Collingwood Press has announced the release of Mudpuddle's New Friend, a picture book by New England author Miles F. Stember that addresses themes of welcome, empathy, and challenging assumptions. Written for readers ages 3 to 8 and the adults who read with them, the story centers on a small earthworm named Mudpuddle who lives in Turtletown. When a new family moves in next door, Mudpuddle does something brave: he walks over and says hello. He meets Gus de la Tierra, whose parents have left a faraway country in search of a better life. When Mudpuddle brings the news home, his father looks up from the newspaper and decides the new family should be avoided. Mudpuddle speaks up, his mother stands with him, and soon the whole family is sitting at the de la Tierra dinner table. There, a plate of unfamiliar food softens a hardened opinion, and by the end of the evening Mudpuddle's dad is asking for the recipe.
The book handles a timely subject with a light touch. At its heart are kindness, curiosity, and the courage to question a snap judgment. The moment where a child gently challenges a parent's assumption opens the door to family conversations about fairness, empathy, and what it means to be a good neighbor. Teachers and librarians will find it a natural fit for lessons on community, belonging, and making newcomers feel at home.
"I wanted to write a story that shows children how much good can come from one simple hello," says Stember. "Sometimes the youngest member of the family sees most clearly, and I hope Mudpuddle encourages readers to open their doors and their hearts."
Stember, who lives in New England, has been writing stories since he was about Mudpuddle's age. In fifth grade he placed second in his group in a young writers' contest, and New Hampshire Public Broadcasting in Durham gave his work its first audience. He went on to sharpen his craft at NHTI, Concord's Community College, and at the University of New Hampshire. He has always loved telling stories to family and friends, and now he shares them with young readers everywhere.
The release of Mudpuddle's New Friend arrives amid ongoing national conversations about immigration and inclusion, making its message particularly resonant. By presenting a child's perspective, the book offers a gentle entry point for families to discuss complex topics. Its emphasis on curiosity over fear and connection over division could help shape young readers' attitudes toward those who are different, fostering a more welcoming society. For educators, the story provides a valuable tool to teach social-emotional learning and civic values. The book is available through multiple retailers, including amazon.com/dp/B0HFDMDHG6, Mudpuddle's New Friend on Goodreads, Mudpuddle's New Friend on Kobo, and Mudpuddle's New Friend on Bookshop. It can also be found at greenapplebooks.com/book/9798951043214, Mudpuddle's New Friend on Fable, and Mudpuddle's New Friend on Orell Füssli.
As communities continue to grapple with how to integrate newcomers, Mudpuddle's New Friend offers a simple yet powerful reminder that a single hello can bridge divides. The book's potential impact extends beyond the page, encouraging readers of all ages to reflect on their own biases and take small steps toward inclusion.
