“Under? In the Mud?” Asked young Marina, curious about where the frogs go, when everything is frozen over in winter. This mother-daughter conversation triggered a connection between the practical question many of us wonder about and one of the author’s favorite counting books, Over in the Meadow. Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell, a native of Edgerton, published her first children’s book, Under in the Mud, in November of 2020. “Under in the Mud  introduces ten different animals and how they survive winter’s cold temperatures. With rhyming verses, readers of all ages can find actions that mirror their own seasonal habits.” stated the author on her website. 

Raymond-Duvernell, graduated from Edgerton High School in 1996 and went on to UW-Madison to obtain a B.S. in Elementary Education, with a minor in Spanish. She also earned another degree in Natural Education-Environmental Education. Currently she teaches at the Fox River Sanctuary for the Waukesha School District as an elementary teacher specializing in environmental studies. 

Under in the Mud was illustrated by Mara C. Williams.  The closing illustration features the author’s parents, Jim and Beitch Raymond, experiencing hygge with their grandchildren.   

The Edgerton Public Library and the The Friends of Silverwood Park are partnering to offer a self-guided experience of enjoying this beautiful picture book, Under in the Mud while taking a walk in a natural setting at Silverwood Park. Under in the Mud explores the cycles of nature that can be found in our own backyards – or local county parks! The Under in the Mud StoryWalk can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, February 15 through February 21, in the farmstead area at Silverwood Park during park daylight hours. 

“The StoryWalk™ Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.  Storywalk™ is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson

 Individuals wishing to purchase a copy of Under in the Mud can go buy from the publisher here, order from Amazon, or buy from a known vendor.