A Frog Thing (with Audio CD)
PreSchool-Grade 2–When a determined frog sets his mind on flying, everyone laughs at his unsuccessful efforts to become airborne, and his parents assure him that he is capable of doing any frog thing. Despite their cautionary words, Fred refuses to give up on his dream. After he rescues a baby bird that falls into the pond, its mother is so grateful and admiring of Frank's swimming skills that she takes him for the ride of his life. Frank clings to a twig as the bird and one of her friends lift it and him into the air to glide, swoop, and dive high above his watery home. When he returns to Earth, the young frog tells his parents that he realizes he should be proud of his own special talents. This charming tale about a youngster's moment of self-discovery is accompanied by dreamy, delicate illustrations rendered in gouache, colored pencil, and pastels. Children can read along with the author and a cast of other voices as they listen to the CD, which features sound effects and mood-setting classical music. Pair this delightful title with Karma Wilson's humorous counting book,A Frog in the Bog(S & S, 2003).–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.