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I Don't Want to Be a Frog
I Don't Want to Be a Frog
The hit picture book about a frog who does NOT want to be a frog is now a board book!
Frog wants to be anything but a slimy, wet frog. A cat, perhaps. Or a rabbit. An owl? But when a hungry wolf arrives—a wolf who HATES eating frogs—our hero decides that being himself isn’t so bad after all. In this very silly story with a sly message, told in hilarious dialogue between a feisty young frog and his heard-it-all-before father, young children will identify with little Frog’s desire to be something different, while laughing along at his stubborn yet endearing schemes to prove himself right.
And look for the hilarious sequels— I Don't Want to Be Big , There's Nothing to Do! and I Don't Want to Go to Sleep.
★ "First-time author Petty’s dialogue between a frog father and his son makes its point about accepting one’s nature with a big grin. . . . The story might create similar gratitude in the minds of readers—or it might just make them giggle."— Publishers Weekly , STARRED REVIEW
"A lively look at self-acceptance."— Kirkus Reviews
"This amusing story ends with a laugh and a much more content frog."— School Library Journal
"Silliness and deadpan humor combine into a hopping good story of being happy with who you are."— Booklist "A paean to self-acceptance wrapped in snappy dialogue and illustrated with richly colored comic paintings." — Wall Street Journal "Petty and Boldt provide just enough predictability to hook youngest readers, then deliver a delightful twist or two to create surprise and satisfaction—for both the green hero and the many fans he'll make with this book."—Shelf Awareness "This lighthearted exploration of identity will delight as a readaloud."— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Frog wants to be anything but a slimy, wet frog. A cat, perhaps. Or a rabbit. An owl? But when a hungry wolf arrives—a wolf who HATES eating frogs—our hero decides that being himself isn’t so bad after all. In this very silly story with a sly message, told in hilarious dialogue between a feisty young frog and his heard-it-all-before father, young children will identify with little Frog’s desire to be something different, while laughing along at his stubborn yet endearing schemes to prove himself right.
And look for the hilarious sequels— I Don't Want to Be Big , There's Nothing to Do! and I Don't Want to Go to Sleep.
★ "First-time author Petty’s dialogue between a frog father and his son makes its point about accepting one’s nature with a big grin. . . . The story might create similar gratitude in the minds of readers—or it might just make them giggle."— Publishers Weekly , STARRED REVIEW
"A lively look at self-acceptance."— Kirkus Reviews
"This amusing story ends with a laugh and a much more content frog."— School Library Journal
"Silliness and deadpan humor combine into a hopping good story of being happy with who you are."— Booklist "A paean to self-acceptance wrapped in snappy dialogue and illustrated with richly colored comic paintings." — Wall Street Journal "Petty and Boldt provide just enough predictability to hook youngest readers, then deliver a delightful twist or two to create surprise and satisfaction—for both the green hero and the many fans he'll make with this book."—Shelf Awareness "This lighthearted exploration of identity will delight as a readaloud."— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
26 pages, Board Book
First published February 15, 2015
26 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Dev Petty
17 books108 followersDev writes books for kids which are also often enjoyed by immature adults.
She was a senior visual effects artist in film and is now- thanks to her husband, daughters and pets, fully recovered from her chronic workaholism.
She is also good at word jumbles. Really good.
Dev was born in Berkeley, California and now lives pretty much in Berkeley, California.
She was a senior visual effects artist in film and is now- thanks to her husband, daughters and pets, fully recovered from her chronic workaholism.
She is also good at word jumbles. Really good.
Dev was born in Berkeley, California and now lives pretty much in Berkeley, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
March 24, 2018
It is tough being a frog! Slimy and forced to eat bugs all day, no wonder some of them wish to be other things. However, as this little frog soon learns, while he pines to be a cat, a rabbit, or even a pig, there is nothing like being a frog! Why? Well, perhaps frogs do get a bad name for themselves, but there are some distinct advantages. Read the book to see for yourself. Neo quite liked this one, noticing the contrasts between different animals and how frogs do seem to be on the tippy side of the log. He chuckled by the end of the piece, before telling me he is happy to be human!
