Froggie Went A-Courting - Softcover

Conover, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0374424748 ISBN 13: 9780374424749

Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1988

Synopsis

Illustrates the well-known American folk song about the courtship and marriage of the frog and the mouse

About this title

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 If one agrees that there will be only one acceptable version of the ballad of Froggie and Miss Mouse, and that version is by Randolph Caldecott, then there is no point in considering any others. Conover's version does use some of the Caldecott conventions: a theatrical presentation, observant humans, and the Rowley refrain. She, however, sends Frog and Mousie happily-ever-aftering to France for a honeymoon. Conover's illustrations are fanciful, and very funny. Her presentation seems to be England, 1775, according to the truly gorgeous endpapers. England may well be famous for being green, but Conover cannot mean this green: it makes the page, because it is set in a garden, almost visually impenetrable. Squinting past the intensity, viewers can find a wealth of detail. So much so, in fact, that the illustration takes over and propels the book right alongthe verse becomes mere decoration. As a vehicle for Conover's imagination, the book is very successful, even a tour de force. But as a version of that much-loved song, it isn't. Conover has caught the spirit of the song, but let the words become superfluous. This is musical without being lyrical. Christina Olson, Beverly Hills Public Library
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Readers will find the story of Froggie's romance both unusual and fun. The author has chosen to illustrate this Old English nursery rhyme in Elizabethan fashion, with charming results. Froggie, dressed in a red livery coat and plumed hat, sets out in a coach pulled by caterpillars to win Miss Mousie's hand. His proposal accepted, the preparations begin: within Miss Mousie's home, attendants busily alter the bridal gown, make jam and bake pies while Froggie joins Uncle Rat in the billiard room. The festive wedding includes "two fat bees bouncing banjos on their knees," and a big tom cat who causes a stir. The newlyweds depart by moonlight in a coach pulled by golden butterflies. There are many small details throughout that children will enjoy discovering; music and text are included.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0374424748
• ISBN 13: 9780374424749
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 31