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Four Friends
Four Friends at Christmas
Mister Frog has slept through Christmas every year, and every year he has listened to his three friends talk about how wonderful it is.
"Oh, Froggy, you would love it! Turkey, plum pudding, candy canes, lots of good things to eat," says Mistress Pig.
"Candles, angels, and Christmas trees," says Missy Cat.
"Yule logs, Christmas carols, and Santa Claus," adds Master Dog.
And this year, Mister Frog is determined not to miss it -- but oh, if he could just take one small nap....
Join world-renowned children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola as he celebrates the joyful mystery that is Christmas with Mister Frog, Missy Cat, Master Dog, and Mistress Pig. Infused with comradely warmth and colorfully irresistible pictures, Four Friends at Christmas, is a Christmas present just waiting to be opened.
"Oh, Froggy, you would love it! Turkey, plum pudding, candy canes, lots of good things to eat," says Mistress Pig.
"Candles, angels, and Christmas trees," says Missy Cat.
"Yule logs, Christmas carols, and Santa Claus," adds Master Dog.
And this year, Mister Frog is determined not to miss it -- but oh, if he could just take one small nap....
Join world-renowned children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola as he celebrates the joyful mystery that is Christmas with Mister Frog, Missy Cat, Master Dog, and Mistress Pig. Infused with comradely warmth and colorfully irresistible pictures, Four Friends at Christmas, is a Christmas present just waiting to be opened.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
About the author
Tomie dePaola
458 books912 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2018
Determined not to miss Christmas this year, Mister Frog stays up, planning the perfect holiday celebration. When he gets a little sleepy and takes a nap however, he awakens to discover that it's Christmas Eve and he's missed his chance to buy all the trimmings he needs for the big day. Has his first Christmas been ruined? Or will the arrival of three separate Santas set everything to rights...?
One of four seasonal chapters originally included in Tomie dePaola's 1977 collection, Four Stories for Four Seasons , where it was simply entitled "Winter," this sweet holiday tale was first published separately as a picture-book in 2002, and in this edition in 2009. I have not read the collection, nor any of the other individually presented stories ( Four Friends in Autumn , Four Friends in Summer ) from it, but I enjoyed Four Friends at Christmas all the same. The story covers ground I have seen explored before - it's often a bear who misses Christmas, because of hibernation, but decides to stay up - but in an engaging way. The artwork has that vintage dePaola charm. Recommended to anyone looking for sweet stories of friendship at Christmas, or who is a dePaola fan.
One of four seasonal chapters originally included in Tomie dePaola's 1977 collection, Four Stories for Four Seasons , where it was simply entitled "Winter," this sweet holiday tale was first published separately as a picture-book in 2002, and in this edition in 2009. I have not read the collection, nor any of the other individually presented stories ( Four Friends in Autumn , Four Friends in Summer ) from it, but I enjoyed Four Friends at Christmas all the same. The story covers ground I have seen explored before - it's often a bear who misses Christmas, because of hibernation, but decides to stay up - but in an engaging way. The artwork has that vintage dePaola charm. Recommended to anyone looking for sweet stories of friendship at Christmas, or who is a dePaola fan.
December 1, 2012
Since I'm teaching my oldest daughter to read, I'm on the lookout for great early readers. (Recommendations, anyone?)
This story is charming and sweet, but not in a sappy way at all, and reminds me of my ever-favorite Frog and Toad books. Tomie dePaola's illustrations are beautiful, but because of that his writing is often overlooked... Personally, I think it takes a great amount of talent and skill to write a text easy enough for a five-year-old to read which still flows beautifully and tells an entertaining story, and that is exactly what you will find here.
This story is charming and sweet, but not in a sappy way at all, and reminds me of my ever-favorite Frog and Toad books. Tomie dePaola's illustrations are beautiful, but because of that his writing is often overlooked... Personally, I think it takes a great amount of talent and skill to write a text easy enough for a five-year-old to read which still flows beautifully and tells an entertaining story, and that is exactly what you will find here.
October 24, 2013
Tomie dePaola is quickly becoming a household favorite. He's a little lengthy for my preschoolers, however, my 5 yr old loves him. dePaola is educational and enjoyable to read. The illustrations have a unique style all their own that even I enjoy while reading. This one was about 4 friends at Christmas. A great read for any child.
December 2, 2023
In this series of pictures books by Tomie dePaola starring the four friends, frog, pig, dog, and catI like this one the best. It is Christmas time when frog begins his annual winter sleep, but this year the friends want him to stay awake and celebrate the season. But alas he takes a nap, but friends to the rescue to celebrate Christmas. Cute.
November 29, 2022
A cute book by Tomie dePaola, one of my favorite children’s author/illustrators. Mister Frog nearly misses Christmas when he overslept, and he’s bummed he doesn’t have a tree or anything else ready. But one by one, his friends appear at his door in Santa suits and carrying in a Christmas tree. Silly and sweet, this is great for toddlers through kinder
January 24, 2019
Love Tomie dePaola’s books! This was a sweet story of friendship!
