Gr 1-3–At first glance this book is a typical easy reader, and children will delight in Frog’s adventures with his friends. Masse’s bright illustrations reinforce the sweet tone of the three stories. Adults, however, will note a distinct philosophical overlay in each of the episodes. Observing the drooping leaves on their new friend Flower, the animal pals confront her life cycle with sadness, taking comfort at last in the new flower that grows from her seed. Seizing the opportunity to move beyond his pond, Frog flies on Seagull’s back and sees a cow and a horse for the first time. He experiences the exhilaration and fear that go hand in hand with stretching one’s wings and the joy of returning home. Finally, when Frog suffers insomnia, the communal effort of his friends provides a cure, but the fact that each one offers a unique remedy speaks to the individual contributions made in a time of crisis. Bunting strikes a warm and nostalgic tone in this jewel of a book that is reminiscent of classics like Arnold Lobel’s “Frog and Toad” series and Else Homelund Minarik’s “Little Bear” books (both HarperCollins).

Finding books that work just right for new readers is a tricky business, as many families know. Children who are new to reading on their own often want humor, surprises and twists in the plot – and yet they need fairly straightforward books that are easy to grasp. The wonderful Eve Bunting, author of more than 250 children’s books, has started a new series for beginning readers: Frog and Friends. This lovely series is designed for newly independent readers who are ready for short chapter books, much like the classic Little Bear books and Frog and Toad books.

Frog and his forest friends will bring a smile to your face as they explore their world, stumble across strange discoveries and figure out how to solve problems. With three short, independent chapters, Bunting and Masse have created a group of friends that feel at once familiar and fresh.

Each story has just the right amount of twist or surprise to keep new readers hooked. In the first story, Frog and his friends discover a huge orange THING. Well, the reader knows at once that it’s a balloon, but the fun is watching Frog and his friends investigate this strange thing, getting lifted high up into the sky (bringing on memories of Pooh Bear floating away on a balloon), and then confounded when it pops on a spiky tree branch. The second and third stories require Frog to engage in some creative problem-solving skills, with an unwanted present and an over-sized visitor. Each of the stories can be read on its own. This helps new readers feel like they are reading a “chapter book”, and yet they do not need to carry the plot from one chapter to the next. Masse’s illustrations, with their bright colors and cartoon feel, play off Bunting’s humor perfectly and will appeal to young readers.

With the second in this new series, Bunting continues the same balance of humor and friendship. In the first story, Frog invites a new animal to his party, a chameleon that he thinks is lonely. Although his friends aren’t sure they want to accept the chameleon, Frog is determined to welcome this new friend. With a happy twist, the chameleon discovers how much fun the other animals have with his trick of changing colors.

In my favorite story of the lot, “No Kisses for Frog”, a little girl captures Frog determined to turn him into her fairy tale prince. She is shocked that Frog does not want to turn into a prince! Well, no more shocked than Frog is that she is going to kiss him! Readers will laugh at the way that Frog cleverly convinces this thoroughly modern girl that playing soccer and climbing tress is much more fun than being a princess and sitting properly at long dinners.

Once again, Bunting uses simple language, repetition and patterning of language, and humor to engage new readers in these stories about friendship. I will certainly be recommending this to our 1st and 2nd grade teachers.