September 2, 2016
Avoid this book.
I have a couple issues with this book. Let's start with the main message: that the frog is a frog and there's nothing it can do to change that. I get that, literally, the frog couldn't become a cat or a rabbit or whatever else it wanted to be, but this is a kid's story. It's not about being literal. For this frog to have it's parents tell it over and over "no, you cannot do any of that," what kind of message does that send to kids? And when the frog "accepted" that it was a frog, it wasn't because of any positive frog traits, it was because all the gross aspects of being a frog meant it wasn't going to get eaten by a wolf. That's the resolution, the wolf tells the frog "but you should be happy, because I eat cats and rabbits and owls etc, but I don't eat frogs because they're disgusting." So congrats frog. You'll live on to be unhappy another day.
This entire book is a giant "F*** you" to trans people and kids. It's an "F*** you" to kids in general. No matter what you want to be, no matter how much you dislike yourself, you can never change. You are this and you don't get to do anything about it because nature made you that way. You should deal with it because you may have it slightly better than someone else. That's the moral of this ridiculous story.
Again, avoid this book at all costs.
I have a couple issues with this book. Let's start with the main message: that the frog is a frog and there's nothing it can do to change that. I get that, literally, the frog couldn't become a cat or a rabbit or whatever else it wanted to be, but this is a kid's story. It's not about being literal. For this frog to have it's parents tell it over and over "no, you cannot do any of that," what kind of message does that send to kids? And when the frog "accepted" that it was a frog, it wasn't because of any positive frog traits, it was because all the gross aspects of being a frog meant it wasn't going to get eaten by a wolf. That's the resolution, the wolf tells the frog "but you should be happy, because I eat cats and rabbits and owls etc, but I don't eat frogs because they're disgusting." So congrats frog. You'll live on to be unhappy another day.
This entire book is a giant "F*** you" to trans people and kids. It's an "F*** you" to kids in general. No matter what you want to be, no matter how much you dislike yourself, you can never change. You are this and you don't get to do anything about it because nature made you that way. You should deal with it because you may have it slightly better than someone else. That's the moral of this ridiculous story.
Again, avoid this book at all costs.
March 25, 2021
Okay, so, i don’t ever read picture books.
But today i overheard my two little sisters and i was like, what the hell?
The overall message: trans people are bad.
Like, WHAT??????
This is a book for KIDS.
Basically, the frog does not want to be a frog, but another animal. It tells another frog, and instead of accepting that, the other frog says that the frog is a frog and there is nothing he can do about it.
This is BS.
0.0000000000000000001 stars.
But today i overheard my two little sisters and i was like, what the hell?
The overall message: trans people are bad.
Like, WHAT??????
This is a book for KIDS.
Basically, the frog does not want to be a frog, but another animal. It tells another frog, and instead of accepting that, the other frog says that the frog is a frog and there is nothing he can do about it.
This is BS.
0.0000000000000000001 stars.
August 8, 2022
disappointing and also transphobic
March 25, 2017
As a parent of a transgender child I think the message that this story sends is completely heartbreaking. We need to allow our children to be who they want to be. If the point was to embrace the positive aspects of your self, the point is easily lost.
October 29, 2022
I don't agree with the message of this book. Children should not feel limited to their "nature," and the only good point of being a frog, in the end, is that they're higher up on the food chain than other animals. It didn't point out the fun things about being a frog, like swimming, hopping, etc, which I thought was disappointing. The story doesn't teach gratitude, appreciation, self-love, or how to reframe frustrating situations—all of which would have been worthy messages fitting to the plot. Instead, the message is that "you can't fight nature" and it's better to eat than be eaten. I can see this book being used to hurt queer kids. The message might be that a trans girl should accept that she is a boy to avoid being bullied. Kids are just figuring out who they are and they shouldn't be pushed into settling for easy answers and avoiding introspection. When I was little I experimented with different fashions, slang, and more. I had the support of teachers and parents and lots of good books to fill my head with.