December 25, 2019
We loved it. It's sweet, it's the right length, and the illustrations remind me of The Muppet Christmas Carol in all the best ways. My 5-year-0ld laughed and wanted it read again right away.
January 2, 2020
A cute story of Christmas and friendship. The illustrations are delightful!
December 15, 2021
Not the point of Christmas at all - Santa.
December 2, 2023
I've seen some stories like this before, but this might be the first one written.
There are four friends and Frog hibernates during the winter. They all talk about how great Christmas is and convince Frog to stay up for one winter to celebrate.
Ugh, the artwork is some of Tomie's worst out there. Horrible. Maybe I'm tired this morning, but the story felt strained. Christmas is about friends and family - yes. I'm sure kids might like this, but I thought it was pretty rough.
I've been reading Tomie's catalog and this one is a stinker. Interesting that this one isn't so serious. It's supposed to be light-hearted.
There are four friends and Frog hibernates during the winter. They all talk about how great Christmas is and convince Frog to stay up for one winter to celebrate.
Ugh, the artwork is some of Tomie's worst out there. Horrible. Maybe I'm tired this morning, but the story felt strained. Christmas is about friends and family - yes. I'm sure kids might like this, but I thought it was pretty rough.
I've been reading Tomie's catalog and this one is a stinker. Interesting that this one isn't so serious. It's supposed to be light-hearted.
February 14, 2023
Is Christmas really about having a big feast, or special decorations, or a fancy tree?
Special note: Look closely at the decorations on a certain Christmas tree that you'll discover before this story ends.
LOL funny yet again is this book from you, Tomie dePaola. And also, readers see THE loveliest illustrations. And readers' hearts (if they're like mine) will treasure how this story is memorably-distinctively sweet.
Special note: Look closely at the decorations on a certain Christmas tree that you'll discover before this story ends.
LOL funny yet again is this book from you, Tomie dePaola. And also, readers see THE loveliest illustrations. And readers' hearts (if they're like mine) will treasure how this story is memorably-distinctively sweet.
April 14, 2025
Mr. frog usually hibernates through Christmas, but one year he decides to stay awake. But when he accidentally takes a nap for a few days, he thinks he has missed Christmas. Very humorous and cute ending.
February 2, 2024
Frog's friends celebrated Christmas every year while he hibernated. This year he was determined to stay awake to celebrate it, too. Having taken too long a nap, the stores closed before Frog got to go shopping for what he needed. He was surprised that night when visitors started showing up at his door. Cute story and illustrations.
December 6, 2024
A cute story about Mr Frog joining his friends to celebrate Christmas for the first time.
September 27, 2015
What is Christmas without even one of your best friends with whom to enjoy the merriment of the season? While no one person may be able to make Christmas for another, each friend or family member brings their own irreplaceable contribution to the holiday dynamic, and Mister Frog's contribution is what has been missing these years at the get-togethers of Missy Cat, Master Dog and Mistress Pig. Christmas is still a joyful time of year for them, marked by hearty feasts, delighted laughter and the giving of gifts, but Froggy hibernates every year through the winter, and so has missed out on observing Christmas Day with his friends. Might the allure of a holiday finally spent by all four friends together be enough to convince him to put off hibernation for a month this year?
It is. Mister Frog deliberately stays up through November, preparing for the big day by creating his menu for the Christmas party, writing out Christmas cards and decorating his house. But Froggy is tired, having put off his long winter sleep for more than a month, and the added work of getting ready for the holiday has drained him even further. Would a short nap reenergize him for the coming festivities? Nature takes hold, however, in an amphibian genetically programmed to sleep the whole winter through, and Froggy is lucky to awaken barely before Christmas, but too late to finish his precise preparations for the holiday. Now Mister Frog will have to spend Christmas by himself, despite his meticulous efforts to join his friends in their celebration. Unless, that is, Master Dog, Mistress Pig and Missy Cat have made plans of their own to include Froggy in the fun. The four friends just may have a holly, jolly Christmas after all, for what fun is Christmas if you can't share it with the ones you love?
Four Friends at Christmas calls meaningful attention to the importance of recognizing it is the people we are blessed to spend Christmas with that gives the day its potential for joy. It is exchanging gifts as an expression of affection, warm words and bodies sheltered indoors from the bitter bleakness of winter, and the contentment of not having to search beyond the borders of the very house one is in to find happiness, because everything necessary to be happy is already inside. This is the gift of Christmas to all who possess it, and the hope for the next year or the year after or even the years after that to those not yet lucky enough to be so endowed. Four Friends at Christmas is a toast to the most enduring feelings of the Christmas season, and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of its readers.
