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Pros and Cons of Being a Frog
Finding the right animal wasn't easy. It was Camille who finally gave me the idea of being a frog!
Frogboy and Camille are best friends but they are very different. Camille speaks in numbers and Frogboy likes to dress up. With Camille's help he finds that dressing up as a frog is perfect for him, but when he tries to convince his friend to be a frog too, his plan goes terribly wrong.
Frogboy and Camille are best friends but they are very different. Camille speaks in numbers and Frogboy likes to dress up. With Camille's help he finds that dressing up as a frog is perfect for him, but when he tries to convince his friend to be a frog too, his plan goes terribly wrong.
29 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 24, 2016
LOVED this story about friendship, compromise, being odd and different, math, and... frogs. We want to read this one over and over.
July 20, 2019
A young boy who loves to dress up as a cat meets a young girl named Camille who loves numbers, and the two become friends despite their differences. When he finds himself chased by his dog Dodie once too often, Camille suggests the boy switch to a frog costume, and the change works wonders. Then the boy loses patience while working on fitting Camille with her own frog costume, and it looks like their friendship is over. Can he put things right...?
Originally published in Sue DeGennaro's native Australia, The Pros & Cons of Being a Frog pairs an engaging and ultimately heartwarming tale of friendship with humorous and quite lovely illustrations. I appreciated the point, highlighted at the end of the tale, that the boy and girl are friends because of their differences, rather than in spite of them. I also appreciated the author/illustrator's dexterous use of type to convey such messages as this. The artwork here, created using collage, crayon, pencil and ink, is beautifully done, using a subtle color palette and lots of numbers to convey Camille's emotional state. It's easy to see why this one was an award-winner in Australia! Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories addressing themes of friendship, tolerance, and forgiveness.
Originally published in Sue DeGennaro's native Australia, The Pros & Cons of Being a Frog pairs an engaging and ultimately heartwarming tale of friendship with humorous and quite lovely illustrations. I appreciated the point, highlighted at the end of the tale, that the boy and girl are friends because of their differences, rather than in spite of them. I also appreciated the author/illustrator's dexterous use of type to convey such messages as this. The artwork here, created using collage, crayon, pencil and ink, is beautifully done, using a subtle color palette and lots of numbers to convey Camille's emotional state. It's easy to see why this one was an award-winner in Australia! Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories addressing themes of friendship, tolerance, and forgiveness.
July 18, 2018
I'd like to find my froggy friend too!
September 26, 2016
Told from the point of view of a boy who loves to dress as animals, this lovely picture book embraces differences between people. The boy first tried to dress as a cat, but was chased by a dog. Then he tried a variety of other animals before Camille gave him the idea to try being a frog. He loved it, but frogs are not solitary so he asked Camille to join him. Now Camille is very different from him. She speaks in numbers and science. She agreed to try and was very helpful with measuring for a costume. But soon, she was unable to stand still and the boy yelled at her to stop moving. Camille left. Now it is up to the boy to figure out how to make amends with a girl who is very different from himself.
There is something enchantingly quirky about this Australian import. Just having a boy who dresses as animals and a girl who thinks and speaks in numbers is unique. Then add in the way that the girl uses specific numbers to show her distress, other numbers to say yes and no. This book has lots of levels to it with plenty of room for discussion about friendships, accepting one another’s differences and the importance of communicating even if it’s not easy.
The illustrations add to the appeal. There are the interesting costumes the boy creates for himself. Then there is the language of Camille, which appears as numbers that balance on her hand, fall to the floor, tip and overwhelm, prickle and hurt. The graphic strength of the numbers plays against the softness of the other illustrations, the fine lines swirling into deep colors.
An intriguing picture book that will suit some readers perfectly, rather like a frog suit isn’t for everyone. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
There is something enchantingly quirky about this Australian import. Just having a boy who dresses as animals and a girl who thinks and speaks in numbers is unique. Then add in the way that the girl uses specific numbers to show her distress, other numbers to say yes and no. This book has lots of levels to it with plenty of room for discussion about friendships, accepting one another’s differences and the importance of communicating even if it’s not easy.
The illustrations add to the appeal. There are the interesting costumes the boy creates for himself. Then there is the language of Camille, which appears as numbers that balance on her hand, fall to the floor, tip and overwhelm, prickle and hurt. The graphic strength of the numbers plays against the softness of the other illustrations, the fine lines swirling into deep colors.