I see other reviews mentioning this issue, so I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees it. Let kids express themselves freely!
At the same time, I think the kids will really appreciate the humor and the silly ending, so I'm giving a star for that.
I see other reviews mentioning this issue, so I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees it. Let kids express themselves freely!
At the same time, I think the kids will really appreciate the humor and the silly ending, so I'm giving a star for that.
August 18, 2015
we both loved this one!! what a fun read!
March 17, 2022
Ngl felt pretty TERFy or like right wing propaganda. Anti trans shit. Don't love it.
May 18, 2015
There are times my kids seem dissatisfied with everything, but I'm also sure that there are times when all I say is NO. This hilarious book takes that situation and produces laughs in all the right places--the perfect medicine for crabby kids and peevish parents.
Little frog is sure he doesn't want to be a frog. As he sits reading a book about cats, he decides that would be the perfect animal to be. "I want to be a cat," he declares to his father. Nope, his father says, you're a frog. Back and forth the dialog goes, in easy to read expressive short sentences--perfect for reading aloud together.
Hey--little frog can hop! He should be a rabbit, he tells his father. "You can't be a rabbit," his father calmly replies. No long ears, right? "I don't like being a Frog. It's too slimy," little frog whines. Little frog isn't easily persuaded. And his father's wise words don't sink in at all.
Kids are loving Mike Boldt's illustrations, especially how expressive little frog is. They love knowing that the dad is right, but I think they're rooting for little frog too. And the conclusion leads to giggles from everyone who's read it in our library.
Along comes a hungry wolf who tells how much he likes to eat all those animals. But does he like to eat frogs? No, not one bit. They're much too wet, too slimy, too full of bugs. Ahh, little frog finally realizes that--you know what, being who you are can be a pretty good thing after all.
Little frog is sure he doesn't want to be a frog. As he sits reading a book about cats, he decides that would be the perfect animal to be. "I want to be a cat," he declares to his father. Nope, his father says, you're a frog. Back and forth the dialog goes, in easy to read expressive short sentences--perfect for reading aloud together.
Hey--little frog can hop! He should be a rabbit, he tells his father. "You can't be a rabbit," his father calmly replies. No long ears, right? "I don't like being a Frog. It's too slimy," little frog whines. Little frog isn't easily persuaded. And his father's wise words don't sink in at all.
Kids are loving Mike Boldt's illustrations, especially how expressive little frog is. They love knowing that the dad is right, but I think they're rooting for little frog too. And the conclusion leads to giggles from everyone who's read it in our library.
Along comes a hungry wolf who tells how much he likes to eat all those animals. But does he like to eat frogs? No, not one bit. They're much too wet, too slimy, too full of bugs. Ahh, little frog finally realizes that--you know what, being who you are can be a pretty good thing after all.
February 25, 2015
This is the story of a frog who would rather be anything other than a wet, slimy, bug-eating amphibian. Anything — he’s sure! — would be better than being a frog. He can hop like a rabbit, and he’s sure he could stomach garbage like a pig, but one by one his alternatives are proved unsatisfactory. It isn’t until a hungry wolf with a diverse appetite comes along that frog realizes being just who he is isn’t so bad after all. Laughs and a worthwhile message about being yourself are guaranteed!
December 21, 2022
خیلی تکراری
خیلی بیقصه
تصویرگری ضعیف
خیلی بیقصه
تصویرگری ضعیف
October 11, 2022
A little frog wishes he were any other animal and complains to a bigger frog who tries to persuade him to accept being a frog. But it takes a special guest star to drive home the point.
Funny dialogue and humorous art. Nice!
Funny dialogue and humorous art. Nice!
January 31, 2024
Не искаш да си жаба, но знаеш ли че ако си жаба, вълкът няма да иска да те изяде?!
Забавна, с живи илюстрации и лесна за театър с малък читател.
Забавна, с живи илюстрации и лесна за театър с малък читател.
October 29, 2022
What the book wants to do*: Teach kids to love themselves for who they are!
What the book actually does: Teaches kids they can't be anything other than what they are no matter how much they might want to, to never change themselves. A bad message for anyone, but specifically this felt anti trans. Kid is shot down by their parent repeatedly when they try to be something other than a frog. At the end, a wolf appears and does...not eat them, because they're a gross frog and it only eats the things the frog wanted to be. Specifically it felt directed towards trans women, as I could see it going something like this: "aren't you glad you aren't a woman? I prey on women. But you're a man and I think that's gross, so I won't bother you." Just...ew. Maybe I read into it too much as a trans person myself, but I'm seeing other comments saw the parallel as well, so probably not. Whether it was intentionally transphobic, I don't know, but it felt really obvious to me.
*What I /hope/ the book wants to do, if I'm giving it enough benefit of the doubt to assume it isn't trying to be transphobic.
What the book actually does: Teaches kids they can't be anything other than what they are no matter how much they might want to, to never change themselves. A bad message for anyone, but specifically this felt anti trans. Kid is shot down by their parent repeatedly when they try to be something other than a frog. At the end, a wolf appears and does...not eat them, because they're a gross frog and it only eats the things the frog wanted to be. Specifically it felt directed towards trans women, as I could see it going something like this: "aren't you glad you aren't a woman? I prey on women. But you're a man and I think that's gross, so I won't bother you." Just...ew. Maybe I read into it too much as a trans person myself, but I'm seeing other comments saw the parallel as well, so probably not. Whether it was intentionally transphobic, I don't know, but it felt really obvious to me.
*What I /hope/ the book wants to do, if I'm giving it enough benefit of the doubt to assume it isn't trying to be transphobic.
May 21, 2023
“i guess you can’t fight nature. we are what we are” is cute unless you’re reading it within our current cultural context. lots of issues with the idea behind this one.
May 7, 2021
This is a highly recommended read aloud for younger children, they will enjoy the repition and the surprise at the end. Recommended for fans of "I Am Not a Chair", to which it has a similar vibe.
July 14, 2023
I love this... letting kids know it's good to be you, just how you are made.
April 19, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this one. It's the story of a young frog who wants to be anything other than a frog, and a parent saying things like "You can't be an owl because you don't have wings, and also because you're a frog!"
Before I get into it, I should note that the artwork is great. The pacing and readability of the story are also very good.
On the one hand, I think accepting who you are is a good thing. A lot of people, child and adult alike, have a grass-is-always-greener attitude, wanting what they don't have. But accepting things like not fitting the pop culture standard of beauty, not being athletically inclined, or whatever, and finding and embracing your own strengths and uniqueness is important to being happy and satisfied with your life. So, in that sense, it's a very good message.
On the other hand, I think about things like gender identity, where the child knows they don't fit the role society has proscribed them, and the parent, instead of listening and trying to help the child find themselves, is saying "No, this is what you are."
So, I think, in the right context, this can be a positive book, and I truly believe that's how the creators meant it, but I worry that this could also be used as a story to teach children that they should "know their place."
Before I get into it, I should note that the artwork is great. The pacing and readability of the story are also very good.
On the one hand, I think accepting who you are is a good thing. A lot of people, child and adult alike, have a grass-is-always-greener attitude, wanting what they don't have. But accepting things like not fitting the pop culture standard of beauty, not being athletically inclined, or whatever, and finding and embracing your own strengths and uniqueness is important to being happy and satisfied with your life. So, in that sense, it's a very good message.
On the other hand, I think about things like gender identity, where the child knows they don't fit the role society has proscribed them, and the parent, instead of listening and trying to help the child find themselves, is saying "No, this is what you are."
So, I think, in the right context, this can be a positive book, and I truly believe that's how the creators meant it, but I worry that this could also be used as a story to teach children that they should "know their place."
February 10, 2015
A fantastic children's book. This book delivers a great message and a lot of laughs.
Why be a slimy, wet, bug eating frog when you can be another animal? That's what little frog wants to know. He's tired of being a frog. He wants to be something else. Something like an wise old owl, or a warm and fuzzy cat or a rabbit. After all he can hop, and so can a rabbit. Even being a pig who eats garbage doesn't seem so bad. As little frog finds out, many of the things these animals can do, are things he can't do. In fact, out of all the animals he wants to be, not one of them eats bugs like he does. Though he's told he can't be anything other than who he is, the young frog still has hope in changing. That is until he meets a hungry wolf. Lucky for frog, wolves don't eat frogs, but they sure do enjoy eating many of the other animals frog wanted to be. Thanks to wolf, frog realizes that being a green, slimy, bug eating frog isn't so bad after all.
With great illustrations, plenty of laughs, and a great message about being happy with who you are, I Don't Want To Be A Frog is a book that will be read over and over again. I highly recommend this one.
Why be a slimy, wet, bug eating frog when you can be another animal? That's what little frog wants to know. He's tired of being a frog. He wants to be something else. Something like an wise old owl, or a warm and fuzzy cat or a rabbit. After all he can hop, and so can a rabbit. Even being a pig who eats garbage doesn't seem so bad. As little frog finds out, many of the things these animals can do, are things he can't do. In fact, out of all the animals he wants to be, not one of them eats bugs like he does. Though he's told he can't be anything other than who he is, the young frog still has hope in changing. That is until he meets a hungry wolf. Lucky for frog, wolves don't eat frogs, but they sure do enjoy eating many of the other animals frog wanted to be. Thanks to wolf, frog realizes that being a green, slimy, bug eating frog isn't so bad after all.
With great illustrations, plenty of laughs, and a great message about being happy with who you are, I Don't Want To Be A Frog is a book that will be read over and over again. I highly recommend this one.
February 21, 2020
In Dev Petty's I Don't Want to Be a Frog, a frog laments the fact that he is too slimy, filled with bugs, wet, and aspires to be a pig or a rabbit. He can hop like a rabbit and will settle to eat garbage like a pig...anything, but being a frog. However, once a hungry wolf appears yet proclaims he'll eat anything but frogs, the main character decides it is not so bad to be a frog.
This story is a great starting reader or to be read aloud that can elicit an action (hopping like a frog/rabbit) or posing questions "Would you eat garbage?"
The illustrations by Mike Boldt are beautifully done in color with the animals presented having a cartoonish effect. However, there may be some confusion in reading with jumping back and forth between text and speech bubbles. I found that keeping track of which order to read the speech bubbles could be a bit confusing for those unsure of reading speech bubbles (which directions to go, whether to read all from one character than the other, etc.) This is a great book for those little ones who are unsure of themselves and comparing themselves to others and to be happy for what makes them, them.
Recommended for ages 3-8.
This story is a great starting reader or to be read aloud that can elicit an action (hopping like a frog/rabbit) or posing questions "Would you eat garbage?"
The illustrations by Mike Boldt are beautifully done in color with the animals presented having a cartoonish effect. However, there may be some confusion in reading with jumping back and forth between text and speech bubbles. I found that keeping track of which order to read the speech bubbles could be a bit confusing for those unsure of reading speech bubbles (which directions to go, whether to read all from one character than the other, etc.) This is a great book for those little ones who are unsure of themselves and comparing themselves to others and to be happy for what makes them, them.
Recommended for ages 3-8.
October 13, 2015
This frog would rather be something cute and warm like a pig or a cat. Being a frog is to wet and slimy. His father will patiently explain once and again why he can't be a bunny... or an owl...
