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Spells
A lovelorn frog and some very mixed-up spells! A hopeful frog tries to turn himself into a handsome prince by piecing together the torn pages of a spell book. There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments to be had with the mix-and-match pages as Frog struggles through a host of jumbled spell combinations and extraordinary guises (Rabbit! Frabbit? ! Prabbit! ? ! ) In search of his fairy-tale ending. Children and adults will love sharing this wonderfully funny and inventive book.
Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Emily Gravett
79 books278 followersEmily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for WOLVES and LITTLE MOUSE'S BIG BOOK OF FEARS. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including BLUE CHAMELEON, WOLF WON'T BITE! and AGAIN! Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
July 25, 2022
A small green frog dreams of love in this original fairy-tale from English picture-book author/artist Emily Gravett. Piecing together a spell from a tatty old spell book he finds, he is variously transformed into any number of creatures, until finding himself a handsome prince. Next encountering a beautiful princess, the frog finds that his first kiss does not go quite as planned...
Spells is the fourth picture-book that I have read from Gravett, and I initially tracked it down because I mistakenly thought it had some witchy content (witchy picture-books being a particular interest of mine). As it happens, it does not, but it is an interesting book, for all that. I thought the story was charming, if rather slight, and the artwork—created using pencil, watercolor, shredded paper and a bit of glitter—lovely. The middle section of the book offers an interactive element, with pages that are cut in half, allowing the creation of a variety of portmanteau creatures, as the frog tries out different spells. All in all, this had some undeniable virtues, and yet somehow...I just didn't fall under its spell. I do recommend it, both to young fairy-tale lovers and to picture-book readers looking for more interactive stories, but somehow I just wasn't as enchanted as I'd hoped to be.
Spells is the fourth picture-book that I have read from Gravett, and I initially tracked it down because I mistakenly thought it had some witchy content (witchy picture-books being a particular interest of mine). As it happens, it does not, but it is an interesting book, for all that. I thought the story was charming, if rather slight, and the artwork—created using pencil, watercolor, shredded paper and a bit of glitter—lovely. The middle section of the book offers an interactive element, with pages that are cut in half, allowing the creation of a variety of portmanteau creatures, as the frog tries out different spells. All in all, this had some undeniable virtues, and yet somehow...I just didn't fall under its spell. I do recommend it, both to young fairy-tale lovers and to picture-book readers looking for more interactive stories, but somehow I just wasn't as enchanted as I'd hoped to be.
March 23, 2010
I think I just don't "get" Gravett. I always think I should be wowed, but fail to be impressed. "Spells" is no exception. It's such a neat concept, with lift-the-flap pages to allow a variety of kooky "transformations" from a frog to a handsome prince (frog crossed with bird, bird crossed with snake, man crossed with...) Fun and interactive. But, the story is very light and I just couldn't really get into the book, much as I tried. After that, I read Gravett's "Wolves" and was appalled. I think I shall regretfully say farewell to my association with this author/illustrator--one that everyone but myself seems to love. Ah, what am I missing??? :-(
September 21, 2009
A small green frog has bright big dreams. He imagines himself as all sorts of things; a pirate sailing in a boat out on the seven seas, a prince with a beautiful princess living in a grand castle. But no matter how much he imagines, he is still a small green frog.
One day this small green frog found a tattered old book. The small green frog had hoped for a story, possibly something about pirates, or boats, or princes, or castles. But it was nothing like that, for this was not a story book at all. It was in fact a book of spells.
At first the small green frog was disappointed, but then he decided to use the book of spells to transform himself in a handsome prince. However the book of spells was badly torn, and in his attempt to transform into a prince he becomes many other muddled and mixed-up animals.
Spells is a beautiful book full of missed-match fun to share with someone special. Emily Gravett delivers a brilliantly illustrated and delightful story. An amusing and entertaining read everyone can enjoy.
One day this small green frog found a tattered old book. The small green frog had hoped for a story, possibly something about pirates, or boats, or princes, or castles. But it was nothing like that, for this was not a story book at all. It was in fact a book of spells.
At first the small green frog was disappointed, but then he decided to use the book of spells to transform himself in a handsome prince. However the book of spells was badly torn, and in his attempt to transform into a prince he becomes many other muddled and mixed-up animals.
Spells is a beautiful book full of missed-match fun to share with someone special. Emily Gravett delivers a brilliantly illustrated and delightful story. An amusing and entertaining read everyone can enjoy.
June 29, 2017
LONELY FROG
Fun-loving, attractive frog (2 ½ inches tall),
likes nights out, swimming, and kisses,
seeks beautiful princess
to share life's ups and downs.
So begins this illustrated story of a frog who wants to become something other than what he is. He finds a book of spells and tries them out to see if he can become something more than just a small green frog.
The illustrations are fun and there is a twist at the end, so this would make a charming nighty-night bedtime story. I also enjoyed the innovative pages for the "Hocus Croakus" spells.
