I Don't Want to Be Big

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

The frog from "I Don't Want to Be a Frog" is back for another adventure. This time Little Frog informs his father that he does not want eat his dinner and he does not want to be big (grow up). And Little Frog can be very persuasive as to his reasons. For instance, Why grow up when I have a dad to carry me everywhere? I have big friends to reach up high for things I cannot reach. Think elephant. These are just two examples of Little Frog's reasoning. But Dad is just as persuasive as to why Little Frog shouldn't be afraid to grow up. And Dad is much more realistic than Little Frog. Dad points out that growing bigger doesn't necessarily mean you have to grow up completely. Then Dad jumps in a mud pile with his friend Pig and they have a blast. In the end Little Frog sees reason. He eats his fly & worm soup for dinner. Yummy. But then informs his father that he is never again taking a bath. Sequel!? This is a very humorous story that both children & parents will identify with. The illustrations enhance the text nicely. They are big, bold. The page with the tree frogs is especially eye popping. There is also just the right amount of detail in the illustrations, right down to the expressions on the frogs' faces. They are also quite funny. The text is all in speech bubbles of different colors, between Little Frog, Dad and Pig. The letters are all in different sizes and some of the words are in different colors. This book would be perfect in both small and large group settings. Story time topics could include both frogs and/or growing up/self-acceptance. This would also be nice as one on one sharing. Pair with the author's other title "I don't Want to Be a Frog", "Just a Duck" by Carin Bramsen, and "It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" by Marilyn Sadler for a self-acceptance themed story time. Pair with "999 Frogs Wake Up" by Ken Kimura & "Bee Frog" by Martin Waddell and any of Jonathan London's "Froggy..." books for a fun frog themed story time. Here's hoping there is a third book, "I don't Want to Take a Bath" in the works. Purchase where the first book is popular and where a happy, funny picture books are needed. A first purchase.

Overall Book Score: excellent