by Bonnie Bader
First published 2016
Bud loves getting dirty in mud puddles more than anything else. Today he enters a big race and speeds along the track with all the other competitors. But then Bud spots something irresistible: a big, muddy puddle right beside the racecourse. His wheels slow down as he stares at the tempting mud. All around him, the other racers zoom past toward the finish line. Bud must make a decision. He can keep racing and try to win first place. Or he can do what makes him happiest and dive into that wonderful, squishy mud puddle. The choice seems impossible. This story explores what happens when doing what you love conflicts with what others expect from you.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, picture-books
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, whimsical
Tropes: conflict-of-interest, following-your-passion
32 pages · Paperback · Penguin Young Readers