Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I’ve been absent for a couple of Fridays…and I have to share how touched I was that three kid-lit friends actually reached out to make sure I was okay because they were concerned. I did go away for a long weekend with my family on a nostalgia road trip to visit some familiar places in Connecticut where my kids grew up. But I am back today – and turning the spotlight on a wonderful picture book from Annette Schottenfeld, OBI’S MUD BATH. And the lovely Annette is offering a super giveaway of a copy of the book and some book swag!
OBI’S MUD BATH
Written by Annette Schottenfeld
Illustrated by Folasade Adeshida
Published by Spork (June 22, 2021)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Africa, drought,
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Zimbabwe is having a dry spell, and it’s way too hot for young rhino Obi. On the hunt for a cool, ooey, gooey, mud bath, he gets his snout stuck in one mess after another. Finally, with help from his new friends, Obi realizes that teamwork and some fancy moves – might just help beat the heat.
Inspired by an actual event, Obi’s Mud Bath includes Common Core Connections and explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the power of believing.
** A portion of this book’s proceeds will be donated to Water.org, an organization which empowers families around the world with access to safe water and sanitation.
Why I Love This Book:
- Simple, yet dramatic text that young children will love as they follow Obi the Rhino who is searching for a mud bath to cool off in.
- Colorful illustrations that will keep kids turning the pages…I especially love the scene where the animals work together.
- This book shows what a wonderful collaboration between author, illustrator, editor, and sensitivity reader can create…and I love that a portion of the proceeds will go to Water.org.
And did you know that playing in the mud is actually good for children? For nformation about International Mud Day and why it’s good for everyone to play in the mud: https://www.alleghenyfront.org/international-mud-day-a-messy-celebration-of-the-earth/
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
What fun! Animals definitely love to play in the mud…and so do kids. Follow this link for 20 mud play ideas: https://mothernatured.com/nature-play/mud-play-for-kids/
And before you run out and get all muddy, for a chance to win a copy of Obi’s Mud Bath, please leave a comment below and share how you like to cool off on a hot day. Follow Annette (@nettschott) on Twitter for an extra ticket in the giveaway.
The winner will be announced on June 29th – National Mud Day – on Twitter!!!
To find out more about Annette and her books you can visit her website where you can find an Educator Guide and Activity Pages: annetteschottenfeld.com
One of the things I found out about Annette when we chatted was that her path to publication included classes at Children Book Academy where she worked on this manuscript with founder Mira Reisberg. You just never know where a course or conference will lead you.
I hope you all have a beautiful weekend. Please stay safe and well.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
What an adorable concept for a picture book. On hot, summer days I enjoy cooking off by drinking an ice cold glass of tea and watching my children play on their slip-n-slide. Which, coincidentally turns my lawn into mud! But it’s worth it to see their happy faces!
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Shannon, Thank you! It sounds like a perfect way to cool off. And, yay – more mud! LOL Your kids will have memories that last them a lifetime! Annette
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I’m happy you were able to get away with your family, Vivian. What a lovely mini vacation! This looks like a fun picture book. I love the concept of working together to help others. 20 Mud Play Ideas–love it! On hot summer days, I enjoy sitting in the shade, especially if there is a nice breeze, and enjoying a good book.
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Pamela, Thank you! We could all use support from our friends and Obi finds plenty of teamwork in the story. Wishing you many days of reading in the shade this summer! Annette
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Oh, I love the idea of a mud day. When I was taking pottery classes, the saying on the wall was “Play in the Dirt.” I don’t know many little ones who can resist a mud puddle if they see it (and are on free range play time…). Congrats, Annette! What a cute book! I like to cool off in water, if I can get to it. Or sit in the shade and feel the evening breeze.
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Angie, Thank you! I think many of us could benefit from a day of letting loose and playing in the mud! Have a wonderful summer. Annette
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What a delightful story for young kids with a strong message. Love the soft illustrations. I didn’t know there was an International Mud Day. And, I especially loved the mud play activities you shared. Not so sure about the wormy cupcakes.
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Patricia, Thank you! Folasade did an amazing job illustrating Obi. I’m so happy we all know about International Mud Day. Share the fun! Annette
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Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this adorable and fun book. I follow Annette on Twitter (@dhammelef). On hot days I love to take dips in our neighborhood pool or drink iced tea in the shade.
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Hi Danielle, Thank you again for following me on Twitter and leaving a comment here. Enjoy the summer and stay cool! Annette
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Thanks for giving us a look into your new book, Annette. It’s a serious subject, and looks like you presented it in a super kid-friendly way.
Glad you had a fun nostalgia road trip, Vivian. Welcome back.
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Hi Arlene, Thank you! I’m excited for kids everywhere to meet Obi! Annette
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Sounds like a wonderful book!! I like to cool off by sitting under the trees in our back yard with a class of tea. I’ve been known to take a battery-operated fan with me so I can stay outside just a bit longer. 😊
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Hi Cheryl, Thank you! I like your creative thinking with the fan! Stay cool and enjoy the summer. Annette
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I’m a huge fan of playing in the mud! I am a farm girl after all, LOL. Water scarcity is a growing issue in this quickly warming world. And this is a very kid-friendly way to introduce how water affects animals, too. Great rec, Vivian!
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Hi Jilanne, I love that you are a fan of playing in the mud! It’s something we should all embrace – LOL. Thank you for commenting and, I agree,, taking care of our environment and each other is so important. Annette
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This book looks absolutely adorable!! When my kids were little (truth be told it is still my favorite method of cooling off…) we’d go to the local gas station and buy a big bag of ice. Emptied out the bag into my grandmother’s giant bread bowl in front of a fan. Then we stretched beach towels out on the rug in front of the ice and fan, and eat popsicles until we were cool again. 🙂
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Beth, Thank you! I love your cooling off story – maybe there is a book in there! Annette
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Can’t wait to read your book! In Phoenix, Arizona you really have only three options when it gets above 110 degrees: stay indoors, go for a swim, or travel to somewhere cooler. My daughter and I were just discussing how pleasant it was on a afternoon of 105!
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Hi Marla, Wow, it sounds pretty hot. You can understand why Obi wants to cool off in some ooey, gooey mud. 🙂 Annette
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I can’t wait to read this book! It sounds adorable. This brought back wonderful memories of glorious summer days I spent making mud pies as a child. These days I prefer spending hot summer days tubing on the crystal cool spring-fed San Marcos River. It makes me happy to see the work of Water.org recognized and promoted.
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Hi Carmela, Thank you! I love that you made mud pies as a child. How wonderful! It sounds like you’ve found a perfect way to cool off as an adult. Enjoy! Annette
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