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By Mouse and Frog
Fastidious Mouse has one idea about how to tell a story. Free-spirited Frog has another. What happens when Frog crashes into Mouse's story with some wild ideas? Chaos!...followed by the discovery that working together means being willing to compromise—and that listening to one another can lead to the most beautiful stories of all.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2015
6 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Freedman
14 books209 followersOnce upon a time, I was an architect. But now I'd much rather build worlds in books. :)
I am the author and illustrator of 12 of them, featuring protagonists that include an earthworm searching for its purpose in life, a house that dreams of its origins, and a character that is almost too shy to appear in its own book.
My stories have been translated into ten different languages, adopted in classrooms across the country, and honored with many starred reviews and awards. I live in a colorful house in Connecticut, where I'm always busy at work on my next books.
I love reading books and telling you about them; I hate rating them! Let's just say that if I didn't like a book, it isn't here at all.
Website: www.deborahfreedman.net
—with tons of free resources for readers, and a sign-up for my eNewsletter
Bluesky: @DeborahFreedman.net
Facebook: Deborah Freedman, Author & Illustrator
Instagram, Threads: @FreedmanIllustrates
—stop by and say hi!
I am the author and illustrator of 12 of them, featuring protagonists that include an earthworm searching for its purpose in life, a house that dreams of its origins, and a character that is almost too shy to appear in its own book.
My stories have been translated into ten different languages, adopted in classrooms across the country, and honored with many starred reviews and awards. I live in a colorful house in Connecticut, where I'm always busy at work on my next books.
I love reading books and telling you about them; I hate rating them! Let's just say that if I didn't like a book, it isn't here at all.
Website: www.deborahfreedman.net
—with tons of free resources for readers, and a sign-up for my eNewsletter
Bluesky: @DeborahFreedman.net
Facebook: Deborah Freedman, Author & Illustrator
Instagram, Threads: @FreedmanIllustrates
—stop by and say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
December 12, 2023
نقاشی های آبرنگ کتاب فوق العاده قشنگ و شادن
خوشبحال بچه ها جدن.
این کتاب هم درباره همکاری و هماهنگی و کار گروهیه.
خوشبحال بچه ها جدن.
این کتاب هم درباره همکاری و هماهنگی و کار گروهیه.
August 30, 2019
Enthusiastic Frog interrupts his friend Mouse one morning, and commandeers her storytelling process, making a big mess - both physically and in terms of the narrative - in the process. Mouse finally has to put her foot down, and take control of the story again. But is there a way for these two friends to tell the story together...?
An entertaining meta-fictional tale, By Mouse and Frog reminded me a bit of books like Mélanie Watt's Chester , in which a cat character commandeers the author's story about a mouse, or Snappsy the Alligator Did Not Ask to Be in This Book by Julie Falatko and Tim Miller, in which the eponymous alligator argues incessantly with his narrator. When done well, this sort of thing is quite amusing, and Deborah Freedman's effort is quite well done. I liked the message, highlighted in the resolution of the tale, about balance and compromise in both play and storytelling. I also liked the artwork, which was by turns humorous and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about storytelling, or compromise in friendship, as well as to anyone who enjoys more meta-fictional picture-books.
An entertaining meta-fictional tale, By Mouse and Frog reminded me a bit of books like Mélanie Watt's Chester , in which a cat character commandeers the author's story about a mouse, or Snappsy the Alligator Did Not Ask to Be in This Book by Julie Falatko and Tim Miller, in which the eponymous alligator argues incessantly with his narrator. When done well, this sort of thing is quite amusing, and Deborah Freedman's effort is quite well done. I liked the message, highlighted in the resolution of the tale, about balance and compromise in both play and storytelling. I also liked the artwork, which was by turns humorous and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about storytelling, or compromise in friendship, as well as to anyone who enjoys more meta-fictional picture-books.
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February 19, 2014Why yes, of course I have read it.
December 6, 2015
Mouse wakes up early to start work on the new story she wants to write. It is a quiet story about a mouse who is setting the table. But before she can get any farther in her story, exuberant Frog hops in and starts adding new elements to the story, including cake, a king, and lots of ice cream. Meanwhile Mouse is trying to mop up all of the mess of the spilled tea, melting ice cream, while Frog gets completely out of control and takes over entirely. Finally Mouse has had enough and yells that Frog is not listening at all! They erase the entire mess of Frog’s story and start again with just Mouse’s ideas of morning tea. Frog is forlorn, unable to help until Mouse realizes that there is room in the story for her quiet ideas and Frog’s wild ones.