It is. Mister Frog deliberately stays up through November, preparing for the big day by creating his menu for the Christmas party, writing out Christmas cards and decorating his house. But Froggy is tired, having put off his long winter sleep for more than a month, and the added work of getting ready for the holiday has drained him even further. Would a short nap reenergize him for the coming festivities? Nature takes hold, however, in an amphibian genetically programmed to sleep the whole winter through, and Froggy is lucky to awaken barely before Christmas, but too late to finish his precise preparations for the holiday. Now Mister Frog will have to spend Christmas by himself, despite his meticulous efforts to join his friends in their celebration. Unless, that is, Master Dog, Mistress Pig and Missy Cat have made plans of their own to include Froggy in the fun. The four friends just may have a holly, jolly Christmas after all, for what fun is Christmas if you can't share it with the ones you love?
Four Friends at Christmas calls meaningful attention to the importance of recognizing it is the people we are blessed to spend Christmas with that gives the day its potential for joy. It is exchanging gifts as an expression of affection, warm words and bodies sheltered indoors from the bitter bleakness of winter, and the contentment of not having to search beyond the borders of the very house one is in to find happiness, because everything necessary to be happy is already inside. This is the gift of Christmas to all who possess it, and the hope for the next year or the year after or even the years after that to those not yet lucky enough to be so endowed. Four Friends at Christmas is a toast to the most enduring feelings of the Christmas season, and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of its readers.
November 20, 2010
The book cover catches your eye with its multi-cultural appeal showing a mixed group of friends consisting of a cat, dog, pig and frog. As expected the pig is a female due to the eternally reaching effect of Sesame Street and Miss Piggy. Please note at the bottom of the cover that this is a re-release book if you don’t want to repeat a buy. The illustrations are done in soft hues reminiscent of the Golden book stories style. Most are done in half page squares on the page leaving lots of white space for the few lines of text on each page. The story itself is a simple one that shows how a trio of friends teaches the fourth one about what sharing Christmas is all about and the joy of friendship. Would not recommend this book, but suggest you review some of his other titles which are better than this.
December 27, 2016
Simple secular Christmas picture book about friendship, and that being together is the best part.
The final wordless page alludes to a Santa visit. I managed to avoid flipping to that page as I felt that it didn't add to the book, and in fact detracted from the sweetness of the story (Santa has enough propaganda). Those that celebrate with Santa traditions might find it to be a sweet, exciting conclusion.
The final wordless page alludes to a Santa visit. I managed to avoid flipping to that page as I felt that it didn't add to the book, and in fact detracted from the sweetness of the story (Santa has enough propaganda). Those that celebrate with Santa traditions might find it to be a sweet, exciting conclusion.
December 1, 2010
A sweet, short book. Mr. Froggy tries to stay awake for the Christmas season at the urging of his friends...Mistress Pig, Missy Cat, and Master Dog. It's adorable. dePaola's illustrations perfectly complement the text. The story is just right to read to young toddlers who can't sit still for very long! Of course, I read it because I LOVE TOMIE dePAOLA'S BOOKS!!!!!!!!!
January 15, 2017
This is a cute story about friendship and holidays.
Frog tries to stay awake up through Christmas (which he never has before), but falls asleep for most of December, waking up on Christmas Eve. He feels like he's missed everything, but his friends all come with trees, food, and presents, and they have Christmas together.
Frog tries to stay awake up through Christmas (which he never has before), but falls asleep for most of December, waking up on Christmas Eve. He feels like he's missed everything, but his friends all come with trees, food, and presents, and they have Christmas together.
August 20, 2009
This was a fairly sweet tale about four crazy friends. I liked the pictures and the ending was pretty cute, if not a little random. I might recommend.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
December 15, 2015
This was a basic but charming book of friendship. Three friends wanted to make such their friend frog whom normally sleeps through Christmas has a wonderful '1st Christmas' And although frog thinks he's missed the day he hasn't due to his dear friends who care about him.
January 15, 2017
Reminds me of Wind in the Willows or Frog and Toad are Friends.
Frog always misses Christmas, but this year he does his best to stay awake until then. Unfortunately, a long nap means he misses all the preparation. His 3 friends show up to make the day special for him.
Frog always misses Christmas, but this year he does his best to stay awake until then. Unfortunately, a long nap means he misses all the preparation. His 3 friends show up to make the day special for him.
December 5, 2012
A frog who works really hard for Christmas. I really liked it. A.M.
January 23, 2014
It's hard to celebrate Christmas when you're an animal in hibernation. Frog's friends Missy Cat, Master Dog and Mistress Pig come to the rescue as personal Santas.
December 2, 2016
Very cute story about a frog who does not want to miss Christmas so he tries to stay awake! A funny story about friends during the holidays.
December 12, 2016
A sweet Christmas story of friendship. And Tomie dePaola's illustrations are always a delight. I'm looking forward to reading his other Four Friends books.
March 30, 2021
This is a very sweet story. Mr. Frog never gets to celebrate Christmas because he sleeps too much, so his friends decide to help him. It is a short, quick story with cute pictures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews