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Obi's Mud Bath
Zimbabwe is having a dry spell, and it's way too hot for young rhino Obi. On the hunt for a cool, ooey, gooey, mud bath, he gets his snout stuck in one mess after another. Finally, with help from his new friends, Obi realizes that teamwork and some fancy moves - might just help beat the heat.
Inspired by an actual event, Obi's Mud Bath includes Common Core Connections and explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the power of believing.
** A portion of this book's proceeds will be donated to Water.org, an organization which empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
Inspired by an actual event, Obi's Mud Bath includes Common Core Connections and explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the power of believing.
** A portion of this book's proceeds will be donated to Water.org, an organization which empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
Published June 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 18, 2021
This delightful picture book is the perfect read aloud for teachers, parents, grandparents, librarians, and child care workers to share over and over again with their youngsters!
The main character, Obi the rhino, is a playful, energetic, and friendly little guy who becomes friends with a giraffe, an elephant, and an ostrich. They are all desperate for some rain to fill up their local 'dried-up watering hole'. Children will enjoy the antics of the foursome and how they work together to solve a problem that comes up in the story.
The illustrations are colorful and add a special touch to the engaging text of the author's story. Back matter includes an explanation of the event which inspired the book and a glossary of several number and naming words shown in both English and Shona.
Highly-recommended!
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. My opinions and thoughts shared here are solely my own.
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The main character, Obi the rhino, is a playful, energetic, and friendly little guy who becomes friends with a giraffe, an elephant, and an ostrich. They are all desperate for some rain to fill up their local 'dried-up watering hole'. Children will enjoy the antics of the foursome and how they work together to solve a problem that comes up in the story.
The illustrations are colorful and add a special touch to the engaging text of the author's story. Back matter includes an explanation of the event which inspired the book and a glossary of several number and naming words shown in both English and Shona.
Highly-recommended!
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. My opinions and thoughts shared here are solely my own.
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May 4, 2021
What’s a little rhino to do when his puddle of mud is all dried up? In OBI’S MUD BATH, a baby rhino in need of a “cool, ooey, gooey mud bath” searches the savanna for a patch of muck, making new acquaintances along the way. The other animals try to help. They don’t see any mud, but they do notice when curious Obi gets himself into a predicament involving an old tire and a…slight misunderstanding. This gentle tale of one rhino’s quest for mud, loosely based on a true event, is perfect for emerging readers who are learning to take notice of story structure and setting. Young readers will notice that Obi never gives up, and that teamwork saves the day.
July 24, 2021
In this beautifully written and illustrated book, Obi the rhino, just wants a mud bath. However, because of the drought in Zimbabwe, the earth is too dry for mud. Each time Obi thinks he finds it, he gets himself into a bit of a bind. Only with the help of friends, does he not only get himself out of these tricky situations, but together they find a way to have that mud bath they all want.
This is a great book for children who are learning (and for adults who need to be reminded) that working together and supporting each other is the best way to get things done. It's also wonderful for opening children's eyes to new places and events. Shottenfeld has taken an important issue and has written a very child-friendly book which will open many discussions. The adorable illustrations add to the appeal.
I was intrigued to learn that the inspiration for this book was a real event. However, I won't give it away here. I highly recommend for classOBI'S MUD BATH for classrooms and home libraries alike. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to water.org.
This is a great book for children who are learning (and for adults who need to be reminded) that working together and supporting each other is the best way to get things done. It's also wonderful for opening children's eyes to new places and events. Shottenfeld has taken an important issue and has written a very child-friendly book which will open many discussions. The adorable illustrations add to the appeal.
I was intrigued to learn that the inspiration for this book was a real event. However, I won't give it away here. I highly recommend for classOBI'S MUD BATH for classrooms and home libraries alike. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to water.org.
April 26, 2021
The charming tale of Obi’s Mud Bath by Annette Schottenfeld has many layers and is inspired by an actual event. On a scorching day in Zimbabwe, October 2016, a white rhino bull named Mark was unable to eat or drink when a discarded tire became stuck on his snout and horn. Shona words—one of the most widely spoken of 16 languages in Zimbabwe, are used in the story.
Obi, the little rhino asks,
“Do you know where I might find some mud?
