The Deep, Deep Puddle

A commonplace event takes an outrageous turn as a rain puddle quickly grows into a large body of water, disrupting life in a city. Parker counts up to 12 and back again, using repetition to build excitement as people, animals, taxicabs, and more fall into the puddle: “Two stray cats track curious reflections a little too close to the edge of the deep, deep puddle and... Glub... Glub... Glub... they sink out of sight.” Zemke’s whimsically chaotic spreads show archetypal city dwellers going about their business underwater: robbers seize at floating dollars, vendors reach for their soggy wares, a tourist takes an underwater cellphone picture. Readers will embrace the chance to laugh at the adult world turned upside down in this hearty readaloud. Ages 3–up. Illustrator’s agent: Ronnie Ann Herman, the Herman Agency. (Apr.)