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The Problem with the Puddles
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.
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.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2009
3 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Kate Feiffer
21 books16 followersKate Feiffer is the author of several children’s books, including Double Pink, illustrated by Bruce Ingman; President Pennybaker and My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life, both illustrated by Diane Goode; The Problem with Puddles, illustrated by Tricia Tusa; and Henry the Dog with No tail, illustrated by her dad, Jules Feiffer. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 28, 2021
This is a story of a family with two dogs named Sally. It is also the story of the community they live in and help form. It is a fun story told from a variety of points of view.
October 18, 2009
I read the audio version of this book. I had to make myself finish this book. Mr. and Mrs. Puddle who could never agree on anything became annoying to me. I did enjoy the alternate viewpoints of the dogs, Little Sally and Big Sally. I believe there will be an audience problem with this book. It's 200 pages, but seems more suited to the interests of primary age students. The tongue in cheek humor works much better in The Willoughbys than it does here.
August 1, 2011
Darling, clever word play, cute story. The only problem is that the target audience will need to be explained a lot of the humor.
March 29, 2009
It didn't grab me at first. Not the first chapter. Not necessarily the second either. As a children's librarian that reads whole mountains-worth of children's literature I have to be picky about what I pick up. If a book hasn't caught me by the throat within a chapter or two I'm inclined to move on and cut my losses. Something drew me back to The Problem with the Puddles, though. I couldn't quite identify what it was. Was it the narrator's voice? The characters? The quick cutting between wayward humans and far saner canines? Whatever it was, I'd like to thank it now. The Problem with the Puddles is a strange, uncommon, rare little children's book. The kind of title that sits on a shelf, twiddling its thumbs, just waiting for the chance to infiltrate its way into a reader's mind where it will remain for years to come. I can't promise you'll adore The Problem with the Puddles. Not if you're an adult anyway. But if you're a kid with a love of integrated text and image and a deep and abiding appreciation for a strong sense of story, I cannot press this book into your palms fast enough. Brother, you ain't never read nothing like this before.
They did not mean to leave the dogs. That's probably pretty certain. But between Mrs. Puddle desperate to get away from their country home and Mr. Puddle desperate to stay in their country home, to say nothing of the kids (Baby and Tom) squeezing in amongst all the stuff . . . well the dogs just sort of got left behind. Big Sally and little Sally (Mr. and Mrs. Puddle can agree on nothing so you'll find some interesting names in their family) are nothing if not resourceful pets, however. So it is that they set off to be reunited with their owners in the city while the Puddles struggle to decide whether or not to turn back. Before all is said and done interpretive dance, messy homes, discovered secrets, long-lost relatives, handsome villains, and a high concentration of exceedingly smelly animals will involve the Puddles' (both human and animal). But everything turns out all right in the end . . . . almost.
In my experience there's something about the flavor of this book that appeals to kids. Whether its read on its own or read to a child, kids have a lasting affection for The Puddles. There are even sentences that will probably appeal more to the adult reading this book to their child, though a smart kid might get in on the joke as well. Example: "The two Sallys, who were sometimes referred to as Sally Squared . . ." I'd love to hear the audiobook version of this title, actually, since there are a couple portions that just beg to be heard. At one moment Baby flirts with the notion of hitchhiking, until a passing policeman puts an end to that notion. As she converses with him, Baby manages to end each sentence with the phrase, "Are you going to arrest me?" It happens about five times, and when read correctly could be downright hilarious. Ditto any speech given by the friendly if verbose Frankolin. This is a title that begs to be heard, not just seen.
Really, the book plays with a strange logic entirely of its own. In spite of the older in-jokes, sometimes it feels like it's holding a very personal conversation with the child reader. One that the adult reader is not privy to. At one point The Puddles opines, "Why is it that the things you aren't supposed to know about always seem so much more interesting than the things you are allowed to know about? Write your answer here:" A very small line appears after this sentence.
