One fine morning, the people of Puddletrunk wake up to find their bridge has collapsed. They are not surprised. After all, termites have destroyed the last 200 or so bridges. Luckily, the people of Puddletrunk have a bridge-building expert in their town: the fabulous Mortimer Gulch, who will gladly rebuild their bridge for a pretty penny. But when a newcomer to Puddletrunk does not want to pay for the repairs, Mortimer is displeased. To make matters worse, this unusual foreigner has some innovative ideas that threaten to upend Mortimer Gulch's entire business . . .

Here is a whimsical yet timely picture book allegory about what new people with new ideas can bring to communities. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

Kevin Cornell is the author and illustrator of Lucy Fell Down the Mountain (FSG Books for Young Readers). He is known for his humor and has illustrated many books, websites, and comics such as The Chicken Squad, Count the Monkeys, The Terrible Two, and Mustache! He spends his time in Philadelphia drawing made-up things.

A Special Story Time: Kevin Cornell presents "New in Town"