Book Season = Autumn (carrotozabbit)
March 21, 2014
The picture here doesn't really do the cover justice; the contrast is off or something. On the actual book, the stars are gold and shiny, and the frog is a little softer. Also, the title and author's name are in gold foil, so it was attractive to me immediately! Shiny? Yes, please! And I'm pretty sure I'm going to like a book when the illustration description says, "The illustrations for this book are rendered in pencil, watercolor paints, shredded paper, and a sprinkling of glitter." Glitter!!!
I really like the illustrations. I think they're funny, and I like that they incorporate collage (and glitter, of course). I love that the pages are all black.
The story by itself is not a masterpiece, but the illustrations combined with the story are what really make this book work.You've definitely got to read the fine print!
I both love and hate the flap pages. See, about 3/4 of the way through the book, the pages are split in half and the frog goes through all these transformations because he had to piece back together his spell book. It's super funny, and it's a great way to experiment with language and think up new animals. On the other hand, I was one of those kids (er, still am, really) who had to know every possible combination. So, I wouldn't have been able to read this at bedtime because I'd be up all night! Also, I don't know if I could read it for storytime because of the flaps. Maybe I could work it out to where each kid gets to come up and turn a flap or something. I'd probably have to set the book on a stand to be able to read it aloud. That being said, I love the concept of the book!
Overall, it's a fun, unique book, and I think kids will enjoy the rhyming, the weird words, and the crazy animals!
I really like the illustrations. I think they're funny, and I like that they incorporate collage (and glitter, of course). I love that the pages are all black.
The story by itself is not a masterpiece, but the illustrations combined with the story are what really make this book work.You've definitely got to read the fine print!
I both love and hate the flap pages. See, about 3/4 of the way through the book, the pages are split in half and the frog goes through all these transformations because he had to piece back together his spell book. It's super funny, and it's a great way to experiment with language and think up new animals. On the other hand, I was one of those kids (er, still am, really) who had to know every possible combination. So, I wouldn't have been able to read this at bedtime because I'd be up all night! Also, I don't know if I could read it for storytime because of the flaps. Maybe I could work it out to where each kid gets to come up and turn a flap or something. I'd probably have to set the book on a stand to be able to read it aloud. That being said, I love the concept of the book!
Overall, it's a fun, unique book, and I think kids will enjoy the rhyming, the weird words, and the crazy animals!
January 13, 2017
Beautiful artifact, great concept, but a bit disjointed/fragmented in ways that made it a challenge for me to really enter into is magic. I'm curious to check out more of Gravett's work.
January 10, 2021
গ্র্যাভেটের আঁকা আর লেখায় সুকুমার রায়ের মতো দুষ্টু-মিষ্টি wit আছে। আঁকুনি-জলরং-কম্পুকারুর খিচুড়িতে ছবিগুলো দারুণ ফুটেছে।
August 23, 2019
Very cute, with beautiful illustrations.
October 31, 2018
Spells! Magic! Frogs! and Princes! a perfect story for a chilly Halloween night. Spells tell they story of a frog who wishes he was a prince. A classic fairy tale concept. The Frog however is not a curse prince waiting to be saved so must find a different way to get his wish. After finding an old torn spell book his dreams are coming through, with a few mishaps along the way! But what will happen when he finally gets his kiss from the princess…
This story draws on children’s prior knowledge and experience of simple magical and fairy tale concepts. Adding in humour with the split spell pages and the spells them selves. This story would be great for any age really and lends its self to all sorts of cross- curricular activities, from art to drama, English and even maths. The story is really fun an enjoyable. A different twist on a classic. The illustrations in this book are a huge contributing factor as to why I was drawn to it. Pulling the book off the shelf, opening it on random page the mystical pictures on the deep black background instantly transported me to a magical realm and make me want to read from the beginning. I think this would be the hook to draw in the children. As well as the contrast of colours the pictures are so detailed you could get caught up in them for days.
This book was a great find and I would 100% recommend.
This story draws on children’s prior knowledge and experience of simple magical and fairy tale concepts. Adding in humour with the split spell pages and the spells them selves. This story would be great for any age really and lends its self to all sorts of cross- curricular activities, from art to drama, English and even maths. The story is really fun an enjoyable. A different twist on a classic. The illustrations in this book are a huge contributing factor as to why I was drawn to it. Pulling the book off the shelf, opening it on random page the mystical pictures on the deep black background instantly transported me to a magical realm and make me want to read from the beginning. I think this would be the hook to draw in the children. As well as the contrast of colours the pictures are so detailed you could get caught up in them for days.
This book was a great find and I would 100% recommend.
May 5, 2011
I remember glancing through this book at my last library when we received it. I remember going "Oh!" by the prince. And I remember thinking that this book reminded me of my mom's pop-up book "Have You Ever Seen a Pog?" (I loved that book as a child.) This is now a 2012 Beehive nominee, and I'm trying to read as many of those as I can. I had the same two impressions that I did the first time. I also think that this is an interesting format to keep kids entertained. I sometimes feel there are too many possible creature combinations that I can't keep track of them all. There is absolutely no way I could read this as a storytime. A more talented person than me could probably do well with school-age. But I know some of my dead-end limits! :-) I like the ending of this one. Definitely more of a read-alone. Maybe a lap-read for older than preschool, unless your preschoolers have good attention spans and understand the cleverness of this work.
July 28, 2012
In a deliciously sly take-off on the much-told story of the frog prince, this picture book describes how a frog happens upon a book of spells while wishing for a title containing stories about boats or castles. He decides to cast a spell, but he doesn't read the fine print. Young and old readers will enjoy this title and appreciate the author's cleverness in the text an the illustrations that were created using pencil, watercolor paints, shredded paper and glitter. Be sure to note the endpapers and title page with the author's name spelled out "Emily Gribbitt" as well as several pages that have been cut in half.
October 18, 2009
Though this picture book was in the Halloween section, it really is more of a twist on the classic Prince Charming as a toad scenario. A frog finds a book of spells and works to discover one to turn himself into a handsome prince. There are a series of split pages where children can mix and match spells and make different animals. The frog eventually finds the right spell but will there be a happily ever after...must read to find out.
September 24, 2012
This is a wonderfully entertaining story about a frog with a big imagination who uses bits of a book to craft together different spells with very humorous effects. The split pages are so much fun to look through, swapping different halfs to make very unusual creatures. The ending is very fun too. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
April 16, 2012
Beautiful illustrations. Not sure about the story itself though.
April 14, 2021
I love the concept for this interactive book!
The way that the cut pages can be arranged by the reader to create the rhyming spell and nonsense creatures is not only humorous, but also a great idea for practicing phonics, nonsense words, and rhyming!
I think it would be a great book to use in class and links well to intertext discussions of traditional tales as well.
The book I read was from a library and had a bit or wear and tear, including what I assume was a missing flap. I would want to make sure I had a new or well kept copy for usage in the classroom to allow children the full experience of using and manipulating the pages and enjoying the media as intended.
The way that the cut pages can be arranged by the reader to create the rhyming spell and nonsense creatures is not only humorous, but also a great idea for practicing phonics, nonsense words, and rhyming!
I think it would be a great book to use in class and links well to intertext discussions of traditional tales as well.
The book I read was from a library and had a bit or wear and tear, including what I assume was a missing flap. I would want to make sure I had a new or well kept copy for usage in the classroom to allow children the full experience of using and manipulating the pages and enjoying the media as intended.
September 10, 2019
A fantastic spell book about a frog who wants to be a prince. Children can build a spell by flipping over the split pages. Loads of great vocabulary, jokes and a funny ending.
September 27, 2019
This narrative is a take on the Traditional story of The Princess and the frog. The illustrations and design of the book felt muddled up as the book is divided into half pages mid-way through the story making the story feel disjointed and challenging for a young reader. The theme of the book could be shared during Halloween.
October 13, 2012
the cover is pretty. the jacket flap is choice. and what follows?
Will “Lonely Frog, [a] fun-loving, attractive frog (2 1/2 inches tall)” find the right spell that could improve his chances with a beautiful princess? Don’t worry, the story is hardly as mushy as I just made it sound. Actually, there may be only one page of the kind of romantic drama that would have the grandson i/on The Princess Bride wonder if he wants to hear the next part. But he would want to hear it, and so with the Reader. Why am I only just now discovering Emily Gravett?!
After the first few introducing us to frog’s desire for adventure, the pages become bifurcated for a sequence allowing a layering outcomes. After all, the book Spells by Emily Gribbit is laying around in torn bits; which was all well and good when constructing a pirate adventure or a story involving castles and a prince kissing a beautiful princess. But he had an idea with the discovery of the top of a page that reads “Spell to become a Handsome Prince.”
The rhymes that create the mish-mash of spells are fun. On the left side of the page are the reconstituted spell pages and the right the top and bottom of various creatures. The top coordinating with the facing page’s allusion, as is the bottom with its facing page. They’ve the playful slicing and compounding of words to create all sorts of crazy outcomes, a “fabbit” (frog-rabbit), a “bake” (bird-snake). They also create the full creatures. Eventually, the spell for the Handsome Prince comes together with a “Bim Bam Barebum/Alaka mince. Stir three times and out spells Pr-ince” in all his naked but crowned glory. Good thing spells have that initial swirl of smoke? but then what…
We return to whole pages and the conclusion of the story. I won’t spoil it, but it is brilliant as it brings us all the way to the end-page and the “small print”… Spells is a really fun a creative way to explore books and not only the adventures they offer, but their play with invention.
The illustrator, who is also the author Emily Gravett, renders Spells in “pencil, watercolor paints, shredded paper, and a sprinkling of glitter.” She doesn’t go for higher chroma, but the contrast of aged paper and pale watercolored critters on the solid black backdrop is marvelous. The images that characterize the spell-books pages are clever and attractive; leaving the details for multiple viewings. There are nice touches: The vague silhouette of a candle where upon a soft glowing flame burns; its placement between the Handsome (frog) Prince and the Beautiful Princess as their lips move toward each other to kiss. It is all perfectly dramatic.