Freedman shows without any didactic tone that collaboration on stories and art is possible, as long as everyone listens, communicates and compromises. In fact, the end result is a lot more lovely! Showing that wild ideas are not the best way to come up with a story, but that also quiet thoughts have value, is a wonderful show of support for quieter thinkers. At the same time, that wild moment of Frog’s makes the entire book work, showing how out of control and wonderful some ideas can be. It’s a balanced look at creativity and collaboration that is welcoming and inclusive.
As always Freedman’s art is exceptional. Once again she does washes of watercolor that are gorgeously messy and free. The spilled tea and other elements of Frog’s story embrace all of that. Mouse’s story is shown in pencil drawings that are childlike and rough while also being very neat and structured. They show each characters personality clearly. At the end, it is a lovely marriage of the two styles, filled with bright colors and yet neat as a pin.
Creative and great fun to share aloud, this picture book demonstrates how teamwork and collaboration should work. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Freedman shows without any didactic tone that collaboration on stories and art is possible, as long as everyone listens, communicates and compromises. In fact, the end result is a lot more lovely! Showing that wild ideas are not the best way to come up with a story, but that also quiet thoughts have value, is a wonderful show of support for quieter thinkers. At the same time, that wild moment of Frog’s makes the entire book work, showing how out of control and wonderful some ideas can be. It’s a balanced look at creativity and collaboration that is welcoming and inclusive.
As always Freedman’s art is exceptional. Once again she does washes of watercolor that are gorgeously messy and free. The spilled tea and other elements of Frog’s story embrace all of that. Mouse’s story is shown in pencil drawings that are childlike and rough while also being very neat and structured. They show each characters personality clearly. At the end, it is a lovely marriage of the two styles, filled with bright colors and yet neat as a pin.
Creative and great fun to share aloud, this picture book demonstrates how teamwork and collaboration should work. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
July 25, 2017
Anyone who has ever tried to write a book with kids around the house will understand this book instantly. Here we have poor Mouse who is working on his masterpiece and along comes Frog to not only interrupt, but to put in his two cents worth on how to make the story much better.
Mouse's growing frustrating and Frog's constant obliviousness underscores this little drama that was played out in my own house just last week, only my frog is about six feet tall, and fairly autistic.
What I liked best was Mouse's solution as to how he handled the interruptions and also reached out to engage and direct Frog in something they could both wind up enjoying. This is brilliant problem solving, making this a book that is not only funny, but teaches at the same time (though the question comes up as to whether it's Frog or Mouse who is being taught).
I loved this book and enjoyed sharing it with my family. I was so absolutely delighted when I picked it up, that I read the whole thing to my husband (who is also a writer). Seeing him laugh brought an extra smile to my face. This is definitely a book not to be missed by any adult who has felt 'interrupted' or any child who loves to tell stories.
(Side note- DO check out the illustrations which are brilliantly funny. This book wins on many levels.)
Mouse's growing frustrating and Frog's constant obliviousness underscores this little drama that was played out in my own house just last week, only my frog is about six feet tall, and fairly autistic.
What I liked best was Mouse's solution as to how he handled the interruptions and also reached out to engage and direct Frog in something they could both wind up enjoying. This is brilliant problem solving, making this a book that is not only funny, but teaches at the same time (though the question comes up as to whether it's Frog or Mouse who is being taught).
I loved this book and enjoyed sharing it with my family. I was so absolutely delighted when I picked it up, that I read the whole thing to my husband (who is also a writer). Seeing him laugh brought an extra smile to my face. This is definitely a book not to be missed by any adult who has felt 'interrupted' or any child who loves to tell stories.
(Side note- DO check out the illustrations which are brilliantly funny. This book wins on many levels.)
February 2, 2022
فوق العاده است این کتاب
January 17, 2018
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=6290
I love this book. Love any book that promotes imagination, writing, drawing, and cooperation. There is so much wonderful in these pages. First, the book is just so funny! Mouse and Frog are so different and the back and forth is laugh-out-loud comedic. Second, the story really makes you look at personality types and think about how to work together. Frog and Mouse’s story would be a wonderful one to read and then talk about norms when working in groups on projects/assignments. Third, the book also looks at story writing and narrative elements. What is needed in a good story? Do all stories have to have the same things? All in all, this book is fun to read and will be a good jumping off point for all sorts of discussions. I think this book is going to find some major love in homes, schools, and libraries alike.
January 2018: Trent and I watched the animated audiobook on Hoopla—so good!
I love this book. Love any book that promotes imagination, writing, drawing, and cooperation. There is so much wonderful in these pages. First, the book is just so funny! Mouse and Frog are so different and the back and forth is laugh-out-loud comedic. Second, the story really makes you look at personality types and think about how to work together. Frog and Mouse’s story would be a wonderful one to read and then talk about norms when working in groups on projects/assignments. Third, the book also looks at story writing and narrative elements. What is needed in a good story? Do all stories have to have the same things? All in all, this book is fun to read and will be a good jumping off point for all sorts of discussions. I think this book is going to find some major love in homes, schools, and libraries alike.
January 2018: Trent and I watched the animated audiobook on Hoopla—so good!
March 11, 2021
با اون تصویرهای قشنگش :)
قورباغه رو خیلی دوست دارم؛ با اون لبخند بیخیال و مشتاقش میپره وسط داستان موش و جیغش رو درمیاره، از خودش کلمات بیمعنی میسازه تا الکی یه چیزی بگه و توجه موش رو جلب کنه. ولی زورگو نیست و با اخطار موش، زود عقب میکشه و ناامید میشه از دوستی. بازم خیلی زود امیدوار میشه و با موش همکاری میکنه تا یه باغ خیالی داستانی زیبا خلق کنه
قورباغه رو خیلی دوست دارم؛ با اون لبخند بیخیال و مشتاقش میپره وسط داستان موش و جیغش رو درمیاره، از خودش کلمات بیمعنی میسازه تا الکی یه چیزی بگه و توجه موش رو جلب کنه. ولی زورگو نیست و با اخطار موش، زود عقب میکشه و ناامید میشه از دوستی. بازم خیلی زود امیدوار میشه و با موش همکاری میکنه تا یه باغ خیالی داستانی زیبا خلق کنه
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2015
Every morning, noon and night, despite your plans, is an adventure. When you wake up you believe you have full knowledge of how your day is going to unfold. You check your calendar, the news and the weather report. You have gathered all the necessary tools to accomplish your day's tasks.
Of course if your calendar is still on March instead of April, an appointment might be missed. A banner flashing an emergency message on your television screen about unexpected electrical repairs by city workers could foil your attempts at cooking meals. Opening your front door to see additional snow instead of the predicted partly cloudy day will definitely put a damper on leaf raking.
If a rather spirited frog happens to hop into your world, everything, absolutely everything, will shift. By Mouse & Frog (Viking, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), April 14, 2015) written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman is a story about a story. This tale starts and stops and starts and stops and explodes in creative craziness.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
Of course if your calendar is still on March instead of April, an appointment might be missed. A banner flashing an emergency message on your television screen about unexpected electrical repairs by city workers could foil your attempts at cooking meals. Opening your front door to see additional snow instead of the predicted partly cloudy day will definitely put a damper on leaf raking.
If a rather spirited frog happens to hop into your world, everything, absolutely everything, will shift. By Mouse & Frog (Viking, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), April 14, 2015) written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman is a story about a story. This tale starts and stops and starts and stops and explodes in creative craziness.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
February 9, 2015
This magical story is about two friends who co-write a book together. It is a great book to teach kids about the importance of listening and valuing others' opinions. The whimsical creativeness of this title reminds me a bit of The Dot by Peter Reynolds, another picture book favorite. I will add more to this review closer to the publication date, but it is simply adorable and was great fun to read to my son.
September 5, 2015
Things are quite mixed up in this story, a drawing begun quietly by mouse until frog intervenes with “jumping” enthusiasm. I loved each part, the ones where mouse is offended, frustrated, but frog’s energy does win mouse over, and delightful things happen. Deborah Freedman adds her own energy in the creative pencil drawings, made-up stories and colored details. This is a book that needs more than one reading and looking. The lesson learned: collaboration is fun!
April 27, 2015
Great book on cooperation and also how the writing process works - it ebbs and flows and changes. My favorite part though is at the end when Mouse and Frog question who the real author of the book is!
May 12, 2015
This book is down right hilarious! What fun text and illustrations! Mouse and Frog are certainly entertaining with their storytelling and imagination. A great book about the power of imagination, storytelling, friendship, and sharing.