There’s nothing like a cool, ooey, gooey, mud bath…
Rufaro, Tenda and Moyo counted to three - motsi, piri, tatu –“
Obi’s story also brings awareness of drought conditions throughout southern Africa. A portion of this book’s proceeds is being donated to Water.org, an organization which empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation. Read Obi’s story and cheer the little rhino on as he and his friends work together.
May 20, 2021
You will fall in love with OBI"S MUD BATH written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Folasade Adeshida. It is a delightful and important story about the trials and tribulations of a young rhino looking for his requisite ooey gooey mud bath in Zimbabwe. With the help from some new friends he meets along the way, Obi experiences the value of friendship, kindness, sense of community and determination. Together, they try to find one of the world's most vital commodities- water. Folasade Adeshida's illustrations tuck at your heart as they perfectly complement the text. OBI'S MUD BATH is inspired by a true story. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Water. org. OBI'S MUD BATH is the perfect way for a young child to be introduced to one of the most important issues facing the environment. In addition to home readers, schools and libraries will also be interested in this story. 5 out of 5 stars. Kudos to Annette and Folasade!
May 17, 2021
I was gifted the story arc of this book for my review. I truly loved this story and the ongoing gifts inspired by a real-life event, Obi's Mud Bath is a story of friends helping friends.
Written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Folasade Adeshida Obi's mud Bath tells the story of Obi, a Rhinocerous in Zimbabwe, during a drought. If there is one thing a Rhino wants to do on a hot day it's to wallow in a cool patch of mud. But instead, there is only dry, dusty, dirt for Obi and his friends Ruffalo, the ostrich, Tenda, the giraffe, and Mayo, the elephant. As Obi searches for mud he gets into trouble. With help from his friends, Obi does get out of trouble. And they all find a way to make it rain.
A portion of the proceeds from this book is being donated to Water.org an organization that empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
May 17, 2021
I was gifted the story arc of this book for my review. I truly loved this story and the ongoing gifts inspired by a real-life event, Obi's Mud Bath is a story of friends helping friends.
Written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Folasade Adeshida Obi's mud Bath tells the story of Obi, a Rhinocerous in Zimbabwe, during a drought. If there is one thing a Rhino wants to do on a hot day it's to wallow in a cool patch of mud. But instead, there is only dry, dusty, dirt for Obi and his friends Ruffalo, the ostrich, Tenda, the giraffe, and Mayo, the elephant. As Obi searches for mud he gets into trouble. With help from his friends, Obi does get out of trouble. And they all find a way to make it rain.
A portion of the proceeds from this book is being donated to Water.org an organization that empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
April 30, 2021
Obi’s Mud Bath, a charming new picture book written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Folesade Adeshida, introduces young readers to the wild animals of Zimbabwe. During a dry spell, Obi the rhino, is looking for a cooling mud bath, but his usual watering hole is dry. As he continues to search, he meets other friendly animals along the way, who teach him about his environment and other species. Poor Obi finds himself in a predicament, and his new friends work together to help him. Obi’s Mud Bath resonates as a primary lesson in friendship, problem solving and teamwork. Readers of all ages will be enchanted by the adorable characters, illustrated with a playful eye, and all will cheer as Obi finds success with the help of his friends. This book is sure to be a much-requested favorite.
May 9, 2021
Annette Schottenfeld has written OBI’S MUD BATH, an endearing story inspired from an actual event in Zimbabwe. After his watering hole has dried up, a cute little rhino named Obi asks his animal buddies for help as he searches for an “ooey, gooey mud bath.” Schottenfeld once again has written an engaging narrative that teaches children about friendship, and this time depicts the rhino’s environment as well. A tale to be read over and over and loved by parents and children alike; the picture book’s events, descriptions, and conversations are written in beautiful lyrical language with strong verbs, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and internal rhyme. Folasade Adeshida’s charming illustrations enhance the story which will undoubtedly become a favorite read aloud. Well done, Spork, an imprint of Clear Fork Publishing!
May 12, 2021
This is a delightful new picture book written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Folesade Adeshida. It is set in Zimbabwe in Africa and introduces many children to the issues faced by wildlife there, such as drought and litter in a sensitive, child-friendly and approachable way.
I loved the character of Obi and his hunt for the perfect mud bath and how along the way he gained lots of new friends. Each animal had their own distinct character and I was rooting for Obi all the way. It is charmingly written and the illustrations are delightful. too. I would highly recommend this for young children who enjoy animal stories or teachers/librarians looking for books on the topic of friendship.
I loved the character of Obi and his hunt for the perfect mud bath and how along the way he gained lots of new friends. Each animal had their own distinct character and I was rooting for Obi all the way. It is charmingly written and the illustrations are delightful. too. I would highly recommend this for young children who enjoy animal stories or teachers/librarians looking for books on the topic of friendship.
May 14, 2021
Readers will fall in love with the adorable young rhino, Obi, in this sweet, multicultural story about a child’s search for bliss, in the form of an “ooey, gooey mud bath,” and the friends he gathers along the way. Annette Schottenfeld roots her tale in a real event that happened in Zimbabwe in 2016, anchoring the story with a message that in taking care of the environment, we also take care of each other. Sprinkled throughout the book are words in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, including the numbers one, two, and three, and character names. Folasade Adeshida uses a subtle palette for the landscape and portrays the animals with just the right balance of accuracy and whimsy. This is a book children will treasure, as it expands their world.
May 11, 2021
OBI'S MUD BATH is a beautiful book about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. Obi the rhino is trying to find water for an ooey gooey mud bath . . . and his friends elephant, giraffe, and ostrich eventually help him beat the heat. The lovely illustrations perfectly complement the text. Author Annette Shottenfeld writes about an important topic - droughts in Africa. I love that a portion of the book's profits go to Water.org, an international water resource. This is a must read for home, school, and library collections!
April 28, 2021
Little Obi has a problem, his watering hole has dried up, and he is hot and thirsty. He goes in search of some cool mud. Along the way he meets other African animals and they help him in his search. Then they join together to solve the problem. I love Obi's interactions with the animals, they are sweet and very helpful. As well as telling a great story this book raises awareness of the drought conditions that affect much of Africa. The simple illustrations are gorgeous and add greatly to the story, while not overpowering the stories important message. Great job Team Obi!
April 28, 2021
In this fun friendship story, Obi the little rhino searches for an "ooey, gooey" mud bath and finds much than mud along the way. Kids are sure to enjoy meeting each animal as they tag along on Obi's journey! Annette Schottenfeld's words are perfect for readalouds and Folasade Adeshida’s illustrations are adorable. Obi is cute and expressive. Includes back matter, including the true story that inspired Obi’s story.
May 3, 2021
Based on actual events, Obi is a super-cute rhino looking for a way to cool off under the hot sun. But he can't find what he wants the most--a slippery, gooey, delightful mud hole! Along the way, Obi asks his savanna friends, but none can provide him with what he wants. Instead, he gets into a terrible jam, later realizing that teamwork is what it's all about! A delightful tale focusing on friendship and perseverance.
May 1, 2021
In Annette Schottenfeld’s new book, Obi’s Mud Bath, readers are taken along a fun adventure as Obi searches for a mud bath in Zimbabwe. Along his journey, Obi meets many animal friends who join together in trying to help Obi achieve his search! The descriptive language, colorful visuals and various characters in the story are absolutely outstanding! The themes of teamwork, friendship and cooperation are prominent throughout the story, and young readers will be enamored by Obi as he tries to find an “ooey gooey” mud bath!
May 11, 2021
Written for ages 5 to 8 and based on a real-life event, Schottenfeld’s picture book highlights important issues facing the animals native to Zimbabwe: naturally occurring droughts and debris left in the wild by humans. In Obi’s search for an ooey, gooey mud bath, he finds problems along the way, but also friends who are willing to help. Schottenfelds text and Adeshida’s illustrations are child friendly, but honest, making the story and characters completely relatable and delightful for young children.
May 17, 2021
Obi's Mud Bath pleasantly surprised me with its layers. On the surface its about an adorable rhino searching for the best way to cool off---an oeey, gooey mud hole! Along the way he meets some endearing friends and together they find that teamwork and perseverance pay off. At the end of the book, the reader finds out that the story is based on actual events and introduces the reader to the drought issues faced in Zimbabwe. A delightful read!
May 20, 2021
Annette Schottenfeld tells this environmental story in a simplistic, fun way that children will enjoy as they go along with Obi on his adventure to water in a land of drought and litter. The author also includes words in Shona translated to English in the back matter. Folasade Adeshida's illustrations are an added bonus to this wonderful picture book.
April 29, 2021
Obi's Mud Bath, by Annette Schottenfeld, is a delightful picture book. Little rhino Obi is looking for a mud hole for wallowing. He can't find one, and he asks different animals for help. They come up with a fun solution at the end of the story. Folasade Adeshida's illustrations are absolutely charming. My favorite is the little rhino himself. You can't help but fall in love with Obi and empathize with his dilemma.
This book also contains an important message about the importance of water and the dire situation of this precious resource in our world. This book is inspired by a true story of drought in Zimbabwe.
This book also contains an important message about the importance of water and the dire situation of this precious resource in our world. This book is inspired by a true story of drought in Zimbabwe.
April 29, 2021
This beautiful story written by Annette Schottenfeld is inspired by a true event taking place in Zimbabwe in 2016. Obi is in search of a water hole that is filled and not dried up. Along his journey, he meets friends and while they provide some relief to him, it isn't the same as splashing and cooling down in a real watering hole. He stumbles onto a tire that gets stuck on his snout emotionally bringing the readers along for the journey. Readers will be exposed to beautiful figurative language, learn unique characteristics about other animals Obi meets, and words from the Shona language. A beautiful story for readers of all ages.
May 16, 2021
Come meet Obi! How cute is he? A timely and relevant story about the environment that will spark conversation with its relatable and entertaining characters. Funny and charming. And that surprise ending!
May 8, 2021
A sweet story of Obi the young rhino hunting for nice cool mud to bath in. But not everything brown is mud. With the help of his friends he gets out of some sticky spots until together they they get to share in the rain and the ooey gooey mud bath.
Its also pretty cool that a portion of this book’s proceeds will be donated to Water.org, an organization which empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
Its also pretty cool that a portion of this book’s proceeds will be donated to Water.org, an organization which empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
June 8, 2021
A lovely story about little Obi, a rhino, searching for ooey gooey mud to bathe in when it appears that in his drought-stricken home, there's none to be found. The story builds, with Obi seeking out the help of friends--an ostrich, an elephant, a giraffe--until they combine forces to find a joyful solution.
The text features lyrical and lively language, and the illustrations are playful and expressive, with a pleasing, muted palette.
Back matter details the true story that inspired this book along with a glossary of words in both Shona (a language widely spoken in Zimbabwe) and English. A great addition!
Highly recommend this beautiful book!
The text features lyrical and lively language, and the illustrations are playful and expressive, with a pleasing, muted palette.
Back matter details the true story that inspired this book along with a glossary of words in both Shona (a language widely spoken in Zimbabwe) and English. A great addition!
Highly recommend this beautiful book!
June 9, 2021
Congratulations on a very cute book! It reminds me of when I went on safari and saw elephants rolling in mud. The ending was sure a surprise!
June 26, 2021
Annette Schottenfeld's latest book, Obi's Mud Bath, is truly one for the ages. In this story, the adorable main character Obi goes in search of a cold, ooey, gooey mud bath to cool himself down on a hot day in Zimbabwe. When he discovers that his usual spot is dry, he embarks on an adventure where he meets plenty of other adorable animal friends who help him to achieve his goal.
As an elementary school teacher I love that this book has many layers from which my students can learn. Most obviously, the story is one which readers of all ages can relate to. Everyone is cheering on Obi as he searches for his mud bath, and falls in love with the friends that he meets along the way. My kids will benefit from seeing that working with others can help to meet goals! On another level, this book teaches things that are well beyond the classroom. The story takes place in Zimbabwe and readers are introduced to words and numbers in another language- Shona. Allowing kids to recognize how large the world is outside of the classroom is extremely valuable, especially for young elementary school learners. Finally, this book is made even more special by the fact that a portion of the book's proceeds will benefit an organization that helps people across the world access safe water. In today's day and age, it is so important to show our kids the importance of helping others and while the lesson in the book shows adorable animals working together to help Obi achieve his goal, it is nice that we as humans can help other humans with such an important goal just by reading this wonderful book.
Kudos to author Annette Schottenfeld and illustrator Folasade Adeshida on a book that I am sure will have a permanent space in my classroom for years to come!!
