| Product: |
Frog Finds A Friend - Max Velthuijs |
| Date: |
08/04/07 (135 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: Lovely simple story
Disadvantages: none
***Background***
Max Velthuijs is the author and illustrator of this delightful storybook. He has written a whole series of books about this delightful character.
***The Story***
Frog is walking through the woods one day when he spots something lying in the grass.
"He went up closer, and saw that it was a little brown bear wearing a red sweater. It had beady black eyes and there was a teardrop on its cheek."
He decides to take him home and hugs him close. On the way back home, Frog meets Pig who asks him what he has got there. Frog tells him that it is his new friend and that he was all alone. Hare then comes up and tells him it is just a toy that can't even talk but Frog is insistent that he will teach him.
The little bear then walks off with Frog and although he doesn't say anything, he has a very good appetite and eats lots of food. Frog tells him stories and teaches him words at bedtime and then plays lots of games with him during the day. They paint pictures and live very happily together until one day the little bear finally answers Frog.
Frog's friends are amazed when they hear him and spoil him rotten, as they believe him to be very special. This is all very good but one day Little Bear gets very sad and Frog wonders what is wrong. Little Bear explains that he thinks he should go back to where he thinks he belongs.
This makes Frog very sad and as Little Bear goes off with a rucksack packed with food, he is heartbroken. He cries in bed until he falls asleep as he misses Little Bear so much. In the morning though he gets a lovely surprise, as he finds something warm cuddled up beside him.
Of course it is Little Bear who has discovered that he belongs with his dearest friend and never wants to go away again.
***The Illustrations***
The pictures in this book are very simply drawn and this compliments the story perfectly. They are mainly framed with the words written underneath on a white background so it is very clear to read.
***My Thoughts***
This story is very simple but shows how love and caring is what friendship is all about. Despite all of his friends doubts, Frog is determined that his special bond with Little Bear will grow and that he will be able to teach him lots of new things.
The determination to keep going when nothing seems to be happening is shown is a delightful way and this is a great example to show young children who might not manage to do things they want to straight away.
Unlike a lot of storybooks out there today, this one doesn't have anything gimmicky about it, which is a refreshing change. Much as my son loves to lift flaps it is lovely to be able just to read him a simple story with straightforward pictures.
Of course I am all for any book that teaches a child a new skill or a good behaviour pattern and this book meets my needs for that too. It can be so frustrating for my son sometimes if he can't quite manage to do something but this book helps to show that patience is something to be treasured and that perseverance does often pay off.
Friendship is also something that is important at any age. There is nothing worse that feeling like you are alone and this might help to encourage a child to reach out to another who is perhaps a little bit quieter than they are.
The character of Frog is brilliant will his stripey shorts and his googly eyes on the top of his head. My son finds him really funny to look at but is also able to understand how sad he is when Little Bear goes away. He only has to imagine not having his favourite toy bunny beside him in bed to realise how sad Frog is.
Combine all these features and it makes this a really enjoyable read for your child.
***Other Frog Books***
Frog In Love
Frog Is A Hero
Frog In Winter
Frog and the Stranger
Frog Is Frightened
Frog Is Frog
Frog and the Wide World
***Price & Availability***
This book isn't available all over the place yet but you can pick it up for the publishing price of £4.99 from WH Smith.
ISBN No. 1842702130
Summary: Teaches children about friendship
|
Last comment:
 |
lellagrace - 08/04/07 The only time I like frogs is in books!!! |
|
