A Frog Thing (with Audio CD)

Frank wasn't satisfied doing ordinary frog things. He wanted to fly, but he was a frog and frogs can't fly. Follow along as Frank jumps and runs and leaps and dives until he finally finds his place in the pond. The companion book on cd will transport you and your child into Frank's world with sound effects and wonderful performances by children and adults.

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, MA
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Author and performer Eric Drachman's goal in the Kidwick series is to dramatize his stories for younger listeners. Like his other stories, this tale, about a frog that wants to fly, begins with an invitation to listen and ends with a little discussion of what listeners have heard, something younger children are sure to enjoy. They will also like the light sound effects and the playful interaction of voices that Drachman and his cast supply. We like discovering that Drachman has recruited members of his own family to play various roles; his nephew Benjamin, who plays Frank the frog, is quite good for the part. The pictures in the accompanying book enhance the story. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine