The Best Summer Ever

March 15, 2012
Frog and his friends are back (Frog and Friends, 2011) in another trio of early-reader tales, but this time they focus less on humor and problem solving and more on life lessons and manners. In the first story, Frog and Bat play a game, pointing out the ways in which they are different, though "not unkindly." There are compliments aplenty as the two discover that they have just as many similarities as differences. In the second story, Frog sets off for a vacation for some time alone to think. The trouble is, his friends all want to come along. Not wanting to be rude, Frog allows it, and it turns out to be the best vacation ever. In the final tale, Frog meets Starman, who gives away the stars in the sky (and teaches a few star facts in the process). Frog gathers all his friends, and they each pick out a star to be their very own, even though they have to stay in the sky. The hearty friendships are plenty evident, both in the text and in the expressive faces of Masse's characters, but with the book's emphasis on not hurting others' feelings and making sure all are included, this is definitely more didactic than the series opener. There are good lessons here, but here's hoping Bunting will deliver the next ones with a healthier helping of humor. (Early reader. 6-8)

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July 1, 2012
In these three lighthearted, brief vignettes, Frog and friend Little Brown Bat compare their differences and similarities, Frog allows all his friends to join him on a vacation, and he's given his own star by a mysterious Starman. The stories are gently humorous, but they lack cohesiveness--and a real point. Masse's illustrations are brightly colored, cartoonlike, and appealing.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 1, 2012

Gr 1-2-This beginning reader has a positive message and sweet lessons on being a good friend. In the first story, Frog and Little Brown Bat explore their similarities and differences. "We are the same and not the same." In the second, Frog's plan to take a vacation alone becomes a group holiday for him and all of his friends and "it was the best vacation ever." The third story features Frog and Starman, a mysterious figure who gives away stars to Frog and his friends, but of course the celestial objects stay up in the sky. To thank the Starman for the pleasing gifts, the friends sing him "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." The colorful, digital cartoons are wonderful and the connection between the story and the illustrations is fantastic. An excellent addition to any collection.-Kathy Buchsbaum, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, NY

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