Spells is a picture book to have fun with: the frog is cute, putting the spells together is amusing, and I like the idea of running around creating chimera and crazy rhyming spell words. That you are putting letter combinations together as well is a lovely way to unconsciously play with language and literacy.
This my first book by this author/illustrator and I am really looking forward to finding more of Ms. Gravett’s books.
L(omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
Will “Lonely Frog, [a] fun-loving, attractive frog (2 1/2 inches tall)” find the right spell that could improve his chances with a beautiful princess? Don’t worry, the story is hardly as mushy as I just made it sound. Actually, there may be only one page of the kind of romantic drama that would have the grandson i/on The Princess Bride wonder if he wants to hear the next part. But he would want to hear it, and so with the Reader. Why am I only just now discovering Emily Gravett?!
After the first few introducing us to frog’s desire for adventure, the pages become bifurcated for a sequence allowing a layering outcomes. After all, the book Spells by Emily Gribbit is laying around in torn bits; which was all well and good when constructing a pirate adventure or a story involving castles and a prince kissing a beautiful princess. But he had an idea with the discovery of the top of a page that reads “Spell to become a Handsome Prince.”
The rhymes that create the mish-mash of spells are fun. On the left side of the page are the reconstituted spell pages and the right the top and bottom of various creatures. The top coordinating with the facing page’s allusion, as is the bottom with its facing page. They’ve the playful slicing and compounding of words to create all sorts of crazy outcomes, a “fabbit” (frog-rabbit), a “bake” (bird-snake). They also create the full creatures. Eventually, the spell for the Handsome Prince comes together with a “Bim Bam Barebum/Alaka mince. Stir three times and out spells Pr-ince” in all his naked but crowned glory. Good thing spells have that initial swirl of smoke? but then what…
We return to whole pages and the conclusion of the story. I won’t spoil it, but it is brilliant as it brings us all the way to the end-page and the “small print”… Spells is a really fun a creative way to explore books and not only the adventures they offer, but their play with invention.
The illustrator, who is also the author Emily Gravett, renders Spells in “pencil, watercolor paints, shredded paper, and a sprinkling of glitter.” She doesn’t go for higher chroma, but the contrast of aged paper and pale watercolored critters on the solid black backdrop is marvelous. The images that characterize the spell-books pages are clever and attractive; leaving the details for multiple viewings. There are nice touches: The vague silhouette of a candle where upon a soft glowing flame burns; its placement between the Handsome (frog) Prince and the Beautiful Princess as their lips move toward each other to kiss. It is all perfectly dramatic.
Spells is a picture book to have fun with: the frog is cute, putting the spells together is amusing, and I like the idea of running around creating chimera and crazy rhyming spell words. That you are putting letter combinations together as well is a lovely way to unconsciously play with language and literacy.
This my first book by this author/illustrator and I am really looking forward to finding more of Ms. Gravett’s books.
L(omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
July 26, 2019
See inside this book: https://www.facebook.com/alphabetstor...
AWARDS
⭐Bank Street Best Books of the Year - with Outstanding Merit
⭐Capitol Choices List (DC)
⭐NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5ดาว จากอัลฟาเบท ในเรื่องความสนุกทั้งเนื้อหาและไอเดียดีในการออกแบบหนังสือ น่าสะสม สนุกจนจบเล่ม
ชอบ...หนังสือเด็กที่อ่านสนุกและไม่ธรรมดาแบบเรื่องนี้ค่ะ มีวิธีการนำเสนอแบบแปลกใหม่ และน่าสนใจ ที่สำคัญคือดึงดูดให้ติดตามจนจบ
