When Panda gives Squirrel a “big bear hug,” for instance, Squirrel is moved, in more ways than one: “You’re squashing me! I won’t be much of a friend if I’m squashed.”

The captivating text, ideal for reading aloud, can seem too earnest at times, but touches of humor save the day. The two misunderstand and bicker with each other, as many good friends in the real world do. Originally published in Dutch as two volumes, and translated by David Colmer, it chronicles nine mini-adventures of a panda named Panda and a squirrel named Squirrel. The characters are amiably odd-looking, and their changing facial expressions effectively reveal their personalities.Īnother animal friendship that would be unlikely in the real world but is completely believable in a storybook is presented in THE MOON IS A BALL (Gecko, 76 pp., $19.99, ages 5 to 8), written by Ed Franck and illustrated by Thé Tjong-Khing.

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor ( Frog and Toad Together ), a Caldecott Honor ( Frog and Toad Are Friends ), ALA Notable Children's Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children's Book, and Library of Congress Children's Book.Collier’s drawings are at the same time stylish and cartoony, with a limited palette composed primarily of bright yellow, magenta and pale blue. New York magazine's The Strategist chose Frog and Toad Are Friends as one of the 'Best (Nonobvious) Baby Books to Bring to a Shower.' As The Strategist stated: 'The stories are just so hilarious and entertaining (and moving) that they really hold the imagination of a tiny tot. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success. Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad-a Caldecott Honor Book!įrom writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other-just as best friends should be.įrog and Toad Are Friends is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Frog and toad are friends illustrations