An intriguing picture book that will suit some readers perfectly, rather like a frog suit isn’t for everyone. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
October 3, 2016
A cute story about friendship, Frogboy and Camille communicate differently. Camille uses numbers while Frogboy prefers words. It is Camille that gives him the idea to be a frog and helps him create the costume...but will their friendship survive the challenges that can arise when two very different people initiate a friendship?
I like the illustrations and loved his list of pros and cons of being a frog. Might be fun to have students write their own pros and cons list.
I like the illustrations and loved his list of pros and cons of being a frog. Might be fun to have students write their own pros and cons list.
September 3, 2012
My boys liked this, perhaps more than me. They were interested in the use of numbers and wanted to work out what the numbers meant. I was impressed that prime numbers were used for yes and no (ie. 17 and 23). The pictures are cute and even though the story did not quite gel for me, it did my sons ... hence 4 stars.
June 7, 2012
With such a great title and cover I expected more from this picture book. While it did explore differences among young friends: how they can help each other and what they should avoid that doesn't help, the overall effect leaves you a little flat. I still love the title and cover though.
May 10, 2012
This was a lovely story about friends coming to terms with their differences. I loved the maths angle that was taken and the illustrations are fantastic.
November 2, 2023
This book was a recommendation from Children’s Books in Children’s Hands by Temple, Martinez, and Yokota as a great international picture book. I chose it because it said it was about friends who are very different and have to work out a conflict and since I teach 3rd grade, this topic has been coming up a lot in my classroom this year and I thought this book could be a great starting point for a class discussion. It was shortlisted for the Childrens Book Council’s Book of the Year Award and received a Notable Award in the picture book category in Australia. It is about a boy who likes to dress as a frog and a girl who talks through numbers. They are best friends, but are very different from each other and when one tries to change the other, there is a fight. In the end, they realize their differences are actually what makes them love each other. deGennaro uses pencil to make the characters look realistic, but her shading makes it almost childlike which adds to the sweet, youthful tone of the book. She uses mostly muted, primary colors with a serene, creamy white background that gives the reader a sense of calm.
Although this is an international book, it is very relatable and I wouldn’t have to do any front loading before reading it to my students. There are no noticeable differences in language usage and the emotions in the illustrations are easily understood. This is great for younger students because there isn’t a lot of text and the differences between the friends can be viewed as very common traits that kids value. However, I can also see using it in the elementary level and digging deeper into the symbolism behind the boy dressing as a frog and the girl only speaking through numbers. Not only could I discuss it as a literary device, but it could also be a jumping off point into discussing neurodiversity and embracing each other’s differences. Students could also analyze the use of the numbers in her illustrations. For example, when the characters aren’t seeing each other after their fight, the boy sees numbers everywhere and the illustrations show that by having numbers all over the sides of buildings. This would also be a great book to talk about point of view since this was written in first person from the boy’s point of view. Students could discuss why deGennaro chose that and how it would be different if it was from the girl’s point of view or even written in third person.
For such a seemingly short and simple book, I really think that primary and elementary teachers could use this book in so many ways especially since it is accessible and relatable for all students.
Although this is an international book, it is very relatable and I wouldn’t have to do any front loading before reading it to my students. There are no noticeable differences in language usage and the emotions in the illustrations are easily understood. This is great for younger students because there isn’t a lot of text and the differences between the friends can be viewed as very common traits that kids value. However, I can also see using it in the elementary level and digging deeper into the symbolism behind the boy dressing as a frog and the girl only speaking through numbers. Not only could I discuss it as a literary device, but it could also be a jumping off point into discussing neurodiversity and embracing each other’s differences. Students could also analyze the use of the numbers in her illustrations. For example, when the characters aren’t seeing each other after their fight, the boy sees numbers everywhere and the illustrations show that by having numbers all over the sides of buildings. This would also be a great book to talk about point of view since this was written in first person from the boy’s point of view. Students could discuss why deGennaro chose that and how it would be different if it was from the girl’s point of view or even written in third person.
For such a seemingly short and simple book, I really think that primary and elementary teachers could use this book in so many ways especially since it is accessible and relatable for all students.
October 14, 2017
The pros and cons of Being a Frog was written and first published in Australia by Sue deGennaro.
This picture book follows a little boy who enjoys dressing up as animals, and his new friend Camilla who thinks and speaks in numbers. The boy struggles through identifying a new animal to dress up as when he previous costume has flaws. Camila helps the boy to find the perfect animal for him to dress up as. After the boy finally creates his costume, he decides that frogs are not solitary creatures and wants Camila to dress up with him.
