[close] The five simple chapters in Arnold Lobel's Days with Frog and Toad say more about the rewards of friendship than any adult tome ever could. Frog and Toad, the amiable amphibian duo, fly kites, clean house, and tell ghost stories together. And, in a surprisingly sophisticated, yet perfectly easy-to-grasp, segment, they even learn about the value of being alone. Frog is ever-so-slightly more sagacious than Toad; his gentle and supportive way with his chum shows that personal variances don't have to get in the way of friendship. On the contrary: vive la différence! Arnold Lobel's illustrations in warm frog and toad tones create the perfect atmosphere for this wise and touching early reader, an ALA Notable Children's Book.

Lobel has created four "Frog and Toad" stories for the "I Can Read" books, an immensely popular series with large type, abundant illustrations, and ample spacing that first launched with Else Holmelund Minarik's Little Bear. Fans of the foot-flapping friends won't want to miss Frog and Toad Are Friends (a Caldecott Honor book); Frog and Toad Together (a Newbery Honor book); and Frog and Toad All Year (an ALA Notable Children's Book). Children will be overjoyed to spend an evening--or days on end--with these affectionate friends. (Ages 4 to 8). --Emilie Coulter [close]