The Peddler of Puddles by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld (9780063318342)

The peddler of puddles is a turtle who moves slowly across the area. Using his heavy puddle machine makes puddles for all sorts of creatures along the way. Puddles for ducks, frogs, insects and children. He doesn’t ask for anything in return, but the others often give him food or smiles in thanks. When he reaches the seashore for the first time, the peddler is shocked. It’s an enormous puddle! He loves playing with a girl in the sea, but when it’s time to go his cart is stuck in the sand. He almost gives up, but then his friends that he’s helped along the way come along with a big surprise.

With just enough machinery and tinkering, this soggy read is also sunny throughout. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

Shark Girl by Kate Beaton (9781250184924)

In a story delightfully different than Little Mermaid, Shark Girl sets out to protect sealife by joining the crew of a fishing vessel. She wants a quick revenge but soon finds out that it takes a lot more to get a crew to mutiny even against an awful captain. But through hard work together, skill in fishing, and studying human nature, Shark Girl starts to make new connections. It is then that the captain has a plan that will keep Shark Girl in his boat forever. What’s a toothy girl to do? Beaton is a wonder, effortlessly moving between children’s picture books and award-winning adult graphic memoirs.

This book reads aloud beautifully telling a story of both ecology and girl power. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from library copy.

We Leap Together by Christopher Silas Neal (9780593812648)

A human mother and child is shown next to a mother whale and her calf in this smart picture book. The similarities between the two lives are emphasized with busy lanes of car traffic compared to the busy shoals of fish. They listen to songs, blow bubbles, dive deep, see colorful creatures, and wave to friends. The bring the book full circle, the humans board a whale-watching boat and the two families leap together in joy. Told in simple sentences, this picture book is approachable and clearly shows our connection to nature and our similarities with other creatures. The illustrations are simple too, telling the story just as profoundly as the words.

Just right for sharing and discussing. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Reviewed from library copy.