Available:*
Library | Material Type | Item Barcode | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Avon-Washington Township Public Library | Juvenile Picture Book Hardback | 120704148718012 | J P GWY | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Not satisfied being a frog, Pondlarker seeks a princess' kiss to fulfill his princely ambitions.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-- Pondlarker is the only frog in his family who still believes the old bedtime story his mother used to tell him, and he is determined to be turned into a prince by the kiss of a princess. When he sees a sign that says ``Princess 4 miles,'' he goes off with great alacrity, only to find an old princess who has kissed millions of frogs and still hasn't found a prince who suits her. Just in time, Pondlarker decides that his parents are right: a frog is a fine thing to be. Gwynne's bold, garish cartoons are just right: members of royalty have insipidlooks on their faces, the frogs are having an exuberantly active and happy life together, and Pondlarker stands apart in his ridiculously hopeful prince outfit. This would be fun to read in conjunction with the original folktale to children who are just beginning to delight in the humor of spoof. --Carolyn Jenks, Oyster River Elementary School, Durham, NH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
A lark indeed, this ``once upon a time'' story about an adventurous amphibian puts a new spin on the fabled frog-kissing routine. Ages 4-8. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
A sprightly telling of an original tale, a satire on 'The Frog Prince,' is very amusing, but suffers from undistinguished illustration. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 4-8. Pondlarker, raised on the fairy tale about the frog who was turned into a prince, craves royal status. Against his parents' advice, he dresses and acts like a prince, much to the amusement of others. Finally, Pondlarker finds a princess. Old, white-haired, and cynical, she agrees to kiss him, telling him if she doesn't get a prince, at least there will be one less slimy frog in the world. Stung by her callous comment, Pondlarker jumps out a window. He accepts himself as a frog, enjoying a long life with his many descendants. The parting shot: "In any case, it's no wonder there are so many frogs in the world today. And so few princes." Gwynne's energetic color drawings of playful frogs have a casual quality that matches his text. His off-beat sense of humor (as in his books on homonyms, A Little Pigeon Toad and The King Who Rained) is a plus. Use the book with older youngsters to enhance self-esteem. On-site trial shows they love Gwynne's clever voice as well as his positive message. ~--Deborah Abbott