A Little Earthworm with a Big Heart: Miles F. Stember Releases Mudpuddle's New Friend, a Picture Book About Welcoming the Neighbor Next Door

FORT WORTH, TX, October 16, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Collingwood Press is pleased to announce the release of Mudpuddle's New Friend, a warm and gently funny picture book by New England author Miles F. Stember. It's written for readers ages 3 to 8 and the grownups who read with them. The story follows a small earthworm who meets the arrival of a moving truck with one of the bravest things a child can do: he walks next door and says hello.

Life in Turtletown is peaceful until a new family moves in beside Mudpuddle's house. He meets Gus de la Tierra, whose parents have left a faraway country in search of a better life. When Mudpuddle brings the news home, his father looks up from the newspaper and decides the new family should be avoided. Mudpuddle speaks up, his mother stands with him, and soon the whole family is sitting at the de la Tierra dinner table. There, a plate of unfamiliar food softens a hardened opinion, and by the end of the evening Mudpuddle's dad is asking for the recipe.

The book handles a timely subject with a light touch. At its heart are kindness, curiosity and the courage to question a snap judgment. The moment where a child gently challenges a parent's assumption opens the door to family conversations about fairness, empathy and what it means to be a good neighbor. Teachers and librarians will find it a natural fit for lessons on community, belonging and making newcomers feel at home.

"I wanted to write a story that shows children how much good can come from one simple hello," says Stember. "Sometimes the youngest member of the family sees most clearly, and I hope Mudpuddle encourages readers to open their doors and their hearts."

About the Author
Miles F. Stember has been writing stories since he was about Mudpuddle's age. In fifth grade he placed second in his group in a young writers' contest, and New Hampshire Public Broadcasting in Durham gave his work its first audience. He went on to sharpen his craft at NHTI, Concord's Community College, and at the University of New Hampshire. He has always loved telling stories to family and friends, and now he shares them with young readers everywhere. He lives in New England.

Where to Find the Book
Readers can find Mudpuddle's New Friend and connect with Miles F. Stember on these platforms:
• Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B0HFDMDHG6
• Goodreads: Mudpuddle's New Friend on Goodreads
• Kobo: Mudpuddle's New Friend on Kobo
• Bookshop.org: Mudpuddle's New Friend on Bookshop
• Green Apple Books: greenapplebooks.com/book/9798951043214
• Fable: Mudpuddle's New Friend on Fable
• Orell Füssli: Mudpuddle's New Friend on Orell Füssli

Media Contact
Sandy Stevens
Collingwood Press
[email protected]

This contant was orignally distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp™. The source URL for this press release is A Little Earthworm with a Big Heart: Miles F. Stember Releases Mudpuddle's New Friend, a Picture Book About Welcoming the Neighbor Next Door.