Sophie's Trophy

by Susan Middleton Elya, Viviana Garófoli (Illustrator)

In text that includes English and Spanish words, Sophie the toad wishes she were as good looking as her brother, but she discovers that her talent lies in singing.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 8, 2006

About the author

Susan Middleton Elya is the author of many books that cleverly incorporate Spanish vocabulary into lively verse. She is originally from Iowa and now lives in Northern California.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this tale of a frog struggling to find out what she's really good at was chosen to introduce Spanish vocabulary, but it makes for an awkward read-aloud. Viviana Garófoli's illustrations are winning, however.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie's brother is handsome and talented. He wins all the trophies that adorn the mantel. But, Sophie has talent, too, she just needs to find it, and accept it.

Used for "An Actor's Life for Me!: Sing, Act, Dance" Storytime- October, 2010.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I ever happy: This was my SECOND bilingual picture book by Susan Middleton Elya.

For much of the story, main character Sophie compares herself to her big brother Vince. Compares herself unfavorably.

But, by the end, she learns more about how to value herself.

Lovely! This FIVE STAR book combines clever text by Susan Middleton Elya with astounding artwork by illustrator Viviana Carofoli. Never before have I seen pictures of such cute-looking frogs.

[Chelsea Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie's Trophy by Susan Middleton Elya is a wonderful children's book that incorporates Spanish and English to tell the story of a little frog who never gets as much recognition as her brother. She never gets trophies and cannot seem to find what makes her special. In her search to find out what makes her special, Sophie sings about her sorrows. Other frogs hear her beautiful voice and ask her to join their singing group. When the rest of the group falls ill and Sophie is asked to sing a solo, will she have the courage to shine in front of the crowd and get her first trophy? Read this wonderful story and join Sophie in her adventure as she tries to discover what truly makes her special.

[Katie Scherrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites! Sophie feels intimidated by the accomplishments and perfection of her brother until she finds her voice. Great for frog themes. Non-Spanish speaking programmers could easily use this book (and many others by Elya). Just check with someone for the pronunciation of the Spanish words ahead of time and have fun with it!

[Tasha Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story with a touch of spanish that tells about finding your own talents and not basing your worth on others. The illustrations are great too. My girls think that Sophies brother is a boy because his eyelashes are so long, so I gave up on arguing with them about it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book integrated Spanish into it. It had a glossary at the beginning of the Spanish words that were within the book. It also had cute illustrations.

[Heather Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaches Spanish words with cute picture. This is a story about competing with siblings using frogs.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet little book that introduces kids to a few Spanish words and tells the story about embracing one's differences and talents. And, yet, I did not especially like it.