Froggie Went A-Courtin

Rating:
Summary: Based on the traditional, merry song of the same name
Review: Froggie Went A-courtin' is a thoroughly delightful and highly recommended children's picture book by Iza Trapani and based on the traditional, merry song of the same name. Warm and jubilant color illustrations by Trapani bring to life this simple and enjoyable tale about a frog searching for someone to be his wife, until a lady frog comes to him. The final page presents a simple, sheet music rendition of the popular ditty for budding musicians.

Rating:
Summary: MOVE OVER RHETT BUTLER, STEP ASIDE ROMEO
Review: Move over Rhett Butler, step aside Romeo, there's a new heartthrob out and about - Froggie, Iza Trapani's adorable lovesick frog is on the prowl. As the Bard put it, the course of true love never runs smooth - surely apt in Froggie's case. Nonetheless, he has gumption and, as nother said, hope springs eternal!

Trapani sets her search for the perfect mate to song, sure to appeal to young ones, ages 2-7. Her endearing and mirthful illustrations make this a romance story to remember.

Remember, you may have to kiss a frog to find a prince but you just have to read this book for loads of enjoyment.

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: MOVE OVER RHETT BUTLER, STEP ASIDE ROMEO
Review: Move over Rhett Butler, step aside Romeo, there's a new heartthrob out and about - Froggie, Iza Trapani's adorable lovesick frog is on the prowl. As the Bard put it, the course of true love never runs smooth - surely apt in Froggie's case. Nonetheless, he has gumption and, as nother said, hope springs eternal!

Trapani sets her search for the perfect mate to song, sure to appeal to young ones, ages 2-7. Her endearing and mirthful illustrations make this a romance story to remember.

Remember, you may have to kiss a frog to find a prince but you just have to read this book for loads of enjoyment.

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: LOVED IT, BUT . . .
Review: the lyrics are not the ones you might be expecting, and may not "match" lyrics you have on a CD or elsewhere. In this modernized version of the classic Scottish tune, froggie carries "roses & chocolates" by his side rather than a sword & pistol. He doesn't marry Miss Mousy -- rather, he marries a fellow frog only AFTER he has asked all of the other animals in his environs to marry him, and they reject him for various reasons (he likes a wet home, whereas miss birdy lives in a tree; he eats bugs when other animals prefer nuts -- how would such a couple resolve their differences? Is this a subtle criticism on miscengenation? The "stick to your own kind" message in West Side Story?) The illustrations are full-page, beautifully-colored, and first-rate, and the rhymes are very clever; they're just different from those I learned as a child. I would definitely recommend the book -- just want you to know what to expect. I particularly like the fact that the author included the music notation at the end of the book, for a play-along/sing-along.

Rating:
Summary: LOVED IT, BUT . . .
Review: the lyrics are not the ones you might be expecting, and may not "match" lyrics you have on a CD or elsewhere. In this modernized version of the classic Scottish tune, froggie carries "roses & chocolates" by his side rather than a sword & pistol. He doesn't marry Miss Mousy -- rather, he marries a fellow frog only AFTER he has asked all of the other animals in his environs to marry him, and they reject him for various reasons (he likes a wet home, whereas miss birdy lives in a tree; he eats bugs when other animals prefer nuts -- how would such a couple resolve their differences? Is this a subtle criticism on miscengenation? The "stick to your own kind" message in West Side Story?) The illustrations are full-page, beautifully-colored, and first-rate, and the rhymes are very clever; they're just different from those I learned as a child. I would definitely recommend the book -- just want you to know what to expect. I particularly like the fact that the author included the music notation at the end of the book, for a play-along/sing-along.