K-Gr 2—Four swamp creatures, beset with curiosity, consider the best route around an enormous tail—possibly
attached to a mouth with large teeth—in front of them. Eccentric charm, a bold graphic style, and a side-splitting
punch line, the Pumphreys know how to tickle a child's funny bone. A tale to reread and repeat.

This is one of THE MOST FUN read-alouds! Did it with all my K-1st grade classes and they loved it ("SMACK! SPLASH!"). There's also a lesson about being open-minded and curious rather than making assumptions, a moment of tension (should the mouse accept the ride across the river from the gator?), and some serious consequences. Brilliant.

See also: What A Lucky Day!

2023 Mock Caldecott
Illustration observations: Muted colors in a nature palette (brown, gray, green, pale blue). The color of the text in the speech bubbles matches the color of the animal speaking (mouse, squirrel, rat, rabbit). ( )

humor!! ( )

Favorite quote: "I ate some strangers earlier."
The basic message is that things are not always what they seem. Except for kindness.
Wonderful small book for everyone. Especially ESL. The illustrations are simple and in muted colors suited to the bayou. Love it! My local library needs a copy, too.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from W. W. Norton & Company/Norton Young Readers via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )