Collingwood Press has released Mudpuddle's New Friend, a picture book by New England author Miles F. Stember that addresses themes of immigration, empathy, and the courage to challenge assumptions. Written for readers ages 3 to 8, the story follows Mudpuddle, a small earthworm in Turtletown, who responds to a moving truck next door with a simple but brave act: he walks over and says hello.
The narrative centers on Mudpuddle's encounter with Gus de la Tierra, whose family has moved from a faraway country in search of a better life. When Mudpuddle brings the news home, his father looks up from the newspaper and declares that the new family should be avoided. Mudpuddle speaks up, his mother supports him, and the family ends up at the de la Tierra dinner table, where a plate of unfamiliar food softens a hardened opinion and Mudpuddle's dad eventually asks for the recipe.
The book's significance lies in its timely yet light-handed treatment of prejudice and belonging. By placing the moment of moral courage with a child, Stember offers a model for young readers to question snap judgments and for families to discuss fairness and what it means to be a good neighbor. Teachers and librarians will find it a natural fit for lessons on community and making newcomers feel at home.
"I wanted to write a story that shows children how much good can come from one simple hello," Stember says. "Sometimes the youngest member of the family sees most clearly, and I hope Mudpuddle encourages readers to open their doors and their hearts."
The book is available through multiple retailers, including amazon.com/dp/B0HFDMDHG6 and Mudpuddle's New Friend on Goodreads. It can also be found on Mudpuddle's New Friend on Kobo and Mudpuddle's New Friend on Bookshop, as well as at greenapplebooks.com/book/9798951043214, Mudpuddle's New Friend on Fable, and Mudpuddle's New Friend on Orell Füssli.
Stember, who has been writing stories since he was about Mudpuddle's age, sharpened his craft at NHTI and the University of New Hampshire. He lives in New England. The book's release comes amid ongoing national debates about immigration and inclusion, making its message of curiosity and kindness particularly relevant for young audiences and the adults who read with them.