With any good book the author has to determine what each individual character wants. And The Puddles, if nothing else, is about defining what everyone wants and either thwarting or aiding them. This is definitely the case with the Sallys. Feiffer taps into a particular kind of dog logic that is difficult to come up with unless a person has lived with dogs for a long period of time. For example, at one point the Sallys discuss the country and little Sally wonders which is older, the city or the country? Big Sally makes a strong case for the city being older. "Just look at it. I looks so much older than the country. Everything is gray and cracked. The country looks green and fresh. The city's older. I can remember the city from when I was a puppy. I think the country just came around a few years ago."
Now as you'll recall, I said earlier that it took me a chapter or two to get into this book. Once I did I found myself enjoying it quite a lot. Then suddenly we meet a fellow who is a secret catcher, and I got worried. The book seemed to veer in a very different direction, and I felt left behind. So for another two chapters or so I worried mightily. I didn't think that Feiffer was going to be able to get back on track after introducing this entirely new character and his unique (to say the least) occupation. But back on track it returned and by the end I was satisfied with the subplot's inclusion, even if the initial introduction to it was jarring.
I'd be amiss if I didn't mention illustrator Tricia Tusa at some point here. She's what we like to call one of the nation's untapped resources. Or at the very least, inadequately tapped. If I had my way Ms. Tusa would illustrate every other children's book out there. She'd be exhausted, but at least I'd be satisfying my Tusa craving. Having proved already that she can do dogs like nobody's business in the book Fred Stays With Me, Tusa's spot-on illustrations in The Puddles never distract or detract from the narrative. They instead offer just the right whimsical touch. Without becoming twee or too terribly sweet, Tusa's pictures humanize everyone she draws. On top of that, she's funny. There were moments involving a dog simply named "the king", a nasty little boy with two visible teeth, and an impromptu interpretive dance that made me chuckle excessively. But I think it was the image of a cranky old farmer with his walking stuck, suspenders and shaking his fist made me actually crack up the most. Tusa makes for a superior match to this book. An inspired pairing.
Like a bloodhound on a scent, I can tell when a book is going to be divisive. Regardless of whether or not I myself like the title, there's a certain strain of writing and a certain mode of prose that splits the adult readership of children's books (librarians, parents, teachers, etc.) in half. I smell it in The Problem with the Puddles. Now remember, I am a fan. I think this book is tops, swell, pick-of-the-litter, and other positive if slightly outdated terms of praise. And just as certainly I can tell that not everyone is going to feel as I do about it. Maybe it's the writing, which isn't your standard rote fare. Maybe it's the tone. Maybe it's the fact that Baby comes perilously close to hitchhiking at one point. Whatever the case, while I think a fair swath of kids will enjoy The Puddles, don't assume every adult you run across will. This book is essentially dark dark chocolate. You have to have a taste for it. Kids will. Discerning adults too.
Ages 8-12
They did not mean to leave the dogs. That's probably pretty certain. But between Mrs. Puddle desperate to get away from their country home and Mr. Puddle desperate to stay in their country home, to say nothing of the kids (Baby and Tom) squeezing in amongst all the stuff . . . well the dogs just sort of got left behind. Big Sally and little Sally (Mr. and Mrs. Puddle can agree on nothing so you'll find some interesting names in their family) are nothing if not resourceful pets, however. So it is that they set off to be reunited with their owners in the city while the Puddles struggle to decide whether or not to turn back. Before all is said and done interpretive dance, messy homes, discovered secrets, long-lost relatives, handsome villains, and a high concentration of exceedingly smelly animals will involve the Puddles' (both human and animal). But everything turns out all right in the end . . . . almost.
In my experience there's something about the flavor of this book that appeals to kids. Whether its read on its own or read to a child, kids have a lasting affection for The Puddles. There are even sentences that will probably appeal more to the adult reading this book to their child, though a smart kid might get in on the joke as well. Example: "The two Sallys, who were sometimes referred to as Sally Squared . . ." I'd love to hear the audiobook version of this title, actually, since there are a couple portions that just beg to be heard. At one moment Baby flirts with the notion of hitchhiking, until a passing policeman puts an end to that notion. As she converses with him, Baby manages to end each sentence with the phrase, "Are you going to arrest me?" It happens about five times, and when read correctly could be downright hilarious. Ditto any speech given by the friendly if verbose Frankolin. This is a title that begs to be heard, not just seen.
