Mud to the Rescue!: How Animals Use Mud to Thrive and Survive

by Tanya Konerman, Melanie Cataldo (Illustrator)

Drip! Drop! Splatter! Splash! Rain falls and soil turns into slippy, sloppy, sludgy mud. Around the world, animals of all sizes seek mud to help them survive and thrive in every season and every stage of life. From blocking the sun’s harsh rays and painful parasites, to building homes, soothing upset stomachs, and even having fun, it’s Mud...to the Rescue! Join elephants, alligators, beavers, birds, pigs, and many more creatures as they find helpful—and sometimes unusual—uses for nature’s squishy, squelchy soil...MUD!

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

Tanya Konerman is a children’s author, writing fiction and nonfiction in both prose and verse for kids ages 0-12. Her debut picture book, Mud to the Rescue! (Web of LIfe Children's Books, 2025), is a free-verse nonfiction look at the ingenious ways animals use mud to survive and thrive.

Tanya’s ghost story for 9-12 year-olds, “Danger in the Dunes,” was chosen to represent Indiana in the anthology for middle graders, The Haunted States of America, published by Macmillan’s Laura Godwin Books in 2024.

Reviews

[Sandy Brehl]

The boisterous cover illustration suggests a use of mud that we've likely all clicked on as elephants rollick and romp in mud.
It's not all fun and games, as this lyrically written, fact-packed book shares with even the youngest audiences. The illustrations range from lively (as the cover) to sleepy (as in hibernating critters) to lounging, as both elephants and hippos are shown to do in those irresistible reels. The text and images reveal that the function of mud ranges from comical to life-saving, with little splashes of informative facts on most pages:

"Biting bugs are bothersome... ouch!

A nice layer of mud blocks pests and parasites that itch or make elephants and hippos sick."

Mud's role in animal lives (and survival and reproduction) includes being the essential material for nesting (not only for birds!), for home building, for dietary supplement and digestion, and more. These simply-stated nuggets of animal info are kid-sized, in main text and in the "bonus blotch" insets offered throughout. Back matter provides a simple two-page spread that names each animal discussed followed by a few sentences describing the ways that mud plays an essential role in the lives each creature.

[Laura Roettiger]

I have a new appreciation for animals using mud to endure harsh climates, both hot and cold!! thanks to this lyrically written and fact-packed picture book! Before reading this, I knew pigs wallowed in the mud to stay cool but I didn't know it acted as a sunscreen because that was something I could have really used!
Most of the animals author Tanya Konerman wrote about are quite familiar but their use of mud is fascinating and almost all new learning to us. The use of mud to keep insects away was good to know and I loved seeing the magpie-lark which was one of my favorite birds to see when I lived in the mountains. A little 'potty talk' in a book is always a hit for a 6 year old and it's appropriate so that's good modeling! Illustrations by Melanie Cataldo were clear with rich colors.

I like books with well laid out back matter and the animal descriptions, foot prints, and glossary were all very well done making this a book to recommend for home, school, and library use.

[Eileen Meyer]

Marvelous Mud! In this fascinating new picture book, author Tanya Konerman’s lyrical language helps us appreciate the wonders of mud! It’s critical for many animals’ survival – as they use mud to cool down, protect their bodies from the sun, find hidden food resources, build homes and shelters, protect eggs and new babies, and much more. Melanie Cataldo’s engaging illustrations take us across the planet to better understand this incredible resource and showcase how it is used in a variety of different ways by animals and people, too. Back matter includes a glossary and more information about just how mud is used. Great for school and library resources, and a fun addition to your home library!

[LJ Todaro]

Mud does indeed come to the rescue as a variety of animals use it in incredibly inventive and practical ways. Konerman’s lyrical, layered text points out that helmeted hornbills use it to seal up their nest in the hollow of a tree; painted turtles use it to survive extreme temperatures; macaws use it to calm their stomachs or counter poison; and beavers use it to build their homes. Mud rescues, but it’s fun, too, as the reader discovers at the end. Konerman writes with wonderful alliteration: “under glittering, glimmering, sparkling, shimmering stars…” Cataldo beautifully captures both the strangeness and the joy of mud with her realistic illustrations. Great for classrooms and curious kids.

[Carrie Finison]

This fun and fascinating book shows readers how many different types of animals around the world use mud. Each spread shows two animals who use mud in similar ways - from African elephants and hippos that roll in mud to protect their skin from the sun and biting insects, to flamingos and alligators who create nests from mud to lay their eggs and keep them safe. The main text is short and written at a level that young children can understand, with lyrical elements that make it fun to read. Short sidebars provide additional details or fun facts about the animals. The clear illustrations help readers visualize exactly how these animals use mud. A quick and lively nonfiction read!

[Julie Honan]

How could you not love a book with muddy little notes splattered on each page? I knew mud was fun, but I didn't know how incredibly useful it is to animals! I also wasn't expecting such a wide range of animals - from fruit bats to alligators, otters and African Helmeted Turtles, so many different types of animals depend on mud. The catchy phrases ("talk about busy beavers!") and lyrical language including plenty of alliteration and onomatopoeia make this a fun read outloud. There are also plenty of big words tossed in that are either simply explained or can easily be interpreted through the text. This is both a fun bedtime story AND a great book to explore in class.

[Melissa]

Realistic watercolor illustrations, with charcoal shading, show animated animals saved by mud. An opening spread of creatures in distress, sweltering elephants, dehydrating hippos, is transformed when the page is turned. Now they are frolicking and delighted - 'mud to the rescue'. Birds that need cozy, safe nests- mud to the rescue! Drought or deep snow- what is a turtle to do? "Mud to the rescue!" While some of mud's uses are expected, several will surprise even the most informed naturalist. The final spread includes kids, pointing out one of mud's most enduring contributions to well-being. Backmatter includes more detail on pictured species and their specific uses of mud

[Crazyaboutkidsbooks]

Who knew that there’s more to mud than mud pies?!? Author Tanya Konerman did—and she shares the down-and-dirty facts in this engaging book. Mud-loving kids will be surprised to learn what an important role mud plays in the lives of some of their favorite animals. SO interesting!

And I dare you to resist Melanie Cataldo’s art! Don’t miss the alligator, the river otters, the fruit bat—and don’t even get me started on that joyful elephant! 

This book will make a delightful addition to any home, classroom, or library!

[Louise Aamodt]

As somebody who played in "slippy, sloppy, sludgy mud" growing up, I delighted in finding so many of the Animal Kingdom's surprising, yet totally practical, uses for mud in one collection! Lighthearted word choices and playful illustrations set a fun tone, while short, easy-to-digest sidebars slather on even more fun facts. For the truly curious readers, back matter offers information on each featured animal, as well as some ways humans use mud. From sunblock to stomach remedies, mud saves the day. Or, as I can just imagine kids chiming in with the chorus, "Mud to the rescue!"

[Megan Clendenan]

This is a fascinating book about mud and animals, both of which are extremely appealing to many young readers. I had no idea how useful mud could be for so many animals. The refrain “Mud to the Rescue” will appeal to readers as they continue to turn the pages to see the charming and playful illustrations by Melanie Cataldo and learn more about mud! The text is layered, with playful short lines as well as more information for more advanced readers. A great gift, as well as an excellent addition for a classroom or library.

[Stephanie Gibeault]

What a delightful love letter to mud! In this nonfiction picture book, Tanya Konerman outlines all the amazing ways animals use mud from the familiar to the surprising. There are animals from all over the world such as the elephant, the river otter, and the duck-billed platypus, and the gorgeous illustrations by Melanie Cataldo accurately capture their habitats. The catchy refrain “Mud to the rescue” makes this a perfect read aloud and the layered text and back matter will allow educators and caregivers to delve deeper into the fascinating animal facts.

[Kelsey Gross]

MUD TO THE RESCUE is a fascinating nonfiction picture book that shows how animals around the world use mud in different ways. The repeated line “mud to the rescue” is fun for kids to say and reinforces how useful it is for so many species. The realistic illustrations bring readers into each environment. This would be a wonderful book to use in schools as well as a great addition to home bookshelves. A fantastic nonfiction book!

[Alisha]

Readers will be delighted, and probably surprised, by the many ways animals use mud. And the repeating phrase, Mud to the Rescue!, is such a fitting refrain! Readers will enjoy the comparisons that Konerman includes and the variety of animals included. This book would be a great choice for a read-aloud. There are no tricky turns of phrase to trip up readers, and everyone can join in when they see the red text, Mud to the rescue!

[Amanda Davis]

With adorable illustrations and lyrical text that informs and fascinates, Mud to the Rescue is sure to be a hit in every household and school library. Whether you like to stay clean or don't mind getting messy, all readers will walk away with some new knowledge about the benefits of getting dirty. A splatter of sidebars that contain facts and expanded back matter, provide a plethora of information!

[Carrie Tillotson]

With lyrical prose and fascinating facts, Tanya Konerman introduces readers to the myriad ways animals use mud to thrive, survive, and even play. The title text provides a fun refrain that allows for read-aloud interactivity, and Melanie Cataldo’s soft illustrations showcase realistic depictions of animals in various environments. The book includes back matter with additional facts about each animal, glossary, author’s note, and resources to learn more.

[Julie Winterbottom]

I learned so much about mud and how animals use it to survive, from protecting a fruit bat from poisons in its diet to protecting an estivating turtle from freezing temperatures. Written in lovely lyrical language, with the wonderful refrain, "Mud to the rescue!" this book is a surefire winner for read-alouds at home and in the classroom. Layered with extra-cool facts about mud and animals on every page and more details about each animal in the back.

[Martha Meyer]

A fun consideration of the wonders of mud! Tanya Konerman traces how animals use mud to cool, detoxify, prevent bug bites, to build nests, control egg temperature, and to find food. She uses multiple specific animal examples along with that great phrase that makes this a pretty fun read aloud: "Mud...to the rescue!" I was looking for something about the microbes in mud, but that's a small quibble. This book is pretty delightful.

[Alison McGauley]

This fun non-fiction text presents facts about a variety of animals who all rely on mud to help with various tasks. This book is perfect for classroom and home libraries alike as children will learn a lot from these engaging facts and gorgeously realistic illustrations. There is also extra information at the back for those who want more detail.

[Annette Pimentel]

What connects elephants, duck-billed platypus, fruit bats, and people? Mud! A fascinating look at the many different ways many different animals use mud. The art is exuberant, the sidebars interesting, and the back matter encyclopedic.

A great book for curious kids and the adults who read to them.

[Kristi]

I love books about animal facts and found this book incredibly interesting! Who knew MUD was so important?! Kids will delight in learning about animals of all sizes and how mud helps them survive and thrive in today’s world. With author Tanya’s Konerman’s beautiful writing and illustrator Melanie Cataldo’s lovely art, this book is sure to be a hit in homes, libraries and schools everywhere!

[Jen Lee]

Most kids love mud. Most kids love animals. Kids will love this book which is a fun and friendly look at the unique mud habits of exotic animals all over the world. The vivid language and playful illustration will keep your young reader enthralled while they laugh and wonder at the animal antics. Education that entertains at its finest!

[Leslie Barnard Booth]

This is a joyful, lyrical book about all the ways different animals - and even people - benefit from mud. For some it's a place to find food, for others its a way to cool off or build a nest. Young readers will enjoy the enthusiastic refrain - "Mud . . . to the rescue!" - while learning about animals, habitats, and of course - mud! Highly recommend!

[Terresa Wellborn]

Excellent juvenile non-fiction book featuring a variety of animals and their many uses of mud. Would be a great addition to a library storytime, to feature a page or two. Check out the endnotes for: More about Mud-Lovers, Glosssary, and To Learn More.

Themes: animals, mud, nature/environment
Ages: preK-3rd+ grade
Pub year: 2025

[Jessica Stremer]

This is a really fascinating look at the ways animals use mud. The text is layered which appeals to a variety of ages. The illustrations are lovely and really compliment the text. This book would make a great addition to any home or school library.

[Katie Reinert]

A really fun look at different ways that animals use mud. Kids will love joining in for the "Mud to the rescue!" refrain and the book is full of interesting facts and information. Definitely recommend!

[Kirsten Pendreigh]

Really loved this ode to mud! The author cleverly loads up mud-dependent species with a lively refrain that shows how mud solves survival challenges for species around the world. From elephants to otters, to flamingo architects, there's a wealth of fascinating and unexpected examples. Delightful!

[Sandhya Acharya]

Never thought how important mud was! So much to learn in such a fun package. Lush, sensory language makes each page turn enjoyable. Illustrations are lively and add so much to the narration.

[Rebecca Hirsch]

This lyrical look at mud is a delight. It's full of fascinating ways animals use mud, and it's wonderful to read aloud. Sloppy, slippy, squishy STEM fun!