Stories for children have changed from being something pleasant, like a glass of lemonade or a soft dreamy sunset, to being something utilitarian-a vehicle designed to trick the child into receiving a moral lesson. Beauty is secondary, if it is present at all. Stories must now be useful and instructive to children as well as entertaining. As our times have progressed and become “more advanced,” the value of a story as something merely pleasant has shifted. Think of Mother Goose, The Wind in the Willows, The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan. Once upon a time, all children’s stories were a pleasant romp, an indulgence in something lovely.

These stories are pure, unashamed delight. These were followed by Frog and Toad All Year and Days with Frog and Toad.Every child should read Arnold Lobel’s stories of Frog and Toad.

The books have garnered much acclaim, including a Caldecott Honor for Frog and Toad Are Friends and a Newbery Honor for Frog and Toad Together. The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor ( Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor ( Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book.Īrnold Lobel (1933–1987) illustrated many wonderful children’s books but is most beloved for his Frog and Toad stories, including the first one, Frog and Toad Are Friends, published in 1970.

New York magazine's The Strategist chose Frog and Toad Are Friends as one of the 'Best (Nonobvious) Baby Books to Bring to a Shower.' As The Strategist stated: 'The stories are just so hilarious and entertaining (and moving) that they really hold the imagination of a tiny tot. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success. Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad-a Caldecott Honor Book!įrom writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other-just as best friends should be.įrog and Toad Are Friends is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Frog and toad are friends illustrations