A poetic text delves into the intricacies of a puddle's ecosystem in this buoyant picture book by Sanchez, which introduces a pale-skinned child who watches a local puddle over the seasons, observing its visitors, which include bats, birds, insects, mammals, plant life, and toads and tadpoles. In-depth facts append each lyrical line: "Swallows loop the loop," reads one spread, portraying four swallows sweeping around the puddle, which is surrounded by verdant plants. Smaller text beneath reads, "Barn swallows grab a beakful of mud. They'll raise their babies in a dried-mud cradle." Intricate, thin-lined spreads by Uribe clearly mark the changing seasons and weather in harmonious color palettes studded with sweetly stylized creatures. A curiosity-stoking exploration of the way even the smallest bodies of water sustain life. Back matter includes an author's note and suggestions on making one's own puddles. Ages 4--7. (Mar.)

Observing the plants and animals in and around the puddle at the end of her driveway, Sanchez invites readers to join her there and watch the tadpoles hatch from eggs in the water. They soon grow into "tiny toadlets." Around the perimeter, seeds sprout and become flowers, grasses, and tree seedlings. Swallows swoop down to drink, while a turtle lays her eggs nearby. Ducks, snails, wasps, butterflies, squirrels, and deer stop by the puddle, which dwindles until the next rainfall and, in winter, turns to ice. On a typical two-page spread, the dual text includes a short, large-type sentence for younger children and a longer sentence or two for kids who are ready to read or listen to more facts related to the topic. The helpful back matter discusses common wild animals visiting puddles and points out the creatures' many ways of using mud as well as water. The appealing illustrations include a night picture in deep, dusky hues, contrasting nicely with the bright, colorful daylight scenes. An appealing introduction to an often-overlooked part of nature.

PreS-Gr 1--A little girl checks to see what new wildlife has been drawn to her puddle as the weather and seasons change in this sweet introduction to a habitat. As the puddle grows and shrinks and turns to ice, the child watches how critters from butterflies to deer use the puddle as a home, bathtub, or drinking fountain. Each spread focuses on a single animal with a spare descriptive line about its puddle activity and an additional sentence that provides a nugget of background information. Beautifully composed, richly colored illustrations contain just enough detail for young readers and keep the scene of a single puddle intriguingly dynamic. Back matter includes tips for watching wildlife, further descriptions of the creatures one might find near a puddle, and a glossary. VERDICT Charming visuals and deceptively simple text combine in a book that will reward repeat readings and inspire little naturalists.--Jan Aldrich Solow