“Toot & Puddle”
Author/Illustrator: Holly Hobbie
Published by: Little, Brown and Co
Ages: 3 – 8yrs
Themes: friendship, adventure, differences, being yourself
Opening Lines: Toot and Puddle lived together in Woodcock Pocket. It was such a perfect place to be that Puddle never wanted to go anywhere else. Toot, on the other hand, loved to take trips. He had been to Cape Cod, the Grand Canyon, and the redwood forests.
Synopsis: Two loving friends live together in Woodcock Pocket. One day Toot decides to take off on an adventure around the world. He invites his friend to join him, but Puddle prefers to stay at home. He sends home to Puddle postcards of his adventures and experiences. Home-loving Puddle has adventures of his own, right at home. Although they have an affection for one another, true friends, they also stay true to themselves, and we are taken on adventures far and wide as well as looking at adventures at home.
Why I like this: I loved the cute eye-catching title. When I glanced inside, I realised this was the kind of book I would love to write. Of loving friendship, travel, adventures and experiencing different cultures. When I was travelling from Cambodia to Laos last year, a woman I was sitting next to on a plane and I was discussing a unique idea on using postcards to teach children about different countries and culture. This book is dotted with postcards from Toot of his experiences in far away places, and following page is then followed by an adventure Puddle experiences at home. A lot is said, yet there are few words on each page. It also teaches the value of friendship, sharing and caring. Also introducing children to new places, and helping develop a child’s curiosity. The illustrations are adorable with cute water colours, offering humour and wonderful human characteristics and expressions. One can imagine, a child listening to you read to them and squealing with delight, pointing at these cute pictures. A must have book in every child’s room, great for night-time reading. This book is also the first of a series of Toot & Puddle.
Author , Holly Hobbie has written 10 picture books on “Toot & Puddle,” has been an artist for more than 30 years, has also written a memoir “The Art of Holly” and “Fanny.” She lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts.
Resources/Findings: This is already in its 10th Anniversary Edition. There are many websites on these two characters, this one is full of interesting activities, games, printables, information…. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tootandpuddle/
Here is where you can view and read the book.. http://archive.org/details/tootpuddle00hobbrich
Here is a website with ideas for family discussions regarding travel and friendships… http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/toot-puddle
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
I love this series, Diane, and the idea of having adventures wherever you are! I am a bit of a sucker for letters and postcards in picture books!
Yeah me to, Joanna. I had never heard of this series, so it was a delight to stumble across it. Thanks for commenting.
I think I’ve only seen it on the tele. I’lll have to read it too 🙂 Great review!
Yes it is on you tube as well Catherine. I was gonna post a link. Thanks for your comment.
I take out a Toot and Puddle book frequently – because the watercolors are so gorgeous, they sweep you off to those other places! Didn’t know they made the stories into tv productions, thanks Catherine!
I see they have been around for awhile Julie, I’m glad to see you like my choice, thanks for commenting.
I grew up near Conway, MA and Holly Hobbie was much revered for her popular American Greetings bonnet-headed girl images. She created my most favorite lunchbox ever! Later in life I discovered her Toot & Puddle series for my children. She is so talented and never disappoints with sweet stories and lovely illustrations.
I have been reading up on her, Cathy, she sounds amazing. She also wrote a memoir called The Art of Holly Hobbie, and dolls were made. Very interesting. Very clever lady. This must bring back memories for you. Lovely comment, thanks, Cathy.
I’m a newcomer to Holly Hobbie books. Although Diane, I could see you creating a fun story like this with your worldly experiences. I like the friendship between the two — one is outgoing and the other more of an inrovert — and yet they are accepting of each other. Very important message. Lovely review.
mmm… yes Pat, I was thinking, this is right up my alley. Wish I had written this one. I to loved the friendship they have, and loving and accepting each other they way they are. Very important message. Have been pouring over this book, dang, it’s due back at the library today. *sigh* Thankyou for your lovely comment, Pat.
Good choice! I love the Toot and Puddle series of books. Thank you for adding it the list.
Good grief! Another person who knows about this series. Glad you like my choice Loni, thanks for commenting.
We love Toot and PUddle in our house and of course Holly Hobbie. My youngest had a whole Holly Hobbie decor in her room. Thanks for adding this – I was surprised it wasn’t already there.
Am I the only one who didn’t know about this book or series? Gosh! I am so pleased I came across it. Must look for some more of Holly’s books to review for next year. They sound beautiful. Glad to have brought it to PPBF for everyone, 🙂 thanks Laura, for your comment.
I love postcards — they’re such a great way to teach and learn about places. And I remember that blue-bonneted Holly Hobbie doll, too. In fact, I didn’t realize that it was the person who designed it that was named Holly Hobbie. I’ve seen these books in the library, but passed by on the other side. Next time, I’ll pick one up and take a look.
I never knew about them till now. Looking over the website and Whikipedia, sounds like she is an amazing author. I too, must look out for more of her books. Thanks Beth.
I can’t believe I have never heard of this book! I always love books where the characters travel and learn about other places. It’s such a fun way to teach and learn about geography.
Arrrr…. so I am not the only one…lol. As we have the same interests, I guess we will both be off to the library this weekend, aye Kirsten…lol. Thankyou so much for your comment.
Cute book! I like the cover! Sounds like a great friendship story. 🙂
It is a cute story Erik. Thanks for your comment.
I haven’t read this,but I just have to!! I love that they have a true friendship and stay true to themselves.
It’s indeed beautiful… Hope you find one in your local library, Penny.
Diane! You got your link up by yourself! What happened? Yay! 🙂 Anyway, I LOVE Toot and Puddle! The art is so appealing, and the stories so sweet. Adventure, friendship, what’s not to love? 🙂 Thanks so much for adding this one to our list 🙂
LOL… I know, amazing isn’t it! Actually I had about eight goes at it, something to do with my address, I think. *shrug* Still can’t get to post comments though.
I am so pleased you love Toot and Puddle, it is cute. My pleasure Susanna! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I’ve read one of these books, but didn’t realize how many there are in the series. This sounds like a great story. Good review, Diane!