หนังสือของ Emily Gravett หลายเรื่องที่ต้องยอมรับเลยว่าซื้อใจเราไปครอง เพราะหนังสือของเค้าไม่ใช่แค่เนื้อหาสนุกแต่การออกแบบลูกเล่นในหนังสือยังตื่นเต้น อ่านเพลิน
อย่างเรื่อง AGAIN! ที่ทุกคนอยากได้ หนังสือที่ถูกไฟไหม้เป็นรูด้านหลังเพราะเจ้ามังกรโมโหที่แม่ไม่อ่านหนังสือให้ฟัง มันเลยพ่นไฟจนหนังสือไหม้เป็นรูใหญ่ที่ปกหลัง เจ้าหญิงในนิทานปีนหนีออกมาแทบไม่ทัน รายละเอียดเล็กๆน้อยๆแต่ขำฮาแบบนี้ชอบมากๆค่ะ
ยังมีอีกหลายเรื่อง อย่าง Little Mouse's Big Book of Beasts, The Rabbit Problem ก็มีการนำเสนอที่สนุกสุดๆ ไม่ซ้ำแบบใคร
หนึ่งในหนังสือสนุกของ Emily คือเรื่อง Spells เรื่องสนุกจบหักมุมแบบฮาที่ไม่ควรพลาด
เรารู้จักเรื่องเจ้าชายกบกันค่อนข้างดี เรื่องนี้กบมันไปเจอหนังสือท่องคาถาเปลี่ยนร่าง มันอยากเป็นเจ้าชายหล่อจะได้จูบกับเจ้าหญิงสวยกับเค้าบ้าง
มันเปิดหนังสือท่องมนต์คาถา ค่อยๆเปลี่ยนล่างท่อนบนและล่าง ถึงตอนนี้หนังสือแบ่งออกเป็น2ท่อนบนล่าง เพื่อให้เด็กๆได้สนุกกับการท่องคาถา ผสมคำ เพื่อแปลงร่าง เปิดกลับไปกลับมาผสมได้หลายแบบ (ขณะที่กำลังเพลินอยู่กับการท่องคาถาและผสมคำ เด็กๆก็ได้หัดการสะกดคำแบบPhonicsไปโดยไม่รู้ตัว คือ Spells จริงๆ) ถ้าอ่านก่อนนอนจะให้จบเร็วก็Spellsวันละตัวสองตัวพอ ไมงั้นจะยาว
ต่อ...เจ้ากบท่องคาถาเปลี่ยนร่างจนในที่สุดได้เป็นเจ้าชายหล่อล่ำสมใจ และแล้วมันก็ได้จุมพิศกับเจ้าหญิงสวยเท่ห์ในที่สุด แต่พอจูบกันเจ้าชายก็กลับกลายเป็นกบทันที...โธ่เอ๊ยยย อุตส่าห์ท่องคาถาตั้งนาน แต่มันลืมอ่านห้าสุดท้ายด้านล่างของหนังสือว่า "เมื่อไหร่ที่เจ้าชายหล่อได้จูบกับเจ้าหญิง เมื่อนั้นเจ้าชายจะกลายเป็นกบ" ฮาาาาา
เรื่องนี้สอนเด็กๆให้รู้ว่า อ่านหนังสือต้องอ่านให้ครบทุกตัวอักษรนะคะ ว่าแล้วก็ต้องถามเด็กๆว่าอ่านมาจนจบแล้ว เห็นรึเปล่าว่าตรงไหนเขียนเตือนที่เจ้ากบมันมองไม่เห็น จนจบแล้วยังทิ้งความสนุกให้ค้นหาอีกด้วย...ยอดเยี่ยมมากๆค่ะคุณ Emily Gravett
AWARDS
⭐Bank Street Best Books of the Year - with Outstanding Merit
⭐Capitol Choices List (DC)
⭐NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5ดาว จากอัลฟาเบท ในเรื่องความสนุกทั้งเนื้อหาและไอเดียดีในการออกแบบหนังสือ น่าสะสม สนุกจนจบเล่ม
ชอบ...หนังสือเด็กที่อ่านสนุกและไม่ธรรมดาแบบเรื่องนี้ค่ะ มีวิธีการนำเสนอแบบแปลกใหม่ และน่าสนใจ ที่สำคัญคือดึงดูดให้ติดตามจนจบ
หนังสือของ Emily Gravett หลายเรื่องที่ต้องยอมรับเลยว่าซื้อใจเราไปครอง เพราะหนังสือของเค้าไม่ใช่แค่เนื้อหาสนุกแต่การออกแบบลูกเล่นในหนังสือยังตื่นเต้น อ่านเพลิน
อย่างเรื่อง AGAIN! ที่ทุกคนอยากได้ หนังสือที่ถูกไฟไหม้เป็นรูด้านหลังเพราะเจ้ามังกรโมโหที่แม่ไม่อ่านหนังสือให้ฟัง มันเลยพ่นไฟจนหนังสือไหม้เป็นรูใหญ่ที่ปกหลัง เจ้าหญิงในนิทานปีนหนีออกมาแทบไม่ทัน รายละเอียดเล็กๆน้อยๆแต่ขำฮาแบบนี้ชอบมากๆค่ะ
ยังมีอีกหลายเรื่อง อย่าง Little Mouse's Big Book of Beasts, The Rabbit Problem ก็มีการนำเสนอที่สนุกสุดๆ ไม่ซ้ำแบบใคร
หนึ่งในหนังสือสนุกของ Emily คือเรื่อง Spells เรื่องสนุกจบหักมุมแบบฮาที่ไม่ควรพลาด
เรารู้จักเรื่องเจ้าชายกบกันค่อนข้างดี เรื่องนี้กบมันไปเจอหนังสือท่องคาถาเปลี่ยนร่าง มันอยากเป็นเจ้าชายหล่อจะได้จูบกับเจ้าหญิงสวยกับเค้าบ้าง
มันเปิดหนังสือท่องมนต์คาถา ค่อยๆเปลี่ยนล่างท่อนบนและล่าง ถึงตอนนี้หนังสือแบ่งออกเป็น2ท่อนบนล่าง เพื่อให้เด็กๆได้สนุกกับการท่องคาถา ผสมคำ เพื่อแปลงร่าง เปิดกลับไปกลับมาผสมได้หลายแบบ (ขณะที่กำลังเพลินอยู่กับการท่องคาถาและผสมคำ เด็กๆก็ได้หัดการสะกดคำแบบPhonicsไปโดยไม่รู้ตัว คือ Spells จริงๆ) ถ้าอ่านก่อนนอนจะให้จบเร็วก็Spellsวันละตัวสองตัวพอ ไมงั้นจะยาว
ต่อ...เจ้ากบท่องคาถาเปลี่ยนร่างจนในที่สุดได้เป็นเจ้าชายหล่อล่ำสมใจ และแล้วมันก็ได้จุมพิศกับเจ้าหญิงสวยเท่ห์ในที่สุด แต่พอจูบกันเจ้าชายก็กลับกลายเป็นกบทันที...โธ่เอ๊ยยย อุตส่าห์ท่องคาถาตั้งนาน แต่มันลืมอ่านห้าสุดท้ายด้านล่างของหนังสือว่า "เมื่อไหร่ที่เจ้าชายหล่อได้จูบกับเจ้าหญิง เมื่อนั้นเจ้าชายจะกลายเป็นกบ" ฮาาาาา
เรื่องนี้สอนเด็กๆให้รู้ว่า อ่านหนังสือต้องอ่านให้ครบทุกตัวอักษรนะคะ ว่าแล้วก็ต้องถามเด็กๆว่าอ่านมาจนจบแล้ว เห็นรึเปล่าว่าตรงไหนเขียนเตือนที่เจ้ากบมันมองไม่เห็น จนจบแล้วยังทิ้งความสนุกให้ค้นหาอีกด้วย...ยอดเยี่ยมมากๆค่ะคุณ Emily Gravett
December 1, 2009
Emily Gravett, Spells (Simon and Schuster, 2008)
