Follow That Frog!

K-Gr 4–Large, handwritten block onomatopoeic words will draw in readers’ eyes while perusing this picture book. The story opens with Sadie and her Aunt Josephine, who are white, hearing a knock at the door. Aged Aunt Josephine, who is lying in bed, yells, “Close the curtains, Sadie! Turn out the lights! It could be a vacuum salesman. Or more likely, a suitor.” Stating that she has earned a rest, Aunt Josephine launches into a tall tale--like account of her life accomplishments and travel stints cataloging amphibians. During this time, a potential suitor became mesmerized with Aunt Jo’s beauty: “And as he stood transfixed, he was suddenly, swiftly…swallowed by a giant frog.” The remainder of the book details a chase after the frog across several continents on interesting vehicles like a bathtub, rhea, and a whale, to name a few. The book culminates in an ending young readers won’t see coming, and one that will certainly illicit more than one or two giggles. The vocabulary is complex, which will likely prompt some questions and discussion. Cordell’s illustrations, done in pen, ink, and watercolor, are just the right level of humor for the narrative.