Something Special

by Terri Cohlene, Doug Keith (Illustrator)

A curious little frog finds a royal gift outside his home near the castle moat. It s Something Special... What can it be? Fascinating possibilities pop into his imagination as Little Frog searches high and low for the answer to this enticing riddle. From atop a giant beanstalk, we learn that it can be planted. Aboard a sailboat, we discover it can be blown. And it's no good until you give it away. Have you guessed the surprise yet? Share Little Frog's delight as he discovers that his magical gift is Something Special indeed.

Genres: Mystery, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2005

Reviews

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

On each page of this delightful, mysterious book the reader is given a clue about what was in the mysterious present frog receives when the book opens. It contains something special, but what is it? It can be silent, or loud, planted, blown,,,is best when given away....sugary ones come from Grandma and sticky ones from little brothers. Can you guess? The kids today at storytime had great fun offering up special things, cookies, soccer balls and strawberries... which usually worked fine for a clue or two but then it was clear that this something special was something else. We reviewed each clue for each suggested object, and the kids would chime in yes or no depending on whether the item fit or not. Great storytime read, this book very naturally becomes very interactive and very engaging even with a group.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a riddle. The pictures of nature are detailed and technical yet contain fantasy. The frog is the main character who receives a gift of what? The caterpillar and the butterfly have a suitcase and umbrella. It has a loud dramatic picture of horses, knights and soldiers with armour. The words are also part of the illustrations. The riddle is not answered but implied in the illustrations. Suitable for three to 13 year olds mainly due to the illustrations.

[Megan MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love interactive books like this one. Although the cover with the frog is quite misleading, the pictures on each page along with the adjective descriptions will surely keep the listeners or readers hooked! In the end, the 'something special' was a kiss, and therefore I also see this as a very encouraging book. It is nice to be reminded that something as simple as a kiss can give you many good feelings and it is so easy to give. This book would be best for young elementary aged children.

[Kristen Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very fun and interactive book. The pictures are great and really describe the words that are on each page. At the end, the "special thing" that they were looking for was a kiss, which is very comforting. It is very encouraging to kids. I would probably read this to the PreK or Kindergarten.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set up as a riddle and even when you read the last page it implies the answer to the riddle instead of writing it out. The illustrations are wonderful and beg for a second look. What a little gem!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have your child guess using the clues in the illustrations and text what the Something Special is. Beautiful book!

[Edna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book has a nice storyline and message, the illustrations are too grotesque for young children which could also be a reason that older children may find it appealing (!).

[Thia]

frogs, guessing

[Terry]

Go to the Reading Tub to see why our preschooler loved this book.