Frogs At Noontide: A Quirky YA Frog Prince Retelling

by Janeen Ippolito

An outcast lady. A trapped prince. A slimy scheme to overturn a dynasty.

She’s marked by her past.

Lady Zeraphethina (Zeth, please) has finally escaped her childhood imprisonment by a malevolent hag and is ready to marry her prince—only to find that he’s been transformed into a frog. At least, she thinks so. The trouble is, frogs aren’t known for talking, and her relations with the royals at the court are already strained without making outlandish claims. Instead, she turns to her tinkering skills and lightning gift, creating a trinket that might turn him back. Or make things worse.

He must free his people.

As the carefree youngest prince, Milos figured committing to his true love was enough responsibility. But now he finds that not only is he a captive amphibian, but so are many servants from the palace. And some of his fellow prisoners appear far too comfortable in their frog bodies. Burdened by their plight, he must risk his life to rescue them and discover the culprits behind the slimy affliction.

They fight for their future.

Bound by chains of curse and law, Milos and Zeth must work together to end the enchantment and bring the culprits to justice. Otherwise, Milos and his people will lose themselves and become frogs forever.

A light-hearted, fast-paced YA retelling of The Frog Prince with clean/sweet romance, dark whimsy, bits of humor and banter, lyrical poetry, an HEA, and a LOT of frogs. Third book in the Star-Crossed Fairy Tales, but can be read as a standalone.

No frogs were permanently harmed in the making of this story. The same cannot be said for villains, evil machines, or palace windows.

This Frog Prince retelling is perfect for readers who

Fairytale retellings with clever, resourceful heroinesYA fantasy with elemental magic systemsCourt conspiracies and mysteryFound family and loyal friendshipsHappy endings earned through courage and determination Enjoy the Star-Crossed Fairy Tales - Clean YA Retellings with Fresh World Building, Twisty Plots, & Couples to Cheer For
-Met By Midnight - a YA Cinderella retelling with a dystopian twist
-Thorns At Sunrise - A YA Sleeping Beauty Retelling - the prince is asleep
-Frogs At Noontide - A YA Frog Prince retelling with a bantery couple, a fast-paced plot, and many frogs

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

About the author

Janeen Ippolito does all the things! She’s an award-winning author of bestselling fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She’s also an experienced editor, coach, and marketing strategist and ran a publishing house for seven years. She hosts the Author Culture podcast and is an in-demand teacher and speaker who helps authors grow their book businesses in healthy, sustainable ways. In her spare time, she helps her husband with his youth swordfighting programs, cooks fun food, reads whatever she feels like, and plays the ukulele. Connect with her at jiauthor.com.

Reviews

[Ulrike · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lady Zeraphethina arrives at the palace of Inek to marry her prince, Milos has vanished. She soon discovers that he has been transformed into a frog. Could Lord Delcrin, the powerful House Lord, be responsible? As Zeth struggles to meet the many social expectations placed on her as the prince’s bride from Therassi, she also searches for a way to free Milos from his amphibian form. Lord Delcrin proves to be a dangerous opponent who will stop at nothing to achieve his own goals.
This Frog Prince–inspired story is the third installment in the Star-Crossed Fairy Tales series. It can be read as a standalone, since the necessary background is explained, but I had the impression that readers already familiar with the earlier books may find it even easier to immerse themselves in the world.
Zeth and Milos’s story is a light and pleasant read. They are an endearing couple who have already found each other and now must work together to thwart the schemes of the power-hungry, ruthless Lord Delcrin and rescue the enchanted victims. The tone is warm and gently humorous. While there are a few tense moments, the overall mood remains positive and comforting throughout.
A perfect, relaxing read for anyone who enjoys fairy-tale retellings with a soft and cozy feel.

[✧*̥˚ Jordyn (semi hiatus)*˚✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ┈ ⋞ 〈 Frogs At Noontide 〉 ⋟ ┈ ★★★★☆

╰┈➤ This was the book I never knew I needed, just the thing to get me out of a reading slump! It’s creatively playful characters, and mysterious fantasy twists remind me a lot of the stories I fell in love with as a child.

I enjoyed getting to know Zeth and Milos, and following the story as they try to free him from being trapped in a frogs body. And as they try to uncover the sinister plot behind the disappearing palace workers. The characters were all very engaging, and the world building was great!

However, it did feel a little more to me like something better fit in middle grade books than YA.

If you’re looking for a sweet and clean retelling with a more lighthearted approach… while still containing a sugary sweet protective romance… this book is perfect for you (and for fans of HEAs too!)


─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

⊹₊ Special thanks to the author for providing me with a complementary ARC. I was not required to leave positive review :)

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the modern age no fairytale is more problematic than the original version The Frog Prince.
In Frogs at Noontide author Janeen Ippolito solves the issue of strange frogs living in ponds and demanding to share maiden's beds.

I love the protagonist, Zeth, she is intelligent and resourceful and everything we need from a modern fairytale heroine. I really liked the change that the Frog Prince is already her betrothed as it makes the part of the fairytale where the frog eats from her plate and sleeps on her pillow make more sense.

