Meet New Books
Book Cover

Frog and Toad Are Friends

Book 1 in the series:Frog and Toad

Save:
Find on Amazon

Who Would Like This Book:

Frog and Toad Are Friends is an adorable classic packed with gentle humor, sweet adventures, and lessons in loyalty. The short, easy chapters and repetitive text build confidence for early readers, while the soft, charming illustrations really capture the warmth between the two quirky amphibians. Perfect for young kids just moving up from picture books, nostalgic adults, and anyone who enjoys stories about true friendship and how friends help each other through everyday ups and downs.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers find the stories a bit slow or the plotlines overly simple, especially if they’re looking for more action or excitement. The muted brown and green color scheme isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and older readers might not be as engaged by the repetitive text or lack of dramatic conflict. A handful of adults also raise concerns about subtle messages in certain stories, like deception or embarrassment, and feel the lessons could be clearer.

A timeless starter chapter book about friendship - simple, sweet, and perfect for new readers, though not for thrill-seekers.

About:

"Frog and Toad Are Friends" by Arnold Lobel is a heartwarming tale that follows the adventures and friendship of two main characters, Frog and Toad. The story revolves around their supportive and enduring friendship, where Frog is always there to help Toad through his struggles and challenges. Through five short stories, the book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance, all set in a fantasy world where animals behave like humans. The writing style is simple and engaging, with large print and easy vocabulary, making it an ideal choice for beginning readers.

In each chapter, Frog and Toad embark on various adventures together, from waking each other up from hibernation to going for a swim and writing letters. The stories are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, problem-solving, and sharing. The illustrations by Arnold Lobel are whimsical and captivating, enhancing the young readers' understanding of the characters' emotions and interactions, making the book a delightful and meaningful read for children.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, making it engaging and accessible for early readers through direct storytelling and humor.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot consists of five short stories that explore the everyday adventures and friendship between Frog and Toad, showcasing simple conflicts and lighthearted humor.

Setting:

The setting consists primarily of a forest environment, utilizing simple and relatable illustrations that enhance the overall storytelling.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, allowing for each story to be concise and easily digestible, which helps engage young readers.

Notes:

Frog and Toad Are Friends was published in 1970 and is a classic of American children's literature.
The book contains five short stories about the friendship between Frog and Toad.
Frog is optimistic and cheerful while Toad is somewhat gloomy and pessimistic.
The illustrations in the book primarily use hues of green and brown, enhancing the theme of nature.
The stories explore simple, relatable situations like swimming, losing buttons, and waiting for mail.
The book emphasizes friendship, kindness, and caring actions between the main characters.
It has a Caldecott Honor for its illustrations, recognizing its quality in children's literature.
The narrative is simple enough for young readers to grasp but also contains valuable life lessons.
Frog and Toad express their support for each other in various situations, showcasing different aspects of friendship.

From The Publisher:

It's April, and Frog is looking forward to a whole year of happy times with his best friend, Toad. If only Toad would agree to wake up from his long winter nap! In the first of five short stories, clever Frog finds a way to rouse his sleepy friend. And as children will soon see, theirs is a marvelous friendship. When Frog doesn't feel well, Toad tries to tell him a story. When Toad loses a button, Frog helps him look for it. When Toad goes swimming in his funny bathing suit, Frog tries not to laugh, and when Toad is sad because he never gets any mail, Frog knows just what to do.

Named a Caldecott Honor Book for its appealing green-and-brown illustrations, Frog and Toad Are Friends invites beginning readers to celebrate the wonder of friendship in happy stories they can read by themselves. Among Caldecott Medalist Arnold Lobel's many books for children are three others about Frog and Toad, including the Newbery Honor Book Frog and Toad Together.

August 1970
65 pages

Ratings (27)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (14)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (55):

Read It (33)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (13)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.