Book Description

The best of friends

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other -- just as best friends should be.

Reviews (27)

Great For a first time reader!
My 6 year old loves this book! 5 wonderful storys! Every time we read it he wants me to send him a letter so he can get mail like frog and toad! I read these books when I was a very small child so its wonderful being able to read these books to my step-son! Great book!

Wonderful Books for Children
The "Frog and Toad" series have been around now for several decades. Each book contains several stories of the many adventures Frog and Toad have together. The age group recommended for the series is 4-8, but I think 8 is bit optimistic. The books are more appropriate for the 5 and 6 year olds. I read all these books to my children, and the Frog and Toad series were, in fact, some of the very first books they read by themselves. The language used is uniform and appropriate for the age group specified, and each story had a simple truth to it. On top of all this, the Frog and Toad books have always been wonderful value as well.

Friendship. Just the perfect blendship.
Recently I had the exceedingly wonderful chance to see the new musical of "Frog and Toad" at the Minneapolis Children's Company. A fabulous production in and of itself, it got me to thinking about the original books on which the musical is based. Like many children I was raised on such books as the lovely, "Frog and Toad Are Friends" and I've remembered some of the stories fairly well. It's amazing to me that Arnold Lobel was able to write stories that are patient simple without ever being dull or pedantic. These stories are clear and concise and unaccountably lovely. For your average early reader I not only recommend, "Frog and Toad Are Friends" but I recommend it to the reader's parents, grandparents, school crossing guards, dentists, air traffic controllers, and anybody else who might just happen to be able to speak the English language.

In "Frog and Toad Are Friends" the book consists of roughly five short stories. The first is one of my favorites. In it, Frog has decided to wake Toad from his hibernation and introduce him to the new spring. Toad's response is, "Blah". Frog tries a number of different methods of luring his friend into the warm beautiful day, the most touching of which is his simple argument, "But, Toad, I will be lonely". Frog's eventual solution is to fast-forward Toad's calendar a little, making it instantly May. Toad is a little shocked at the date but he's happy to see the spring weather. In the second tale, Frog is sick and Toad attempts to take care of him. His different methods of coming up with a story to tell his friend inevitably lead to his own illness, however, and soon it is Frog telling Toad a story instead. The story "A Lost Button" shows Frog and Toad out looking for one of Toad's lost buttons. They find a variety of them but none are Toad's. He walks off in a huff only to find the missing item on his living room floor. Feeling guilty about yelling at his best friend he sews all the buttons onto his jacket and then gives it as a gift to Frog. The next story is an atypical tale, mostly because it doesn't end with a preachy moral (not that Lobel's stories tend to, but this one was ripe for it). In it, Frog and Toad go swimming. Frog prefers to swim au naturale but Toad has a fastidious bathing suit that he is certain everyone will laugh at. After the two swim Toad refuses to get out of the water until the crowd that has gathered at the water's edge to see his suit disperse. They don't and Toad reveals a suit that was probably in style in 1923. Even Frog laughs too. Finally, in the last story Toad mentions to Frog that he is unhappy because he never gets letters. Frog writes him one but delivers it via their friend Snail (a character that in the play version of this tale says that he, "Puts the go in escargot"). The two wait and long before the snail arrives Frog tells Toad what is in the letter so that the two are better friends for it. Three days later, Toad is happy to receive his message.

This particular collection of Frog & Toad tales doesn't contain ALL the classics. You will not find the cookie eating tale here, nor the story about Toad dreaming about Frog growing smaller and smaller. Still, this is an excellent collection. I guess I never really noticed the subtlety of Lobel's illustrations. When you think of "Frog and Toad" you think of their realistic eyes and bodies. You think of their tweed jackets and elegant striped pants. What you may not think of is their capacity for subtle expressions. The image of Toad walking in his bathing suit, head held high, away from his fellow animals by the river is worth the price of admission alone. Ditto the shot of Toad clutching his aching noggin after ramming it into a wall.

I can't really stress the simple elegance of "Frog and Toad" to you if you haven't read them before. Needless to say, you won't even mind the fact that not a character in any of these tales ever uses a contraction. It's sometimes near impossible to write really good early reader books. I think Arnold Lobel set the bar way too high when he penned these extraordinary tales. If you've never read them, you are seriously missing out.

My almost 3 year old's favorite
The three book collection was hidden on my son's shelf from the time he received it from our priest as a gift when he was a new born. I found it a couple of months ago, and since then we have been reading the stories every evening and often during the day too. No matter how many of the stories I have read, my son asks for more and more. Since I have to read the stories every night, I am happy that they are adorable and entertaining for even the adult.

I Love Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad Are Friends is a great book. Frog is smart. Toad is not. Toad just copies other people. Frog thinks for himself. Frog and Toad are best friends, and they take care of each other. I like the pictures in this book. They tell a lot about the story. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

There's nothing like a best friend ...

Frog and Toad, those famous pals, are beloved by generations of children. Their every adventure is filled with the magic of true friendship, whether they're telling ghost stories, searching for a lost button, or eating too many cookies. This captivating audio collection features all four of the Frog and Toad books, read with humor and charm by award-winning author Arnold Lobel.

This collection contains:

Frog and Toad Are Friends
Frog and Toad All Year
Frog and Toad Together
Days with Frog and Toad

Reviews (2)

An Excellent book tape for fans of Frog and Toad books
I am ordering this tape again for my four year old son. He listened to his first copy until it broke. It is fascinating to watch him listen to the stories with a half smile on his face as he recalls the pictures from the books. It is not necessary to read along to enjoy the tape. Mr. Lobel reads the stories perfectly. He clearly conveys the personalities of the characters without "doing the voices."

Wonderful stories of friendship
My toddler son has enjoyed these stories for almost a year now. They are colorfully written and expertly told by the author himself. A must for any young child's collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Friends every day

Reviews (8)

Day with Frog and Toad
Hi, my name is George. I have just read a book named Day with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel. It is about two frogs. They were together. They played together.

I liked this book because it is about friendship. Some of the parts are funny. This book is great for 2nd graders. I give this book five stars. I enjoyed this book.

Nostalgia
Even the title sounds a bit nostalgic. This is the last in the series about Frog and Toad, who are different but very good friends. Published in 1979, the two have not changed a whole lot, though the stories have gotten funnier - droll is perhaps a better word.

The pessimistic Toad is procrastinating in "Tomorrow" until he realizes that he's down in the dumps because of all he has to do tomorrow - so he does it all today and tires himself out.

In "The Kite," Frog's optomism pays off. "Shivers" has some scary tales that Frog enjoys telling, and Toad enjoys hearing. On Toad's birthday, in "the Hat" Frog gives a present that's a little too big, but Toad insists on keeping it. When Frog secretly fixes the problem while Toad is sleeping, Toad believes his head has grown. In the final story, "Alone," the two friends learn they can still be friends, even if they are alone sometimes.

In all the books, the stories are short, sweet and about friendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to tell a story with an amusing message.

Heartwarming and endearing
I read the Frog and Toad series when I was very young. Now, 15 years later, I still occasionally take the books out and read them. Mr. Lobel's books are excellent for both children and adults. You will be heartwarmed by these charming stories about two best friends.

Frog and Toad books...
The entire Frog and Toad series are all good. They are funny and easy to read. They are one of the best children's books for a mom or dad to read as a bedtime story. I read them to my kids and my kids (five) grew to love the stories and the books contributed greatly to their ability and their joy of reading. Please get the whole series NOW. The paperbacks can be had for just a few dollars each... you can't go wrong!

Excellent short stories about two best friends!
I grew up reading the frog and toad series and recently purchased it for my future children. These books are perhaps the last true symbols of what friendship, honesty, and innocence are all about. In our modern-day world of mass media, this series offers basic themes and lessons every child should be taught. I strongly believe books like Mr. Lobel's sparked my imagination and taught me to love reading. Now, I have a master's degree in language arts. Thank you Mr. Lobel! ... Read more

Book Description

Friends all year.

Reviews (13)

Amphibians for all seasons
Along with Seuss, Lobel is perhaps the most beloved writer and illustrator of beginning readers. In this effort he turns in another winning series of five short tales, each one in plain language but highly entertaining, enlivened by Lobel's superb two-tone illustrations. Frog and Toad are distinct and likeable characters, comically foolish in their own ways but buoyed by their genuine friendship. This book features the added appeal of stories from all the year round, from winter (how funny they look in big winter coats!) to spring rain (a genuinely sweet tale) to summer ice cream (what a mess!) to fall leaf raking (in gift-of-the-magi form, each rakes the other's yard in secret) and Christmas Eve, perhaps the most pleasant story of all - nothing sloppy or sentimental, just goodhearted. Readers of these domestic adventures will also enjoy Lobel's "Owl at Home."

By now, you're hooked...
If you've read the first two books in the Frog and Toad series, by now you and your child are hooked!

This book, published in 1976, is the third of four books about Frog and Toad, written by Arnold Lobel. This book has five stories, starting and ending with Winter tales.

As usual, Toad is a bit negative and nervous, while Frog is calm, positive and dedicated to being a very good friend to Toad.