As an elementary school teacher I love that this book has many layers from which my students can learn. Most obviously, the story is one which readers of all ages can relate to. Everyone is cheering on Obi as he searches for his mud bath, and falls in love with the friends that he meets along the way. My kids will benefit from seeing that working with others can help to meet goals! On another level, this book teaches things that are well beyond the classroom. The story takes place in Zimbabwe and readers are introduced to words and numbers in another language- Shona. Allowing kids to recognize how large the world is outside of the classroom is extremely valuable, especially for young elementary school learners. Finally, this book is made even more special by the fact that a portion of the book's proceeds will benefit an organization that helps people across the world access safe water. In today's day and age, it is so important to show our kids the importance of helping others and while the lesson in the book shows adorable animals working together to help Obi achieve his goal, it is nice that we as humans can help other humans with such an important goal just by reading this wonderful book.
Kudos to author Annette Schottenfeld and illustrator Folasade Adeshida on a book that I am sure will have a permanent space in my classroom for years to come!!
July 21, 2021
Obi’s Mud Bath is all about performing gestures and appreciating the people and places we love.
There’s no puddle to be found, but what’s a playful rhino to do? Obi sets out to find a mud bath.
Obi friends respond to his problem with empathy, but he still can’t find a puddle. Each glimmer of hope is dashed. Later in the day Obi reflects on his friends’ fanning, tapping and swaying and decides to turn their physical gestures into a rain dance. They all dance together and lo and behold, it starts to rain! The joy of art!
Obi’s Mudbath is a story of perseverance, friendship and the joy of collaboration. Whatever the problem, together we can find joy and make a difference.
Author Annette Schottenfeld uses delightful repetitive phrases to tell this story. Illustrations by Folasade Adeshida are simply charming. Young children will enjoy every turn of the page. I will definitely be gifting this picture book!
There’s no puddle to be found, but what’s a playful rhino to do? Obi sets out to find a mud bath.
Obi friends respond to his problem with empathy, but he still can’t find a puddle. Each glimmer of hope is dashed. Later in the day Obi reflects on his friends’ fanning, tapping and swaying and decides to turn their physical gestures into a rain dance. They all dance together and lo and behold, it starts to rain! The joy of art!
Obi’s Mudbath is a story of perseverance, friendship and the joy of collaboration. Whatever the problem, together we can find joy and make a difference.
Author Annette Schottenfeld uses delightful repetitive phrases to tell this story. Illustrations by Folasade Adeshida are simply charming. Young children will enjoy every turn of the page. I will definitely be gifting this picture book!
June 25, 2021
What an adventure for sweet, little Obi!. All he wants is to roll in an ooey gooey mud bath but drought in Zimbabwe has left the Earth dry and Dusty. The plucky, baby rhino goes on a hunt to find some mud and meet many new friends who join him on his search. When Obi runs into trouble, he discovers the value of friendship and ultimately comes up with a solution using teamwork and a little creativity.
What a wonderful way to introduce young readers to environmental issues and specifically, the value of water in our world! The sweet illustrations, engaging characters and repetitive phrasing will make this a book that young readers will want to hear again and again!
What a wonderful way to introduce young readers to environmental issues and specifically, the value of water in our world! The sweet illustrations, engaging characters and repetitive phrasing will make this a book that young readers will want to hear again and again!
July 26, 2022
Take a trip to Africa, and meet Obi, the Hippo. He’s as cute as this story. His problem – there’s a drought and not a drop of mud to be found. No matter who he asks, or what he tries, things go from bad to worse. He’s even trapped in a tire! Can Obi solve either problem? You’ll have to read to find out!
Obi’s story includes back matter. It tells where the author got the idea and a few words in Shona. It’s the most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe (there are 16). There’s also an opportunity to help families around the world get access to safe water and sanitation. Part of Obi’s profits go to Water.org.
Here’s to a fun book that takes you to Africa, and lets you help other people!
Obi’s story includes back matter. It tells where the author got the idea and a few words in Shona. It’s the most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe (there are 16). There’s also an opportunity to help families around the world get access to safe water and sanitation. Part of Obi’s profits go to Water.org.
Here’s to a fun book that takes you to Africa, and lets you help other people!
March 14, 2022
It's scorching hot and Obi (rhino) wants a cool, ooey, gooey mud bath. When he discovers his favorite spot has dried up, he searches for another but meets challenge after challenge along the way. With the help of some friends, Obi might just cool off yet. I love that the story is inspired by actual events and a portion of the proceeds go to Water.org! OBI'S MUD BATH is a delightful story about friendship, perseverance, and working together. Annette Schottenfeld's text is lively and fun. The illustrations by Folasade Adeshida are colorful and charming. Kids will ask for OBI over and over again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews