Frogness
From 3 to 7 | 32 pages
An exuberant frog hunt, full of mud, muck, and wonder, leads to a playful exploration of mindfulness
As rain clouds bloom across the sea and the first stars wink, Sammy and Chocolate tiptoe into the marsh behind their house in search of frogs. They can hear frogs everywhere—croaking, chirping, clucking, burping—but though they poke and peek, wriggle and sneak, they can’t spot even one. It’s only after Sammy and Chocolate stop looking, flop onto the grass, and fade into frogness—no thinking, just being—that frogs come flying. Plink! Plop! Splatter! Splash! Too slippery and fast to catch!
Written in lively, lilting free verse, Frogness invites curiosity and energetic play while also highlighting mindfulness and the hidden rewards of patience. Lush paintings and buoyant language immerse readers in the rich atmosphere of a marsh at sunset. This joyful summer read celebrates being part of nature and soaking up all the sounds and sensory details of our environment, whether we are active or at rest.
"Imaginative, delightful, and very froggy." - Kirkus Reviews
"Sammy tells the story, and fills their tale with sights, sounds and joy. The illustrations add interest and appeal." - Sal's Fiction Addiction
"Full of happy adventure and discovery, with lively storytelling from Sarah Nelson and deeply charming (and adorably frog-filled!) illustrations from Eugenie Fernandes, Frogness is a real delight to explore."
- Fab Book Reviews
"This book may inspire some children to adventure outdoors and see what they can see ... A celebration of childhood nature exploring." - Youth Services Book Review
"Sarah Nelson tells a cheerful story about the lure of the wild. Eugenie Fernandes' ebullient illustrations are, like the child and dog, bright, messy and happy."
- Minnesota Star Tribune
Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2021
Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Awards, 2022
