, skate, and gather for snowy fun. The park is alive with festivals, laughter, and gentle moments throughout the year. It is named after Melody Meadowlark, who calls this special place home.

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Beaver Creek

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Beavercreek flows quietly through Meadowlark Park, spilling into Willow Pond before winding its way through Timothy Hollow. It curves past snowy trees and cozy places, marking the edge of Creatures’ Woods, then continues on toward MacAdams Acres. Wherever it travels, Beavercreek brings calm, life, and a sense of connection throughout the hollow.

Look out! Melody picked up a snowball along the banks of Beaver Creek! She loves a good snowball fight!

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​Willow Pond rests quietly beneath snow-covered willow trees, with an old water wheel turning softly at its edge. In winter, the pond freezes smooth and shiny, becoming a favorite skating place—especially for Miss Millie’s pups, who race and twirl across the ice. It’s a peaceful spot where laughter echoes and winter memories are made.

Willow Pond

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Located in Meadowlark Park, Holly Berry Hill becomes the most exciting place in Timothy Hollow each winter. Critters race down the icy slopes on trays, lids, and sleds as snow swirls all around them. It’s a hill full of laughter, friendship, and wintertime fun.

Holly Berry Hill

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Melody pauses from her snowball fight as she pirouettes high above Timothy Hollow. She can even see Macadams Acres from her vantage point. 

Macadams acres sits at the edge of Timothy Hollow, where bright fields of apples, pumpkins, corn, and crops meet the dark line of Creatures Woods. An old farmhouse and red barn are home to a bearded farmer in flannel and overalls, a gentle cow, and a patient horse that quietly shares the farmhouse with him. Though the woods loom nearby, the farm remains warm, steady, and full of life.

Macadams Acres

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Melody is excited to show you her neighbors' lovely homes. She found an apple in the farmer's fields to share with her friends.

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​Sycamore Schoolhouse is a warm, one-room school where learning feels like an adventure. Miss Polly Porcupine, dressed in her green and red velvet gown with wire-rimmed glasses, guides her students with patience and care. Squirrels, chipmunks, turtles, mice, raccoons, otters, bunnies, skunks, and groundhogs all gather here to read, count, play games, and learn together. It’s a place full of curiosity, kindness, and shared discovery.

Sycamore School House

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Tucked into the side of a gentle hill, Madame Squirrel’s Burrow is dug deep beneath roots and earth. Old sticks and leaves line the entrance, filling the air with the warm scent of spice and pine. A weather-beaten sign, softened by moss, reads Madame Squirrel’s Burrow. Inside, a crackling fireplace glows, making this snug home a place of comfort and care for Madame Squirrel and Sammy Squirrel.

Madame Squirrel's Burrow

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Miss Millie and her three children live in a cozy home built into the trunk of a tall pine tree. The dwelling has a gently slanted roof, a sturdy gray door, and bright red shutters. Candles always glow in the windows, lighting the snowy woods with warmth and welcome. It is a peaceful, loving home where stories are shared and winter feels kind.

Miss Millie's Dwelling

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Sable and Whistlepig’s cabin is the groundhog’s cabin, a rustic and welcoming home filled with warmth and comfort. A crackling fireplace glows as Whistlepig bakes tasty treats and carves wooden figurines by hand. Soft candlelight, worn furniture, and the scent of fresh bread make this cozy cabin a peaceful place where stories are shared and winter feels gentle.

The Groundhog's Cabin

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Let's follow Melody! She wants to share her apple with Sable and Whistlepig Groundhog!

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Sable's Table

Melody has landed upon Sable's table! She's been invited to share lunch with the groundhog family! Sable is having all of Timothy Hollow's favorite foods to start his day off right! 

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Squeak-approved comfort in every bite!

There's nothing quite like a heaping bowl of Squeaky Squirrel's Cinnamon Oatmeal. The sweet swirls of cinnamon pair well with a ruby red apple from Farmer Macadams fields. Sable finds that this delectable treat sticks to his ribs fueling him for his wintertime adventures. 

Pure, simple, and moo-velous

What's the best thing to put on Squeaky Squirrel's Cinnamon Oatmeal when it's too hot to eat? Why, Maybell's Moo Milk, of course! This creamy, slightly sweet beverage comes straight from Farmer MacAdams Acres. MayBell doesn't mind sharing at all!

Baked with spice and a sprinkle of nice!

What's for dessert? Take a guess! That's right- Whistle Pig's gingerbread mouse cookies! Laced with colorful frosting, these mice could charm even a fence post. Every mouthwatering bite is filled with hints of molasses and notes of ginger.

Gingerbread Mouse

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Groundhog-good cocoa — a hug in every mug.

We must have a tasty beverage to wash down the cookie crumbs! How about some Chilly Chuck's Hot Chocolate? It's thick, chocolate taste is like a warm hug-except for your tongue. 

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Drop a snowflake. Melt happy.

Oh my, we almost forgot the best part of Chilly Chuck's Hot Chocolate! Don't forget to add the sweet-tasting Cozy Chucks Fluffy Puffs, the more the merrier. After all, Sammy Squirrel's grandma always says that eating these treats is like tasting snowflakes. 

Join Sable on his adventure in Wintertime in Timothy Hollow!

Melody would like to thank you for joining her on her tour of Timothy Hollow. She hopes you enjoyed meeting all of her friends, discovering her favorite places, and snacking on the Hollow's special treats.

 

If you would like to join Sable Groundhog and his friends on an adventure in Timothy Hollow, please click the button below to soar through Timothy Hollow- just like Melody Meadowlark. 

Leslie Balch's Critter Tales

 

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