PUDDLE SONG

A rhyming, lyrical ode to the joy of puddles.

A diverse group of children frolic, splash, and explore the drips and drizzle on a blustery day. We see galoshes, a raincoat, an umbrella, windy swirls, and even a playful pup and a rescued snail. Salas’ simple, lilting text is full of satisfying phrases perfect for reading aloud like “stompers and jumpers” and “silver skin.” In just a few short pages, there are plenty of rich vocabulary words: wind-rattled and rippling, for example. Felix’s soft, detailed ink, watercolor, and crayon illustrations match the tone of the story. One impressive image shows a close-up of boots, midsplash in a puddle, the water spraying and droplets crashing like waves against the shore. Curiosity is apparent on the faces of the children, some in awe, others apprehensive, others still gleeful and carefree. The illustrations convey so much of little ones’ inner naturalist and scientist. One child gingerly extends a leaf to rescue a snail from the middle of a large puddle. In another image, a group kneels beside the water, looking at their reflections, dipping in a toe, watching circles ripple out. The quality of the writing paired with the complementary skillful illustrations make this worthy of readers’ bookshelves. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Vibrant text and images come together to celebrate a rainy day.