I have been a huge fan of Emily Gravett's since first encountering Wolves, which I still consider one of the best books ever created for the preschool set. We in America are about a year behind in our Gravett publishing schedule, which drives me bats, and so we're just getting Spells, one of Gravett's awesome 2008 books. As with some of her other recent efforts (Meerkat Mail, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears), this one's got a gimmick at the center of it: the bulk of the pages are split horizontally, allowing the reader to combine top and bottom halves for different comic effect. (The story involves a frog trying to find a spell to turn himself into a prince, but only after he's shredded the spellbook to make a nest for himself.) And, as usual, Gravett adds that wonderful comic touch to the end that makes all of her books so much fun to read. She still hasn't outdone the last page of Wolves, but she keeps doing this sort of thing extremely well. Gravett fans will love it, of course. Readers new to her work should probably start with Wolves, but all of her books, including this one, are gems. ****
I have been a huge fan of Emily Gravett's since first encountering Wolves, which I still consider one of the best books ever created for the preschool set. We in America are about a year behind in our Gravett publishing schedule, which drives me bats, and so we're just getting Spells, one of Gravett's awesome 2008 books. As with some of her other recent efforts (Meerkat Mail, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears), this one's got a gimmick at the center of it: the bulk of the pages are split horizontally, allowing the reader to combine top and bottom halves for different comic effect. (The story involves a frog trying to find a spell to turn himself into a prince, but only after he's shredded the spellbook to make a nest for himself.) And, as usual, Gravett adds that wonderful comic touch to the end that makes all of her books so much fun to read. She still hasn't outdone the last page of Wolves, but she keeps doing this sort of thing extremely well. Gravett fans will love it, of course. Readers new to her work should probably start with Wolves, but all of her books, including this one, are gems. ****
June 23, 2010
Lovely twist on the Princess and the frog...from the frogs point of view.
"There once was a frog who found a book"
he wished it was about _______________(read the book to find out what)
and that he was a _______________(read the book!)
"but it was just an old book of spells, and he was just a small green frog"
so he makes some spells to become a Handsome Prince (this is the fun part)
the page is split into upper and lower halves with different, mix & match parts of animals on the right hand page, and funny rhyming spells on the left hand page for mixing and matching spells and unusual combinations of animals until "Into a cauldron these words cast Bim Bam Barebum Alakamince, stir three times and out spells PRINCE"
yep, a naked prince (don't worry, private parts carefully enshrouded in mist) complete with a mother tattoo revealing his true origins and he meets the princess and.... I can't tell you the ending. CHECK IT OUT!!!
P.S. the spells part is the most fun....
"There once was a frog who found a book"
he wished it was about _______________(read the book to find out what)
and that he was a _______________(read the book!)
"but it was just an old book of spells, and he was just a small green frog"
so he makes some spells to become a Handsome Prince (this is the fun part)
the page is split into upper and lower halves with different, mix & match parts of animals on the right hand page, and funny rhyming spells on the left hand page for mixing and matching spells and unusual combinations of animals until "Into a cauldron these words cast Bim Bam Barebum Alakamince, stir three times and out spells PRINCE"
yep, a naked prince (don't worry, private parts carefully enshrouded in mist) complete with a mother tattoo revealing his true origins and he meets the princess and.... I can't tell you the ending. CHECK IT OUT!!!
P.S. the spells part is the most fun....
June 30, 2010
I'll be honest, I wouldn't have rated this book as I high as I did except for the fact that my 6-year-old twins actually used the phrase "that book was amazing!" after reading it.