Really, the book plays with a strange logic entirely of its own. In spite of the older in-jokes, sometimes it feels like it's holding a very personal conversation with the child reader. One that the adult reader is not privy to. At one point The Puddles opines, "Why is it that the things you aren't supposed to know about always seem so much more interesting than the things you are allowed to know about? Write your answer here:" A very small line appears after this sentence.
With any good book the author has to determine what each individual character wants. And The Puddles, if nothing else, is about defining what everyone wants and either thwarting or aiding them. This is definitely the case with the Sallys. Feiffer taps into a particular kind of dog logic that is difficult to come up with unless a person has lived with dogs for a long period of time. For example, at one point the Sallys discuss the country and little Sally wonders which is older, the city or the country? Big Sally makes a strong case for the city being older. "Just look at it. I looks so much older than the country. Everything is gray and cracked. The country looks green and fresh. The city's older. I can remember the city from when I was a puppy. I think the country just came around a few years ago."
Now as you'll recall, I said earlier that it took me a chapter or two to get into this book. Once I did I found myself enjoying it quite a lot. Then suddenly we meet a fellow who is a secret catcher, and I got worried. The book seemed to veer in a very different direction, and I felt left behind. So for another two chapters or so I worried mightily. I didn't think that Feiffer was going to be able to get back on track after introducing this entirely new character and his unique (to say the least) occupation. But back on track it returned and by the end I was satisfied with the subplot's inclusion, even if the initial introduction to it was jarring.
I'd be amiss if I didn't mention illustrator Tricia Tusa at some point here. She's what we like to call one of the nation's untapped resources. Or at the very least, inadequately tapped. If I had my way Ms. Tusa would illustrate every other children's book out there. She'd be exhausted, but at least I'd be satisfying my Tusa craving. Having proved already that she can do dogs like nobody's business in the book Fred Stays With Me, Tusa's spot-on illustrations in The Puddles never distract or detract from the narrative. They instead offer just the right whimsical touch. Without becoming twee or too terribly sweet, Tusa's pictures humanize everyone she draws. On top of that, she's funny. There were moments involving a dog simply named "the king", a nasty little boy with two visible teeth, and an impromptu interpretive dance that made me chuckle excessively. But I think it was the image of a cranky old farmer with his walking stuck, suspenders and shaking his fist made me actually crack up the most. Tusa makes for a superior match to this book. An inspired pairing.
Like a bloodhound on a scent, I can tell when a book is going to be divisive. Regardless of whether or not I myself like the title, there's a certain strain of writing and a certain mode of prose that splits the adult readership of children's books (librarians, parents, teachers, etc.) in half. I smell it in The Problem with the Puddles. Now remember, I am a fan. I think this book is tops, swell, pick-of-the-litter, and other positive if slightly outdated terms of praise. And just as certainly I can tell that not everyone is going to feel as I do about it. Maybe it's the writing, which isn't your standard rote fare. Maybe it's the tone. Maybe it's the fact that Baby comes perilously close to hitchhiking at one point. Whatever the case, while I think a fair swath of kids will enjoy The Puddles, don't assume every adult you run across will. This book is essentially dark dark chocolate. You have to have a taste for it. Kids will. Discerning adults too.
Ages 8-12
May 5, 2021
My seven-year-old daughter and I read this book together. As an adult reading it, I found it all over the place - there are about six plot lines and myriad characters and things constantly shift back and forth in ways that are off the wall and wacky. I found it disjointed. But that's as an adult.
My seven-year-old daughter absolutely loved it. She loved the zaniness and the multiple characters and perspectives and different story lines. The jumping around didn't bother her, because that is how SHE tells stories. In that regard, Feiffer has perfectly crafted a children's tale...
