Fun in the Mud is a beautifully written and illustrated book about wetlands for children age 3 and up. Part fantasy/myth, part nature guide, part reflection on the value of slowing down to appreciate nature, this is a book that kids and grownups alike will love. The author was involved in the planned restoration of the Giacomini Wetlands, and her love for the area shines in this book. I did read this to my two-year old, but because of the more gentle, minimalist art style and good number of words, he wasn't as into it. But it's definitely a book I would buy and keep for when he's a little older!

Thanks to Roundtree Books and to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book since our family loves nature and wetlands, the art looked beautiful, and I am always looking for children’s books to recommend on my websites and in Wild Kids Magazine. It’s a lovely book but it wasn’t exactly what I hoped for.

The children encounter web footed fairies in the wetlands in this book and they talk about how the birds all get together and tell tales and there are parades and such. Honestly, wetlands are magical without making up magical creatures and things that don’t really happen. I feel like this sets kids up to be disappointed by real wetlands instead of celebrating how much truly incredible stuff really does go on there. It also felt a little long and wordy. It felt like a bit of a missed opportunity to me, even though I am generally a lover of fairies. Still a sweet book.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
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As someone who lives in a desert with no (or very little) wetlands, besides the Great Salt Lake, (does that count?), I know just about nothing about the wetlands.
I loved it. This is stunning and sweet. My girls loved it as well.
This is an absolute treasure.

Part fantasy, part educational resource. This book is a good method for raising awareness about the diversity of wildlife in the marshlands.

Precious. The illustrations are so soft and relaxing and otherworldly. The story is delightful, and the way that the words and sentences are placed on the page is so satisfying. (Is that a weird comment to make, probably, but it's just really nice)