The Problem with the Puddles by Kate Feiffer

Overview from Barnes and Noble:

What if your parents agreed to disagree?

Eight and a half years ago, when their beautiful baby girl was born, Mr. and Mrs. Puddle couldn't agree on what to name her. So Mrs. Puddle calls her daughter Emily and Mr. Puddle calls her Ferdinanda. And everyone else? They call her Baby.

Having parents who agree to disagree does mean twice as many presents on your birthday, but it can complicate your life! There was the time Baby's parents couldn't agree on what kind of dog to get — so they got two, both named Sally. One summer day, when rushing back to the city from their country house, the Puddles leave the Sallys behind. Will the Puddles agree to go back? What will become of the Sallys?

Kate Feiffer's debut novel is by turns funny, heartwarming, and wholly satisfying. Tricia Tusa's pleasing artwork makes the Puddles' world complete.

Let the Puddle family into your heart. You will be glad you did.

My thoughts:
This story was a bit too disjointed for me, my children all thought it was funny and liked it, but when putting in the third and final disk in the car cd player my husband's comment was, "I won't be sorry when this story is done."  Unfortunately I agree with him.

The Puddles are disorganized and, as the parents can never agree on anything, there is a lot of debate about everything from where each person will sit in the car to what to do in every situation, it started to feel endless.  The Puddle family leaves their island vacation home to return to the city, an hours long trip, but they forget to out their two dogs in the car.  They can't decide if they are going back or getting them later and the dogs get their own chapters on their quest to get to the city to be with the Puddles.  Plus, where ever the Puddles go it always rains. 

They meet some interesting people and it all circles back to completing the story, but it feels like you are a dog going in circles chasing your tail for awhile.  I was not at all sad when we pulled up to the house today and heard the words "The End".  So, I guess it appeals to children who are the intended audience, but isn't as enjoyable for adults.  I just wanted it to get to the point, yes it all tied together in the end, but for so much of the story it jsut seemed to be going on about nothing.
Details
•Pub. Date: June 2011
•Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
•Format: Paperback , 208pp
•Age Range: 8 to 12
•ISBN-13: 9781442421011
•ISBN: 1442421010