Mr. Frog Went A-Courting

Chalk (Yankee Doodle) cleverly intersperses the words of the traditional ballad about the dapper frog in search of a bride throughout his embellished version of the tale. The gifted artist adds yet another dimension to his sprightly retelling by allowing much of the story to transpire through his vibrant illustrations, which brim with droll particulars. An intentionally switched street sign directs Mr. Frog (set on wooing the wealthy Miss Mousie) to the home of a less well-off young frog. When he realizes his error, Mr. Frog makes a hasty retreat to the home of the financially correct lady... followed closely (the pictures reveal) by the shunned female. The nuptials are troubled: a cat disguised as a mouse crashes the wedding celebration and chases Mr. Frog and Miss Mousie down to the lake, where the newlyweds are swallowed by a snake. Sharp-eyed youngsters will figure out that the scorned, snooping frog has something to do with the lovers' sorry fate. And they'll undoubtedly revisit Chalk's bustling pictures-the more you look, the more you see. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)