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999 Frogs and a Little Brother
Everybody's favorite frogs are back in Ken Kimura and Yasunari Murakami's ticklish tale about size! "Are you my big brother?" The last (and littlest) tadpole to be born is thrilled to hear that anyone thinks he's BIG even if it's a baby crayfish. And the two form a fast friendship, until deep in the night Mommy crayfish finds her baby and takes him home. But when the little tadpole finally becomes a frog, he doesn't forget his little brother and it all pays off when the little frog meets a BIG snake! Who will save the 999 frog brothers? Never underestimate the size of true friendship!"
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely, cute book which would really appeal to young readers. It has gorgeous illustrations which are all brightly coloured and greatly add to the story. A fun story which will guarantee to make children laugh, smile and value the true importance of friendship.
This is a lovely, cute book which would really appeal to young readers. It has gorgeous illustrations which are all brightly coloured and greatly add to the story. A fun story which will guarantee to make children laugh, smile and value the true importance of friendship.
December 14, 2021
Read Harder 2021 task: Read a non-European novel in translation
Loved the simple illustrations and the emotions behind feeling left out until finding a groove even better than the original desire. Coming together to overcome an obstacle/snake and reflecting on shared memories just make it a superb story even if not seeking a book in translation (Japanese).
Loved the simple illustrations and the emotions behind feeling left out until finding a groove even better than the original desire. Coming together to overcome an obstacle/snake and reflecting on shared memories just make it a superb story even if not seeking a book in translation (Japanese).
August 28, 2021
999 frog brothers? No sisters?
One tadpole develops slower than the others. He makes friends with a young crayfish. Then he grows up a little. He gets attacked by a snake. The crayfish's mom helps.
I don't quite get the point. Maybe it loses something in translation.
One tadpole develops slower than the others. He makes friends with a young crayfish. Then he grows up a little. He gets attacked by a snake. The crayfish's mom helps.
I don't quite get the point. Maybe it loses something in translation.
April 7, 2019
The smallest of 999 frogs befriends a baby crayfish who thinks he is his big brother.
The youngest frog was always developmentally one step behind his 998 older brothers. They grew legs before he did. They grew arms before he did. And they lost their tails and left the pond before he did.
While the 999th frog waited to lose his tail, he encounters a baby crayfish who mistakes him for a bigger crayfish since he has legs and a tail. The smallest frog likes being someone's big brother, and the two play happily together until mother crayfish takes her baby home.
Not too long afterward, "Big Brother" loses his tail and becomes a froglet, rejoining his 998 older brothers. Then one day a snake chases him into the water, and it's "Little Brother" crayfish who first rushes to his rescue.
This story deals with feeling left out and feeling important. It touches upon friendship and family ties that are chosen rather than biological. It also introduces young readers to the life cycle of a frog and the concept of predator and prey.
The youngest frog was always developmentally one step behind his 998 older brothers. They grew legs before he did. They grew arms before he did. And they lost their tails and left the pond before he did.
While the 999th frog waited to lose his tail, he encounters a baby crayfish who mistakes him for a bigger crayfish since he has legs and a tail. The smallest frog likes being someone's big brother, and the two play happily together until mother crayfish takes her baby home.
Not too long afterward, "Big Brother" loses his tail and becomes a froglet, rejoining his 998 older brothers. Then one day a snake chases him into the water, and it's "Little Brother" crayfish who first rushes to his rescue.
This story deals with feeling left out and feeling important. It touches upon friendship and family ties that are chosen rather than biological. It also introduces young readers to the life cycle of a frog and the concept of predator and prey.
October 15, 2014
This book was cute and charming; the story follows the youngest of 999 frog brothers. The littlest frog develops slower than the others and as he becomes separated he goes in search of his big brothers and in the process becomes a big brother to a baby crayfish.
22493744
The book is short and perfect for young readers ages 3 to 5, little kids who are barely learning to read. The way this book is written and the cartoons actually took me back to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, these books are for children so the 5 year old in me loved the book, the adult in me might find this book too short, but adult me isn't the target audience.
