The Peddlar of Puddles, written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Clarion Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"With a twist and a turn
and a push and a pull, the Peddler had
made countless ducks delighted ... 

hundreds of frogs euphoric ... 

and children ... 

well, he'd stopped counting how many 
children he'd created puddles for."

Kids will be very happy to meet the Peddler of Puddles, and they will be hoping to meet him on their own some day. He's a slow roller, but he gets the job done and makes many creatures very happy. Who doesn't love a good puddle? 

His puddle maker is an invention to make children smile, in hopes of being able to design one for themselves. Watching the fruits of his labor provide just what many creatures need for fun, frolic, and even to quench their thirst is quite the enjoyable endeavor. When children join in the fun, they stomp, splash, and float a boat. 

The Peddler does it all out of the goodness of his heart, never asking for payment. He does, however, appreciate a fresh carrot, a bowl of soup, a firefly lantern, or a smile. He is always on the move, appreciating his old friends and the new ones he meets. His travels are wide, and eventually lead him to the biggest puddle he has ever seen. He is astounded. 

"Wow," he said. 

"I know," replied a voice coming from below. 

It was a small girl. 

A small girl covered in sand."

Thinking to create a rinsing puddle, the Peddler is surprised to find that the water just disappears when it touches the sand. The girl invites him to try dipping his toes in the ocean. What joy they experience together! When it is time for the girl to go home, the Peddler realizes he has no home to go to. Still, he has a job to do. How will he get his cart out of the sand and on the road again?  

Turns out his many friends have been missing him, and want to help. Home they go to a huge hole they have all helped to dig. The Peddler gets right to the task at hand! What he does with his cart will fill hearts with wonder and joy. 

The storytelling is heartfelt and makes for a most enjoyable readaloud. It is filled with kindness and the wonder of community. Tom Lichtenheld does a fine job using pencil, watercolor, and colored pencils to create a fetching setting for the Peddler, his business and his many friends. The details demand attention and offer excellent reasons to stop and talk about what listeners are seeing as the story moves along.