I really liked the incorporation of technology with the special elemental powers that the people in this world have. Zeth having the lightning gift worked especially well with for this. It gave steampunk vibes to this otherwise generic fairytale setting.

All told, Frogs at Noontide is a worthy addition to Ippolito's series of unique retellings.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frogs at Noontide by Janeen Ippolito

Bound by chains of curse and law, Milos and Zeth must work together to end the enchantment and bring the culprits to justice...

A cute retelling of the Frog Prince! This one's originality comes from a dash of steampunk flavor and the fact that it focuses more on adventure than romance. The world overall feels very fairytale like but some of the magic has a different flavor (the FMC specializes in electricty for example). Most of the romance actually happens before the book starts as by the time we meet the characters they have already met, fallen in love, and are about to be betrothed. But they can't get married if the groom's a frog!

Genre: Fairytale retelling (kisses only)

Book 3 in Star Crossed Fairytales (easily read as a standalone)

Favorite character: Zeth (FMC)

Favorite scene: the well

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and fun 'Frog Prince' re-telling. The main characters are already engaged at the start of the story, so you bypass the initial romance and instead see how the pair face challenges as a couple, even when one is mysteriously 'missing', and learn to have a deeper and stronger trust in each other. The third book in the series, it works well as a stand alone story, but readers of the earlier books will appreciate the links to them. A quick, clean read with a unique take on the well known fairy tale.

I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean Christian fairytale retelling was such fun to read! I loved the way the characters had both strengths and weaknesses, and how they supported each other and figured out how to overcome the bad guys and break the curse! The touches of steampunk added to the charm of this story, and the way the main characters solved the mystery made it so sweet! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings, but I have to admit that the frog prince isn't usually one that I have tried! This fairytale retelling has Janeen's trademark depth with humor, with quirky characters and innovative scenarios. Just trust me - if you don't want the same rehashed fairytale, you should definitely check out this one (or any of her other fairytale retellings!!). Zeth was a delight and I loved the sciency bits that intertwined with this story. Hop over and give it a shot!!

[J.M. Hackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short retelling of The Frog Prince. Janeen Ippolito always manages to add refreshing twists to her stories. The magic system was unique, and I can't wait to learn more about it! The characters were lovable and sweet. While the reader doesn't get to know Milo as well as Zeth for plot reasons, the poems interspersed throughout the story gave the reader excellent insight into the main characters' relationship. I'll be looking forward to more stories in this world.

[Carrie Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic fairy tale retelling from Janeen Ippolito! But like in the case of the frog in the original frog prince story, there’s more going on here than one might expect. Ippolito creates characters with real depth and a fresh, twisty plot that keeps you turning the pages. Splashes of wit, banter, and romance make this story even more entertaining than the original. Hop to it and give Frogs at Noontide a read!

[Eileen Keir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frogs, frogs, frogs

I love fairy tale retellings and this one did not disappoint. Lots of little twists, an amazing magic system, and clever, lovable characters. The villains were equally clever but deceitful and despicable. It was scary to think of the poor victims becoming more frog-like in nature the longer they stayed in their frog form. The stakes are high as Zeth attempts to rescue her prince. To change him back to his human form will take more than a kiss.

[Amber Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, fun retelling! The frog prince was always a fascinating story, especially since so much of it did not make any sense. Frogs at Noontide takes all the elements of the original and weaves them into an enchanting tale that works perfectly. From Iron Henry to the golden ball, every aspect is important and necessary to the plot. Very enjoyable!

[S. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Frog Prince retelling by Janeen Ippolito? You know that it's a terrific story!

I loved the theme of not giving up hope, even if everyone around you is saying, "What's the use?" and going back to sleep. Though the situation looked grim, Zeth and Milos trusted in the Eternal and kept going. We need this message now more than ever!!

This is a must have for anyone who loves fairy tales!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why are there so many frogs? Where has her fiancé gone? Zeth needs to find out what is going on before it’s too late! I like reading reimagined fairytales, but they aren’t always done well. This is one of the good ones!

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, snarky, and delightfully different version of the Frog Prince. Aimed at young adult readers, it’s also enjoyable for older readers that like fairy tale retellings. Expect frogs, a Prince in trouble and the Princess who must rescue him, villains, suspense, and good clean fun.

[Adrienne Organa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming and fun little retelling. Had a few places where the pacing seemed a bit odd, but the characters were very well written. An enjoyable light read.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Star-Crossed Fairy Tales by Janeen Ippolito and it was so much fun to read. With great adventure, mystery, intrigue and magic to keep me turning pages til the end. I read this book in one sitting. The characters are well written engaging and fun to get to know. Janeen's brilliant style of world building is beautifully and magically blended throughout the story keeping the reader captivated. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend reading it!

[Anna Beth Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute. I really loved the characters and the world that was built. I was surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the book. I would totally recommend this book, especially if you like cozy fantasies because it kinda reads like one.