Common Sense Note
Even though the characters are fictional, the feelings they share (and convey to their young readers) are very real, and the care they show for one another (and the world around them) stands as a good example of behavior.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Mary Dixon Weidler
Once Frog convinces the sleepy Toad that winter is actually over, the two amphibian friends "run outside to see how the world was looking in spring." With each new season comes new journeys.
In one story, Frog isn't feeling well ("You are looking quite green," Toad tells his friend), so Toad comes to take care of his ailing friend. When Frog requests a story, Toad literally stands on his head (as well as other silly things!) to come up with one, but cannot. Toad becomes worn out from the attempts, and Frog tells him a story of a devoted friend who does anything to take care of a sick comrade.
In other stories, the pals look for a button lost off Toad's jacket, Toad is embarrassed at the thought that anyone might see him in his bathing suit, and Frog becomes Toad's pen pal to fulfill his friend's desire for mail. The simple adventures of these two amphibians make for some of the simplest--and most enjoyable--chapter books for developing readers. Toad and Frog are, indeed, friends, and their respect for each other comes through on every page.
Even though the characters are fictional, the feelings they share (and convey to their young readers) are very real, and the care they show for one another (and the world around them) stands as a good example of behavior, proving that we can learn something from frogs without dissecting them.
Lobel's writing is engaging without being cloying, and the vocabulary he uses is basic without being babyish. The story is illustrated with swamp-toned (shades of green and brown) sketches of the friends and their surroundings.
Children seem to relate strongly to these tales, especially "A Swim." "I hate when people see me in my bathing suit!" one nine-year-old boy sympathized. In response to "The Letter" another boy said, "I never get mail either! That is sad!" The themes of friendship and growing up seem to resonate strongly--even if they're expressed by amphibians.
Plot Summary:
Once Frog convinces the sleepy Toad that winter is actually over, the two amphibian friends "run outside to see how the world was looking in spring." With each new season comes new journeys.
Related Books:
Other Books With Frog and Toad:
Frog and Toad All Year
Frog and Toad Together
Other Good Chapter Books for Developing Readers:
Last One In Is A Rotten Egg
Big Max
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