Throughout the process, the two friends realize that they have some differences and it becomes a situation where the boy must problem solve to make the situation right. He creates a list of the pros and cons of being a frog and how it is affecting his friendship with Camila.
This story is great for teaching the theme of friendship and highlighting how even the best of friends can fight and they have their differences. I loved the problem solving aspect (creating a list) that could teach kids how to work through their problems in a manageable.
The illustrations are unique and highlight the character traits. For example, Camila speaks and thinks in numbers. Throughout the book, in the illustrations the reader can see numbers around Camila, and how they highlight Camila's emotions and thoughts.
This picture book follows a little boy who enjoys dressing up as animals, and his new friend Camilla who thinks and speaks in numbers. The boy struggles through identifying a new animal to dress up as when he previous costume has flaws. Camila helps the boy to find the perfect animal for him to dress up as. After the boy finally creates his costume, he decides that frogs are not solitary creatures and wants Camila to dress up with him.
Throughout the process, the two friends realize that they have some differences and it becomes a situation where the boy must problem solve to make the situation right. He creates a list of the pros and cons of being a frog and how it is affecting his friendship with Camila.
This story is great for teaching the theme of friendship and highlighting how even the best of friends can fight and they have their differences. I loved the problem solving aspect (creating a list) that could teach kids how to work through their problems in a manageable.
The illustrations are unique and highlight the character traits. For example, Camila speaks and thinks in numbers. Throughout the book, in the illustrations the reader can see numbers around Camila, and how they highlight Camila's emotions and thoughts.
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April 12, 2022This was a whimsical—if slightly confusing—picture book that I think will work better for slightly older readers, though the younger ones will probably appreciate the pictures.
Some of the illustrations were really sweet. I especially liked the page where they were trying out costumes, and the boy wore stilts to see what it would be like to be a giraffe!
There’s a theme throughout where the girl and the boy talk to each other in numbers rather than words (the numbers all have their own meanings). It was an interesting idea, but I’m sure it will go over the heads of smaller children. It’s too difficult a concept for a book with this target age range.
An interesting concept, but a bit too random and confusing for me.
Some of the illustrations were really sweet. I especially liked the page where they were trying out costumes, and the boy wore stilts to see what it would be like to be a giraffe!
There’s a theme throughout where the girl and the boy talk to each other in numbers rather than words (the numbers all have their own meanings). It was an interesting idea, but I’m sure it will go over the heads of smaller children. It’s too difficult a concept for a book with this target age range.
An interesting concept, but a bit too random and confusing for me.
September 23, 2022
I would give this really a 2.5… 3 feels generous and 2 feels kind of cruel for a book that has good intentions, interesting artwork and potential…. It just was disappointing to me. Maybe it was too brief but even for being a kids’ story, it was really underdeveloped and uninspiring… i am not sure who this book is aimed for, it reference “six times tables (6, 12,18, etc) which is obviously not something small children know and can even really grasp, but the choppy flow and lack of interesting characters (yea somehow a book with a kid who dresses as animals and a girl who talks in numbers is still not interesting..) is not something that holds the attention or interest of a bit older kids either.
January 3, 2021
“Camille and I are quite different. That’s why I like her so much.”
A boy who loves dressing up as a cat meets Camille, a girl who loves numbers. After seeing the boy chased by a dog for 11 days, Camille suggests that he dress up like a different animal. She gives him the idea of a frog. “Frogs are not solitary creatures” so the boy decides that he needs someone else to dress up like a frog as well. Camille agrees. But while putting together he costume, they have a fight and she leaves. That’s when the boy sits down and reflects on what happened by writing The Pro and Cons of Being a Frog.
A great friendship story.
A boy who loves dressing up as a cat meets Camille, a girl who loves numbers. After seeing the boy chased by a dog for 11 days, Camille suggests that he dress up like a different animal. She gives him the idea of a frog. “Frogs are not solitary creatures” so the boy decides that he needs someone else to dress up like a frog as well. Camille agrees. But while putting together he costume, they have a fight and she leaves. That’s when the boy sits down and reflects on what happened by writing The Pro and Cons of Being a Frog.
A great friendship story.
October 27, 2017
Pros and Cons of Being a Frog by Sue deGennaro tells the story of two friends who are very different from one another. Despite their differences, they accept one another for their eccentricities. Yet, when one of the friends tries to impose what he wants on his friend Camille, she pushes away. This forces the friend to write a list of pros and cons of being a frog. This sweet tale of friendship between two shy children working through how to be friends despite differences is a must read Read Aloud book for elementary students.