The illustrations are very colorful and engaging, as such little children will love this book. The simple text makes it easy for young readers to grasp and understand what they're reading.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
22493744
The book is short and perfect for young readers ages 3 to 5, little kids who are barely learning to read. The way this book is written and the cartoons actually took me back to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, these books are for children so the 5 year old in me loved the book, the adult in me might find this book too short, but adult me isn't the target audience.
The illustrations are very colorful and engaging, as such little children will love this book. The simple text makes it easy for young readers to grasp and understand what they're reading.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
October 8, 2014
999 Frogs and a Little Brother teaches kids that it's okay to be last, that not everyone will grow at the same rate or time, and that help can come from unexpected places. The illustrations are colorful, though somewhat minimalistic, but that works for the plot, since it would be hard to have intricate illustrations of 999 frogs. The text, however, felt a bit stilted -- perhaps it was due to the lack of names (characters are referred to only as "998 tadpoles," "the little tadpole," "Big Brother," "Little Brother," and "mother crayfish") or the somewhat awkward dialogue. Either way, I preferred the illustrations over the text.
Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
October 18, 2014
My son just LOVED this. He was so excited! The only other book he loves this much is "Oh the places you'll go". Cute kids book, might have to buy this one.
I received this novel in exchange for an Honest review.
I received this novel in exchange for an Honest review.
October 8, 2014
Cute, adorable, and I know kids who will love it.
January 3, 2021
homour
frogs crayfish
playing
helping each other
frogs crayfish
playing
helping each other
May 5, 2022
Great story. Teaches kids about relationships frog development. Kids liked it.
June 6, 2025
A cute and fun book.
October 11, 2014
This story started off well. One little frog, the last born of 999 tadpole siblings, is smaller than the rest. They grow arms, but he doesn't have any yet. Then they hop onto land, but he still has his tail and has to live in the water. Very cute. He meets a little crayfish who is smaller even than he is, and calls him "Big Brother," which the littlest tadpole just loves. They play games.
Then the story gets goofy - the little crayfish disappears in the night, having been taken home by his mother. Then the littlest tadpole, now after a few days a frog, hops onto land in search of him, and stumbles onto a snake instead. A chase and battle scene with the littlest frog, the snake, the baby crayfish, 998 other frogs, and the mama crayfish ensues. The chase scene reminded me of the goofy dialog in a children's puppet show. In one illustration, the snake appears to be decapitated, but he's really only sticking his head out of the water (This impression isn't helped by the fact that the first word on the page is "Snap!" But maybe this will be changed in the published version???). Everything is tidily wrapped up, with the mama crayfish pinching the snake in the tail and the snake retreating. The frogs all sing together.
The first half of the book is very cute, and plays to children's frustrations at being "too small" or "the littlest." The second half is a silly action narrative that I found annoying.
Free digital ARC from NetGalley
Then the story gets goofy - the little crayfish disappears in the night, having been taken home by his mother. Then the littlest tadpole, now after a few days a frog, hops onto land in search of him, and stumbles onto a snake instead. A chase and battle scene with the littlest frog, the snake, the baby crayfish, 998 other frogs, and the mama crayfish ensues. The chase scene reminded me of the goofy dialog in a children's puppet show. In one illustration, the snake appears to be decapitated, but he's really only sticking his head out of the water (This impression isn't helped by the fact that the first word on the page is "Snap!" But maybe this will be changed in the published version???). Everything is tidily wrapped up, with the mama crayfish pinching the snake in the tail and the snake retreating. The frogs all sing together.
The first half of the book is very cute, and plays to children's frustrations at being "too small" or "the littlest." The second half is a silly action narrative that I found annoying.
