Toot & Puddle: Let It Snow

Publishers Weekly

The popular porcine pals make their swan song in this charmer of a holiday volume, which marks the end of Hobbie's series. With Christmas fast approaching and no snow in sight, Toot and Puddle are more jumpy than jolly, each trying to find the perfect present for the other as they wish for white weather. Their caring, odd-couple rapport, similar to that of other favorite fictional friends Frog and Toad or George and Martha, has a comfortable and inviting sweetness; readers of any age can relate to the duo's universal feelings and experiences. Subtle facial expressions and childlike poses (and outfits) render the diminutive, piglet pair instantly endearing. But best friends always have the best ideas, and the piggy pair has its best celebration ever. Young cousin Opal adds a pip of funny pep to the generally cozy proceedings, making this another merry and bright visit to Woodcock Pocket. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Children's Literature - Mary Hynes-Berry

This is described as the last in the "Toot and Puddle" series that has been quietly winning hearts for the last ten years. It would be a pity to have no more gentle tales of how the two pigs, along with their pal Opal, negotiate what it means to be a good friend. In this case, Christmas is approaching and each tries to figure out what is the best possible present for the best of all possible friends, particularly when, as the text says so well, they "know each other inside out." The solution comes after a glorious skiing expedition, the kind of day that make them both wish they "could take this morning and put it in my pocket and keep it forever." Each of the two ends up making something that uses their individual talents but might help the other get their wish. This book, like the others in the series, can stimulate wonderful conversation at home or in the classroom about what is at the heart of the matter of gift-giving and friendship.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-Youngsters will enjoy this loving paean to friendship and gift-giving. Toot and Puddle anxiously await the first snow while considering what to give one another for the upcoming holiday. The snow comes and provides the opportunity for a perfect day of fun-then it rains and the snow is washed away. That one perfect day provides the inspiration for gift-making for each character, resolving the main issue of the book. Single-page art and full spreads along with vignettes and plenty of white space move the story along while adding to readers' understanding of the characters' history together. A surefire hit for the holidays.-Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Kirkus Reviews

Popular pigs Toot and Puddle celebrate Christmas together in Woodcock Pocket, the second Christmas story in Hobbie's enduring series. This time Toot and Puddle focus on creating Christmas presents, each trying to please the other with a homemade gift. As they prepare for Christmas, they enjoy one perfect day of skiing together before rainy weather returns, spoiling their plans for snowy weather activities. On Christmas morning, the two pigs celebrate with their charming friend Opal, each giving her a homemade piglet doll. For their own gift exchange, Toot gives Puddle a cleverly designed wheelbarrow on skis to facilitate skiing in any weather, and Puddle gives Toot a painting of the two friends skiing together on their fondly remembered snowy day. The story has a touching and gently expressed theme of the joy of giving to others on Christmas, rather than anticipating one's own presents. Hobbie's watercolor illustrations create a cozy, wintry world for the pig pals, who convey their emotions with their expressive faces and ears. Four paper Christmas ornaments are included with the volume, showing Toot, Puddle and Opal engaging in winter activities. (Picture book. 3-6)