The Problem with the Puddles

Kate Feiffer

Feb 2009 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

What if your parents agreed to disagree?

Eight and a half years ago, when their beautiful baby girl was born, Mr. and Mrs. Puddle couldn't agree on what to name her. So Mrs. Puddle calls her daughter Emily and Mr. Puddle calls her Ferdinanda. And everyone else? They call her Baby.

Having parents who agree to disagree does mean twice as many presents on your birthday, but it can complicate your life! There was the time Baby's parents couldn't agree on what kind of dog to get -- so they got two, both named Sally. One summer day, when rushing back to the city from their country house, the Puddles leave the Sallys behind. Will the Puddles agree to go back? What will become of the Sallys?

Kate Feiffer's debut novel is by turns funny, heartwarming, and wholly satisfying. Tricia Tusa's pleasing artwork makes the Puddles' world complete.

Let the Puddle family into your heart. You will be glad you did.

Ratings and reviews

Mr. Puddle loves living in the country and Mrs. Puddle loves living in the city. They have two children, Baby who is eight and Tom her older brother. Mr. and Mrs. Puddle had another son. He was their first born son and they had given him up at birth because they felt they were too young to have children. The Puddles waited several days for the rain to let up so they could leave. They always disagreed about everything. When the rain finally stopped they rushed around packing the car and then sped off without their dogs. They argue about whether they should continue on and call the neighbors or if they should turn around. The dogs have realized they have been left behind and start making their way toward the city. The puddles have car trouble along the way and that is where their adventure really begins. This was a funny book. At times I felt like I was reading a book that was a cross between Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket. It is just quirky enough that I think my students will like it. I really didn’t think I was going to like it when I first picked it up. I decided it looked like an easy read so I would get it done and over with. Little did I know that it would charm its way into my heart. I can’t wait to order it and put it on my shelf.

About the author

Kate Feiffer is a writer, a filmmaker, and a mother. She is the author of the picture books No Go Sleep!; President Pennybaker; But I Wanted a Baby Brother!; The Wild, Wild Inside; Which Puppy?; My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life; and Double Pink; and of the middle-grade novels Signed by Zelda and The Problem with the Puddles. She lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Visit her at KateFeiffer.com.

Tricia Tusa has illustrated numerous acclaimed picture books, including In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck, Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden by Edith Pattou, and the New York Times bestsellers The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan and Fred Stays with Me by Nancy Coffelt. She lives with her family in Santa Fe, New Mexico.