Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Monty, a young frog, appeals to readers for help in falling asleep. He claims that he's been awake for hours and can't settle down. If he doesn't get some sleep, his mother won't let him take part in the annual boat races in the morning. He desperately wants to go, but his excitement and anxiety are not helping the situation. He tries a couple of commonplace strategies such as counting sheep and reading a book, both of which appear to be suggested by readers-"Ohhh, did you say "sheep"? Like counting sheep? Okay, I'll try. One. two. three." but neither recommendation works. It's not until he attempts a relaxation technique his schoolteacher taught him that he slowly sinks into slumber. Large, watercolor-and-ink cartoon illustrations in predominantly blue, green, and gold fully cover each page and make this story practical for storytime and one-on-one sharing. -VERDICT This zany offering is not a typical bedtime story; the teacher's relaxation method may be useful for even the youngest listener at the end of day. Recommended.-Mayann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library, WI © Copyright 2018. 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
A little frog (who looks like Monty from Can I Tell You a Secret?) breaks the fourth wall, telling readers he's too excited about tomorrow's boat races to sleep. Off-page suggestions ("A book? I love books! Good idea!") don't help until finally he takes a deep breath and goes to his "happy place." Bedtime-averse readers will readily relate to--and enjoy "helping"--the delightful cartoony frog. (c) Copyright 2019. 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
Will a sleepless little frog ever catch some zzz's?Monty, an anthropomorphic frog, can't fall asleep and uses direct address to ask readers to help. The frog is worried that if they don't get enough sleep, Mom won't let them participate in the boat races at the pond the next day. The event is advertised on a poster in Monty's bedroom with the legend "THE FROGATTA BOAT RACES." Suggestions, ostensibly from readers, to count sheep and read books backfire humorously, with energetic, cartoon illustrations depicting imagined ovine chaos and then a terrifying encounter with a pop-up book about sharks. Finally, recalling advice from their teacher, Miss Chon, helps Monty go to their internal "happy place," do some deep breathing, and calm down until they finally drift off to sleep. The last line thanks readers for keeping Monty company, and a closing, wordless spread depicting the whole family at the boat races could be interpreted as a happy dreamscape or as Monty's joyful participation in the Frogatta the next day.A hoppily-ever-after ending for this froggy bedtime book. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
