I Don't Want to Be a Frog Paperback – December 11, 2018

I was so lucky that this book arrived the day before our trip to Atlanta to see the grandchildren. I had purchased 3 other books for them also but this was the hit. I feel like I know it by heart after reading it everyday of our visit 3 or 4 times a day. Granddaughter is three and grandson is 6 and they both loved it. My husband was sitting in a chair across from us on the couch when I started reading and he had on his glasses. On their own they decided the daddy frogs name was "Pappy Frog" and every time it came to the page they point at Pappy and say Pappy Frog said. The illustrations were superb and they writing perfect for little ones to understand and enjoy. Most of the book my grandson could read himself but much to my pleasure they wanted Granny D to read it because I use different voices and make it even more entertaining, which didn't take a lot of effort with this book. It was the hit of out of everything we took to spoil them with. Highly recommend this book and I will be looking for more from this author. It was a hit with the adults watching the enjoyment of the grandchildren and the children stayed engaged in the story and truly loved this book. Through it all and even a couple of days ago granddaughter said "but I still want to be a pig". She loved the illustration of the pig and no matter what that was her favorite. I It was a great way to teach children about being happy with who they are and not wanting to be like everyone else. Diversity is a good thing, even though they are not ready for that word, they did get the point of the story. I hope you purchase and read to your children or grandchildren so you can experience what we did. Love, love, love "I Don't Want to Be a Frog".

I don't know why this book is not ranked higher, it is SO STINKIN' CUTE! This little frog is such a fun play on little kids' 'I don't want' attitude that I didn't hesitate to buy it once I saw it. I have been looking at and buying children's books for several years now and only recently saw this little guy. Also bought the others in this series...but BE WARNED...do not order with other items, or include in 'day delivery,' as my books got bent from other things in the box. If the publisher reads this, please use the ads feature effectively so more people will see and buy your clever little books.

The story reminded me of the "Wide-Mouthed Frog" story I used to read to my son (who is now 35). Very cute story and the illustrations are awesome. I'll be saving this for a Christmas present so my son can read it to his sons.

Very entertaining

Most people at one point in their lives wish they were different. This picture book beautifully illustrates that issue and how easy it is to see the best parts of being someone else while missing the value in ourselves the way we are. Frog wants to be anything but a frog, a cat, a rabbit, even an owl seems better to him than being a wet, slimy, bug-eating frog. Frog's father patiently explains to Frog why he can't be any of those other animals. It isn't until the wolf shows up however that Frog begins to see the advantages of being a frog. I caught myself laughing out loud with this one and I think children will as well. Especially with the wonderful illustrations that capture the feel of the story so perfectly. The characters are so expressive in both word and illustration (I love the fact that the father frog has glasses and can be seen rolling his eyes at one point). The first appearance of the wolf might scare really young children, but most will find him exciting. This book makes for a great read a loud in almost any setting and would be great for talking to kids about what makes them special. Highly recommended.

Age appropriate for a 3 year old

I read this book to my first graders for character change and it was super cute. They loved it!

A creative and humorous story of a cranky frog who’s not at all happy that he’s a frog. He wants to be just about any other animal except a frog. And he’s very loud about his complaints, as author Petty makes certain some words are larger than the rest for emphasis, (and in the process subtly helps new readers with animal names.) But at the end of the book when a large, scary animal comes along and casually mentions that he likes to eat all those other animals…but not frogs… well, it’s hard not to smile as Frog suddenly realizes how lucky he is. And there’s one more funny event on the last page. Illustrator Boldt partners well with Petty; clearly they both have a wicked sense of humor. The illustrations are simple with just the right expressions on silly and exasperated animals, and just the right icky elements, like the buggy frog sandwiches. Be prepared for some fun with your youngster.