Too Many Frogs!

March 1, 2005
PreS-Gr 1 -Rabbit has a well-scripted, predictable life until Froggie knocks on his door one night. His guest loves to listen to this big blue rabbit with oversized ears read a story and likes it even more when he has prepared himself a snack or gotten cozy -night after night. Polite Rabbit refrains from refusing entry until Froggie shows up with his entire family. As he settles himself down to read alone, however, he realizes that he misses Froggie and invites the whole crew in. The humorous illustrations create empathy for Rabbit but also for Froggie, who is genuinely delighted to listen to a story. The varied facial expressions lend credence to the adage "A picture is worth a thousand words." The simple text may say "but before he could begin, there was that knock-knockety-knocking again!" but the horror on Rabbit's face is priceless. A fun story that celebrates reading and standing up for oneself." -Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2005
PreS-Gr. 2. Rabbit settles in his cozy wing chair by the fire and starts to read a book until he is interrupted by Froggie, who invites himself in and asks to hear the story. On successive nights, Froggie shows up again, makes himself snacks, and plunks down on a pile of pillows to listen to more reading aloud. Then Froggie brings his huge family to the evening storytime, and Rabbit has had enough: "Too many frogs! Too much fuss!" He tells the Frog clan to leave, but guilt catches up with him, and he invites the family back. The humorous, repetitive text is well matched by the funny, expressive illustrations. Persnickety Rabbit is appropriately anxious and irritable, while Froggie and his family exude bug-eyed cheerfulness. A good choice for storytimes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2005
During a storm, Froggie barges in on Rabbit and listens while Rabbit reads a story. Each evening Froggie returns for another story, bringing with him more unwanted fuss and clutter. Finally, Rabbit sends Froggie away but then finds something missing at story time. Although the outcome is predictable and the colors are rather garish, humor fills both text and illustrations in this tale of companionship.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)