My seven-year-old daughter absolutely loved it. She loved the zaniness and the multiple characters and perspectives and different story lines. The jumping around didn't bother her, because that is how SHE tells stories. In that regard, Feiffer has perfectly crafted a children's tale...
October 16, 2025
A whimsical story of a whimsical family, who ends up meeting another whimsical family. Also, two dogs both named Sally, and the ending is really the best (no strings left untied!)
December 5, 2011
Baby Puddle and her brother Tom Puddle have a mother and father who cannot agree on anything. Most of the time, they just agree to disagree. This even is the cause for Baby’s name; her mother wanted to name her Emily and her father Ferdinanda so instead the nurse just wrote down Baby.
This book tells the story of how the Puddle family finally got away from their country vacation home and the unfortunate way that rain clouds always seem to find them. Not only that, but in their rush to leave, they forgot their two dogs Big Sally and Little Sally. Throughout the Puddle’s story, it goes back and forth between Baby and the two Sallies talking. It was neat and interesting to hear the story from the dog’s point of view especially because they talk and think just like humans! I listened to this book on audio format and I really enjoyed it. It was quick and funny and I found that Feiffer did a great job of bringing life to each character in the book by using different voices. I was pleasantly surprised when at the end the story tied up nicely and came back full circle for me.
This is a quick read and I think that it would work well in a book club setting. Both boys and girls will enjoy this story which is what really makes it a great choice. Also, I highly recommend listening to the audio book in a classroom too, I think that the tweens will get a kick out of the quirky Puddle family.
Awards: Iowa: Children's Choice Award Nominees: 2012, Massachusetts: Children's Book Award Nominees: 2011.
Characters: Baby/Emily/Ferdinanda Puddle, Tom, Father Puddle, Mother Puddle, Big Sally, Little Sally, Frankolin.
Subjects: Dogs, Family fiction, Humorous fiction, Lost and found, Vacations.
References: Book information and award information retrieved from www.bwibooks.com. Accessed on November 30, 2011.
The Problem with the Puddles. (2009, January 15). Retrieved November 30, 2011, from Kirkus Reviews.
The Problem with the Puddles. (n.d.). In AudioFile. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/dbse....
This book tells the story of how the Puddle family finally got away from their country vacation home and the unfortunate way that rain clouds always seem to find them. Not only that, but in their rush to leave, they forgot their two dogs Big Sally and Little Sally. Throughout the Puddle’s story, it goes back and forth between Baby and the two Sallies talking. It was neat and interesting to hear the story from the dog’s point of view especially because they talk and think just like humans! I listened to this book on audio format and I really enjoyed it. It was quick and funny and I found that Feiffer did a great job of bringing life to each character in the book by using different voices. I was pleasantly surprised when at the end the story tied up nicely and came back full circle for me.
This is a quick read and I think that it would work well in a book club setting. Both boys and girls will enjoy this story which is what really makes it a great choice. Also, I highly recommend listening to the audio book in a classroom too, I think that the tweens will get a kick out of the quirky Puddle family.
Awards: Iowa: Children's Choice Award Nominees: 2012, Massachusetts: Children's Book Award Nominees: 2011.
Characters: Baby/Emily/Ferdinanda Puddle, Tom, Father Puddle, Mother Puddle, Big Sally, Little Sally, Frankolin.
Subjects: Dogs, Family fiction, Humorous fiction, Lost and found, Vacations.
References: Book information and award information retrieved from www.bwibooks.com. Accessed on November 30, 2011.
The Problem with the Puddles. (2009, January 15). Retrieved November 30, 2011, from Kirkus Reviews.
The Problem with the Puddles. (n.d.). In AudioFile. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/dbse....
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Stuck in the country because the weather won't cooperate...
Baby's mother is ready to return to the city. And her father would rather stay in the country for a few more days. Growing up, Baby's parents have always agreed to disagree. In fact, her mother wrote a book called Agreeing to Disagree that became an instant success. Their disagreeing goes back to when she was born. Her parents couldn't agree what to call her. One wanted to call her Emily, the other wanted Ferdinanda. A nurse simply wrote "Baby" on her form, and that was that.
So, once the rain finally passes, the Puddles load up the car and head back to the city. A few hours into the eight-hour drive, the family realizes they've left the dogs back in the country! In a flurry of indecision, Mr. Puddles turns the car left, then right, trying to decide if they should go back for the dogs then or return at a later time. In the confusion, the car loses control and winds up off the road.
In the meantime, the dogs are left back in the country and have their own discussion on what they should do. One is a Chihuahua, the other a Great Dane. And as with the rest of the craziness of the Puddle family, both dogs are named Sally. The dogs agree to head to the city to find the Puddles.
While the Puddles are trying to return to the country, and the dogs are trying to get to the city, stories are told and secrets are revealed. One stranger stops to help the Puddles and another stranger stops to help the dogs. In a surprising twist, the author brings to two unlikely groups to a surprising end.
For anyone that likes the quirkiness of Lemony Snicket's sense of humor, THE PROBLEM WITH THE PUDDLES is along the same vein. Fun, amusing, and downright humorous, the Puddles make any family seem normal!
Readers younger than sixth grade will also be able to enjoy the story. There are entertaining illustrations throughout the story, and the chapters are kept to two or three pages for quick reading.
Stuck in the country because the weather won't cooperate...
Baby's mother is ready to return to the city. And her father would rather stay in the country for a few more days. Growing up, Baby's parents have always agreed to disagree. In fact, her mother wrote a book called Agreeing to Disagree that became an instant success. Their disagreeing goes back to when she was born. Her parents couldn't agree what to call her. One wanted to call her Emily, the other wanted Ferdinanda. A nurse simply wrote "Baby" on her form, and that was that.
So, once the rain finally passes, the Puddles load up the car and head back to the city. A few hours into the eight-hour drive, the family realizes they've left the dogs back in the country! In a flurry of indecision, Mr. Puddles turns the car left, then right, trying to decide if they should go back for the dogs then or return at a later time. In the confusion, the car loses control and winds up off the road.
In the meantime, the dogs are left back in the country and have their own discussion on what they should do. One is a Chihuahua, the other a Great Dane. And as with the rest of the craziness of the Puddle family, both dogs are named Sally. The dogs agree to head to the city to find the Puddles.
While the Puddles are trying to return to the country, and the dogs are trying to get to the city, stories are told and secrets are revealed. One stranger stops to help the Puddles and another stranger stops to help the dogs. In a surprising twist, the author brings to two unlikely groups to a surprising end.
For anyone that likes the quirkiness of Lemony Snicket's sense of humor, THE PROBLEM WITH THE PUDDLES is along the same vein. Fun, amusing, and downright humorous, the Puddles make any family seem normal!
Readers younger than sixth grade will also be able to enjoy the story. There are entertaining illustrations throughout the story, and the chapters are kept to two or three pages for quick reading.
March 2, 2009
Baby's parents agree to disagree about everything. This means that they could not agree on a name for her when she was born. Her mother calls her Emily and her father calls her Ferdinanda. Everyone else calls her by the name on her birth certificate written by a nurse: Baby. They have two dogs because her parents couldn't agree on which type of dog to get. They did agree on the name, Sally, so both dogs are named that. Mr. Puddle loves the country while Mrs. Puddle loves the city, so they have homes in both. In their hurry to leave for the city, the family forgets the dogs. The parents disagree on whether to turn back or not. Meanwhile, the two Sallys have realized they are forgotten and try to fix the problem themselves. This whimsical, funny and clever novel begs to be shared.
I just love clever books. Books that ask children to stretch a bit and reach. The fact that this one does it in such a subtle way makes it all the more clever. Through the lens of a light, illustrated story, children get to see a dysfunctional couple, a father who has lost his son because of lies, and a family desperately in need of a cleaning staff. All serious subjects handled with a deftness and skill that allow the readers to stay above it all. Lots to discuss here, the book has great writing that reads aloud with ease as well as friendly, inviting illustrations that capture the style of the writing perfectly.
Recommended as a read aloud, this book also reads alone well. The problem here is that I don't know if a second book is in the works or not! That's the problem with the Puddles! Appropriate for ages 7-10.
I just love clever books. Books that ask children to stretch a bit and reach. The fact that this one does it in such a subtle way makes it all the more clever. Through the lens of a light, illustrated story, children get to see a dysfunctional couple, a father who has lost his son because of lies, and a family desperately in need of a cleaning staff. All serious subjects handled with a deftness and skill that allow the readers to stay above it all. Lots to discuss here, the book has great writing that reads aloud with ease as well as friendly, inviting illustrations that capture the style of the writing perfectly.
Recommended as a read aloud, this book also reads alone well. The problem here is that I don't know if a second book is in the works or not! That's the problem with the Puddles! Appropriate for ages 7-10.
February 13, 2010
This book was recommended as being humorous, but I wasn't very impressed. It is pretty silly, and the story has some clever twists and turns... eventually it does resolve and have a point and everything even though it doesn't seem like it will through much of the book. I wasn't able to find an AR rating for the level, but I'd guess it was on a 3rd grade level. One funny thing I like about the family is that the mom and dad disagree on everything and the results of some of their arguments can be pretty funny. I especially like the disagreement over whether to name their daughter Emily of Ferdinanda and the disagreement over whether to name their great dane or their teacup poodle should be named Sally. Another cute part of the book is the conversations that the dogs share as they set out in search of their family after being separated from them at the beginning.
Also, I should mention there is a part where the daughter tries to hitchhike which bothers me a little. It's funny the little things I notice in these books that I just don't know if I'm ready for my kids to be exposed to yet (a different book I have started reading makes mention of the lottery). Knowing that my son had started this book, I made a point of having a conversation about hitchhiking. First of all what it is, and also why it's VERY dangerous and how the girl in the book should not have done it and how he WILL NEVER try it.
Also, I should mention there is a part where the daughter tries to hitchhike which bothers me a little. It's funny the little things I notice in these books that I just don't know if I'm ready for my kids to be exposed to yet (a different book I have started reading makes mention of the lottery). Knowing that my son had started this book, I made a point of having a conversation about hitchhiking. First of all what it is, and also why it's VERY dangerous and how the girl in the book should not have done it and how he WILL NEVER try it.
May 3, 2010
This is a children's book *for children*. Far from being a tautology, I think that bears repeating here after reading several of the reviews. I myself found the story often cloying if not irritating, but my kids repeatedly prompted me to keep reading. Subtlety is not the strength of most kids humor, and this avoids any notion of subtlety even more strongly than say Garfield (another thing my kids like, but doesn't float the boat of my inner child).
The dedication by the author to "my dad, Jules" confirms that the Feiffer connection is indeed that one. And it made me wonder if Jules and his first wife, also Kate's mother, perhaps had a rocky road that they rode. Perhaps if not between the city and country, then often between diametrically opposed states of mind.
Anyways, the author's life is not crucial, but for children whose parents are quite separate, if not indeed separated, this might be a talking point sort of book. Fortunately my wife hasn't given up on me yet! And again our kids liked this book a lot more than myself and most adults here (are adults reading books like this to themselves anyways...hmmmm?)
One other thing that was nice, while the parents' relationship struggled, the kids were never imperiled here (as is frequently the source of tension in fiction for kids)...rather there are pets to be rescued.
Should give this four stars for the kids...
The dedication by the author to "my dad, Jules" confirms that the Feiffer connection is indeed that one. And it made me wonder if Jules and his first wife, also Kate's mother, perhaps had a rocky road that they rode. Perhaps if not between the city and country, then often between diametrically opposed states of mind.
Anyways, the author's life is not crucial, but for children whose parents are quite separate, if not indeed separated, this might be a talking point sort of book. Fortunately my wife hasn't given up on me yet! And again our kids liked this book a lot more than myself and most adults here (are adults reading books like this to themselves anyways...hmmmm?)
One other thing that was nice, while the parents' relationship struggled, the kids were never imperiled here (as is frequently the source of tension in fiction for kids)...rather there are pets to be rescued.