Free digital ARC from NetGalley
June 1, 2015
SUMMARY: 999 Tadpoles were playing together. But one of them could not keep up because he was growing at a slower pace than the others. 998 tadpoles grew into frogs, but one was left behind. A little crayfish came along and claimed the tadpole as his "big brother." They played together until the crayfish's mother came along to take him home. Finally, big brother became a frog and went onto the land. But he never forgot little brother. While trying to look for him, he encountered a snake. When he needed help, all 998 of his brothers, little brother, and mama crayfish came to help.
ILLUSTRATIONS: This story has been translated from Japanese. The illustrations are very simple on a white background. The pictures are mostly of the tadpoles and other creatures.
THE GOOD: There is a nice underlying story of the largest helping the smallest. The frogs did not make fun of the last tadpole. They merely did what they were supposed to do which was grow and leave the pond. It was nice the tadpole made a small friend and that everyone came to help when it was needed.
THE NOT AS GOOD: The story did not flow well. In many cases the language was very stilted.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 4-8
ILLUSTRATIONS: This story has been translated from Japanese. The illustrations are very simple on a white background. The pictures are mostly of the tadpoles and other creatures.
THE GOOD: There is a nice underlying story of the largest helping the smallest. The frogs did not make fun of the last tadpole. They merely did what they were supposed to do which was grow and leave the pond. It was nice the tadpole made a small friend and that everyone came to help when it was needed.
THE NOT AS GOOD: The story did not flow well. In many cases the language was very stilted.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 4-8
December 22, 2014
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A tadpole makes friends with a baby crayfish when his 998 siblings go off and have fun without him.
I was drawn to this book initially because I like books with large numbers in the title. Unfortunately, the large number doesn't have much to do with the story, but other than that, this is a charming little offering.
Essentially, after the littlest frog makes friends with the baby crayfish, he gets himself into trouble and with the help of baby crayfish, mummy crayfish and a ravenous snake, he discovers that his 998 siblings really do care for him after all.
The illustrations are simple and visually very appealing, but I'm not so sure about the text. It seems a bit too long to keep the real littlies interested, but not interesting enough for the slightly older kids. I could be wrong, but that's the sense I got reading it.
Overall this is a cute tale of family ties and the family you create for yourself. And a cautionary tale about snakes.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A tadpole makes friends with a baby crayfish when his 998 siblings go off and have fun without him.
I was drawn to this book initially because I like books with large numbers in the title. Unfortunately, the large number doesn't have much to do with the story, but other than that, this is a charming little offering.
Essentially, after the littlest frog makes friends with the baby crayfish, he gets himself into trouble and with the help of baby crayfish, mummy crayfish and a ravenous snake, he discovers that his 998 siblings really do care for him after all.
The illustrations are simple and visually very appealing, but I'm not so sure about the text. It seems a bit too long to keep the real littlies interested, but not interesting enough for the slightly older kids. I could be wrong, but that's the sense I got reading it.
Overall this is a cute tale of family ties and the family you create for yourself. And a cautionary tale about snakes.
October 10, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
999 tadpoles make the transition to frogs - all except for the last born. He develops slightly slower and, when the rest of the frogs leave the pond, he is left alone. Until he meets a baby crayfish - and they play together, calling each other "big brother" and "little brother." Then, a big snake tries to take away "big brother" (the frog) and everyone comes to save him...
This is an entertaining little story for children. It is a tale of family, friendship and acceptance. The simple, yet elegant, illustrations are a joy to look at and really help with the telling of the story. The text is simple enough for young children to read and learn by repetition.
Recommended for parents and schools alike.
Paul
ARH
999 tadpoles make the transition to frogs - all except for the last born. He develops slightly slower and, when the rest of the frogs leave the pond, he is left alone. Until he meets a baby crayfish - and they play together, calling each other "big brother" and "little brother." Then, a big snake tries to take away "big brother" (the frog) and everyone comes to save him...
This is an entertaining little story for children. It is a tale of family, friendship and acceptance. The simple, yet elegant, illustrations are a joy to look at and really help with the telling of the story. The text is simple enough for young children to read and learn by repetition.