October 12, 2017
This story is about friendship. It`s characters are Frogboy and Camille. They are both very different and that is what makes them best friends. Camille spoke in numbers, and only sang her six times table when she was frustrated or hungry. Frogboy needed the perfect costume to pick so Dodie would stop chasing him, with Camille`s help he decided on being a frog. This story is about accepting one another for who they are, and being patient to be a good friend.
July 7, 2017
Sweet but not particularly fulfilling story about friendship, celebrating differences and learning to compromise. One friend loves dressing up as animals, another is obsessed with numbers and, inevitably, some conflict arises. But not enough and the solution seems rather pat. Would have liked the author to dig a little deeper. The kiddos can handle it.
February 13, 2018
A boy and his friend are different. The boy likes to dress up as a frog. The girl talks in numbers. The boy used to dress up as a dog, but his friend helped him realize it may be better to dress up as a frog. He wants to share being a frog with his friend, but problems arise when they work on her frog costume.
A cute, silly story about being different and friendship. Lovely artwork.
A cute, silly story about being different and friendship. Lovely artwork.
October 10, 2017
I liked this book because it is all about being patient with your friends, even if they are different than you. I liked how Camille spoke in numbers, and only sang her six times table when she was frustrated or hungry. It is a perfect book about acceptance and loving each other for who we are.
January 2, 2019
This was a fun, whimsical story about two kids--who are very different. One child lives in let's-pretend, and the other talks in numbers, but they figure out how to get along in spite of their differences. Lots of imagination and great illustrations!
May 31, 2017
A sweet story of friendship showing how two very different children can still be true friends. I loved the illustrations AND the concept which is nicely executed.
September 21, 2017
Perhaps it was because I read this story on a device, but I wasn't captured by the story.
September 26, 2017
Somewhat existential book about two friends and their differences
February 6, 2018
One of the frogs in the pictures in the background sure looks like a cane toad to me.
November 10, 2019
Story about being a good friend & what that involves; pretty pencil/colored pencil drawings.
April 3, 2021
Gorgeous and quirky. A story about true friendship.
September 30, 2017
The Pros and Cons of Being a Frog embraces something that is very rarely displayed well in books. Children who are different. Not someone who likes brussel sprouts or think ninjas are cool when everyone else is talking about unicorns. I'm talking about a boy who only goes about dressed as a frog and a girl who only speaks in numbers. Sue deGennaro not only presents a fabulous story about children who think differently but also weaves in a message of friendship and incorporates cleverly thought out illustrations.
The book begins by introducing our narrator, a young boy, and Camille, his best friend. Each introduced on their own page, it's easy to see the differences straight away. The boy is dressed as a frog, while the Camille is surrounded by math. We're told that Camille sometimes speaks in numbers and 23 is yes, 17 is no, and six times tables mean it's snack time. Camille helped our narrator figure out that a frog might be a better fit as a costume than a cat. Camille agrees to dress as a frog as well, though finds she's not comfortable with the work it takes to create a really great frog costume. Frustrated the boy yells at her and Camille leaves. The title of the book interjects here as the narrator analyzes what caused the problem and how he can avoid it in the future. Then he goes to find Camille and apologize. She, in a partial frog costume, ends up finding him and the friends are reunited.
de Gennaro does some pretty magical things with these illustrations that seem to elevate the book from great to amazing. The first being the use of numbers. The reader only sees Camille speak in numbers. A companion pieces to this is that 23's, 17's, six times tables, and 8's dance around the pages giving indication of the character's feelings. There are moments when how the boy or Camille see the world are revealed to the reader making the entire experience more accessible. It is through this skillful use of perspective that de Gennaro really shines, making the story more than a tale of friendship but also one of mindfulness.
I think we naturally gravitate towards likeness. But just because something feels easy and instinctive doesn't mean it's right. Taking time to teach our children that inclusion and being open minded is a strength is so important. de Gennaro helps move a step closer to this goal by introducing two characters who may seem out of place. She does it in such a light loving way with such soft and thoughtful illustrations that it's still an interesting story for kids and introduces a topic for discussion without beating anyone over the head with meaning. To say there are a lot of people in this world is an understatement. To say we're all different is just a truth. And to live in a way that includes and accept those who differ from ourselves can sometimes be a road of constant reminders and work. But it is a road worth traveling.
Story Tips:
-Use this story as an introduction to discuss differences in those around us and how we can accept those who have them.