May 31, 2015
Full of whimsy! Mouse wants to write a story but Frog keeps interjecting with his own, unsolicited ideas. Younger kids will delight in the silly and fantastic nature of the stories being created. Older kids will appreciate how it addresses the challenges of cooperative work.
April 7, 2016
This is a bit like Harold and the Purple Crayon meets Wiesner's Three Pigs. Both Mouse and Frog are storytellers with very different imaginations. A high energy picture book that deftly uses metafiction to tell a humorous story about friendship and creativity.
January 3, 2015
Whimsical with a great message about friendship and collaboration.
April 27, 2015
My favorite part is the last spread:
"Who is Deborah Freedman?"
"I have no idea."
"Who is Deborah Freedman?"
"I have no idea."
August 16, 2025
خیلی گوگولی و کیوت بود و واقعا خوش بحالمون که این کتابها رو داریم🥰
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June 10, 2016Narrative: We are going to read our last animal friendship story today and it’s called By Mouse and Frog. It’s actually a story about these two friends writing a story. I’ve written lots of stories in my life. Sometimes coming up with ideas to write about can be hard. In our story Mouse has certain ideas and Frog has completely different ideas. They don’t always agree. Do you think they will be able to figure out their story? (Allow time for discussion.) We’ll find out in just a moment, but before we do, I want to make sure we know the difference between the author’s story about our two friends and Mouse and Frog’s story they are writing. I’ll show you how we can tell the difference. (Open the book to the first two pages.) When we are reading the story by the author of our book, the print will look regular. See? (Point out print on the first page.) So anytime we say regular writing, we know we are reading about Mouse and Frog. Now look at the second page. (Show the kids the page.) Notice how the writing looks different? It’s slanted. We say that it is written in italics. Try that word. Italics. (Have kids try it). Whenever we see this type of writing, we will be reading about the story Mouse and Frog are writing. Let’s look at a few more examples before we start reading. (Flip through the next couple of pages, taking note of regular and italicized writing). Let’s start this story now and see if Mouse and Frog get THEIR story written.
Opening moves: Share a personal connection to the story.
Predict the outcome of the story.
Point out text features and discuss how the story is written.
Rationale: This book has a silly side to it which I think the students would enjoy. Some of the pictures and sentences would make kids smile. Besides the fun aspect, this book offers yet another important lesson about friendship: when you disagree, you can find a way to come together anyway. It rounds out my animal friends theme nicely and works well with my text set.
Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2006). Engaging readers in thinking and talking about texts through interactive read aloud. Teaching for comprehending and fluency: Thinking, talking, and writing about reading, K-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishing.
Opening moves: Share a personal connection to the story.
Predict the outcome of the story.
Point out text features and discuss how the story is written.
Rationale: This book has a silly side to it which I think the students would enjoy. Some of the pictures and sentences would make kids smile. Besides the fun aspect, this book offers yet another important lesson about friendship: when you disagree, you can find a way to come together anyway. It rounds out my animal friends theme nicely and works well with my text set.
Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2006). Engaging readers in thinking and talking about texts through interactive read aloud. Teaching for comprehending and fluency: Thinking, talking, and writing about reading, K-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishing.
June 4, 2017
Author: Deborah Freedman
Illustrator: Deborah Freedman
Title: by mouse & frog
Publisher: Viking
Date: 2015
Age range of intended reader as stated by book or publisher’s website: 3-5 years
Age range as you see it if that differs from what the book claims: 3-7 years
Brief assessment of the book’s quality (artistic, literary, intellectual merit) – no more than two sentences: The combination of cartoon and naive styles does a nice job of reflecting the different worlds/perspectives within this book. Frog’s storytelling is very three-year-old, but the message of working together and sharing might be lost on younger readers.
Brief assessment of potential use of book with young readers, if applicable (storytime, curriculum support, summer reading list, etc.) – no more than one sentence: This story does a great job of pointing out the importance of working together and sharing - a great message for socio-emotional curriculum support, or storytime.
Brief assessment of books’ appeal to potential readers - no more than two sentences: Frog’s wild storytelling and Mouse’s frustration will undoubtedly appeal to younger readers, especially if read with gusto!
Dr. Vandergrift's framing statements for illustrations:
What really caught my eye was the change in artistic styles to reflect different characters’ ideas.
That artwork shows the youth of the main characters really well.
I'd like to see more of a continuity within Frog’s story.
That artist is really skilled at creating very childlike drawings that are also easily recognizable for what they are supposed to represent.
I am a little confused by Frog’s wildly veering rant/story.
If I had to characterize this illustration in one word, that word would be vivid.
Illustrator: Deborah Freedman
Title: by mouse & frog
Publisher: Viking
Date: 2015
Age range of intended reader as stated by book or publisher’s website: 3-5 years
Age range as you see it if that differs from what the book claims: 3-7 years
Brief assessment of the book’s quality (artistic, literary, intellectual merit) – no more than two sentences: The combination of cartoon and naive styles does a nice job of reflecting the different worlds/perspectives within this book. Frog’s storytelling is very three-year-old, but the message of working together and sharing might be lost on younger readers.
Brief assessment of potential use of book with young readers, if applicable (storytime, curriculum support, summer reading list, etc.) – no more than one sentence: This story does a great job of pointing out the importance of working together and sharing - a great message for socio-emotional curriculum support, or storytime.
Brief assessment of books’ appeal to potential readers - no more than two sentences: Frog’s wild storytelling and Mouse’s frustration will undoubtedly appeal to younger readers, especially if read with gusto!
Dr. Vandergrift's framing statements for illustrations:
What really caught my eye was the change in artistic styles to reflect different characters’ ideas.
That artwork shows the youth of the main characters really well.
I'd like to see more of a continuity within Frog’s story.
That artist is really skilled at creating very childlike drawings that are also easily recognizable for what they are supposed to represent.
I am a little confused by Frog’s wildly veering rant/story.
If I had to characterize this illustration in one word, that word would be vivid.
March 30, 2015
The third book is called By Mouse & Frog and it's written by Deborah Freedman and published by Viking. And in this story you kind of having a sibling story, if you will, of Mouse, who is this talented artist who wants to tell a story and make the illustrations really beautiful and edited down and Frog jumps in a just wants to be a part of it. Frog is a little frantic and the art style is definitely younger and not as mature. But they have to find a way to co-exist. Again, much like siblings, Mouse has to find a way to tolerate Frog, but Frog also needs to understand Mouse's boundaries. And it's got a wonderful twist. You know, Deborah Freedman is great for braking the fourth wall in her books and for just taking the story in a direction you might not expect, and she certainly delivers on By Mouse and Frog.
This review appears on an episode of the “Best Book Ever [this week]” segment of the Let’s Get Busy podcast. Check out the original post here: http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com/2015/0...
This review appears on an episode of the “Best Book Ever [this week]” segment of the Let’s Get Busy podcast. Check out the original post here: http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com/2015/0...
February 11, 2015
Adorable! Mouse is trying to write a story, but Frog keeps taking over the tale. Frog has quite an imagination and loves to talk! There is a page that gives shoutouts to Are You My Mother?, Goodnight Moon, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and all sorts of fairy tales. I love how Mouse and Frog draw their own stories--the illustrations are fascinating! Eventually the two cooperate and make a wonderful story.
Also loved how they cross out the author's name and write Mouse and Frog under everything--cute!
Also loved how they cross out the author's name and write Mouse and Frog under everything--cute!
December 30, 2015
Love the message and model for kids writing cooperatively. Favorite page has refernces to a multitude of children's books "... a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-and"-
Fog took a deep breath----
"some had two feet and some had four and some had a comb and a brush and a bowl full of chicken soup, with noodles, not rice, and the cheered we are here! We are here! We are here! We have no end of sticky cheese! And they played bump-bump and tumble, and hey diddle diddle all-fall-down, kuplink, kuplank, do you like my hat? You monkeys, you, I do! I do! What would you do if your mother asked... are you my mother? Have a carrot. Then they sat just quietly, smelling ring-around-the-rosies, patty-cake, patty-cake, frankooberry mush, but the sky is falling! No more blue! May I bring a friend? Can I drive the bus? I think I cqan---I think I can---and millions and billions and trillions flew over..."
Fog took a deep breath----
"some had two feet and some had four and some had a comb and a brush and a bowl full of chicken soup, with noodles, not rice, and the cheered we are here! We are here! We are here! We have no end of sticky cheese! And they played bump-bump and tumble, and hey diddle diddle all-fall-down, kuplink, kuplank, do you like my hat? You monkeys, you, I do! I do! What would you do if your mother asked... are you my mother? Have a carrot. Then they sat just quietly, smelling ring-around-the-rosies, patty-cake, patty-cake, frankooberry mush, but the sky is falling! No more blue! May I bring a friend? Can I drive the bus? I think I cqan---I think I can---and millions and billions and trillions flew over..."
