A Frog in the Bog

...My four-year old son clamors for it again and again. And why not? Karma Wilson and Joan Rankin's simple, yet witty tale of a frog that bites off more than he can chew is absolutely charming. From his insatiable appetite ("what a hog that frog") that slurps one tick, two fleas, three flies, four slugs and five snails right into an ever-expanding gullet, to the surprise of his life at the end of the tale, this frog on a half-sunk log in the middle of a bog is slimy fun. Not only are the watercolors by Rankin picture perfect and lighthearted, but the Cajun-inspired meter of Wilson's verse just lilts right off the old tongue, even if the closest you've ever been to "N'Awlins" is New York City. Everything in this book works, from the word play to the expressions on the faces of the bugs crammed inside the frog's stomach. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to have my child so excited to read a book, even if he's heard the story a thousand times. As a youngster starting to read in spurts, this book has encouraged him to read it all by himself. He wanted to make sure he knew all the words. What better recommendation can a parent give than that a book inspires a child to want to be a better reader! I probably would not have picked this one up at first glance, but now I know that dad doesn't always judge books well by their covers. So I guess even a four-year old can teach a forty-two year old a thing or two about great literature. Get the book. Your kids will love it (as Justin Wilson, the Cajun Chef used to say), "I geh-rawn-tee!"

I fell in love with this book the first time I saw it! Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but this is a cleaver counting story. Highly recommend.

This is one of those books that has everything going for it: great illustrations, a captivating story, and rhyming verses that are very pleasing to read aloud. The illustrations are particularly charming, done in soft watercolors with imaginative detail. The bog itself is a carnival of color where harlequin fleas romp among snails with candy-striped shells. The story, about a gluttonous frog and the creatures that wind up in his belly, is witty and entertaining throughout. The author make use of the repetitive style that young children love without being tedious. The ending has a cute surprise and a happy resolution for all. Truly fun to read, this book is the perfect length for a bedtime story (or two, or three!) My 3 year-old loves it, and I do, too. Really well done.

This is a very fun read! The rhyme has such a flow and pattern that's enjoyable to say and hear - it just rolls off your tongue. The illustrations are superb - the size of the pages and their images fill your vision with a multitude of wonderful colors, and the characters are adorable. And it's funny to boot! This has become one of the favorites in my house. Beautifully done!

I first encountered this book at a local children's bookstore when it was read during story time. My 2-1/2 year old son loves this book. It is written in a wonderful "sing-song" style, which keeps my son's attention. The illustrations are really beautiful too. A wonderful book.