  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 09/01/2015 K-Gr 2—Rhyming animal names with objects is a common early reader theme. There have been plenty of cats on mats and frogs on logs. But a lion on an iron? Apes on grapes? This playful book takes that theme to absurd extremes. The story, such as it is, starts with a cat telling a frog to sit on a log. The frog balks, and the cat explains that this is just how things work. "You're a frog, so you must sit on a log." The conversation flows from there. "'What about puffins?' asked the frog. 'Puffins sit on muffins,' said the cat. 'Puffins sit on muffins, snakes sit on cakes, owls sit on towels.'" At last the frog asks what dogs sit on. The cat responds, "'I was hoping you weren't going to ask that.'" The final page shows the frog being squished by a dog. Rhyming words are slightly larger and darker than the others, and the illustrations are as bright and silly as the text. VERDICT A fun and welcome addition to the world of rhyming animal books.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 10/15/2015 *Starred Review* The quizzical frog on the cover, seen in more than 50 outlandish poses on the endpapers, signals fun ahead. On the first page, a bossy cat demands that our hero sit on a log because he is a frog. Unhappy about the discomfort, the frog offers lots of alternatives, only to be rebuffed because each choice is governed by its rhyming companion; cats sit on mats, and it’s a chair for the hare. But it’s not just the frog that’s disgruntled. Fourteen gophers on sofas seem particularly uncomfortable, until we see 20 foxes trying to squeeze into boxes (while below fleas are lining up to sit on peas). The eyes of each animal reflect its emotions, including confusion (seal), annoyance (gorilla), and obliviousness (mole). And their awkward poses are hilarious, particularly mule perched precariously on a stool. The clever and skillful artwork is highlighted by the pure, bright background colors, making this an eye-catcher for groups. Expect lots of laughter—especially at the twisty ending—and some creative additions. Pair with Jeff Mack’s Look! (2015) for more slapstick with captivation illustrations. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
 |