May 1, 2015
This is one of the cutest books ever.
No, really!
At its core, it's an adorable story about a mouse and a frog - Mouse wants to write a story, and Frog wants to help...with interesting consequences. Funny! Cute illustrations! Cool story!
And yet, there's so much more - the importance of cooperation, and how creativity is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it needs to be guided and constrained! Even within the story - once Mouse decides to let Frog "play," it's still...not what Frog wants to do. And yet Frog is willing to go along with it to please Mouse.
There are SO many lessons to be drawn from this book, but not a single one feels like it's bashing readers over the head. I recommend this book highly!
No, really!
At its core, it's an adorable story about a mouse and a frog - Mouse wants to write a story, and Frog wants to help...with interesting consequences. Funny! Cute illustrations! Cool story!
And yet, there's so much more - the importance of cooperation, and how creativity is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it needs to be guided and constrained! Even within the story - once Mouse decides to let Frog "play," it's still...not what Frog wants to do. And yet Frog is willing to go along with it to please Mouse.
There are SO many lessons to be drawn from this book, but not a single one feels like it's bashing readers over the head. I recommend this book highly!
July 2, 2015
Do you have that one friend who just complicates every plan you have (or maybe you are that complicating friend). well, this story is for you, and Neatnik mouse tries to tell a story, and then dissevers that Frog takes over the story, in a charming way, of course.
Then cooperation wins out in the end, but not before plenty of problems occur and friendship is tested.
I loved the scene where Frog recites lines from some favorite children's stories (and now i have to test myself to see if i can recall which ones they are from)
a delightful story, told with great humor, and a tongue in cheek approach to life.
Then cooperation wins out in the end, but not before plenty of problems occur and friendship is tested.
I loved the scene where Frog recites lines from some favorite children's stories (and now i have to test myself to see if i can recall which ones they are from)
a delightful story, told with great humor, and a tongue in cheek approach to life.
April 24, 2015
You know we all have that one friend, that one kid in our class (or home!), that one co-worker who can turn a simple idea into an over the top extravaganza! Poor mouse has frog, who tries to turn mouse's simple story about having tea into an all out royal fiasco with kings and dragons. After some hurt feelings and some compromises mouse and frog work together to write a just right story! The illustrations really carry this book. The facial expressions of both main characters are priceless! This would be a good story for any age and a great way to introduce story writing to kids.
January 9, 2016
Mouse wakes up early to write his story. But Frog has ideas of his own… lots of them, outrageous ideas, which do not please Mouse at all. Frog realizes that he is taking over Mouse’s story and agrees to play a quiet role, but that’s just not his style. Eventually, Mouse agrees to let Frog have a bigger part in the story and both friends end up creating something they can both be happy about. Although they do wonder who Deborah Freedman is!
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
July 26, 2015
Deborah Freedman has written a rollicking story of a mouse who just wants to write.... create. He has an overly exuberant friend in a frog who takes over the story and gets out of control. Together they work out the kinks and keep their friendship. This book is so great for read aloud with young children, and you will find hints at other popular children's books and classics! It is terrific! It is also a great vehicle to teach collaborative writing, the creative process and can reinforce that we all have our own talents. I love this one and will have it in my school library this year!
April 16, 2015
LOVED this! The illustrations, story, flow, children's ability to relate to scenario, just everything! Being interrupted and/or messed up in the midst of creative flow by someone else's creative flow--especially if they are a pushy/take-over/very enthusiastic sort of person--can be difficult. Comprise can be even a bigger challenge. Love how the animals sorted it out while expressing themselves/using words to make the best out of everything.
March 21, 2017
I love the illustrations in this story - they (and the story) go from endpapers to endpapers. The interplay between mouse and frog is just wonderful!
All mouse wants to do is tell a story - mouse's own story, but when frog jumps in and starts making changes, mouse must figure out how to regain control. Or does he?
This is an absolutely wonderful story filled with friendship and imagination!
All mouse wants to do is tell a story - mouse's own story, but when frog jumps in and starts making changes, mouse must figure out how to regain control. Or does he?
This is an absolutely wonderful story filled with friendship and imagination!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews