Review: No Frogs in School by A. LaFaye

NO FROGS IN SCHOOL

by A. LaFaye

Illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 7

32 pages

Bartholomew shares his love of scaly, hairy, and hoppy pets by bringing one to school each morning, starting a wild week that charms his classmates but challenges his teacher.

 MY TIDBITS

Tons of excitement, giggles and surprises await in this hilarious book...which hopefully, doesn't spark too many ideas.

Bartholomew loves his pets and decides to give, at least, his frog the chance to visit school. But the frog doesn't stay in his pocket and soon, all sorts of chaos breaks out. The teacher has no choice but to state a new rule—no frogs in school. Bartholomew, however has many other pets which aren't frogs, who would love to see school too.

This is simply a delightful read. Bartholomew is so pure in his intentions that he never falls into a naughty boy role, although his actions are clearly not what the teacher meant. He's sweet and as adorable as his pets, even the more scaly ones.

This is one of those books where illustrations and text flow harmoniously together, the one supporting the other to jointly build a fun story. While giggles and chokes are sure to come with Bartholomew's logic, even more ensue when the animals hit the classroom. The kids' reactions and silliness is contagious. And all the while, the illustrations also offer a type of search. After all, these animals are quick and everywhere. The ending rounds everything off nicely and concludes with an idea which leaves everyone satisfied.

Summed up, this is a super cute picture book with a laughter inducing tale, which kids will easily fall into and enjoy reading again and again.



And here they are...

The Author...
Alexandria LaFaye is best known for her Scott O'Dell Award-winning novel Worth, as well as the IRA Teacher's Choice picture book Walking Home to Rosie Lee and the critically well-received novels The Year of the Sawdust Man, Nissa's Place, The Keening, Water Steps, and Stella Stands Alone. Alexandria lives in Illinois and is available for interviews. Follow her on Twitter at @artlafaye and visit her online at www.alafaye.com!

The Illustrator...

Eglantine Ceulemans attended the Emile Cohl School of Art. Her work, including the bestselling Fun Family series by Isla Fisher, has been published worldwide. She lives in Paris, France.