Frogness

by Sarah Nelson, Eugenie Fernandes (Illustrator)

An exuberant frog hunt, full of mud, muck, and wonder, leads to a playful exploration of mindfulness.

As rain clouds bloom across the sea and the first stars wink, Sammy and Chocolate tiptoe into the marsh behind their house in search of frogs. They can hear frogs everywhere—croaking, chirping, clucking, burping—but though they poke and peek, wriggle and sneak, they can’t spot even one. It’s only after Sammy and Chocolate stop looking, flop onto the grass, and fade into frogness—no thinking, just being—that frogs come flying. Plink! Plop! Splatter! Splash! Too slippery and fast to catch!

Written in lively, lilting free verse, Frogness invites curiosity and energetic play while also highlighting mindfulness and the hidden rewards of patience. Lush paintings and buoyant language immerse readers in the rich atmosphere of a marsh at sunset. This joyful summer read celebrates being part of nature and soaking up all the sounds and sensory details of our environment, whether we are active or at rest.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Childrens, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Sarah Nelson is the author of critically acclaimed fiction and nonfiction picture books. Her most recent title, Birth of the Bicycle: A Bumpy History of the Bicycle in America, is a 2024 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Sarah's other titles include Firefly Galaxy, Follow the Flyway: the Marvel of Bird Migration, and A Park Connects Us, which has been featured in dozens of StoryWalks across the United States. When not writing, Sarah teaches English to adult immigrants and refugees and loves walking in the parks around her Minnesota home. She is represented by Marietta B. Zacker of the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency. Learn more at sarahnelsonbooks.com.

Reviews

[Stephanie Landsem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frogness sings with the beauty of nature. It's a picture book full of everything a child loves -- a story told in lively images, words that slip and slide, mud and muck and frogs and even a cute dog. This book will kindle a child's innate interest in the natural world and fan a love for the words we can use to describe it. Moms and Dads won't grow tired of the lyrical prose and when a child inevitably asks to 'read it again!' they will happily comply!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a children's picture book that is STEM related and full of nature? Frogness by Sarah Nelson feels like the perfect book if you have this in mind!

This book about frogs, nature and a child's imagination is a must read! Honestly, this makes me so nostalgic for the science themed books from my childhood (in picture book form, of course). This book is about exploration and innovation all while looking for frogs. A creative, young girl sets on her journey with her dog to go find frogs. The writing is wonderful and felt like it had the perfect story telling voice (because, like a total nerd I read some of it out loud).

The illustrations are also beautiful and colourful. It all felt so fitting for the story. And finally, the non-fiction section at the end to do a little teaching! I love educational moments in my picture books!

I love this book and highly recommend it. It is super fun and a great way to introduce nature and STEM at an early age (in a super fun way!)

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Lauren Geier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down at my laptop to read and review an ARC while my daughter was showering. My intention was to save the post for another day but I can’t wait to tell you about “Frogness” by Sarah Nelson! This beautifully illustrated book checks all of my favorite boxes; engaging pictures, opportunities to make goofy animal sounds while reading aloud, a rhythmic narrative, and organic opportunities to pause for reflection. At initial glance, one might simply view this book as a cute story of a child looking outside for frogs. The children’s therapist in me, reread the story out loud and heard the natural presentation of grounding principles, body awareness prompts, and attention to breath and posture. As I was reading the words, my youngest child wandered into the room and, without being prompted, began to act out the actions as the words were presented. I matched her interest by allowing my voice volume and tone to follow the book’s font changes and phrasing. At times this book reminded me, both in illustration style and rhythm of "Going on a Bear Hunt." Like Bear Hunt, Frogness lends itself well to repetition and physical actions but is more connected to the child's physical experience.

While many books focused on teaching mindfulness to children focus on mindfulness skills first, Frogness places the natural curiosity and playfulness of childhood centrally and incorporates skills around. While Frogness is not due to be published until midApril, I couldn’t help myself but post a preview today! I will absolutely repost a reminder of this new favorite on the publication date, which coincidentally happens to be my birthday!?

Thank you to Netgalley, Owlkids Publishing, and Sarah Nelson for the opportunity to provide an honest review and the privilege of previewing Frogness! I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book about a young girl, Sammy, and her dog, Chocolate, are going on a frog hunt. They head out into the marsh behind the house when it begins to get dark. They can hear frogs everywhere—croaking, chirping, clucking, burping—but they can't find any. When they finally lay down on the ground and are quiet, the frogs come out, and hop all over them. The vocabulary in this book was great, the sounds, the action sounds (Plink! Plop! Splatter! Splash!) all help to build a child's word choice. The illustrations were wonderful. The expressions, the actions and the backgrounds were all detailed and added to the story. The text was written in a free verse prose that was easy to read aloud. I like how the author used the story to teach about nature, as well as patience and being calm in order to see the many things in the world. The back page gives some information about frogs that an older child could use as a jumping off point for further investigation. Another book that I recommend for family libraries, bedtime books, and classrooms. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Michelle Bruhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the wonder of finding a connection with nature. This time the connection is through frogs- finally, LOTS of frogs! The cadence and and storyline are upbeat and joyful, following the arc of discovery. My two boys LOVED this book, each getting slightly different things out of- another sign of a very well written book!

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's frog hunt on.... Sammy and his dog Chocolate are ready to explore the marsh and catch themselves a croaker. The sounds of frogs are deafening... croaking, chirping, clucking, burping filling up the night. The duo search high and low to find them but alas they can't find one. Where oh where could they all be hiding?

Exhausted from exploring they plunk down on the grass and become one with the earth. They sink into frogness.... ahhhhhh! Then to their surprise they hear plink, plop, splatter, splash and it's game on once again. They tear off to catch one but the frogs are too slippery and fast to capture.

The story is engaging and the illustrations pull you right into it. The illustrations are very well done, full of activity, detail and fun. Frogness encourages kids to explore, imagine, and enjoy all the splendour and magic that nature has to offer. I love the fact that the author highlighted mindfulness, determination and patience. I highly recommend this book. Kids will love it.

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Nelson has created a magical dream of “frogs and stars and pieces of moon” and a muddy child and happy dog. Sammy and Chocolate go hunting for frogs in the swamp behind the house. At first they can’t find them although the air is full of the sound, but when they stop searching and stay quiet, they are surrounded by “frogness.” Nelson’s poetic language is so full of exuberant life that I want to giggle with delight. Eugenie Fernandes’s illustrations are vibrant with color and movement. I like that Sammy could be either a boy or a girl and wears glasses. How many kids’ books have main characters with whom kids wearing glasses can identify? A fun read aloud with lots of sound effects to be enjoyed over and over. The fascinating non-fiction page at the end on different kinds of frogs will no doubt send kids to the Internet to find out more.

[Maureen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful story takes you on the playful and poetic adventure of boy’s search for frogs. He and his dog go frolicking along, hoping to discover even just one frog. Finally, the hunt yields many of the creatures leaping, hopping, singing, croaking in a musical, lyrical chorus. The story ends with a satisfying dream about swimming through the sky with the frogs, the stars and the moon. The backmatter at the end of the book could be useful for a science class, or a parent hoping to teach a child about the biology of frogs.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read. It is especially interactive when you sound out the various noises written by the author. I also liked that at the end there is further information about frogs especially if your little one has further questions. A great teaching book.
*Thanks to Owlkids Books and NetGalley for this Ebook in exchange for my honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little girl and her dog enjoy a lazy summer day splashing through the marsh looking for frogs. The illustrations are amazing and the words include a lot of onomatopoeia. This would make a great group read aloud. Just wonderful! Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from OwlBooks through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Becky McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book has beautiful illustrations. The story follows a boy and his dog as they are out looking for frogs. The story is cute and I enjoyed the authors notes.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A paean to everyone's favorite amphibians.

[Pat Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frogness is full of frogs and fun! It is a pleasure to read out loud -- parents and children will delight in the lyrical language and energetic text. The charming illustrations are a perfect fit for the story. This book would be especially satisfying at bedtime as the excitement of the frog chase builds, then settles gently into froggy dreams. Frogness celebrates the joys of nature and the spoken word -- it's bound to be a family favorite.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for tomboys! Not that boys won’t enjoy this story, but it’s better for them to focus on that girls have all sorts of interests. It is engaging and entertaining.
Frogs... who doesn’t like frogs? Women wear them as jewelry or on t-shirts. And any mom reading this book will certainly identify one way or another about how cool frogs can be. Ribbit!
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Readersaurus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child and a dog explore the beach and marshes on a fine summer evening, hoping to find frogs. This is a celebration of childhood nature exploring. The frogs may be playing hard-to-get, but there are many other nature wonders to see along the way. They aren’t mentioned in the text, but children will surely spot them. The illustrations are exuberant and full of color.

Sammy loves frogs and wants to catch some. With Chocolate, the dog, they run, leap, check under logs, squish through the mud, but see no frogs. (Sometimes, patience and quiet work better when scouting wildlife.)

Any child who’s ever marveled at a bug, or delighted in seeing a rabbit across a field, or had little fish nibble their toes in a stream, will understand Sammy. This book may inspire some children to adventure outdoors and see what they can see.

There’s a nice note in the back about the many kinds of frogs in the world, how they make their frog calls, and why they can be so hard to spot.

This would be a great addition to any spring/summer, adventure, or play-outside storytime. Pairs nicely with Run Wild by David Covell for the joy of free play and getting messy.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetic picture book talks about Sammy's quest to find frogs. He hears them, but cannot find them as they hide in their pond and grasses. Eventually, Sammy lies down and melts into the frog song. The lyrical words are great for a read-aloud and the illustrations are fun. There is a factual page on frogs at the end for those that want to learn more about them.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Owlkids Books for the free digital copy.

A boy and his dog are on a mission to catch some frogs. This is a fun story about a boy's determination and fascination with these creatures. I thought it was a fun simple tale.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Owlkids Books and NetGalley for the advance digital reading copy of this book.

This was a cute story about Sammy and her desire to ctach a frog. This book included some great facts about frogs and some fantastic illustrations. This book will encourage kids to use their imaginations.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child goes looking for frogs. That's the story. It is simple, but lovely. There are many action words kids will get a kick out of saying and the illustrations are a soft touch that gives this book a calming presence.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about mindfulness and exploring nature. The illustrations are just wonderful!

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frogness, written by Sarah Nelson and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, is a wonderfully happy, bright and noisy read. A child named Sammy and Chocolate the dog are waiting: “behind the house, in the muddy marsh, it starts. Yeep, yeep, yeep!”. But what is it? What are the friends waiting for? “Tiptoeing, barefoot, as the chorus grows”, Sammy and Chocolate are on their way to “catch one”…aha! Frogs! Sammy lets readers know, through her first-person narrative, that she “can hear them everywhere- millions, probably- croaking and chirping and clucking and burping…My heads is full of frogs”. As readers read and watch on, Sammy and Chocolate wriggle and crawl and sneak their way around to find a frog or a million or more of them. When it seems as though the friends might not be successful in their search, they decide to “flop down in the grass…[and] fade off into frognesss”, just appreciating the alliterative cacophony of frog noises. But wait! Could it be? Could the friends finally be coming face to face with a frog? Or…many, many, many frogs? Well, readers will just have to explore Frogness for more excitement, splashes, and busy noises! Full of happy adventure and discovery, with lively storytelling from Sarah Nelson and deeply charming (and adorably frog-filled!) illustrations from Eugenie Fernandes, Frogness is a real delight to explore. Readers who love their picture books and read alouds filled with onomatopoeic fun, joyful sounds and opportunities to make noise, then Frogness is a perfect pick. Note: Ne sure to check out the back matter which includes a section called “A Chorus of Frogs”- all about the vocal noises of frogs!

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Owlkids Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear. This book was disappointing.

But first, the positive: The illustrations are fabulous, and I love seeing a young girl with glasses rolling around in the mud! I liked seeing pictures of frogs in action and their habitats.

My real problem with this book was the writing--it can't seem to decide if it's trying to be poetry or prose. Some parts have rhyming text and good rhythm, and other parts are totally disjointed and awkward to read. I like the interactivity of the various frog sounds (though they interrupted the flow of the book, though maybe that was intentional?), and the author's note at the end was good. But I found myself stumbling over odd lines of text rather than getting lost in the story. Also, the term "frogness" was never explained. This book needed to either be a lyrical, dreamy ode to frogs or a story about frog-catching. In trying to be both, it accomplished neither.

Lovely illustrations, but not a book I'll be using for library programming.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[April Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child (Sammy, who could be male or female) and their dog (Chocolate) go out to a nearby marsh one night to try to catch a frog. They can hear the frogs everywhere, but no matter how hard they look, the pair can't find any frogs. Giving up, they plop down in the grass, not thinking, not doing, just being, and suddenly, frogs! Frogs are jumping around everywhere, speaking in a variety of calls and too fast for the pair to catch one. Finally, their mother calls them home, and Sammy dreams of being a frog that night. A simple story, but told in a magical way that reminds the reader of how marvelous nature is when you take time to enjoy it. The poetic prose flows nicely, and the illustrations are colorful and full of action. I especially appreciated that Sammy was not demonstrably male or female, but could be either one, allowing any child to see themselves in the story. A fun read!

#Frogness #NetGalley

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
A young girl and her dog set off on an adventure to find and play with the frogs in the swamp near her home. They head out in early evening and after searching and then resting, the frogs find them. The pure joy of this time is captured in the text and the lovely illustrations. Nelson captures the fun involved in carefree childhood play. Readers will enjoy studying the detail rich illustrations to see all of the animals and plants that are included.
Great read aloud for families.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sammy and her dog, Chocolate, hear the frogs croaking and peeping the know it is time to go on a frog hunt. But no matter where they search, they cannot find any. Until - they become very still. And suddenly, they are surrounded by frogs. They don't catch any but they do have fun exploring until mom welcomes them back home.
This is a fun, whimsical book about searching for something in nature. There is even an informational note about frogs at the end of the book.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-galley of this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an eARC courtesy of Owlkids via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

First off, I love the illustrations. They are positively charming. But the text...does not work for me. Parts of feel melodic, others feel choppy, others feel confusing. It just left me confused. This book was okay, but is not, by any means, my favorite frog book out there.

[FloraTzu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but it really should be noted how our domestic pets can sometimes be very disruptive to nature. The dog "almost tasting frog legs" was organic but I'd prefer it was more discouraged to have your pets nearly harming wildlife. It is not exactly whimsy or beautiful to them to be disturbed in this way. Otherwise, a cute book about chasing frogs and loving their sounds.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

onomatopoeia. sammy and her dog are looking for frogs because they can hear them. they finally see one and then a bunch all at once. they try to catch one but they're too fast. they go home bone tired and sammy dreams about frogs.

[Bern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't think my kid cared for this, but it was a love letter written just for me. I grew up listening to frogs singing under my bedroom window it is to me what the sound of the waves are to coastal folk, a soothing delight.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.