Outdoor Surprises

Welcome to Frog and his world. He enjoys nothing better than spending time floating on his pond or visiting with his friends. He appreciates the simpler things in life and would prefer that things stay just the way they are--nice and peaceful. From acclaimed children's writer Eve Bunting comes a beginning reader series featuring the delightful Frog and his friends Rabbit, Possum, Raccoon, and Squirrel. In Outdoor Surprises Frog eagerly joins a singing group, helps Squirrel rescue a baby bird, and provides a voice of reason when his woodland friends are scared by a nighttime story.

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$9.95 $9.95
$5.99 $5.99
$21.95 $21.95
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 2
Dewey E
Lexile 480L
ATOS Reading Level 2.3
Guided Reading Level K
Language English
Publisher Sleeping Bear Press
Available Formats Hardcover (9781585368075), Paperback (9781585368082), PDF (9781627530101), Hosted ebook (9781627535694)
Copyright 2013, 2014
Number of Pages 48
Dimensions 6 x 9
Graphics Full-color illustrations
  • 2014 Bank Street Best Books of the Year for Children, Winner, 2014

School Library Journal Reviews "Frog and Friends: Outdoor Surprises"

This easy reader features an energetic amphibian, his numerous woodland companions, and their adventures in the great big world. In the first story, Frog’s lighthearted side shines when a sore throat prevents him from singing and he shares jokes instead of joining the choir. The second tale highlights Frog’s uncanny knack for volunteering Squirrel for a particularly dangerous assignment when a baby bird’s nest falls from its tree. In the last selection, a spooky ghost tale, the critters are nervous when a towering shadow appears. Dynamic illustrations, largely in blue and green, break up the text, and the characters’ animated expressions reinforce the action. Succinct dialogue provides some details of the characters’ personalities. For example, “‘Humph!’ Squirrel said. ‘I will try to not drop the nest. And I will try to not drop me.’” Overall, a sweet, fairly satisfying addition.

Frog and Friends - Outdoor Surprises – Coloring Page

A Coloring page from the book Frog and Friends – Outdoor Surprises" View →

Author: Eve Bunting

Eve Bunting was born in a little town in Ireland called Maghera and she was brought up in the tradition of storytelling. Her mother started a library in their house and there were always books available to read. Most were poetry, which Eve loved. She also loved ghost stories and adventure stories; actually stories of all kinds. So she grew up, got married, had three children, and became a storyteller herself.

Now Eve lives in California and writes books that tell stories. She has written a lot of books, more than 250, and hopes to write many more. Because storytelling is what she does. And what she loves to do.

Illustrator: Josée Masse

Josée Masse's children's books include "Mirror, Mirror" (selected as one of Publishers Weekly's Best Children's Books of 2010) and "Mousie Love" (included in Bank Street College's Best Children's Books of the Year, 2010).

Author/Illustrator biography
Table of contents
Full-color illustrations