No one knows why the odoriferous Murkles keep returning each year to Summerville. Murkles
are strange little animals that rise from the river and exude a stinky spray from their
backs. This year there are more of them than ever. The townspeople line up on the Riverbank
to keep the animals out of town.
When Juliana allows one baby Murkle to sneak past her and enter the village, she witnesses
something truly amazing. After traveling through town and playing in the pond on the other
side of town, the little animal changes, and begins to spray wonderful smells. Juliana
knows exactly what to do, but will the mayor listen?
One problem after another besets the town, with all the townspeople contributing ideas
to solve them. Each disastrous event turns out to be a blessing when Juliana gets down
to eye level with each trespasser to evaluate the problem. Each solution provides unexpected
gifts for the Town.
Mary Gregg Byrne's illustrations for One Smile, her first children's book, won the Benjamin
Franklin Award for best book of the year. In this book, her charming illustrations beckon
little eyes to the colorful details on each page.
In her debut children's book, Schmidt attempts to show children that looking your problems
in the eye can often produce a solution (but in this case, each problem has its own solution
if you just leave it alone). The story is fun to read and will have small children squealing
with delight. This book would make a wonderful read-aloud family time story.** Don't miss
the opportunity for a family discussion about coping with the unknown.
**A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Children's Global Foundation,
a non-profit organization dedicated to global peace and helping homeless children.