In "Down the Hill", Frog gets Toad to come outside and try sledding down a hill with him. Toad goes reluctantly along, and for a moment enjoys the ride. Frog gets bumped off the sled, and Toad still enjoys the adventure until he realizes he's alone. He decides Winter is best spent inside.

The next story is about a story told from Frog to Toad, one rainy day when they are wishing Spring was here. Frog promises that Spring is just around "The Corner."

"Ice Cream" is a funny story about what happens when Toad buys ice cream cones for himself and Frog, and carries them a long way on a very hot day.

"The Surprise" is a story about what happens when two friends try to do something special for a friend, in secret.

The last story, "Christmas Eve", has a worried Toad frantically searching for his best friend, sure that something terrible has happened. It has a happy ending, of course!

The stories are short, sweet and about friendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to tell a story with an amusing message.

Wonderful!
I loved Frog and Toad as a child and now I'm buying them for my own daughter. What I like best about them is that Frog and Toad never do anything cruel or spiteful or rude as you see so many other characters in children's books. They are always polite and helpful to each other, and whatever they do is done out of friendship. Not just this, but all of the Frog and Toad books are full of good stories and good examples for young readers.

Great for adults too! Heartwarming...wonderful...read it!
I read this book as a child and loved it. Now I am going to be an English teacher soon...and I am constantly on the lookout for great books! A couple years ago I came across this book while looking through some old things. I read it again was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It made me smile, laugh, and cry.

I am very close to my older sister (who is taller and thinner and I am shorter and fatter). I gave her the book as a gift, and she loved it as well. Now she's working overseas and I don't see her very often, but when I read this book I think of her...

This is a very special book...read it and see for yourself. It will touch your heart. In a world where people are taught to be selfish, Frog and Toad All Year shows us that we need to put others first. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have and still do! ^_^

charming tales of friendship for early readers
Young children who are beginning to read longer stories will enjoy these five tales of friends Frog and Toad through the seasons. The stories are: Down the Hill, wherein Frog coaxes Toad out of his warm home for some winter fun; The Corner, in which Frog tells Toad a story on a rainy day; Ice Cream, about a long walk with large ice cream cones; The Surprise, concerning the friends' giving each other a secret good turn a la O. Henry; and Christmas Eve, in which Toad worries about Frog's arrival on a snowy night.

Sweet, soothing stories for your little reader. ... Read more

Book Description

This clever book features a frog with silly googly eyes and a long sticky-stretchy tongue that are actually attached to the book's cover!The hilarious read-aloud story features bright, humorous illustrations - and you won't believe the surprise ending!Kids delight to The Icky Sticky Frog! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A fun book for kids!
Although the story doesn't send an important message, it is silly and fun, and the words flow fairly well. The book illustrations are fun and the ending has an unexpected twist. The book is fun on its own, but the "icky sticky" tongue on the front of the book sends my kids (and me) into hysterics. (Tip: Be sure to read the cleaning instructions on the back of the book to keep the tongue sticky.) My kids (9 months and 2 1/2 years) love this book! I have bought copies for other children to share the fun.

Icky Sticky
I came across this book in an LTD magazine, when I ordered it I thought my daughter would enjoy it because of the icky sticky tongue...much to my delight and surprise she LOVES this story! This is her favorite story and I could recite the entire book to you by heart...

The book that I purchased last year has been read soooooo many times that I am now purchasing 3 more so that I never have to put the book up from her and tell her "it's broke, we can't read it right now...."

Did I mention my daughter was only a year old when I got this book for her?????

After ready the reviews for "The Icky Sticky Anteater" I now plan on purchasing that book as well. Plus I have also found out that this author has published another similiar book called "The Icky Sticky Chameleon"!!!

Kids will beg to hear this book read out loud.
I am a preschool teacher and mother of 4. My 2 year-old classroom loves this book. It flows wonderfully read out loud. I have adapted the story using animal props and puppets. The kids love it. It is a great book to begin teaching science concepts such as the food chains and habitats. It makes a great addition to theme related activities involving frogs / pond life. If I have to have only one book with me at circle time this one is the one I know will grab the childrens' attention and hold it for multiple readings. A wonderful gift and a must own for every parent and/or teacher.

A Must if you have a boy!
Oh my what a book! I saw this at babies r us and didn't even think about it - just picked it up and bought it. It is just the neatest thing - I LOVE that sticky tongue on the front of the book. We really like frogs in our family and this one really is awesome. Cute story - teaches about the food chain which is interesting. My son just loves this book - pulling the tongue and hearing it snap is just a recipe for giggles! Just a really, really cute idea and well thought out. Thanks a bunch to the author and publisher. It's just one of those very unique items that you just have to have, and then buy for everyone else on your list! Love it!

What a Fun Book
This book was so much fun for my family. Children love pulling the tounge back and then going "SNAP"!!! I've never had a book you had to clean with water before. HE HE HE!!!! Cleaning is a little annoying, but not that much trouble. Good story and cute drawings. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Tuesday evening, around eight"--a deceptively mundane beginning for what proves to be a thrilling, miraculous, and surreal amphibian journey. Slowly and quietly on this particular Tuesday, a few fat frogs begin hovering over a swamp, riding lily pads like magic carpets. Clearly satisfied and comfortable, the floating frogs are as serene as little green buddhas. Gradually, the flying fleet grows in momentum and number, sailing over the countryside and into an unsuspecting town. These frogs know how to have fun--startling the occasional bird, waving webbed feet at late-night snack-eaters, and even changing the channels on a sleeping granny's television. As day breaks, the frogs lose their lily pads, head back to the pond, and wait impatiently for their next scheduled departure.

Tuesday won the 1992 Caldecott Medal and, among other honors, was named as an ALA Notable Children's Book. The critical acclaim will come as no surprise to anyone who opens the pages of this beautiful and humorous book. With hardly any words (except those noting the time), David Wiesner creates a wondrous romp as silent as the middle of the night. Using the rich purples, blues, and greens of late evening, Wiesner draws readers into the warm, incandescent world of frog flight. "Read" this wordless wonder to children and savor it for yourself as well. Chances are, you and the youngsters will both find yourselves poised at the window, hoping to catch a few airborne frogs in the act. (Ages 4 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Wordless, yet eventful Plot
David Wiesner's, almost wordless, book, "Tuesday," gives the reader a vivid story about a group of frogs who take their lily pads for a ride. Their lily pads fly through the air and through the neighborhood. The frogs' adventure ends when the sun begins to rise. However, the next Tuesday, another animal gets to take a similar adventure.

In the book, "Tuesday," David Wiesner uses watercolor on Arches paper for the illustrations. The illustrator uses dark colors to represent the time of night in this story. The dark colors also give the viewer a sense of mystery as they flip through the pages. However, the illustrator also uses light colors to represent the light from a house, the glow from a television set or the time of day. David Wiesner uses line to show the action of the frogs, by guiding the viewers' eye through the frogs' adventure on their lily pads. Wiesner's choice to make the frogs in the book, "Tuesday," makes the frogs seem friendly and happy.
My favorite aspect of the illustration was that color. The light and dark differences found throughout the book made the story seem very real, even though the plot is very, "magical." The use of blues and grays make the frogs flying through the air seem mysterious. While the fluorescent lights of the kitchen give a very drastic change to the frogs flying in the night outside. I also think that it was very cute for the frog to be waving at the man in the kitchen. I think that is a minor detail that a child will most likely pick up on and appreciate.
The lighting of the television room was another favorite for me. I like how the artist let the glow of the television shadow the frogs and the old woman. I enjoyed the fact that the frogs made themselves at home with the remote control and the cat looking on, in the background.
I think this is a book that a child would definitely enjoy to, "read," especially since they do not have to read. The child is free to let their imagination do the storytelling.

to be read EVERY Tuesday
In the inside of the cover, Wiesner claims these events actually happened one Tuesday and... "all those in doubt are reminded that there is always another Tuesday." Beginning at 8:00pm, we see a three-part picture of a pond that changes perspective to focus on an alarmed turtle. Frogs on lilypads have taken flight and begin to chase after birds, intimidate a dog and confuse a man eating midnight snack. As morning approaches, the frogs return to their pond, leaving their lilypads and the curious detectives behind. The story ends with the words, "next Tuesday" and the shadow of a flying pig.

I've used this book in primary classrooms. It is a very cute story with only a few words. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for children to tell or write their own words. This enables students who cannot read yet to engage in a literate activity.

Why 5 stars?:
This book tells a cute fantasy story with very few words. It lends itself to having children make up their own text, which will support their emerging literacy skills. The illustrations are incredibly lifelike and it is no wonder it won a Caldecott.

Monday you can fall apart. Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
We've all heard the stories of the skies, for whatever reason, raining frogs on innocent town travelers. This natural occurrence of the wild is one of the great weirdnesses of life. So how much odder is it, really, to consider frogs flying? They have all the self-possession required of such a task. Frogs are a uniquely calm species. Confident even. In Dave Wiesner's essentially wordless book "Tuesday", amphibian folk are given the unexplained power of floatation. In his tale, Wiesner considers what exactly frogs would do with the gift of flying if it was granted them.

One of the best pictures in this book is on one of the first pages. There, a turtle cowers into its shell as black eyed pupil-less frogs rise on their lily pads out of the water. The frogs descend, so to speak, on a nearby suburb, and proceed to wreak some minor havok. They disturb a man pausing to eat a late night sandwich. They disturb laundry and enter old ladies' homes to watch a little telly. And they take a great amount of pleasure in scaring a dog that would undoubtedly eat them if it had the chance. As the book ends, the frogs are relieved of their otherworldly powers and hop back to the swamps, leaving only their lily pads behind them. The next Tuesday, at the same time, we're given a hint of how a more porcine animal will handle flight.

Wiesner is a genius at the visual gag. His illustrations are simple watercolors, well-detailed and in-depth. Wiesner knows when to give an animal human expressions and when to leave it looking particularly froggy. He gets every single one of those frogs' spots down , and can manipulate his illustrations in such a way that you never doubt for a moment the ridiculous things you're seeing. To top it all off, the man's a master at conveying light. I'm particularly attached to a scene of flying frogs watching t.v., a wary cat crouching in the background. The old lady asleep in the chair is wearing glasses that are reflecting the light of the television perfectly. On top of that, this is exactly what a room lit only by a single screen looks like. Wiesner's details are marvelous. Make sure to notice the frog appreciatively eyeing the old lady's painting of the forest.

There aren't that many wordless picture books out there these days though Wiesner has made a name for himself by specializing in this area. After reading "Tuesday", you can understand why he deserves this honor. Both witty and perverse, this author/illustrator lets you see into worlds you never could have imagined existed before he came up with them. You'll be thankful that he did.

An imaginative award-winning journey
I discovered this classic over a decade ago when working on my Master's. One of my required classes was a course in children's literature and it turned out to be my favorite. Having long been an avid reader, I was reintroduced to forgotten pleasures and presented with new (at that time) works that were totally fascinating.

"Tuesday" is in the latter category. It is short on prose but makes up for it with engrossing illustrations. The minimum of words allows the "reader" to create a different script with each visit.

My three-year-old niece "eats" the book up every time that either her mom, her grandfather, or even her dotting uncle takes a shine to pull it off the shelf and share it with her. Our respective interpretations of the pictures are limitless, making this a book that will live long after others have faded into obscurity.

Even the book's end allows the child to ponder the events of "Wednesday" and even hypothesize about the events of subsequent days.

Any book that plays on a child's natural tendency to dream is a winner.

Tuesday
I am a student at West Virginia State College, and I was required to read a Caldecott Award winning book for my summer Childrens Literature course. I chose the 1992 Caldecott Medal winner, Tuesay. Without knowing anything about the book I went to the public library and checked it out. To my surprise it was a picture book. The pictures in this book are amazing. They are so realistic and the thought of flying frogs really interests kids. This is a beautifully illustrated book and I would highly recommend this book for children of all ages. All you need is a great imagination to interested in this book. This book rightly bears the Caldecott Medal. I would like to thank my stupendous teacher Roger Samples for this fun and exciting assignment. ... Read more

Book Description

"This is the turtle that slid into the pond and ate the snake that dropped from a branch and swallowed the fish that swam after the frog -- JUMP, FROG, JUMP!" This infectious cumulative tale will soon have the young frogs you know jumping and chanting with joy.

Reviews (2)

Buy, customers, buy!
I was SO glad when this came back in print. This is a cumulative tale a la "House that Jack Built". You can get the children chanting "Jump Frog Jump!" in a few pages. Barton's bright folk-like illustrations fit right in.

A Fantastic Book for young readers!!!!!!
As a teacher and an aunt I highly recommend this book which is a favorite with the kids! It's easy for them to memorize the lines and follow the words (a great skill to develop while learning how to read). A fantastic addition to any child's library of books! ... Read more

Amazon.com

You may already know an old lady who swallowed a fly, but you're about to meet her chief competition: "a frog on the log in the middle of the bog." Author Karma Wilson (Bear Snores On) teams up with illustrator Joan Rankin in a delightfully bouncy, rhythmic jaunt through the culinary exploits of said frog. Young readers will quickly get the hang of the story, as the amphibious protagonist swallows most of the insect population of a bog. Starting small ("He flicks ONE tick/ as it creeps up a stick"), he quickly works his way up: "ONE tick, TWO fleas, THREE flies (Oh my!),/ FOUR slugs (Ew, ugh!) in the belly of the frog/ on a half-sunk log/ in the middle of the bog." As the greedy frog’s belly grows, we are treated to a hilarious view of the claustrophobic quarters within. Is there any hope for these hapless bugs, or are they destined for digestion? Rankin’s watercolors are both beautiful and comical, appealing to readers of all ages. Highly recommended! (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A book we love...
This is one of those books that has everything going for it: great illustrations, a captivating story, and rhyming verses that are very pleasing to read aloud. The illustrations are particularly charming, done in soft watercolors with imaginative detail. The bog itself is a carnival of color where harlequin fleas romp among snails with candy-striped shells. The story, about a gluttonous frog and the creatures that wind up in his belly, is witty and entertaining throughout. The ending has a cute surprise and a happy resolution for all. Truly fun to read, this book is the perfect length for a bedtime story (or two, or three!) My 3 year-old loves it, and I do, too. Really well done.

Wonderful story - beautiful illustrations
This is a very fun read! The rhyme has such a flow and pattern that's enjoyable to say and hear - it just rolls off your tongue. The illustrations are superb - the size of the pages and their images fill your vision with a multitude of wonderful colors, and the characters are adorable. And it's funny to boot! This has become one of the favorites in my house. Beautifully done!

A Wonderful book for young children
I first encountered this book at a local children's bookstore when it was read during story time. My 2-1/2 year old son loves this book. It is written in a wonderful "sing-song" style, which keeps my son's attention. The illustrations are really beautiful too. A wonderful book. ... Read more

Book Description

A children's favorite,now available in a board book edition

In this book
With your little eye
Take a look
And play "I spy"

This interactive book invites young children to play the classic "I spy"game. The rhymed verses give youngsters clues about who to look for in the detailed illustrations. Little ones will be delighted when they spy Tom Thumb, Jack and Jill, The Three Little Bears and many other nursery rhyme characters hiding in the pictures. This sturdy new board book edition is perfect for a book that will be picked up again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Who can you spy.......? - 'Each Peach Pear Plum.'
This is a book that I was first introduced to during an English lesson during my PGCE course. After just one reading I have had to go out and buy my very own copy.

I was in awe of the magical combination of rhyme and illustration.

The rhyming text is based aroung a game of 'I spy'. There is a lot of rhyme and repition which is very appealing to young children.

The book is cleverly crafted to incorporate many well known fairytale and nursery rhyme characters and your job as the reader is to spot them!

The Rhymed verses give youngsters clues about who they can look for in each beautiful picture.

The book is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of rhyme and with a second reading the children will be joining in with you.

As a basis for classroom work it could be used in many different ways. The children could be encouraged to create their own 'I spy' stories with hidden characters to fool the reader.

'Each Peach Pear Plum' is an excellent example of the joys of picture books, it is simple and fun yet intricate and detailed.

I challenge you to be unswayed by its charms.

A book to treasure
I bought this book for my kids because the title was so familiar to me. After reading the first page, I realized that I read this one as a child. This book has wonderful illustrations. You'll want to give your child some time to soak up the content of each picture. Children love books that offer them a chance to participate, and this one definitely does that. The rhyming words are fun to read for the beginner, and even adults can't help but shout out, "I spy Tom Thumb!"

enchanting!
This is sort of like the child's story book version of the Broadway musical "Into the Woods." ...there's Jack and Jill, Cinderella, Mother Hubbard, Baby Bunting, the Three Bears...and more. Each illustration combines the person "you spy" with a hint at the next scene on the next page. It's absolutely charming on all levels. My two year old loves it, and yet it's one that I--at 29 years old--don't mind reading to her three times in a row. The rhymes and scenes make perfect segues into the rhymes and scenes on the next page. Worth every dollar spent. Even if your kids are very young, you'll probably end up saving this one for your grandkids to enjoy.

Enchanting
I held off buying this book until my twins were over 1 1/2 yrs old, and it paid off, because now they can appreciate the wonderful illustrations and "I spy" game. The illustrations are pleasing and detailed, and the little story is fun. My children always pull it out of the pile and sit together through the whole story, something they won't do with all books. A great book, highly recommend.

Delightful illustrations! Great for toddlers & preschoolers.
I disagree with the person who said this book is confusing to 3-year olds. I suspect he was confused as a child because he was not familiar with the characters. The author does assume that the reader is familiar with classic story book and nursery rhyme characters (Tom Thumb, Mother Hubbard, Cinderella, the Three Bears, Baby Bunting, Bo Peep, Jack & Jill, the Wicked Witch, Robin Hood). We've given this book as a gift to several people--everyone has loved it. A classic! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A must have for Froggy fans!
What can I say......the Froggy book series are fantastic! Jonathon London writes so well that children can help but enjoy the book. And Frank Remkiewicz is a wonderful illustrator - he makes the books come alive with his drawings of Froggy and the rest of the gang!

I started my daughter on these books when she was about 4 or 5 and she is almost 10 and she still enjoys breaking out her old Froggy books and reading them!

This is the type of book you want you children to read again and again! If you start them on the Froggy series books early they will learn to enjoy the books and other books. The books are tons of fun!

The Kids really enjoy it
I and my children found this book helpful when discussing fears and swimming lessons. Not only is the book fun to read (neat sounds, etc.), it has the added bonus of providing two useful teaching tools for beginning swimmers. I have to say that the part where Froggy loses his bathing suit is over done, and really is not necessary to the storey. It conveys embarrasment about nudity when it really isn't necessary. A little skillful editing while reading can minimize this. The bottom line is that I and my son found the book helpful, it is well written, and has enjoyable illustrations.

Froggy & skills mastery
I agree with the other reviews that this book is especially splendid in it's illustrations, text and message. Like many young children, Froggy is fearful of the water (and, presumably, other new experiences). However, by taking it at his own pace, and with the encouragement of his mother, he soon masters his skills at swimming (anyone who has or works with young children will empathize with a tired mom & dad frog who are still waiting patiently on into the night as Froggy practices his new learning). While very cute, age appropriate and fun, I have only one criticism: at one point, no doubt for humorous effect, Froggy looses his bathing suit and "turns more red than green." Demanding his parents NOT to look, he skedaddles into the bushes and re-suits. Perhaps I'm reading into this too much, but I would hope that children don't come to devolop negative body issues re: being nude, especially around their own parents (no one else is at the beach with Froggy, Mom & Dad). My only concern is that this might reinforce the unnecessary shameful aspect of nudity that people in this country embrace and that, IMHO, is often one of the issues that lead to negative body image in children in America (why do you think we have so many anorexic/bulimic children here??) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Eye's
My son loves this book as well as Friends of a Feather by Cohn/Sullivan. The repeated phrases make him laugh but can sometimes be a little tounge tying espically if you are tired. The google eyes are also fun for him to watch as they move around.

If you want to reclaim your child from grandparents just ask them to read this book to them and you will have your child back within 2 pages. ... Read more

Book Description

Mercer Mayer's classic wordless tales of a boy and his animal pals are now available in attractive, low-priced hardcover editions. These delightfully funny books follow a young boy as he romps through the woods, making mischief and new friends along the way. This series launched Mercer Mayer's distinguished career over twenty-five years ago, and is just as fresh and appealing today.

Mercer Mayer is considered one of the creators of the wordless picture book form. A Boy, a Dog and a Frog was his very first published book. Since then he has gone on to create the classic There's a Nightmare in My Closet, the wildly popular Little Critter series, and many more beloved books for children. ... Read more

Book Description

Following the re-release of the first three books in this beloved series, here are the final three classic wordless tales in attractive, low-priced hardcover editions. A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, the first book in this series, launched Mercer Mayer's distinguished career over twenty-five years ago, and also helped to create the wordless picture book genre. Full of warmhearted mischief and play, the books express the humorous trials and tribulations of friendship and the joy of summertime discovery. Readers will want to collect the entire set. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

great resource for teachers
This is an excellent book for teachers to have- can work with prediction (what will happen next?) and creative writing (older students may write their own "text" for the illustrations).

Beautiful illustrations and very humorous!

frog goes to dinner
Clever story, clearly told with pictures alone. Great for young children to enjoy with adults or by themselves.

If looks could kill.....
The book is as enjoyable when you're 33 as when your 3. I was cleaning a closet and found my original version from '77 and had to sit down (or fall down laughing) to "read" it. The illustrations are definately worth more than a thousand words. Frog's good time is only deterred by the evil looks cast at him by the family. We've all been there. It is amazing the feeling that animation can evoke. "Oh to be that frog".....After enjoying it to the fullest I ordered it for all the kids on my Christmas list from 2 to 102 that I felt would appreciate it. And of course Amazon delivered them on time. ... Read more

Book Description

Frog and Toad are always there for each other -- just as best friends should be. From sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, these two friends have fun together the whole year round!

Amazon.com

In Jonathan London’s latest picture book about the only too human Froggy (following Froggy’s First Kiss, Froggy Goes to School, and others), our floppy-footed hero experiences yet another first: a new sibling. Froggy waits eagerly for his brother to be born. When Pollywogilina ("you can call her Polly for short") finally arrives, Froggy gets over his disappointment at her gender, but quickly loses patience with her inability to do anything. He wants to teach her how to jump off a swing, bounce on a pogo stick, and catch flies with her tongue. "But Polly was too little." Will she ever be big enough to play?

Wise older siblings will be happy to inform Froggy that yes, one day Polly will be bigger and ready to be bossed around. Only children (or young amphibians) who are expecting younger siblings will be intrigued at the process of becoming a big brother or sister, and may even learn a little about patience in the process. And everyone will love watching Froggy's green cheeks turn red when his first diapering job doesn't quite do the trick! Frank Remkiewicz's cheerful illustrations capture the ups and downs of those early days with a squalling baby in the house--and an antsy big brother waiting for the fun to begin. (Ages 2 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Where the willow tree meets the water, a tadpole met a caterpillar.
They gazed into each other's tiny eyes...and fell in love.

"I love everything about you," said the caterpillar.
"Promise you'll never change." And foolishly the tadpole promised...

But we all know that tadpoles don't stay the same, and neither do caterpillars.

Will they still be able to love each other? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What on earth was the author thinking?
This has to be one of the WORST kids books ever written!


Maybe this book would be good for someone who was recently dumped but i think it is a HORRIBLE book for kids!And should not be geared towards kids, especially kids as young as kindergarten! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Jubal's Wish...a wonderful children's book!
I bought this book for my son when he was 2..now he is 5 & still loves this book. Jubal is an engaging character that children can't help but love. The colors in this book are what first made me pick it up. It is so cheerful & exciting. I highly recommend this and all Audrey & Don Wood books.

Sara's Review on Jubal's Wish
I think Jubal's Wish is a very good story. The illustration is very colorful and lively. I love Audrey Wood, she is one of my favorite authors and her stories are really cool. Of all of Audrey Woods books I would have to say that Jubal's Wish is my favorite, it's a really good book.

Charming!
Jubal the bullfrog is so happy on this bright and sunny day, that his feet barely touch the ground as he skips along with his picnic basket. In time, he meets up with two of his neighbors, Gerdy, the toad and Captain Dalbert, the lizard. Both are tired, angry, overworked and depressed. It makes Jubal sad that his friends are so miserable on this beautiful day and so he wishes they could be as happy as he is. With that, a wizard appears and gives him a twinkling wishing star...."Dreams and wishes, wishes and dreams. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. You never know how they'll turn out in the end." And as Jubal watches, his wish comes true in a very unusal and special way..... Audrey and Don Woods have done it again, writing a simple, gentle story of generosity, caring and love. Their warm and expressive text is only outdone by their vibrant, larger than life artwork, that will entrance youngsters as it almost spills off the page. Together, they have produced a charming fairy tale that's perfect for 3-7 year olds. Jubal's Wish, with it's endearing hero, will delight children of all ages and is a wonderful addition to all bookshelves.

A review of Jubal's Wish
Jubal's wish is a beautifully illustrated (as expected from Don Wood) story with a nice theme about doing for others. It also shows that sometimes when something negative happens that something good can come from it. My two children LOVED it and read/requested it to be read four times in the 24 hours after I gave it to them. My kids are 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 and actually the 5 1/2 year old boy is the more enamoured.

Jubal is a jewel!
The Woods' have done it again. Another first-rate picture book. This book has a delightful story as well as captivating pictures. This book reminds its readers that sometimes wishes do come true even though you may feel like you are at your lowest point. The pictures show a lot of emotions and help the reader empathize with the characters. This would be a welcome addition to anyone's picture book collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Frog has a problem. Burping makes him happy, but all the other frogs think it's disgusting. When he finds a town where everyone loves to burp, he finally realizes that the other frogs may have been right after all.

This comedy of bad manners will have children laughing out loud. And they will discover, like Frog, that a little manners can go a long way. Lisa Kopelke's lively text and witty illustrations showcase Frog and his overly gassy friends.

Reviews (3)

Excuse Me!
What a great birthday gift! My nephew (5 years old) loved it, and though he did play burp all day after reading it, he also started to say excuse me too!

A Hilarious Book for Everyone!
As a parent and teacher, I'm always on the lookout for quality children's books. Excuse Me by Lisa Kopelke has creatively textured and detailed illustrations, and the story keeps kids giggling the whole way through. When we finish reading this book, I hear a chorus of young voices say, "More Frog!" A successful lesson in manners and a hilarious read. This picture book a real winner!

Booyea for boisterous, buoyant burping!
Frog's brazen love of food and burping gets him trouble with those who love him. Though it was cute as a tadpole, poor Frog finds he really offends when he lets fly all those raucous belches. Too much fun! The illustrations are hilarious, the words funny and expressive, it encouraged A LOT of audience participation, and many rereadings! ... Read more