The Frog Who Wanted to Be a Singer

by Linda Goss, Cynthia Jabar (Illustrator)

The birds are the only animals that sing in the forest, but a frog with a powerful desire to make music gets his chance

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a frog who wanted to pursue a singing career. His parents supported him but no one else did. All the other animals said frogs can't sing. He was finally given a shot at singing in the towns Friday concert. He got up there and froze. He was booed off the stage and animals threw fruits at him! He ran off feeling very sad and frustrated but he came to this concert to do one thing, sing. So that's what he did! He went back up on stage and sang his little heart out. Everyone loved his music and he was allowed to sing at every Friday concert from then on.

I liked this book because it explains how to navigate some heavy emotions and how to stand up for yourself and things you know you can do even if everyone doesn't believe in you.

[Taylor Finnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Frog Who Wanted to Be a Singer is a good book to encourage kids to pursue all of their dreams. (view spoiler) I think this story shows perseverance, and working for what you believe in. The illustrations in this story were very bright and vivid. They were definitely something children would enjoy.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone tells him he can’t sing ... Frogs don’t sing, birds do. But the frog follows his dream, develops his own style, and even the birds come to listen.

The birth of the blues told through symbolism.

[Jana Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my toddler and we both enjoy it. We talk about being sad, being mad, being frustrated and putting those feelings towards positive outcome and reaching goals.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Joy! I read this with my nephew. If you are around kids or can call one up and read to them - this is a little picture book to add to your list.

[Amanda Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The texture and bright colors that the illustrator uses in these pictures makes looking at the pictures more fun than reading the text!

This was my favorite book, illustration wise, by far. The author, again, did not waste an inch of the page. The pictures contrasted greatly with the background due to the use of a night's sky and very bright colors for the characters in the book. The texture of the pictures was also very rough. It seemed as though they were brush strokes, although it did not appeared to be painted. There were a lot of lines throughout out the entire book, not only insinuating brush strokes, but also giving all of the pictures great definition. Most of the lines would be considered to be curved. The instrument that they used to create the pictures seems to have a very fine point. I believe that is the cause of the curved lines.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This frog feels "mighty bad, mighty sad, mighty mad, and mighty frustrated" because he wants to sing. Unfortunately, only the birds are allowed to sing. With the support of his parents, he decides to pursue a career in singing. When Frog tells other people about his dream, including his friends, they just laugh at him. Frog finally catches a break when Brother Fox decides to let him open for the Friday night show, but will his friends still laugh at him?

This bright musical tale reflects the plight of African Americans as they introduced the Blues and Boogie-Woogie tunes into the entertainment world, while showing children that no matter what obstacles may stand in their way, no dream is too silly or too far beyond their reach. Children who like this story may also be interested in Blues Journey by Walter Dean Myers.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story, told with a beat and a wry sense of humor about the birth of rhythm and blues as told through the eyes of frog who is dissed by the birds who think that frogs can't sing until frog invents be-bop and gets all the animals to shake their thing at fox's joint on Friday nights. Linda Goss is a gem of a story teller. A must have for any children's library.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the style of writing in this book; somewhat sarcastic and witty. I love how the frog really tries to follow his passion for singing. Even after he gets booed off stage due to stage fright, he gets back on stage and wows the audience. Teaches the reader to follow your dreams, despite what others think!

[Georgiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great illustrations. Text kind of long.

[Inara · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Inara's mom: This rather long and wordy story held Inara's attention all the way through. Inara is 3.