I initially picked this book up based on Emily Gravett's bio on the dust cover: "She spent her time trying to fly, and attempting to cast spells on people who called her sweet." Still, when we read it I was a bit disappointed. The story felt far too brief and simplistic to me, even for a children't book, so I asked my kids why they enjoyed it so very much. Their answers were:
1. They loved the split pages at the end of the book which allowed them to make combinations of different words. A frog's top with a rabbit's bottom equal a "frabbit" for example. This was hilarious to them, and they did go back to this portion of the book over and over again.
2. The ending (I won't give it away here) was unusual, and they enjoyed the surprise.
3. There's a naked prince in it. (Well, it's what they said they liked!)
I initially picked this book up based on Emily Gravett's bio on the dust cover: "She spent her time trying to fly, and attempting to cast spells on people who called her sweet." Still, when we read it I was a bit disappointed. The story felt far too brief and simplistic to me, even for a children't book, so I asked my kids why they enjoyed it so very much. Their answers were:
1. They loved the split pages at the end of the book which allowed them to make combinations of different words. A frog's top with a rabbit's bottom equal a "frabbit" for example. This was hilarious to them, and they did go back to this portion of the book over and over again.
2. The ending (I won't give it away here) was unusual, and they enjoyed the surprise.
3. There's a naked prince in it. (Well, it's what they said they liked!)
October 14, 2012
Spells is about a frog who finds a book. He hopes the book is about a boat or a castle. Instead, it's a book of spells. So he decides to tear up the book and create a spell that would turn him into a prince. Emily Gravett did a wonderful job with the art, composed of pencil, water colored paints, and shredded paper. I love the concept of the cut pages which allow the readers to participate in Frogs quest to find the right spell that would turn him into a prince. By mixing the upper half of the page with the lower half, readers can turn frog into a variety of humorous combinations of rabbit, snake, bird, frog, and prince. This is the best part of the book. The ending provided a funny twist to the classic story of the Princess and the Frog.
Overall, I think children will find this book entertaining and funny. Personally, I was expecting a bit more as far as story is concerned. The introduction led me to believe that I was going to be swept away into a adventure. Instead, The book ended too quickly.
Overall, I think children will find this book entertaining and funny. Personally, I was expecting a bit more as far as story is concerned. The introduction led me to believe that I was going to be swept away into a adventure. Instead, The book ended too quickly.
June 4, 2010
Frog isn't thrilled to find an old book of spells. He'd much rather it be about pirates or castles. Then, he realizes he can use the book to turn himself into a prince. After several attempts (owing to the book's disheveled state from his imaginings), Frog gets the spell right. Unfortunately, the much coveted kiss of a princess reverses the spell and he's a frog again.
What I thought: The idea of the story is great and it reads well. I liked the darker illustrations. They really make the frog stand out. What I didn't like was the cut pages in the section where frog is tyring the spells. They were awkward to maneuver and would likely be more so during a story time. I understand why they're like that, but they just didn't work for me. I plan to give the book another read through soon. I think this book would be better for one on one readings (e.g., mom & kid) as opposed to story time use. Spells has been popular at my library. I don't think I've seen it since I returned it.
What I thought: The idea of the story is great and it reads well. I liked the darker illustrations. They really make the frog stand out. What I didn't like was the cut pages in the section where frog is tyring the spells. They were awkward to maneuver and would likely be more so during a story time. I understand why they're like that, but they just didn't work for me. I plan to give the book another read through soon. I think this book would be better for one on one readings (e.g., mom & kid) as opposed to story time use. Spells has been popular at my library. I don't think I've seen it since I returned it.
January 6, 2010
A frog is dissatisfied with his present state and dreams of becoming something other than a frog, preferably a prince. When he finds a book of spells, he tries out the spell to become a handsome prince, only to have things backfire when he finally finds a beautiful princess to kiss.
I really enjoyed the first few pages of this book. But then it got a little confusing and I became less enthusiastic about it. When the frog is looking at spells to become something different, the pages are spit in half horizontally so that the reader can mix them up so the frog becomes half snake, half rabbit, for example. I guess some children might find it really funny to read a mixed-up spell and have the frog become a snabbit... but I wasn't too excited by it. Nor was the ending of the book particularly exciting. It's too bad because the first few pages really were a lot of fun and could have led to a great book.
I really enjoyed the first few pages of this book. But then it got a little confusing and I became less enthusiastic about it. When the frog is looking at spells to become something different, the pages are spit in half horizontally so that the reader can mix them up so the frog becomes half snake, half rabbit, for example. I guess some children might find it really funny to read a mixed-up spell and have the frog become a snabbit... but I wasn't too excited by it. Nor was the ending of the book particularly exciting. It's too bad because the first few pages really were a lot of fun and could have led to a great book.
January 22, 2010
Our library finally got our copy of Spells and I read it straight away! And then read it again! And then played with the spells until finally I decided I had better get it out on the shelves so that some child may find this wonderful book.