Recommended for parents and schools alike.
Paul
ARH
October 13, 2014
What a delightful tale this is, beautifully illustrated and with lots to discuss. It tells the story of the last tadpole to develop legs and leave the pond befriending a young crayfish whilst the tadpole grows into a frog. The friendship between the two has benefits later - but you'll need to read the story yourself to find out what happens!
This story will be a great one to share with younger children and could easily be used in schools to promote discussions relating to PSHE and citizenship. The relationship between the young tadpole and crayfish definitely benefits the grown up frog later and shows how being kind to others and taking care of them may not seem important at the time but can be very important later in life.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book well before the publication date!
This story will be a great one to share with younger children and could easily be used in schools to promote discussions relating to PSHE and citizenship. The relationship between the young tadpole and crayfish definitely benefits the grown up frog later and shows how being kind to others and taking care of them may not seem important at the time but can be very important later in life.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book well before the publication date!
April 26, 2015
Since birth there was always one baby/tadpole/frog that always was the last one to develop and seemed to be left behind by his siblings. Then one day he meets a baby crayfish that thinks that he is his big brother. They play together however one day he goes home. But when trouble comes to the youngest frog all of his siblings (including the crayfish) come to the rescue.
Overall this was just an ok story. I didn't feel a lot of happy emotions throughout I wish that he wasn't left behind so frequently like it was nothing and then I felt that he was abandoned again by his new "brother." I really enjoyed the illustrations but the story was sort of depressing even though it ends well.
I received this advanced copy from NorthSouth through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Overall this was just an ok story. I didn't feel a lot of happy emotions throughout I wish that he wasn't left behind so frequently like it was nothing and then I felt that he was abandoned again by his new "brother." I really enjoyed the illustrations but the story was sort of depressing even though it ends well.
I received this advanced copy from NorthSouth through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2015
In this delightful picture book originally published in Japan, one little tadpole struggles to catch up with its 998 siblings, all of whom to be one developmental step ahead of him. He becomes friends with a crayfish who is close to his size and sees him as a big brother. They play hide and seek games, but the crayfish disappears when his mother comes to find him. When the tadpole, now a frog, comes upon a very large and hungry snake, he finds that friendship crosses species boundaries and mother love has no fears when it comes to protecting her offspring. Clearly, one never knows when a friendship might come in handy. The illustrations are just as delightful and worth sharing as the story, especially the page in which all those frogs are fastened onto the snake to defend their own little brother. There are lessons aplenty here, but they are delivered in a humorously appealing way.
November 30, 2014
999 Frogs and a Little Brother touches on getting left behind, making friends, and teamwork. Geared towards ages 3-6, the illustrations in this picture book are creative and child-friendly. The bright colors and shapes will catch the eye of any toddler and young elementary-schooler.
Though the illustrations are excellent, the storyline was slightly disjointed to me. It is a very quick read, but I could see the reader stumbling over words as it's being read aloud (say "nine hundred ninety eight" a few times in a row). Older readers may pick up on a few plot holes that are glossed over by short summary sentences. Overall, the simple text and word choice are perfect for children learning to read.
Note: Received as a free digital ARC from NetGalley
Though the illustrations are excellent, the storyline was slightly disjointed to me. It is a very quick read, but I could see the reader stumbling over words as it's being read aloud (say "nine hundred ninety eight" a few times in a row). Older readers may pick up on a few plot holes that are glossed over by short summary sentences. Overall, the simple text and word choice are perfect for children learning to read.
Note: Received as a free digital ARC from NetGalley
December 29, 2016
I remember feeling like this book got majorly sidetracked. Like...majorly. Sadly, I also got sidetracked as well, so it's been over a month since I read this book. The fact that my only memory was "I feel like this got sidetracked" is kind of telling, as regards the book's quality.
Now, of course, this won't matter if your kid is in love with frogs. I mean, it's a new frog book! Woo! but, as a parent probably reading this to their kids, it's not going to be a request looked forward to very much.
Try it from your library, first. I pretty much always recommend that, but especially do so here. If you can stand it and your child requests the book to be kept at home, go ahead and get a copy. But just beware, because this book...it certainly isn't on any of my to-recommend lists.
Now, of course, this won't matter if your kid is in love with frogs. I mean, it's a new frog book! Woo! but, as a parent probably reading this to their kids, it's not going to be a request looked forward to very much.
Try it from your library, first. I pretty much always recommend that, but especially do so here. If you can stand it and your child requests the book to be kept at home, go ahead and get a copy. But just beware, because this book...it certainly isn't on any of my to-recommend lists.
October 31, 2014
I wanted to love this, I really did but maybe that's the issue. I often find that having any sort of expectations when it comes to books can lead to disappointment.
It started off great with the introduction of the frog and crayfish, characters who we don't see often in the lead but then after that it got somewhat repetitive and any interest I had was lost. Not to mention the typography/font was so bland. It was an okay read but the reason that it is two starred is because I adored the illustrations.
It started off great with the introduction of the frog and crayfish, characters who we don't see often in the lead but then after that it got somewhat repetitive and any interest I had was lost. Not to mention the typography/font was so bland. It was an okay read but the reason that it is two starred is because I adored the illustrations.
July 3, 2018
I loved how the story began with the littlest tadpole born out off 999 just couldn't develop as quickly as the others before him. What a great message that he still tried to do everything the other 998 tadpoles could do. He makes friends with a tiny crayfish who is also the littlest. Loved it up to this point. Then it fell apart when the crayfish goes home with mom without the tadpole knowing. The snake character plot was a bit forced and pulled me out of the story. Still a cute story overall.
October 8, 2014
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley.
When the 999 tadpoles begin growing into frogs, the very last tadpole to be born gets left behind. He makes a friend with a baby crayfish, forming a bond that becomes familial.
999 Frogs and a Little Brother is a sweet story about the binding power of family and friendship with gentle, charming illustrations. It is quick and easy so that young readers can read it for practice.
When the 999 tadpoles begin growing into frogs, the very last tadpole to be born gets left behind. He makes a friend with a baby crayfish, forming a bond that becomes familial.
999 Frogs and a Little Brother is a sweet story about the binding power of family and friendship with gentle, charming illustrations. It is quick and easy so that young readers can read it for practice.
November 16, 2014
The Littlest Tadpole Becomes A Big Brother
I love this adorable froggy book and can't wait to read the rest of the series! It was about teamwork and friendship and accepting yourself as you are. I really can't wait to read this with my kids!
***This book is written at a grade school level but is suitable to be read to younger/less advanced readers
I love this adorable froggy book and can't wait to read the rest of the series! It was about teamwork and friendship and accepting yourself as you are. I really can't wait to read this with my kids!
***This book is written at a grade school level but is suitable to be read to younger/less advanced readers
May 21, 2015
999 Frogs and a Little Brother reminds me of the sparseness of an Eric Carle book. It's not my favourite type of picture book, and this one left me wanting, but it would be good for big vs. little storytimes.
September 23, 2015
Another very impressive children's books that teaches a lesson about friendship. The kids and I really enjoyed this book and the beautiful artwork. The end of the story is really good and the we'll definitely be reading more from this trio.
October 10, 2014
this was a really cute book. it showed that if you are behind or slow in growing up, you can still find friends that will accept you for who you are.
October 25, 2014
Not my type, this was pointless to me. Although the illustrations are really pretty.
November 18, 2014
I read this book on NetGalley for free.
Super cute! I think I liked this one better than the first. Shows friends come in all shapes and sizes, and teamwork can get the job done!
Super cute! I think I liked this one better than the first. Shows friends come in all shapes and sizes, and teamwork can get the job done!
January 30, 2015
999 Frogs and a Little Brother is a cute book, with well created images, and is perfect for younger children.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews