Synopsis
Poor Hugo! What can one small frog--with a squeaky little croak--do against a big, bad gang of bullies? Every animal has a suggestion about how he can defend himself, but Hugo is just too timid to do anything. Then bossy Duck comes by with an answer--and the next time the Bullyfrogs appear, they meet quite a different Hugo. Every child who has ever had to put up with a bully will take heart from this clever and reassuring tale. 32 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10 1/4.
Reviews
PreSchool-Grade 1-Little Hugo lives in a "deep, muddy pond" that he shares with three mean "bullyfrogs" who are intent on making his life miserable by calling him names, pushing, shoving, and dropping him head first into the pond. The little frog enlists the help of a duck who teaches him how to "Quack!" so loudly that the nasty bullies are frightened away. Church's brightly colored, animated illustrations accompany a pleasant text. The pictures of the pond depict dragonflies, worms, snails, fish, butterflies, and birds. The facial expressions of the creatures add humor to the story. Youngsters will relate to poor Hugo and cheer him along as he rids the pond of the "bullyfrogs."-Olga R. Barnes, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Terrorized by the "big, bad bullyfrogs" in his pond, Hugo--"a very small frog with a very small croak"--gets tutored in self-protection by a friendly duck. While he can't shout "No pushing!" in his own meek voice, he can make a fierce noise when he imitates her bold quack. So when the bullies close in, "Hugo opens his mouth and... Quack!"--his persecutors flee. Simon's (Camels Don't Ski) facile tale would be more reassuring if loud quacking were a more workable strategy; instead, it would appear to invite further abuse. Church's (Animal Hospital) boldly outlined bug-eyed fish and worm spectators populate the pond; Hugo resembles the classic weakling in his striped one-piece bathing costume and bandy legs. This slight offering may provide the satisfaction of seeing an underdog vanquish his oppressors, but kids victimized by bullies may be disappointed to see the problem so easily and unconvincingly resolved. Ages 3-7. (Dec.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
In a book that shows one kind of conflict resolution, Hugo, a shy frog with a small croak, learns to be more assertive with the help of a duck. Hugo lives in terror of the big frogs, especially Pop Eyes, a bully who dumps Hugo into the pond upside down, snatches his stick, and splashes him. Duck teaches Hugo to quack loudly when threatened, and the next time the bully frogs come around, Hugo opens his mouth and bellows ``QUACK!'' The result of this surprising emission is that birds scatter, butterflies flutter, fish flap, and the bully frogs fall into the pond. Church's art gives the frogs, fish, snails, and worms of this story bright colors and ping-pong-ball eyes, plus the requisite goofy expressions. A funny story, with surprises that will have toddlers giggling. (Picture book. 3-5) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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