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The Frog in the Skyscraper
Frijibold’s stomach was rumbling. He tried to peer through the crowd. When would he get a chance to eat some of Mrs. Boggel’s spicy fried fly pizza? He was bored out of his mind by Friday evening’s entertainment.
Life at the pond can get pretty boring – even if you’re living in the heart of New York. So when Frijibold the Frog hears about the exclusive apartments in trendy Shark Fin Towers, he jumps at the chance to fulfil his secret lifelong dream: living in a skyscraper among those fascinating creatures called humans.
As a frog who considered himself a bit of an expert on humans, it was clear to Frijibold that he needed to know more about Shark Fin Towers. Then a different thought struck him and he felt his head almost burst with excitement: If all the famous humans were going to live in Shark Fin Towers, then what about checking it out himself as a place to live?
But no sooner has Frijibold stepped into his luxurious apartment than he finds himself trapped in an action-packed adventure involving an ambitious property developer, crazy TV hosts, and Mrs. Boggel’s spicy fried fly pizza. Humans can be more tricky than they look...
The Frog in the Skyscraper is the hilarious tale of one sharp-witted frog’s journey to find out where he really belongs – despite a few bumps along the way. It will appeal to children aged 7-9, and fans of Faiz’s former books.
Life at the pond can get pretty boring – even if you’re living in the heart of New York. So when Frijibold the Frog hears about the exclusive apartments in trendy Shark Fin Towers, he jumps at the chance to fulfil his secret lifelong dream: living in a skyscraper among those fascinating creatures called humans.
As a frog who considered himself a bit of an expert on humans, it was clear to Frijibold that he needed to know more about Shark Fin Towers. Then a different thought struck him and he felt his head almost burst with excitement: If all the famous humans were going to live in Shark Fin Towers, then what about checking it out himself as a place to live?
But no sooner has Frijibold stepped into his luxurious apartment than he finds himself trapped in an action-packed adventure involving an ambitious property developer, crazy TV hosts, and Mrs. Boggel’s spicy fried fly pizza. Humans can be more tricky than they look...
The Frog in the Skyscraper is the hilarious tale of one sharp-witted frog’s journey to find out where he really belongs – despite a few bumps along the way. It will appeal to children aged 7-9, and fans of Faiz’s former books.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2016
518 people want to read
About the author
Faiz Kermani
33 books71 followersIn his free time, Faiz loves writing funny children's books, especially frog-themed ones (frog-friendly fiction).
These include My Alien Penfriend, Golbo the Spider's Amazing Vacuum Cleaner Adventure, The Frog Who Loved Mathematics, The Frog in the Skyscraper, The Frog Who Was Blue and The Toad Who Loved Tea.
His books have won awards in the US and UK and have been translated into French, German, Spanish and Russian. He is involved in various literacy projects with schools and is always happy to hear from anyone on ideas for educational collaborations.
These include My Alien Penfriend, Golbo the Spider's Amazing Vacuum Cleaner Adventure, The Frog Who Loved Mathematics, The Frog in the Skyscraper, The Frog Who Was Blue and The Toad Who Loved Tea.
His books have won awards in the US and UK and have been translated into French, German, Spanish and Russian. He is involved in various literacy projects with schools and is always happy to hear from anyone on ideas for educational collaborations.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 13, 2016
Review: THE FROG IN THE SKYSCRAPER by Faiz Kermani
Totally delightful storytelling, for both children and adults! I very much enjoyed this wisely cautionary tale of a frog who discovers what's at home may be just as important as the glory of the skyscrapers. Cute illustrations and a gently encouraging tone will entice readers of all ages.
Totally delightful storytelling, for both children and adults! I very much enjoyed this wisely cautionary tale of a frog who discovers what's at home may be just as important as the glory of the skyscrapers. Cute illustrations and a gently encouraging tone will entice readers of all ages.
March 8, 2016
This is a lovely chapter book, my little boy loved me reading this to him, the graphics are lovely though I wish there had been a few more.
Frijibold is fed up living in New York City in the park pond and wishes for a chance to live with the humans he is so interested in.
This story has Frijibold moving into a skyscraper and all the tales that are involved, with some lovely songs.
Also leaves you with old adage of the grass is not always greener!!
Frijibold is fed up living in New York City in the park pond and wishes for a chance to live with the humans he is so interested in.
This story has Frijibold moving into a skyscraper and all the tales that are involved, with some lovely songs.
Also leaves you with old adage of the grass is not always greener!!
June 10, 2017
Ha! I love this book! Okay, so I do know the author, and I do love frogs, so I was going to rate this well even if it was terrible. ;) But it's a good story and I actually laughed a couple times.
August 6, 2016
If life as a frog couldn't get any better, eating Mrs. Boggels spicy fried fly pizza and spending time with his friends at the pond croaking all night on a lily pond sounds like loads of fun - but not for Frijibold. He is a frog who wants more out of life than the pond. As far as he is concerned, it's boring and repetitive, so when he hears about two humans trying to get an apartment at the new skyscraper, Shark Fin Towers, he thinks he should go check it out.
Frijibold is seen as a disruptive influence by other frogs at the pond. As he is bored with his life there, he shuns their friendship instead spending time at an old well listening to humans talk about their lives and wishes. These humans toss coins in there to make wishes for a better life, and Frjibold understands why they would do this as he has a yearning for a better life too. Frijibold asks Shark Fin Towers owner, Sean Shark if he can buy an apartment there, and Sean sees Frijibold as a business opportunity that will be sure to work.
Although by appearance, Sean seems a great business partner, Frijibold is naïve, he thinks he is looking after his interests, but Shark by name means shark by nature as he uses Frijibold to encourage people to buy expensive apartments at the towers. Frijibold ends up being involved in lots of publicity, doing interviews, photo opportunities for magazines and having his image used on advertising for the towers. This all makes him excited, but at the same time he is endlessly tired even though he is living in a top floor apartment. All the time his friends are wondering where he is and are concerned he hasn't come back to visit them.
Faiz sets the scene for this story where Frijibold has grown tired of pond life, but forgets that his friends and the life he had was just as rich, if not better than the one he chose in the skyscraper. He has to realise he could only be chasing a dream life that might not pan out as he expected. Faiz Kermani is the author of eight books designed for children who are interested in reading about fun, fresh characters from his original mind. This and The Frog who Loved Mathematics are the only frog themed ones, but I'm sure he will write more soon. The Frog in the Skyscraper has a moral to it that kids will get and parents will understand only too well. I liked the humour in it, Frijibold's innocent mistakes yet his instant appeal and the beautiful illustrations from Korey Scott throughout.
Frijibold is seen as a disruptive influence by other frogs at the pond. As he is bored with his life there, he shuns their friendship instead spending time at an old well listening to humans talk about their lives and wishes. These humans toss coins in there to make wishes for a better life, and Frjibold understands why they would do this as he has a yearning for a better life too. Frijibold asks Shark Fin Towers owner, Sean Shark if he can buy an apartment there, and Sean sees Frijibold as a business opportunity that will be sure to work.
Although by appearance, Sean seems a great business partner, Frijibold is naïve, he thinks he is looking after his interests, but Shark by name means shark by nature as he uses Frijibold to encourage people to buy expensive apartments at the towers. Frijibold ends up being involved in lots of publicity, doing interviews, photo opportunities for magazines and having his image used on advertising for the towers. This all makes him excited, but at the same time he is endlessly tired even though he is living in a top floor apartment. All the time his friends are wondering where he is and are concerned he hasn't come back to visit them.
Faiz sets the scene for this story where Frijibold has grown tired of pond life, but forgets that his friends and the life he had was just as rich, if not better than the one he chose in the skyscraper. He has to realise he could only be chasing a dream life that might not pan out as he expected. Faiz Kermani is the author of eight books designed for children who are interested in reading about fun, fresh characters from his original mind. This and The Frog who Loved Mathematics are the only frog themed ones, but I'm sure he will write more soon. The Frog in the Skyscraper has a moral to it that kids will get and parents will understand only too well. I liked the humour in it, Frijibold's innocent mistakes yet his instant appeal and the beautiful illustrations from Korey Scott throughout.
November 24, 2016
Frijibold is a frog who lives in a pond in New York city. However, nothing ever changes at the pond, and Frijibold has gotten tired of it. He overhears the humans passing by talking about the Shark Fin Towers, a new skyscraper with exclusive apartments. He gets the idea in his head to take the coins from the wishing well and move to the skyscraper. The property developer grabs the opportunity to use the talking frog for marketing and publicity means and Frijibold soon finds himself the center of attention, singing on TV and the life of every party. After a few months, his popularity is waning and people start treating him differently. He ends up missing his friends and family at the pond and decides to go back.
