Frog vs toad

by Ben Mantle

A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences.

Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it’s not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they’re not THAT different after all… At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Animals, Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Ben Mantle worked in animation, including on Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, before turning to children’s illustration. The illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman and many other picture books, he is also the author-illustrator of the Dinostars series as well as The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! Ben Mantle lives in Brighton, England.

Reviews

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a funny, delightful book that involves name-calling, mud-slinging doings down in the woods. The audience grows as frog and toad begin their fitful challenge of ownership over a fly caught by both of them at the same time with their tongues.

The author uses this verbal and real life mudslinging to teach differences in frogs and toads - their ability to hop high or low, the movement of their eyes, etc. The teaching is achieved in an immensely entertaining way utilizing the mode of storytelling. The lesson is actually hidden in the story.

The main discoverable lesson is that of differences between members of the amphibian reptile group. But the hidden discoverable lesson is that of a society that needs to learn that though there are differences there are also similarities that make us much the same. This provides a good opportunity to gently touch on the differences in races and cultures and how our differences shouldn't drive us apart but how we can appreciate each for their own strengths.

I love the cute illustrations and they help immensely to tell this story. I like particularly how the audience of observers grows with each page turn teaching us that our own actions and performances are observed by a growing audience.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nominated for the 2024 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, Frog vs.Toad attempts to explain the differences between frogs and toads while being humorous. It has no additional information or facts about amphibians or back matter to support teaching, but kids will enjoy it. I might read it to my 5th graders just before middle school where they might be eaten by crocodiles, I'm sure.

[Rachel Crank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might have been to reach my reading goal

[Maria Verduzco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frog vs Toad was a funny book between a frog and a toad who poke fun at each other to realize that they are actually “related” since they are both amphibians. After arguing with each other with their differences, in the end they realize they are the same. This can be a great read to future students as they can guess what differences the two have and teaches students that although we may be different to one another, we are all human and should be treated with kindness. Grade level I think would be 2nd to 3rd.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

My students and I loved this one! Younger elementary loved how silly it is and the older elementary found the "roasts" really fun. Everyone enjoyed the ironic twist at the end. As an educator I loved the vibrant pictures, the message of finding similarities vs focusing on differences, and it made a great introduction to talking about fiction vs nonfiction in how this fiction story blended in true facts about toads and frogs.
Nominated for the 2024 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Awards.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and entertaining with cute cartoonish illustrations. A frog and a toad poke fun at each other and get into a big community fight. I thought the ending with the alligator was perfect. Could work for storytime for humor factor though there is a lot of back-and-forth dialogue that might be harder to differentiate between.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! After reading the whole thing, my granddaughter wanted to look at the mud fight pages again. Illustrations are perfect. Dialogue is great. This book has excellent irony near the end. It would be a fun book to read just before a research unit comparing frogs and toads or other similar animals.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

A frog and a toad argue over who is better. I think frog makes a better case, but I'm biased. They get groups of frogs and toads into the argument. But, one thing they can agree on? Not wanting to get eaten.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, light-hearted story about two amphibians trying to best one another before coming together against a toothy reptilian foe.

[Michelle Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much for a storytime but great book for older kids. Fun way to sneak in animal facts.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arguing amphibians unite when faced with a reptile

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny but predictable. My child liked the ending.

[Danica Midlil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ending

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hilarious fusion of picturebook and nonfiction that will have the kids laughing and thinking at the same time.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over the top frog/toad humor + a giant mud fight? I'm in.

Themes: frogs, toads, friendship
Ages: 1-3 grade

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be sure to pair this one with I DON'T WANT TO BE A FROG! Great for readers of the Who Would Win series.

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elementary kids would get a kick out of this, and the illustrations are great.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A preschool and up book about a frog and toad fighting over a fly and they constantly fighting with each other.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a read aloud before slime and a frog craft and the kids were into it! They were quiet for the whole read aloud ages 6-9!

[Denise Wouw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kid really liked the fight and the calling each other names. Did not get the message tho. Hope the book does more to kid 2.
Fun story tho!

[Sandra Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious!

[Ashley Moser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Good book to use to teach comparisons and competition.