Too Many Murkles

An engaging tale of a girl who accepts life as it is, helping those around her to stop fretting and worrying. Suitable for 5-7.

It's no wonder this book was chosen as a finalist for the 2005 Benjamin Franklin Award: Children's Picture Book Category! What wonderful transformations can happen in our lives when we stop fussing about what life has dealt us and start seeking the unexpected gift in every problem! That's the premise of "Murkles," a story about a village plagued by these odd, smelly creatures. Small wonder the townsfolk want to keep them out. But an observant, tender-hearted girl named Juliana lets a Murkle slip through and do what it seems born to do. As a result, the Murkle is transformed, the air is filled with the scent of orange blossoms, and the villagers are delighted. Similar scenarios happen with a flowering plant that threatens to take over the town's pristine lawns, and a dull gray bird that can't be got rid of. When Juliana again persuades the mayor to let these creatures have their way, the town is vastly enriched as a result. The message is simple yet profound: individuals blossom when they're allowed to sing their own unique song. And all who think that many of Earth's creatures are expendable or unnecessary may have a change of heart. Exquisite illustrations bring the village and its unusual occupants to life. [...]

This is a story about smelly little creatures, known as Murkles, and the people of Summerville. It explains how a young girl taught the people (grownups included) to cope with the unknown. Every year at the same time, the Murkles tried to enter the tiny village of Summerville. This day had come to be known as the dreaded Day of the Murkles, and all the people of the village gathered at the river to prevent the Murkles from entering. Every year the Murkles tried to enter, and every year they were forcefully turned away by the well-meaning people. What was the problem with allowing the Murkles to enter the village? Well, not only were they different, but they also smelled bad! No one knew why the diminutive creatures kept coming back every year - and no one wanted to find out. Then one day a little girl named Juliana knelt down and looked into the eyes of a baby Murkle and made a huge decision that changed her village forever. She stepped aside and allowed the baby to wriggle past when no one was looking. Juliana knew that being different was not a good reason to ostracize the Murkles. As this story unfolds, Juliana persuades the mayor to allow all the Murkles to make their journey through the village by promising him that something wonderful would happen if he did. The mayor finally agreed to heed Juliana's words, because there were too many Murkles to hold back anyway. So, the stinky Murkles soon waddled through the streets, frolicked in a small pond, and sunned themselves on the rocks. After they did these things, the heavenly odor of orange blossoms filled the air, and the townspeople were amazed - but this was only the beginning of many changes for the small village. Of course, as could be anticipated, every change brought moans and groans of woe from the people because they always expected calamity. Then, when each change turned into something wonderful, they became excited again. It was in this manner that Juliana's promise to the mayor was finally fulfilled and all the townspeople learned to withhold judgments, stop being afraid, and embrace differences and change. From the scarlet Firestars, that strangely appear on the villagers' perfect lawns, to the odd looking birds (known as Tanzas) that swoop down to snatch those Firestars - bright colors leap from this book's pages. Each scene is perfectly pictured and could almost tell the entire story to a small child, but that eye-appeal is not the only thing that makes this book special. The many lessons that are so subtly taught by a child named Juliana also make it special - as well as extraordinary. ***** What a charming story, and what a wonderful way to allow a child's mind to see things in a different way - without fear. This is highly recommended reading. ***** Reviewed by Ruth Wilson of Huntress Reviews.

Murkles are tiny creatures who are quite cute to look at, but smelly at the same time. Each year they return to the small town of Summerville, and try to cross the townspeople, but they are blocked. However, this year, thanks to a little girl named Juliana, the baby Murkles are permitted to enter the town. This one change, causes the town to go through a new chain of events that changes the town forever. TOO MANY MURKLES is an enjoyable new story for young readers. The illustrations are cute, while the storyline will cause each child to realize that they can change things in the world if they truly put their minds to it. This is an uplifting book that is sure to raise the spirits of young readers and their parents the world over. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper