Froodle - Hardcover

Portis, Antoinette

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 159643922X ISBN 13: 9781596439221

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2014

Synopsis

In a normal neighborhood, on a typical day, the birds chirp, the dogs bark and the cats meow. When Little Brown Bird decides she doesn't want to sing the same old song, out comes a new tune that shakes up the neighborhood and changes things forever in this funny, innovative book that kids will love to read outloud.

A Neal Porter Book

About this title

About the Author

Antoinette Portis is the author of many inventive books, including Not a Box, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and a Geisel Honor Book.  She is the recipient of a Sendak Fellowship. Froodle is her first book for Roaring Brook Press. Ms. Portis lives in southern California.

Reviews

PreS-K—All of the birds say, "caw," "coo," "chip," or "peep," except Little Brown Bird, who wants to try something different. She finds it more enjoyable to say things like, "Froodle sproodle" and "Tiffle biffle,/just a little/miffle!" Crow is annoyed, especially when the other birds join in, but who could resist participating in fun like this? Portis's fun story is filled with humor and silly rhyming words that both children and adults will appreciate. The detailed illustrations, done in a glowing palette of pencil, charcoal, and ink, are featured on multiple spreads throughout the book. Although the narrative text is small and gets lost in a sea of grass or bushes at times, the birds' speech balloons are bold and provide a great opportunity for children to practice sounding out words (even if they are made up). The cadence of the birds' dialogue might take a few read-throughs to get used to, but that will only provide more laughs in the meantime. This book will work in many settings and is certain to prompt giggles from young audiences.—Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID

A little brown bird is sick of peeping like she’s supposed to and lets out an unexpected “Froodle.” Her other bird friends are shocked, but soon Cardinal is spouting “Ickle zickle” instead of “Chirp,” and Dove sings “Oobly snoobly” instead of “Coo.” Crow, who is not silly, tries to keep the other birds in line, but they’re having too much fun to listen, and Crow flies off since “there is no such thing as a silly black crow!” Silliness is contagious, though, and Crow can’t stay away for long. Portis (Not a Box, 2007) places the simply drawn birds with thick outlines on soft, pleasing background scenes in muted tones. Her dynamic variety of perspectives adds drama and humor, such as when Crow looms large over the little brown bird in a close-up spread or when Crow hops ever closer as the birds can be seen from afar perched on a moonlit hedgerow. The big, bold speech balloons filled with irresistible nonsense words make this a great choice for shared read-alouds. Preschool-Grade 1. --Sarah Hunter

Edition details

• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 159643922X
• ISBN 13: 9781596439221
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Portis Antoinette
• Number of pages: 32