{"id":9374900060397,"title":"Can Mud Be THAT?!","handle":"can-mud-be-that","description":"\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sandra-markle\"\u003eSandra Markle\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alexandra-colombo\"\u003eAlexandra Colombo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt's squishy, it's goopy, it's full of potential.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMud isn’t just sticky and messy—it’s magic for animals! It’s a tasty milkshake for swallowtail butterflies, sticky glue for beavers, a cooling pool for hippos, and even sunscreen for rhinos. Meet eleven amazing animals who use mud in surprising ways, brought to life with vibrant art and fun mud splatters on every page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the back matter, readers discover how humans have used mud too—and the best part? Playing with it! Plus, fun mud-tastic facts and creative ideas invite readers to dig in, build, bake, and make their own muddy masterpieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/whose-poop-is-that\"\u003eWhose Poop Is THAT?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/get-the-scoop-on-animal-poop\"\u003eGet the Scoop on Animal Poop\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-spread.jpg?v=1779117730\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Spread from 'Can Mud Be That?' with butterflies drinking from mud puddle\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732\" alt=\"Book cover of 'Can Mud Be That?' with children and animals in mud\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1779117740\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-activity-guide.pdf?v=1787939896\"\u003eDownload the Activity Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandra Markle, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSandra Markle is an award-winning author of more than two hundred books for children, including \u003ci\u003eThirsty, Thirsty Elephants; What If You Had Animal Teeth?; Toad Weather; Little Lost Bat;\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eA Mother's Journey\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sandra-markle\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Sandra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlexandra Colombo, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlexandra Colombo has illustrated more than two hundred books in countries around the world, including \u003ci\u003eSo Many Books!\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eEllie the Eggspert\u003c\/i\u003e. She lives in Milan, Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alexandra-colombo\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Alexandra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCould oozing mud have more than one purpose? This book takes the concept of mud and turns it upside down and around as the reader embarks on a muddy, purpose-filled animal adventure to unlock the mystery behind the ooze. The journey includes one interesting fact after another, from hippos cooling down in the mud to elephants placing mud on their bodies like sunscreen. Some birds use mud as face paint and other animals (like butterflies) even enjoy a mud slushy. Not only are the facts intriguing for young children, but the illustrations are bright and humorous, as well. This is an excellent selection for all elementary students, particularly those who may be hesitant to pick up a nonfiction book or series. Science and nature are made interesting in this unique text, and learning environmental facts is even more rewarding as a result. This is an excellent book to use with a nonfiction or research introductory unit, and it is a wonderful way to introduce topic expansion while also remaining organized with the facts. A must read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom elephant sunscreen to a delicious drink for a butterfly, mud is one of nature’s most versatile materials.\u003cbr\u003e\nEach spread in this nonfiction picture book explores a different way animals use the gooey stuff: A mama mud dauber wasp molds it into a nursery for her babies, while warthogs roll around in it to keep insects from biting them. Serviceable, expository language that uses repetition encourages anticipatory page-turning and helps readers discover mud’s many surprising uses in the natural world. Colombo’s colorful illustrations featuring loose brushwork pop against a crisp white backdrop. Exaggerated, energetic depictions of endearingly cartoonish, wide-eyed animals offer a contrast to the mottled, earthy textures of the ever-present mud. The book wraps up by highlighting human uses for mud, including skincare, pottery, and construction—a missed opportunity for an acknowledgment of the Indigenous origins of many of these traditions. The backmatter offers a few interesting mud-related facts, though they stray from the animal-focused text, along with suggestions for muddy play and crafts. Human characters feature varied hair color and skin tones. A lighthearted introduction to the many ways animals interact with mud, this is a book that packs a playful punch.\u003cbr\u003e\nA muddy good time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFollowing the footsteps of Kimberley Knutson’s Muddigush and other celebrations of the glories of mud, Markle looks at the many ways animals use mud in this informational picture book. Butterflies suck up mud as a nutritious “slushie” rich in salts and minerals. Elephants spray themselves with mud as sunscreen, while hot hippos find mud to be an effective “cool pool.” Colombo captures these busy, muddy animals at work and play in a series of nature scenes featuring googly-eyed wild creatures with animated expressions. Text is brief, informative, accessible, and interesting to a younger audience. A final spread depicts a racially diverse group of adults and children using mud for making bricks, ceramic pottery, and having a muddy good playtime. Reinforcing the concept that mud exists in several consistencies from “thick” to “sloppy,” each texture with different qualities and applications, a hands-on project is included. Young mess-makers will be excited to employ a bucket, bagged topsoil, and controlled amounts of water to explore the physical properties of mud.\nVERDICT A valuable introduction to animal behavior and natural science for younger audiences that presents mud as equally useful as it is fun. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-638-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublication date: September 15, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2026-06-09T12:29:43-04:00","created_at":"2026-05-20T17:48:36-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Animals \u0026 Dinosaurs","Browse by Subject_Science \u0026 Nature"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":49998049083629,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"46380","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":48458346266861,"product_id":9374900060397,"position":1,"created_at":"2026-05-18T11:22:10-04:00","updated_at":"2026-05-18T11:22:12-04:00","alt":"Book cover of 'Can Mud Be That?' with children and animals in mud","width":600,"height":750,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732","variant_ids":[49998049083629]},"available":true,"name":"Can Mud Be THAT?! - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623546380","featured_media":{"alt":"Book cover of 'Can Mud Be That?' with children and animals in mud","id":39955272302829,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.8,"height":750,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Book cover of 'Can Mud Be That?' with children and animals in mud","id":39955272302829,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.8,"height":750,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732"},"aspect_ratio":0.8,"height":750,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sandra-markle\"\u003eSandra Markle\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alexandra-colombo\"\u003eAlexandra Colombo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt's squishy, it's goopy, it's full of potential.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMud isn’t just sticky and messy—it’s magic for animals! It’s a tasty milkshake for swallowtail butterflies, sticky glue for beavers, a cooling pool for hippos, and even sunscreen for rhinos. Meet eleven amazing animals who use mud in surprising ways, brought to life with vibrant art and fun mud splatters on every page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the back matter, readers discover how humans have used mud too—and the best part? Playing with it! Plus, fun mud-tastic facts and creative ideas invite readers to dig in, build, bake, and make their own muddy masterpieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/whose-poop-is-that\"\u003eWhose Poop Is THAT?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/get-the-scoop-on-animal-poop\"\u003eGet the Scoop on Animal Poop\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-spread.jpg?v=1779117730\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Spread from 'Can Mud Be That?' with butterflies drinking from mud puddle\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover.jpg?v=1779117732\" alt=\"Book cover of 'Can Mud Be That?' with children and animals in mud\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1779117740\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/can-mud-be-that-activity-guide.pdf?v=1787939896\"\u003eDownload the Activity Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandra Markle, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSandra Markle is an award-winning author of more than two hundred books for children, including \u003ci\u003eThirsty, Thirsty Elephants; What If You Had Animal Teeth?; Toad Weather; Little Lost Bat;\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eA Mother's Journey\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sandra-markle\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Sandra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlexandra Colombo, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlexandra Colombo has illustrated more than two hundred books in countries around the world, including \u003ci\u003eSo Many Books!\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eEllie the Eggspert\u003c\/i\u003e. She lives in Milan, Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alexandra-colombo\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Alexandra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCould oozing mud have more than one purpose? This book takes the concept of mud and turns it upside down and around as the reader embarks on a muddy, purpose-filled animal adventure to unlock the mystery behind the ooze. The journey includes one interesting fact after another, from hippos cooling down in the mud to elephants placing mud on their bodies like sunscreen. Some birds use mud as face paint and other animals (like butterflies) even enjoy a mud slushy. Not only are the facts intriguing for young children, but the illustrations are bright and humorous, as well. This is an excellent selection for all elementary students, particularly those who may be hesitant to pick up a nonfiction book or series. Science and nature are made interesting in this unique text, and learning environmental facts is even more rewarding as a result. This is an excellent book to use with a nonfiction or research introductory unit, and it is a wonderful way to introduce topic expansion while also remaining organized with the facts. A must read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom elephant sunscreen to a delicious drink for a butterfly, mud is one of nature’s most versatile materials.\u003cbr\u003e\nEach spread in this nonfiction picture book explores a different way animals use the gooey stuff: A mama mud dauber wasp molds it into a nursery for her babies, while warthogs roll around in it to keep insects from biting them. Serviceable, expository language that uses repetition encourages anticipatory page-turning and helps readers discover mud’s many surprising uses in the natural world. Colombo’s colorful illustrations featuring loose brushwork pop against a crisp white backdrop. Exaggerated, energetic depictions of endearingly cartoonish, wide-eyed animals offer a contrast to the mottled, earthy textures of the ever-present mud. The book wraps up by highlighting human uses for mud, including skincare, pottery, and construction—a missed opportunity for an acknowledgment of the Indigenous origins of many of these traditions. The backmatter offers a few interesting mud-related facts, though they stray from the animal-focused text, along with suggestions for muddy play and crafts. Human characters feature varied hair color and skin tones. A lighthearted introduction to the many ways animals interact with mud, this is a book that packs a playful punch.\u003cbr\u003e\nA muddy good time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFollowing the footsteps of Kimberley Knutson’s Muddigush and other celebrations of the glories of mud, Markle looks at the many ways animals use mud in this informational picture book. Butterflies suck up mud as a nutritious “slushie” rich in salts and minerals. Elephants spray themselves with mud as sunscreen, while hot hippos find mud to be an effective “cool pool.” Colombo captures these busy, muddy animals at work and play in a series of nature scenes featuring googly-eyed wild creatures with animated expressions. Text is brief, informative, accessible, and interesting to a younger audience. A final spread depicts a racially diverse group of adults and children using mud for making bricks, ceramic pottery, and having a muddy good playtime. Reinforcing the concept that mud exists in several consistencies from “thick” to “sloppy,” each texture with different qualities and applications, a hands-on project is included. Young mess-makers will be excited to employ a bucket, bagged topsoil, and controlled amounts of water to explore the physical properties of mud.\nVERDICT A valuable introduction to animal behavior and natural science for younger audiences that presents mud as equally useful as it is fun. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-638-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublication date: September 15, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}