This story of self-discovery is funny, light-hearted and just a little bit crazy. Frijibold is a talented frog but he has a bit of trouble finding himself. His journey of self-discovery leads him from the pond to the penthouse apartment of a New York skyscraper and finally back to his family and friends at the pond, where he belongs. It is lightly written, easy to read and will especially appeal for young readers from 7 to 9 years old. It is also a fun story to read to younger children at bedtime, or read together with your kids.
More in depth reviews on www.owlishbooks.com.
This story of self-discovery is funny, light-hearted and just a little bit crazy. Frijibold is a talented frog but he has a bit of trouble finding himself. His journey of self-discovery leads him from the pond to the penthouse apartment of a New York skyscraper and finally back to his family and friends at the pond, where he belongs. It is lightly written, easy to read and will especially appeal for young readers from 7 to 9 years old. It is also a fun story to read to younger children at bedtime, or read together with your kids.
More in depth reviews on www.owlishbooks.com.
March 17, 2016
An Advanced Review Copy Provided By The Publisher Via NetGalley In Exchange For An Honest Review.
That's All I Need To Say After Reading This Book. The Frog In The Skyscraper!!! Such A Cute Story Including Nice Illustrated Graphic Pictures. No Matter If You're A Child Or An Adult. Both Can Enjoy The Story. I Enjoyed The Story Very Much. Love It Lot!!!
That's All I Need To Say After Reading This Book. The Frog In The Skyscraper!!! Such A Cute Story Including Nice Illustrated Graphic Pictures. No Matter If You're A Child Or An Adult. Both Can Enjoy The Story. I Enjoyed The Story Very Much. Love It Lot!!!
March 8, 2016
The Frog in the Skyscraper by Faiz Kermani is an adorable children's chapter book. The book is recommended for children ages seven to nine years old, but I read it to my grandchild that is a toddler and she enjoyed it. The illustrations were adorable...I just wish there were more of them.
The story centers around a frog named Frijibold that is tired of his boring life at the pond and moves into an apartment in a skyscraper called Shark Fin Towers. Living with humans now, his life becomes one adventure after another in this adorable and amusing story! I honestly thought this was a funny and unique story, and I would recommend it.
I was given a digital copy of this book from Troubador Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers around a frog named Frijibold that is tired of his boring life at the pond and moves into an apartment in a skyscraper called Shark Fin Towers. Living with humans now, his life becomes one adventure after another in this adorable and amusing story! I honestly thought this was a funny and unique story, and I would recommend it.
I was given a digital copy of this book from Troubador Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2018
This is a fantastic book. Thoroughly enjoyable and great for all ages! Would definitely recommend.
April 18, 2016
Frijibold is one of the many frogs who live in the park's pond in the heart of New York City. But Frijibold is different. He considers himself an expert on humans. He has spent so much time listening to humans' conversations he can speak their language. The other frogs can't understand why he finds humans so interesting. And Frijibold can't understand why frogs waste their time croaking and lily pad jumping. Right now all the frogs are happily listening to Uncle Krustnut singing and playing his out-of-tune guitar. Uncle Krustnut emigrated long ago from the swamp, and all he can sing about is his childhood in there. Why would Frijibold care about the swamp? He haven't even seen it!
That's why when he hears about the Shark Fin Towers, a beautiful skyscraper opposite to the park, he can't think in anything else but moving there. He finally succeeds and moves to the apartment in the highest floor with a incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the city, but after a while things prove to be different from what he thought they would be.
I find this story original and very humorous. At the same time important topics as identity, expectations, disappointments, ethics, and environmental issues, are addressed.
I think it would work perfectly for independent readers, but might also work for a read aloud with younger/new readers. Some of the vocabulary might be challenging, but not enough as to give up on the book. The pictures are simple but cute, and I wish there were a few more.
The story includes the menu of the Mrs. Boggel's Pond Paradise Cafe and it's just hilarious. Spicy fried fly pizza, dragonfly fries, mashed moths, sugared spiderwebs, apple maggot pie, and chocolate chip crickets are only some of the many delicious options you will find!
Age range: 7 to 10 years old
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
That's why when he hears about the Shark Fin Towers, a beautiful skyscraper opposite to the park, he can't think in anything else but moving there. He finally succeeds and moves to the apartment in the highest floor with a incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the city, but after a while things prove to be different from what he thought they would be.
I find this story original and very humorous. At the same time important topics as identity, expectations, disappointments, ethics, and environmental issues, are addressed.
I think it would work perfectly for independent readers, but might also work for a read aloud with younger/new readers. Some of the vocabulary might be challenging, but not enough as to give up on the book. The pictures are simple but cute, and I wish there were a few more.
The story includes the menu of the Mrs. Boggel's Pond Paradise Cafe and it's just hilarious. Spicy fried fly pizza, dragonfly fries, mashed moths, sugared spiderwebs, apple maggot pie, and chocolate chip crickets are only some of the many delicious options you will find!
Age range: 7 to 10 years old
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
March 17, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley for supplying me with a free copy of this book for review.
This is a story of a frog who is looking for a change of scenery. He wants to swap his boring life at the pond with friends and family, for a life in a skyscraper. Though the premise sounds shallow, this book is really deep (pun intended).
The author weaves in comments on environmentalism, materialism and family values. I especially enjoyed the dry humour with which environmental concerns were raised. For example, the author includes the harmful run-off from factories as a daring drink served at the local frog café.
One of the main values expounded in the novel is the value of true friends. The frog learns that sometimes people can use you for their own selfish ends. This is a tricky idea to explore in a children's book, and yet the author nails it.
This is a chapter-book, suitable for 6-8 year olds. This would be a great book to use in a classroom environment or for parents to read together with their child. The author uses a rich vocabulary, raises relevant issues and creates a character that learns a lot about social ettitiquette. One of the issues raised is respect. This allows for great discussions and reflective thinking between teacher & child or parent & child about how sometimes respect wasn't shown to you and when you, yourself haven't been respectful.
My one issue with the book was that it perhaps contained too many issues. I would have loved to see the writer touch on a few of these issues in a different book and expand further.
This is a story of a frog who is looking for a change of scenery. He wants to swap his boring life at the pond with friends and family, for a life in a skyscraper. Though the premise sounds shallow, this book is really deep (pun intended).
The author weaves in comments on environmentalism, materialism and family values. I especially enjoyed the dry humour with which environmental concerns were raised. For example, the author includes the harmful run-off from factories as a daring drink served at the local frog café.
One of the main values expounded in the novel is the value of true friends. The frog learns that sometimes people can use you for their own selfish ends. This is a tricky idea to explore in a children's book, and yet the author nails it.
This is a chapter-book, suitable for 6-8 year olds. This would be a great book to use in a classroom environment or for parents to read together with their child. The author uses a rich vocabulary, raises relevant issues and creates a character that learns a lot about social ettitiquette. One of the issues raised is respect. This allows for great discussions and reflective thinking between teacher & child or parent & child about how sometimes respect wasn't shown to you and when you, yourself haven't been respectful.
My one issue with the book was that it perhaps contained too many issues. I would have loved to see the writer touch on a few of these issues in a different book and expand further.
March 10, 2016
The Frog in the Skyscraper by Faiz Kermani is his second Frog book. It is an adorable children's chapter book that is recommended for children ages seven to nine years old. It could be read aloud to younger children as well. The illustrations were cute and colourful. Some of the language might be difficult for the younger readers but the 9 and even 10 year olds would be fine with reading this book independently.
The story is about a frog named Frijibold who lives in a pond in Central Park in New Your. He is bored with pond life and tired of hearing his uncle's songs. When he hears about Shark Fin Towers he goes to meet Sean Shark to rent an apartment. When Sean meets a talking frog he thinks he has just hit the jackpot. He lets Frijibold move in, then uses him as a marketing tool to fill the apartments. After a while, Sean Shark wants him to move out, but he misses the pond and moves out on his own. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence is a great message in this cute humorous story. A great chapter book for those young early readers.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about a frog named Frijibold who lives in a pond in Central Park in New Your. He is bored with pond life and tired of hearing his uncle's songs. When he hears about Shark Fin Towers he goes to meet Sean Shark to rent an apartment. When Sean meets a talking frog he thinks he has just hit the jackpot. He lets Frijibold move in, then uses him as a marketing tool to fill the apartments. After a while, Sean Shark wants him to move out, but he misses the pond and moves out on his own. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence is a great message in this cute humorous story. A great chapter book for those young early readers.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2016
A frog who can talk to humans is the main character in The Frog in the Skyscraper by Faiz Kermani. Frigibold, the frog, is unhappy with life in the pond and embarrassed by the silly songs his uncle sings to entertain the family. He decides he wants to move into a skyscraper. He enjoys his new life of TV appearances, interviews and famous human friends. But when his new friends grow tired of him he is left alone and he soon longs for his real friends and family. He returns to the pond where he realizes that he had a good life after all.