Should give this four stars for the kids...
November 1, 2009
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.
April 1, 2024
This is a short, humorous little story about a family named the Puddles. Mr. and Mrs. Puddle disagree about everything. It got to be a little too much for me at times, but it also led to quite an adventure because they left their dogs behind when they headed for the city and they had quite a time trying to get back to their dogs. Meanwhile the dogs set off to find them and have adventures all their own. It's told from the perspective of the daughter, Baby (or Ferdinanda or Emily...all names for the same child, since Mr. and Mrs. Puddle couldn't agree on name for her) and the persective of the dogs.
My 7 yo really enjoyed listening to this. I can imagine 7-10 yo would find it quite funny.
***
Reread in 2024. I think my third graders would really enjoy this. It was silly but quite humorous.
My 7 yo really enjoyed listening to this. I can imagine 7-10 yo would find it quite funny.
***
Reread in 2024. I think my third graders would really enjoy this. It was silly but quite humorous.
May 18, 2009
I'm sorry, I hate to disagree with everyone, but I really didn't like this book. The writing was so annoying, I almost didn't even finish it. I can see where it was supposed to be funny but in the end it was just all-around boring to me. I had to plod through every page. To be fair I think I should mention that I did laugh (inside) twice. My main thought while reading was "Just say it already!" Some of the ramblings didn't even make sense, which sort of ruined it for me. I know. It's what the author was aiming for, but to me it was just the same joke over and over. I gave it two stars because I think Kindergarten age children might think it's funny with all those bumbling, crazy adults. It was a nice idea but could have been executed better. Oh well...
July 10, 2019
There are some really creative elements to this book. In her debut novel (following four picture books), Kate Feiffer has shown a willingness to write outside the box and not follow the confines of regular literature exactly. The interactive sections in The Problem With the Puddles are definitely notable parts of an interesting, experimental book.
Kate Feiffer has a good sense of humor that yields quite a few funny happenings and characters in this book. It's not your average story by any stretch of the imagination, but fans of the work of Dick King-Smith and Roald Dahl likely will enjoy this novel that most definitely marches to the beat of a different drummer.
I would give one and a half stars to The Problem With the Puddles.
Kate Feiffer has a good sense of humor that yields quite a few funny happenings and characters in this book. It's not your average story by any stretch of the imagination, but fans of the work of Dick King-Smith and Roald Dahl likely will enjoy this novel that most definitely marches to the beat of a different drummer.
I would give one and a half stars to The Problem With the Puddles.
January 27, 2011
Rose (my first grader) and I listened to this in the car on a long trip today. While it is a fun book to listen to and was fairly interesting, I really did not like the way adoption was presented in the story. I am not generally an over-sensitive person about this issue, and maybe it was just the narrative style, but I felt like the decision made by birth parents to relinquish a child seemed callous and uncaring, and while the adoptive parents were presented as loving their child, they felt like adoption was a secret to be kept. Generally it was a silly portrayal of adoption in a book that was exceedingly silly, but it still rubbed me the wrong way.
Rose, for the record, didn't register any objections.
Rose, for the record, didn't register any objections.
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October 2, 2024When Baby Puddle was born, her parents just couldn't agree on what to name her. Since then, they've "agreed to disagree" on everything. On the way back to the city from their country home, they accidentally leave their dogs behind, and - of course - they can't agree on what to do about it. Meanwhile, the dogs decide to take matters into their own hands... er, paws. Over-the-top goofy characters and situations, Tusa's fantastically funny illustrations, and a conversational tone that includes invitations to the reader to literally fill in the blank make this a delightfully silly romp. Readers looking for more substance than silliness, though, will want to look elsewhere.
February 10, 2014
An okay, mildly humorous, little harder than a beginning chapter book, mostly because it is longer than a beginning chapter book, but with lots of repetition, for the humor of it - ? the Puddles went back and forth and back and forth and back and forth" ha, ha. So the Puddles leave their country home for their city home and in all that back and forthing, they leave their two dogs behind. The chapters alternate between the dogs, who adventure off on their own to find the city and the Puddles, who crash their car trying to turn around and go back. They all meet some other people along the way and solve some bizarre problems of longstanding.