But of course the little frog will find out by himself the advantages of being a frog. For example not being part of some frightening individual food chain!
Funny story with two adorable characters. It is completely written in dialog form, and speech bubbles are used. The pictures are attractive, colorful without being strident.
Age range: 4 to 7 years old.
Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!
But of course the little frog will find out by himself the advantages of being a frog. For example not being part of some frightening individual food chain!
Funny story with two adorable characters. It is completely written in dialog form, and speech bubbles are used. The pictures are attractive, colorful without being strident.
Age range: 4 to 7 years old.
Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!
May 22, 2015
Cute illustrations and I liked the repetitive nature. On the other hand, not sure I 100% agree with the entire theme but it was adorable.
August 26, 2014
If I could give a book 10 Gold Stars, this book would have it. A great book for kids of all ages! Wonderful bright illustrations and a catchy story makes for a perfect book for storytime and read-aloud. Highly recommended.
March 6, 2015
Pair this with "Wide-Mouth Frog" for a Frogs-avoiding-being-eaten storytime.
February 3, 2015
A fun story about self-acceptance.
September 7, 2016
This book is literally so cute. My third graders loved this one.
February 8, 2018
I loved that it is a conversation between a boy and his father. Cute story with a good ending.
November 12, 2020
یکی از بهترین کتابهای کودکی (گروه الف) بود که خوندم.
(ترجمه فارسیش رو خوندم البته)
از کتابای مورد علاقهی بچههایی که براشون کتاب خوندم هم بوده.
داستان بچه قورباغهایه که نمیخواد قورباغه باشه و با پدرش درباره اینکه حیوونای مختلفی باشه و خوبی و بدی اون حیوانات صحبت میکنه. آخر داستان هم میفهمه قورباغه بودن هم خوبیایی داره و سعی میکنه "خودش رو اونجوری که هست دوست داشته باشه"
دو جلد دیگه با عنوان "دوست ندارم بزرگ شوم" و "حوصلهام سر رفته" هم از همین سری هست، ولی داستانش به این اندازه جذاب نیست.
(ترجمه فارسیش رو خوندم البته)
از کتابای مورد علاقهی بچههایی که براشون کتاب خوندم هم بوده.
داستان بچه قورباغهایه که نمیخواد قورباغه باشه و با پدرش درباره اینکه حیوونای مختلفی باشه و خوبی و بدی اون حیوانات صحبت میکنه. آخر داستان هم میفهمه قورباغه بودن هم خوبیایی داره و سعی میکنه "خودش رو اونجوری که هست دوست داشته باشه"
دو جلد دیگه با عنوان "دوست ندارم بزرگ شوم" و "حوصلهام سر رفته" هم از همین سری هست، ولی داستانش به این اندازه جذاب نیست.
March 27, 2023
قورباغه کوچولویی از قورباغه بودن خسته شده و می خواد یه حیوون دیگه باشه، مثلا گربه، خرگوش، جغد یا خوک.
یه قورباغه بزرگتر هم کنارش هست که همراهیش می کنه و دلیل میاره براش که نمی تونه قورباغه نباشه😁
به نظرم در اخر هم این بچه قورباغه متقاعد نمیشه که جیز دیگه ای نباشه!
ترجمه نشر مهرسا رو هم بیشتر از پرتقال دوست داشتم.
https://taaghche.com/book/63977
یه قورباغه بزرگتر هم کنارش هست که همراهیش می کنه و دلیل میاره براش که نمی تونه قورباغه نباشه😁
به نظرم در اخر هم این بچه قورباغه متقاعد نمیشه که جیز دیگه ای نباشه!
ترجمه نشر مهرسا رو هم بیشتر از پرتقال دوست داشتم.
https://taaghche.com/book/63977
March 5, 2017
I love the illustrations and simple dialogue in this book as a young frog expresses his desire to be a cat ...or rabbit...or pig...or... and as he learns why it is good to be himself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews