Author: Ken Kimura (no website found)
Publisher: North South Books
Rating: WORTHY!
Illustrated by Yasunari Murakami
DISCLOSURE: Unlike the majority of reviews in this blog, I've neither bought this book nor borrowed it from the library. This is a "galley" copy ebook, supplied by Net Galley. I'm not receiving (nor will I expect to receive or accept) remuneration for this review. The chance to read a new book is reward aplenty!
This is a fun young children's story about the odd one out. Out of the 999 tadpoles, one is a slow developer. He gets there eventually, but not quite as fast as the rest do. This is how the 'little brother' ends-up becoming 'big brother' to an almost literal shrimp, who eventually repays the friendship by helping out the little frog when he gets into difficulties later.
The book is very short with very little text, although what text there is says a lot. It’s rich with colorful illustration, and I sure don't envy artist Yasunari Murakami's having to draw huge quantities of froglets page after page! That takes dedicated story-telling!
This story is one of a series, so if your little squirming froglet enjoys it, there are others to share with them, too. Great story, great artwork for children to enjoy even if they can't yet read, (I love those little frogs! And the crayfish), and a nice tale to share with your kids on chilly winter nights - hey they're not so far away now!
