Review by Booklist Review
The wife-and-husband team of Kang and Weyant make a splash with their third gleeful collaboration. Meet Monty, a frog who has a secret to share with the reader: he is afraid of the water. Though he has managed to stay dry since his tadpole days, he knows he should confess his fears to his parents, and for this, dear reader, Monty will need your encouragement. Kang's chatty, interactive text cleverly creates an empowering exchange for both Monty and the reader, who might also be facing similarly scary challenges. Meanwhile, Weyant adds whimsical humor throughout, from a forged doctor's note to a faithful reproduction of Monet's Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies. In a meta nod, Weyant has Dad reading what resembles a column-filled New Yorker (where Weyant regularly cartoons), while Mom peruses their best-selling debut, You Are (Not) Small (2014). Chuckles, charm, and a handy-dandy life lesson make this a secret well worth sharing.--Hong, Terry Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The husband-and-wife team behind You Are (Not) Small and That's (Not) Mine introduces a frog hero who endears himself to readers right from the get-go. "Pssst!" says Monty, leaning out from the right-hand side of the opening spread. "Yes, you. Hi. Could you come here for a sec?" The frog's hands are joined anxiously, its webbed feet splayed like goofy flippers. After assuring himself that readers can keep a secret, Monty confesses, "I can't swim. Not even a little bit. And... I'm afraid of the water." Questions and answers lead readers deeper into the frog's dilemma, and Weyant gets additional laughs with vignettes of Monty's avoidance strategies-a fake doctor's note, desperate clinging. "What's that? You think I should tell someone? Like my parents?" This turns out surprisingly well ("We know, sweetie") and offers the beginnings of a solution. Weyant captures expressions with just a few antic lines, a dynamic match for Kang's smart dialogue. Watching Monty confess his fear to his parents might persuade some readers to entrust adults with their own secrets and insecurities. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Monty, a frog, has an embarrassing secret that he is reluctant to share with anyone but his trusted reader. He is desperately afraid of water and cannot swim. With the support of said reader and confidante, he musters the courage to tell his parents about this humiliating dilemma. Accompanied by his parents, along with the added support of a snorkel, Monty ultimately makes his victorious leap into the pond. The absurdity of a frog petrified of water will surely amuse young readers, particularly the scenes where Monty dodges raindrops with an umbrella and submits a doctor's note to his swimming coach. Children with any kind of phobia will especially relate to this off-beat picture book read-aloud. Weyant's splashy, expressive illustrations complement the text, featuring a beady-eyed, bulbous-headed frog who has the look and appeal of a beloved cartoon character. The overall message should be clear that it is as important to share problems with at least one caring friend as it is to be a good listener and safeguard a friend's secrets. Pair this choice with the creative team's earlier title You Are (Not) Small (Amazon, 2014). VERDICT An enjoyable picture book that is worth repeated readings.-Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Pssst!...Could you come here for a sec?" Young frog Monty confesses to the reader that he can't swim: he's afraid of water. Readers will be won over by Monty's relatable anxiety and by the (perceived) chance to help him ("What's that? You think I should tell someone? Like my parents?"). The ink and watercolor illustrations are tenderly cartoonish, suiting Monty's disarming narration. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"Pssst!" says Monty the little green frog. "Could you come here for a sec?" Immediately, readers are drawn in to a private conversation with the wide-eyed amphibian. "Can you keep a secret?" Kang and Weyant, following up on their 2015 Geisel Award for You Are (Not) Small, have created this confession story as a constant dialogue between Monty and readers. Monty has a problema big problemfor a little frog. Thanks to the creature's expressive eyes and innocent questions, young listeners will experience compassion in action. "What's that?" Readers are asked in response to a presumed interaction. "You think I should tell someone? Like my parents? Are you sure?" It takes three tries for Monty to gather the courage to confess to Mom and Dad. The full arc of having a secret, keeping it hidden, and finding a way to get help is played out in this lighthearted story. The lime-green oval faces and big eyes of Monty and the adult frogs are the focus of every page, prioritizing the feelings of individuals. This little secret has grown into something huge and burdensome by keeping it hidden. And Monty becomes wiser by learning to conquer fear. Yet unfortunately, the title of this book is both misleading, as Monty never even utters these words, and nails-on-the-blackboard painful to grammarians. A tenderhearted book on overcoming fears. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