In Spells, a frog finds a book and wishes it was so many other things that he tears up the book in his imaginative play. He even wishes that he himself were a handsome prince, yet he was still just a small green frog. Frog then realizes that the book is a book of spells, and he works at putting a page for a spell back together to change himself into a handsome prince with hilarious results. Spells is as quirky and funny as Gravett's other books, and her illustrations are amazingly cool mixed up collages. Not the easiest book to ready during storytime (due to the half sheet pages when frog is working on the spell), but definitely fun to share one on one.
In Spells, a frog finds a book and wishes it was so many other things that he tears up the book in his imaginative play. He even wishes that he himself were a handsome prince, yet he was still just a small green frog. Frog then realizes that the book is a book of spells, and he works at putting a page for a spell back together to change himself into a handsome prince with hilarious results. Spells is as quirky and funny as Gravett's other books, and her illustrations are amazingly cool mixed up collages. Not the easiest book to ready during storytime (due to the half sheet pages when frog is working on the spell), but definitely fun to share one on one.
January 9, 2012
The lonely frog whose attractive, 2 1/2 inches tall, likes swimming and kisses, and seeks beautiful princess to share life's ups and downs wishes he finds a book about pirates and boats or princes and beautiful princesses but he just finds an old book of spells and he's just a green little frog. He comes up with an idea of turning himself into a handsome prince to find the beautiful princess. He finds the spell and turns into a handsome one, meets and kisses a beautiful princess and TADDAA he's just a small frog (again) and the princess is gone! He gets it figured once he's 2 inches tall again when he notices a small print he misses that says spell will be reversed upon a kiss of a genuine princess!
Hilarious!! It taught me two things:
1- read all the small prints carefully before casting a spell.
2- dream big no matter how small you are!!
I totally loved the wonderfully genius illustrations!
Hilarious!! It taught me two things:
1- read all the small prints carefully before casting a spell.
2- dream big no matter how small you are!!
I totally loved the wonderfully genius illustrations!
September 30, 2010
Spells by Emily Gravett
Publish and Date: Simon & Schuster, 2008
Summary: An ordinary green fog stumbles upon an ordinary book of spells. Much to this little frog’s surprise, the book has a spell to turn him into a handsome prince. The curious green frog takes turns and spins as he transforms into animal after animal.
Review: What a visually appealing book! The black background contrasting with the light watercolors makes the images pop out. The flip pages in this book are quite playful; each page turned 'magically' creates a different creature. Emily Gravett plays with words by combining parts of words, such as the F in frog and INCE in prince makes fince. This would be a fun book to read to young readers and have them try to sound out some of the words that are created as the flip pages get turned. There is also an unpredictable ending that the reader won’t see coming!
Publish and Date: Simon & Schuster, 2008
Summary: An ordinary green fog stumbles upon an ordinary book of spells. Much to this little frog’s surprise, the book has a spell to turn him into a handsome prince. The curious green frog takes turns and spins as he transforms into animal after animal.
Review: What a visually appealing book! The black background contrasting with the light watercolors makes the images pop out. The flip pages in this book are quite playful; each page turned 'magically' creates a different creature. Emily Gravett plays with words by combining parts of words, such as the F in frog and INCE in prince makes fince. This would be a fun book to read to young readers and have them try to sound out some of the words that are created as the flip pages get turned. There is also an unpredictable ending that the reader won’t see coming!
October 23, 2009
Recommended for Ages 4 to 8
Staring at the cover Spells will capture every child's attention. Beautifully illustrated and wildly fun with just the right amount of dialog to visual content.
You get an idea of just how delightful and humorous this story will be when you read the author/illustrator's bio on the back book flap:
Back Cover - Flap excerpt: "As a child Emily Gravett was desperate to become a witch. She spent her time trying to fly, and attempting to cast spells on people who called her sweet."
Kids will spend hours in the center "split pages" matching and mis-matching tops and bottoms of magical creatures.
Gorgeous - this is going on my four year old grand daughter's book shelf!
Staring at the cover Spells will capture every child's attention. Beautifully illustrated and wildly fun with just the right amount of dialog to visual content.
You get an idea of just how delightful and humorous this story will be when you read the author/illustrator's bio on the back book flap:
Back Cover - Flap excerpt: "As a child Emily Gravett was desperate to become a witch. She spent her time trying to fly, and attempting to cast spells on people who called her sweet."
Kids will spend hours in the center "split pages" matching and mis-matching tops and bottoms of magical creatures.
Gorgeous - this is going on my four year old grand daughter's book shelf!
August 29, 2012
PB 6: Overall, I thought that this book was a creative version of the common tale about a frog becoming a prince. I think it is an important idea to share with children that they can use their imagination to think about possibilities. I was most drawn into the story with the interactive pages that were sliced in half so that you could flip them to make different words. I think this is a good tool to use with young children learning to read and from this experience, I will definitely look for more interactive books to keep children engaged. However, even though the book was interactive, I found myself disappointed with the ending when the frog was unable to remain a prince. I found that this ending was not as satisfying and lighthearted as the tone of the earlier part of the story.
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