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Library | Call Number | Status |
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Searching... Newberg Public Library | J AWARDS EASTON 2006 | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Davey doesn't believe in spells and fairy tales--until the day a strange blue-eyed frog named Amelia turns up in his pond. Amelia is really a princess, and in order to break the spell she's under, she needs a kiss before two cycles of the moon pass. It looks as though Davey is the only boy who can help her. But he doesn't want to kiss the frog until he's had a chance to show her off to his friends, and the thought of kissing her at all makes him sick. In the meantime, he'll have to take care of the bossy princess by keeping her away from his menacing little brother, Kevin. Can the princess convince Davey to do the right thing, or is she doomed to stay a frog forever?
Patricia Easton's crackling, fast-paced chapter book puts a new spin on a beloved fairy tale. Mike Wohnouka's ingenious black-and-white illustrations are guaranteed to elicit giggles and guffaws.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-A modern spin on a traditional tale. A princess has fallen victim to a spell that has turned her into a frog, and to reverse it, a boy must kiss her before two cycles of the moon pass. Her time is running out. One day while out catching tadpoles, Davey discovers Princess Amelia, and he can't believe his luck. He immediately sees her as a way to make him the most popular boy in school, for no one else has a talking frog. Amelia is horrified, and she is further distressed when she discovers that Davey has a terrible track record in pet care. What he doesn't bank on is that she can be a royal pain-she's bossy, determined-and terrified. This story will charm its readers, and the pencil drawings add to the fun. Children will relate to the boy's struggle between desiring popularity and taking responsibility for his actions. There is a lot of funny, snappy dialogue, and the spot and full-page black-and-white drawings are equally engaging. A strong selection for early chapter-book readers.-Linda B. Zeilstra, Skokie Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
While catching tadpoles, Davey finds a blue-eyed talking frog who is a princess under a spell. Princess Amelia needs a kiss to break the spell, but Davey's more interested in showing off his exciting find to his friends. Davey's struggle with his conscience is surprisingly complex, and the story's humor is enhanced by amusing pencil drawings. From HORN BOOK Fall 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Girls of all species drive Davey crazy. Seems like the girls in his life are bound to boss him around. If it isn't bossy Becky, his neighbor and friend from third grade, it's Amy, the new girl frog he's found by the lake. Amy has a specific demand: a kiss from a boy that will break a spell and return her to her former princess form. And Amy wants the kiss NOW, before the spell becomes permanent. Davey doesn't believe in spells or in kissing a girl, even to save her from an amphibian's life. But Davey's a good boy with a fine heart and he can't bear to see someone suffer. Despite the fantastic situations presented in this light tale for new readers, Easton's characters grow and learn from their new challenges. Amy returns to her human form and is transformed by her amphibious experience; Davey, rethinking his fondness for capturing wild animals, frees the wild critters he is keeping in the many smelly cages and containers in his room. Wohnoutka's light, cartoony pencil illustrations keep the story hopping along. (Fiction. 7-10) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 2^-4. When Davey catches a frog in the neighborhood pond, he's somewhat surprised to notice its blue eyes--and plenty surprised when it speaks to him. Their first conversation quickly turns into an argument. The frog, who reveals herself to be Princess Amelia, transformed by a wizard into her present amphibious form, commands Davey to kiss her in order to break the evil spell. Davey knows that he should kiss the frog, but he can't help putting it off. In the first place, he wants to show off his talking frog. Second, he bridles at Amelia's bossy manner. And finally, the thought of kissing a frog makes him ill. The portrayal of Davey's family and friends provides a realistic grounding for the story and makes a good juxtaposition with the fantasy elements. Wohnoutka's illustrations, sympathetic and often amusing depictions of the characters, enhance the story's child appeal. For children reading short, illustrated chapter books, this light fantasy provides good fun. --Carolyn Phelan