Beware of the Frog

by William Bee

Book Overview

With deliciously ugly villains and a gasp-inducing ending, this quirky tale of the unexpected is sure to have readers croaking with laughter. Full color.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763639206
• ISBN13: 9780763639204
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.9" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

This was a quaint and funny little story that is sure to elicit lots of giggles from the little ones

Mrs. Collywobbles lived in a little stone house "one the edge of a big, dark, scary wood." She wore a very colorful outfit complete with a string of pearls. She had a cute little red purse and an umbrella that would keep the raindrops off her head, but it couldn't keep her safe from all those scary critters in the woods. The only thing that could help her was her pet frog that sat on a mat on her stoop. Mrs. Collywobbles peered out of her kitchen window and looked a bit frightened when she saw the thieving Greedy Goblin emerging from the woods. "Nickerty-noo, nickerty-noo, if I get a chance, I'll steal from you . . . " The Goblin was a scary looking thing with a yellow pointy nose, ears and yucky looking toes. Not to worry because the little pet frog went "GOBBLE" and about the only thing you could see was one of those yucky feet. SLURP! Well, Mrs. Collywobbles moved upstairs to the bathroom and when she peered out she saw a blue Smelly Troll coming out of the woods. Now he was really stinky. Pee yew! "Welly-welly, welly-welly, I'm awfully slimy and awfully smelly . . . " On the garden gate he saw the sign warning him about that a frog, but do you think he paid any attention? This was a quaint and funny little story that is sure to elicit lots of giggles from the little ones. Dark, scary woods, goblins, trolls and things like ogres are usually things to be afraid of, but in this book the silly and colorful artwork makes them harmless and downright goofy looking. When the frog GOBBLES them up with a big slurp, your youngster is bound to laugh, especially if you use and exaggerated and expressive tone of voice. The little twist at the end makes it a `sure to please' story. If you're looking for a silly, but fun yarn, this one might strike your fancy!

Great Book!

I'm not sure I agree with others that this isn't for a younger audience. My son is 2 1/2 and LOVES this book. He actually looks forward to the "gobble" pages. We've also discovered there's a hidden snail drawn into every page spread. Can you find them all?

Hysterical, but beware may not be appropriate for young children

I initially borrowed this book from my local library, and I laughed out loud throughout the entire book so I immediately went online to order it for my sister. The story is unpredicatable and atypical for a children's story, which I found refreshing; however, the story line may not be appropriate for young children.

Fun book for kids and adults!

My 2 sons (age 2 and 4) adore this book, and so do I. The illustrations and story are unique and quirky, and my sons giggle at the thought of a little frog guarding the old lady's house. We enjoy the rhymes and the artwork immensely, and the ending has a hilarious twist. It is my favorite kids book (and we have many). I plan to buy several copies to give away as birthday gifts.

Very Quirky and Fun Read

I simply adore this book; it's very simple story-wise, where an old woman is protected by the most unassuming of frogs ... and a frog with an agenda to boot! And the ending is excellent--I shain't give it away, you have to pick up the book for yourself, but it makes me smile each time I read it. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that the writing isn't as strong as it COULD be, and it's not a book for younger children, more of a fun picture book for older kids and the funloving adult, and especially art lovers. It's one of those books you have to have if you collect unique picture books.