GENRE: STEM/STEAM, Humor, Informational Fiction
WORDS: 465
Query:
Dear Judges, Agents and Editors,
When a puddle in the woods mysteriously disappears on a hot day, Scooter, a thirsty chipmunk, is absolutely sure the bear cub took it—or was it the fawn—or maybe the fox? Twitch, his rational squirrel friend, insists they investigate. The evidence is muddy. Clues dry up, but Twitch is determined to figure out where the water went before more animals are blamed.
Scooter and Twitch and the Puddle Snatcher is a 465-word informational fiction picture book about the water cycle. The story combines the whodunnit humor of The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming with the water cycle theme of Blue Floats Away by Travis Jonker. It is intended for 4-8 year-olds. Back matter provides additional information, including how climate change can disrupt delicate balances and lead to extreme weather, an increasingly relatable and timely topic.
I live in a wildfire-prone area. Like Scooter and Twitch, water is often on my mind. When the puddles dry, I have been known to leave water for my neighbor, the squirrel, who thanks me by chasing other critters out of my garden. My illustrations have appeared on Obermeyer outerwear tags and catalogs, trade magazines, and corporate literature. My writing has been published in Highlights. I am a former children’s art instructor and was recognized by my state’s Association for Gifted and Talented for my work bringing hands-on learning opportunities to local, rural elementary schools. I have twice been awarded a Highlights foundation scholarship. I have a BA in English and art, and I am an active member of SCBWI and two critique groups.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Excerpt:
[Twitch–squirrel, Scooter–chipmunk]
“Wake up, Twitch!” cried Scooter. “Someone took our puddle!”
Twitch’s eyes popped open. Days were growing hotter. The puddle was the closest place to find water.
“My throat’s dry as dandelion fluff! What are we going to drink?”
“Who could take a puddle?” Twitch asked.
“Look! Bear tracks. Bumbles could have done it. He’s pretty clever for a bear cub.”
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
I live in the Rocky Mountains where animals and nature provide endless inspiration. One day, after a rainstorm, I watched a squirrel snooping around a mostly dry puddle. Did it wonder where the water went? A mystery grew in my mind, but I needed clues and red herrings. My losing battle, protecting my garden from hungry deer, provided humor and a good diversion. Later, looking out my studio window at the ravine across the meadow, a mama bear and her two cubs climbed out and plodded toward me. Their mud-covered paws gave me just the clue I needed.
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