-Can you figure out what 8 means?
The book begins by introducing our narrator, a young boy, and Camille, his best friend. Each introduced on their own page, it's easy to see the differences straight away. The boy is dressed as a frog, while the Camille is surrounded by math. We're told that Camille sometimes speaks in numbers and 23 is yes, 17 is no, and six times tables mean it's snack time. Camille helped our narrator figure out that a frog might be a better fit as a costume than a cat. Camille agrees to dress as a frog as well, though finds she's not comfortable with the work it takes to create a really great frog costume. Frustrated the boy yells at her and Camille leaves. The title of the book interjects here as the narrator analyzes what caused the problem and how he can avoid it in the future. Then he goes to find Camille and apologize. She, in a partial frog costume, ends up finding him and the friends are reunited.
de Gennaro does some pretty magical things with these illustrations that seem to elevate the book from great to amazing. The first being the use of numbers. The reader only sees Camille speak in numbers. A companion pieces to this is that 23's, 17's, six times tables, and 8's dance around the pages giving indication of the character's feelings. There are moments when how the boy or Camille see the world are revealed to the reader making the entire experience more accessible. It is through this skillful use of perspective that de Gennaro really shines, making the story more than a tale of friendship but also one of mindfulness.
I think we naturally gravitate towards likeness. But just because something feels easy and instinctive doesn't mean it's right. Taking time to teach our children that inclusion and being open minded is a strength is so important. de Gennaro helps move a step closer to this goal by introducing two characters who may seem out of place. She does it in such a light loving way with such soft and thoughtful illustrations that it's still an interesting story for kids and introduces a topic for discussion without beating anyone over the head with meaning. To say there are a lot of people in this world is an understatement. To say we're all different is just a truth. And to live in a way that includes and accept those who differ from ourselves can sometimes be a road of constant reminders and work. But it is a road worth traveling.
Story Tips:
-Use this story as an introduction to discuss differences in those around us and how we can accept those who have them.
-Can you figure out what 8 means?
October 11, 2016
Stunning artwork. The story text loses momentum but damn those pictures.
September 29, 2016
A charming and intelligent story celebrating differences, comparing and contrasting two unique, shy friends.
January 4, 2017
Reviewed for School Library Journal in July 2016 publication:
K-Gr 2: Camille REALLY loves math. Some days she speaks only in numbers (23 is yes, and 17 is no), and she sings the times tables when she is hungry. Her best friend, while not so math obsessed, is equally unique and wears an animal costume all day at school. When Camille notices that he is being plagued by a rambunctious puppy, because he is currently donning a cat costume, she persuades him to choose another animal. After some false starts with a shark and a giraffe, they hit upon the frog as the perfect costume. Of course, frogs are not solitary creatures, so Camille must dress as one, too. With all the measuring and sewing, a fight ensues, but all is quickly resolved for a happy ending. Originally published in Australia, this is award-winning illustrator deGennaro's first book that she also penned. Set against a soothing beige backdrop, the illustrations are rendered in collage, Conte crayon, and pencil and ink. They are detailed yet playful and invite readers to linger over each page. Marvelous images of numbers and graphs are peppered throughout, and the sketches of frogs beg to be closely examined. VERDICT: The book has a familiar theme, but it is the illustrations that make it special. Hand it to kids and families who gravitate to picture books with intricate and fascinating images.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
K-Gr 2: Camille REALLY loves math. Some days she speaks only in numbers (23 is yes, and 17 is no), and she sings the times tables when she is hungry. Her best friend, while not so math obsessed, is equally unique and wears an animal costume all day at school. When Camille notices that he is being plagued by a rambunctious puppy, because he is currently donning a cat costume, she persuades him to choose another animal. After some false starts with a shark and a giraffe, they hit upon the frog as the perfect costume. Of course, frogs are not solitary creatures, so Camille must dress as one, too. With all the measuring and sewing, a fight ensues, but all is quickly resolved for a happy ending. Originally published in Australia, this is award-winning illustrator deGennaro's first book that she also penned. Set against a soothing beige backdrop, the illustrations are rendered in collage, Conte crayon, and pencil and ink. They are detailed yet playful and invite readers to linger over each page. Marvelous images of numbers and graphs are peppered throughout, and the sketches of frogs beg to be closely examined. VERDICT: The book has a familiar theme, but it is the illustrations that make it special. Hand it to kids and families who gravitate to picture books with intricate and fascinating images.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews