The Ballad of Tubs Marshfield by Cara Hoffman
Published by HarperCollins on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 0062865471
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Tubs is a frog and a musician, and he and his friends live in a swamp in Louisiana. They love it there. It’s their home. Recently, however, something terrible is happening. Animals all over the swamp are getting sick, and even Tubs’s music can’t make them feel better. Can Tubs and his friends figure out what is making them all sick in time to save the swamp community? This is a wonderfully written book — the tie between the plot and music weaves throughout the story and colors the language beautifully. This is a story of community, friendship, and trust. The swamp community works together to identify and combat the pollution that’s making them all sick. It tackles bigger issues of loss and environmentalism with grace and without being preachy. This is a great read for those who enjoy animal centered books and books without a lot of unnecessary drama. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME