Finklehopper Frog Cheers

by Irene Livingston, Brian Lies (Illustrator)

In these further adventures of the sweet amphibian, Finklehopper Frog worries that the local bullies might make fun of his favorite hat at the town picnic. Should Finklehopper stay home and avoid the confrontation altogether? Meanwhile, his pal Ruby Rabbit is up against some tough competition in the annual hopping race. Luckily for Finklehopper and Ruby, facing fears and learning the value of good sportsmanship is a lot easier with a friend by your side. Vibrant artwork full of visual jokes.Highlights physical exercise and good sportsmanship.FINKLEHOPPER FROG has sold over 25,000 copies.FINKLEHOPPER FROG was a 2004 CBC Children’s Choice and received the Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2005

About the author

Brian Lies is the author and/or illustrator of more than twenty children's books, including the New York Times bestsellers BATS AT THE BEACH and BATS AT THE LIBRARY (named the Indie Choice Best Picture Book of 2008)."

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and illustrations.

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finklehopper Frog Cheers is about a frog who is scared to go to a picnic because he is worried people will make fun of his hat or try to take it from him. Once he sees that his friend Ruby the rabbit is going to the picnic too he decides he'll be fine. After they arrive at the picnic, two bullies pick on Fink because of his hat. Ruby scared them off for Fink and he was very grateful. After, they went to the hopping track where Ruby was competing in a race. She saw that Kangaroo was also in the race and she was very discouraged because Kangaroo was very fast. Fink encouraged her to do the best that she could. Ruby ended up in second place. She was very sad but Fink reminded her that she did her best; and just like Fink went to the picnic when he was scared, Ruby ran the race even though she was too. They ended the day by getting dinner and remembering that they did their best and that is all that matters.

I think the plot could have been more exciting but it was decent for a children's book. There was an obvious beginning, middle, and end. I thought the whole story was going to be about the frog. However, the majority of it was about Ruby and the race. I thought that was strange but the transition was smooth.

I would definitely say the age range is primary. The words are easy and the names are fun which is good for young children. Also, the plot is simple and easy to follow.

The artistic elements would definitely be the illustrations. The animals are realistically drawn and probably done using paint. There are straight lines as well as curved lines (i.e. the lines on the picnic blanket and the curves of the animals). Most of the pictures take up the entire page but there are some with a border. The colors are bold but not overwhelming. They're pleasing to the eyes. The text is also neat. Because it is in a poetic fashion, the stanzas are in different places on the page. Some text is even in a curved line.


I would recommend this book for young children. Not necessarily because of the plot but because the lesson that is taught is really awesome. It'll show young children that even if they're scared of doing something, they should still do it and do it their best. The names are fun and the rhyming is well done. The pictures are beautiful and eye catching.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finklehopper Frog went to a picnic with his friends and others. He was a bit scared that some of the other picnickers might make fun of him but then saw his friend, Ruby Rabbit and his fear went away. Two bullies showed up and tried to spoil the fun but Ruby knew just what to do and no violence ensued. Later there was to be a race that Ruby was participating in. When they arrived at the track she saw that Sue Kangaroo was also in the race. Ruby was scared but Finklehopper gave her a pep talk. Did Ruby Rabbit win the race? I'll never tell! You will have to read it and find out yourself.

This was a charming book with lots of animal characters and excellent pictures.

[Danielle Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book. Great illustrations add to the story of Finklehopper Frog and Ruby Rabbit who are friends that stick together. Ruby Rabbit supports Finklehopper when he is getting attacked by bullies for wearing his clothes. And Finklehopper is there for Ruby when she finishes second in the race. The friends stick together through thick and thin and that is why I love this book and why it teaches a great lesson.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fun picture book written in rhyming iambic pentameter! Kids enjoy silly words -- groovy, porkpie hat, etc. -- and the rhythmic flow of the text. But BEWARE! If you buy this book for a child in your life, you will go absolutely crazy rereading it time and time again.

[Storytime!: 4- to 6-year olds.]

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brian Lies art!