Synopsis
After a long winter sleep, Frog is anxious to get back to his pond. Just before he is ready to take the plunge, something in the water startles him & sends him scurrying back into the woods. It is a huge Pond Monster with enormous claws! Will Frog ever be able to swim in his pond again? Ages 4 - 7.
Children's Literature
Spring has arrived, and Frog is beyond excited to be heading back to his pond. Having stopped to play with his friends, Frog finds that it is dark before he gets back. After setting down his lantern, Frog is about to jump in to the pond when he sees a huge, black monster! Dashing off, Frog one-by-one enlists the help of his friends Hedgehog, Rabbit, Mouse, and Badger. While all the friends exhibit ingenuity and courage, it is Mouse, the smallest among them, who provides the key piece of evidence that solves the mystery. Although the use of sound effects in an effort to enhance the scary mood detracts rather than enhances the writing, it is a minor complaint in an otherwise delightful story. Graced with wonderful illustrations, this would be a good book to use in a pre-school or early elementary classroom to enhance a spring-based curriculum. Astute young readers may solve the mystery long before the animal protagonists, making this a wonderful read-aloud. Possible curriculum tie-ins include the study of the life cycle of a frog and the study of light, as shadows play a big part in the resolution of the plot. Reviewer: Kris Sauer