This story is similar to the town mouse and country mouse. The frog does not seem very bright as he does not seem to realize that he has been tricked. He goes home and sings silly songs with his uncle. The illustrations are cartoon like and add to the silliness of the story. The pages of menu items from the frog restaurant were my favorite pages in the book.
This story is similar to the town mouse and country mouse. The frog does not seem very bright as he does not seem to realize that he has been tricked. He goes home and sings silly songs with his uncle. The illustrations are cartoon like and add to the silliness of the story. The pages of menu items from the frog restaurant were my favorite pages in the book.
June 7, 2016
This is a cute little story about Frijibold the Frog. Instead of the ordinary life at the pond with his extended family, he longs to do something more grand, and hatches a plan to land in a new apartment building. Fate seems to smile on him… for a time. But he soon learns that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the road.
This is a very good book for newly independent readers, or even as a read-aloud for younger children. The fairly short chapters make it easy to navigate; the language is straight forward and simple to follow. The occasional pictures are bright and fun. Kids will probably especially enjoy the menu for Mrs. Boggel’s Pond Paradise Café and its description of all the frog delicacies offered there.
I received a free copy of this eBook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
This is a very good book for newly independent readers, or even as a read-aloud for younger children. The fairly short chapters make it easy to navigate; the language is straight forward and simple to follow. The occasional pictures are bright and fun. Kids will probably especially enjoy the menu for Mrs. Boggel’s Pond Paradise Café and its description of all the frog delicacies offered there.
I received a free copy of this eBook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
August 7, 2016
This is the 3rd book that I have read by this author, a fellow Bookcrosser, who has forwarded his books to my friend Squeaky to circulate. It was okay, but it was also my least favorite of the 3. (I really enjoyed The Frog Who Loved Mathematics and the one about the spider in the vacuum cleaner was fun even if the spiders were drawn with only 6 legs.) This is the story of a frog who lives in a pond in Central Park and is bored with his life. He moves out to live in a skyscraper that has been built nearby and is largely exploited by the shady character who owns it. I think I was sad that, while the frog did seem to grow and learn from his experience, you didn't get a real sense of closure like in the other 2 stories by this author. And, yes, I did just use the word closure in discussing the story of a talking frog.
March 19, 2016
I received an advanced copy of this fancy book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story of Frijbold a frog that is not happy about his life at the pond with the others and decide to go in a new skyscraper to feel itself different and try a new adventure.
After a joyful period of parties and meeting with the people he found himself stranded and falls in a nostalgic mood remembering what left behind and finally planning a swift comeback.
The book is easy to read and well written suitable for little children it contains also some colourful picture which makes the reading a pleasure.
I can easily recommend "The frog in the skyscraper" by F.Kermani to everyone who wants a relaxing as funny read
I enjoyed the story of Frijbold a frog that is not happy about his life at the pond with the others and decide to go in a new skyscraper to feel itself different and try a new adventure.
After a joyful period of parties and meeting with the people he found himself stranded and falls in a nostalgic mood remembering what left behind and finally planning a swift comeback.
The book is easy to read and well written suitable for little children it contains also some colourful picture which makes the reading a pleasure.
I can easily recommend "The frog in the skyscraper" by F.Kermani to everyone who wants a relaxing as funny read
March 16, 2016
I read an ebook curtisy of Netgalley. I adore frogs, so I had to read this. I would recommend this book for early readers as well as parent/child read together books. The character learns much about real life and the valuable lesson is told throught the eyes of an unlikely frog, who learns what really is important in life as well as not everyone is what they seem. Great story, though is started out too slowly. I would have preferred a better opening to keep struggling readers (especially) interested.
Read
April 25, 2016Frijibold is a frog that is looking to get out of the pond. What he finds makes him realize things are not as bad as he originally thought. Cute chapter book for independant readers and an enjoyable story to read aloud. The illustrations are great.
Reviewed through NetGalley for an independant, honest review.
Reviewed through NetGalley for an independant, honest review.
March 20, 2016
Highly entertaining!
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: All
Status: G
Humor/Wit: Yes
Imaginative/Creative: Yes
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: All
Status: G
Humor/Wit: Yes
Imaginative/Creative: Yes
Source: NetGalley
March 13, 2016
A silly story.
Want to read
April 17, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews