Synopsis
It's a beautiful, sunny day, and Jubal Bullfrog has prepared a delicious picnic lunch to share with his friends. Skipping down the flower path, he's so happy his feet barely touch the ground. But Gerdy Toad is much too busy and much too grumpy to share Jubal's picnic lunch. And Captain Dalbert Lizard is tired and depressed. How Jubal wishes he could do something to make his friends happy as he is on this glorious day. When Jubal plops down beneath a daisy and closes his eyes, something magical and unexpected happens. Jubal is granted a wish. Is this a dream? But Jubal's wish does comes true - in a warm and memorable way. Readers will relish the simple pleasures of Jubal's sunny day and will celebrate the surprising results of a generous wish made with a loving heart.
Publishers Weekly
Pollyanna hasn't a thing on Jubal as the Woods' (The Napping House) passable story opens, "Once upon a bright and sunny day." This chipper bullfrog, "so happy his feet barely touched the ground," has a picnic to share. But his overworked neighbor, Gerdy Toad, is too busy with her brood of "toadlets," and Dalbert Lizard, a sad, washed-up sea captain, is not in the mood. When a wizard appears to grant Jubal a wish, the hero hopes for happiness for his pals. Alas, not only do they seem more miserable than ever, but black clouds, thunder and lightning darken Jubal's sunny day--and his spirits. Luckily the storm precedes Jubal's fulfilled wish and a predictable, happy-ever-after conclusion. The wordy text grows flowery ("A splendid feeling of wonder moved up from his toes to the tip of his nose") and electric, computer-enhanced hues illuminate rather gaudy illustrations, which include several off-putting images of the bug-eyed amphibian and reptilian characters. Ages 3-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.