June 18, 2009
When she was born 8 years ago, the Puddles could not agree on their daughter’s new name, so she is known as “Baby”. 8 years later, Mr. and Mrs. Puddle still cannot agree on anything, as they get ready to leave their house in the country to drive to the city. When they accidentally leave their beloved dogs (Sally and Sally) behind, can the Puddle family pull themselves together to look for them?
A cute little book! I LOVE it when animals are personified and “talk” to each other and have thoughts.
A cute little book! I LOVE it when animals are personified and “talk” to each other and have thoughts.
December 16, 2009
Once again, the shelves selection isn't allowing me to choose tags. This would be audio and jFIC.
A delightful story of a family that forgets their dogs when they head back to the city from their country home. Some chapters follow the exploits of the family, and some the exploits of the dogs. It incorporates some simple math, but not in a gratuitous way, just the way one might use math in daily life.
A delightful story of a family that forgets their dogs when they head back to the city from their country home. Some chapters follow the exploits of the family, and some the exploits of the dogs. It incorporates some simple math, but not in a gratuitous way, just the way one might use math in daily life.
May 13, 2010
Mr. And Mrs. Puddle can’t agree on anything, including what to name their daughter who is now 8. They have been in their summer cottage in the country, are returning back to their city apartment, and forget to take the dogs. The dogs have one adventure; the Puddles have another. Of the two, the dogs’ adventure is more easily understood. This is a confusing book but might tickle the fancy of an 8-year old boy or girl.
June 17, 2009
I think this would be a fun read for young readers with chapters alternating between the Puddle family on their way home from the country and their 2 dogs, both named Sally, who were left behind. But seriously, what kind of mother would just continue on the trip after discovering that the dogs had been forgotten. Bad mother!
October 3, 2009
I'm sorry, I so wanted to like this, but I just couldn't get excited about it. And when I'm avoiding reading altogether because I don't want to pick up my current book, that's when I know it's time to quit that book. I feel like I've seen these characters before -- quirky parents, sensible children.
October 16, 2009
The problem with Puddles was that I kept wanting to think it was funnier and it just didn't happen. Parents that agree to disagree makes for a life of indecision and chaos. This adventure begins when the family moves and accidentally leaves the two dogs behind. It builds to a coincidence filled ending. I think the writing style made it just too busy to be really enjoyable.
May 22, 2012
We listened to this on audio book. I feel bad saying this, but I didn't like the person who read it (and that person was the author!) I got it for the kids to listen to, but there were so many topics that seemed way too out of their understanding. It hadn't mentioned any of these on the cover. Things like adoption...I would have appreciated a heads up on that. All in all, it wasn't my favorite.
March 2, 2013
A quirky family with a proclivity for finding itself in rainstorms sets out on a car trip, inadvertently leaving their two dogs (who are both named Sally) behind. The dogs and owners must then find a way to reunite. Sounds simple, but of course it isn't! Cute book that I will be using for my April book club pick at the library - after all, you know what they say about April showers...
June 25, 2009
I thought this was a completely delightful and charming book, thoroughly enjoyable and funny, until page 130 when it veered in some strange direction and lost me for the rest of the book. Weirdest experience I've ever had reading a book. Tricia Tusa's art is phenomenal though.
September 8, 2009
A mildly absurd work of fiction concerning a family who forgets their dogs, while leaving their vacation home. It wasn't my cup of tea, though I can see why it has fans. I will say that I thought the mother was a complete waste of space....really disliked her.
November 3, 2009
I found this book to be a bit too confusing to be funny. The characters spent most of the book agreeing to disagree to form any kind of attachment to them. The two dogs, both named Sally, were the only characters whom really showed much personality.
October 5, 2009
I thought this was a funny book. Loved the humor and loved seeing things from the point of view of a Chihuahua (only parts of the story are told from this point of view). It's a simple fun read that kids will enjoy.
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