Ribbit...ribbit...ribbit: FROG LOVE!

 I was planning to declare a week or two break in posting, then I picked up my bag full of library hold books and decided on an option to that plan. Due to some personal demands, I will use the next several posts for quick takes on some of the beauties in my bag. 

For those of you who find that my tendency to wordiness can be annoying, this will actually be a break. For those who have grown accustomed to my lengthy observations and reflections, no worries! In no time at all this gabby gal will be right back, sharing my extended thoughts. Let's begin!

FROGNESS is written by Sarah Nelson nd illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes.

The Indiebound synopsis says, in part: 

"As rain clouds bloom across the sea and the first stars wink, Sammy and Chocolate tiptoe into the marsh behind their house in search of frogs. They can hear frogs everywhere--croaking, chirping, clucking, burping--but though they poke and peek, wriggle and sneak, they can't spot even one. "

If that and the big-eyed, frog-eyed cover won't win you over, (seriously?)check out the equally lively, lyrical, and child-like language:

"We creep, creep along the creek, mucking through mush-- 

SQUISH, SQUOOSH--

poking between cattails, peeking under stones and leaves and logs. 

Still, no frogs."

Give it a look, please. And IF I were expounding on thoughts, I'd add that I am truly a fan of the trend toward young characters who appear to be gender-neutral, allowing young readers to readily dive into the story, emotions, and experiences as they unfold on the page. 

If you are missing some of my longer rambles, check out a REALLY early post that featured frogs, and fathers, HERE.