Frog and the Wide World (English-Vietnamese)

by Max Velthuijs, Kim Wood (Translator), Janice Thomson (Translator)

When Frog ventures out in the wide world, he soon discovers he misses home.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Max Velthuijs was a celebrated Dutch illustrator, painter, and author best known for his beloved Frog picture book series. Although he began illustrating children’s books relatively late in life, his work quickly gained international acclaim. His first major success came with A is een aapje in 1964, and he achieved global recognition with Frog in Love, published in 1989 by Andersen Press after it was initially rejected in Europe. The Frog series, which eventually included over twenty titles, became known for its gentle, heartfelt storytelling and philosophical depth, earning Velthuijs comparisons to modern-day fables.
Throughout his career, Velthuijs collaborated with prominent publishers and saw his books translated and performed in various media, including theater. In 2004, he was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for writing—one of the highest honors in children’s literature—for his enduring contribution to the field. In his acceptance speech, Velthuijs humbly reflected on the emotional complexity of his characters, acknowledging the mystery of creative inspiration. He passed away in his hometown of The Hague in 2005.

Reviews

[Elvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book of the Frog series and my first time experiencing the work of Max Velthuijs.

Frog was basically a child while Rat was like a parent. Frog just complained the whole time making the trip difficult for Rat, but Rat had the patience and wisdom of a parent, pushing Frog just enough to keep him going but knowing when to call it quits without ever causing too much drama.

The trip was quite mundane, but Frog interpreted it all to be amazing. He was cheerful about it all even though it was a burden for him the whole time. Isn't that like some of us during certain experiences, especially on a trip? Our memory of it is more positive afterwards, though the journey was plagued with inconveniences.

I didn't like how it made being home the happy ending. What kind of message is this to tell young minds? To tell children that traveling, getting out into the world is unpleasant and that one is better suited staying home. No wonder most of the world stays home, limiting their perspective, and we're left in a world where ignorance, divisiveness, and fear rule the land.

We can do better than this.

And Frog's weak, whiny ways were rewarded. He was annoying like a typical child. Rat was passive, allowing Frog to get his way much of the time, even ending the trip prematurely. I guess the book wanted to capture that whininess some can have when outside their comfort zone. It's empathetic towards children and supportive of tired parents.

On a more positive note, I was amused by the simple art style. It was pleasant to look at and conveyed the story quite well. The illustrator even held back in showing things in an amazing way so when Frog spoke highly of his experiences, we are reminded that a trip need not be that spectacular to have a good memory of it.

Overall, I'm largely positive about this book. Frog at least was willing to go on a trip in the first place and he ended up having a positive view of the experience. Rat was quite compassionate I suppose. I just wish it ended better, wished it framed it all in a way to encourage to have more trips, trips that may be even better.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Jvermeersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een typische Kikker. Met een verhaal dat heel herkenbaar is voor (ouders van) peuters. Simpel, maar wel eens een goeie om voor te lezen.

[Ilse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobbie vond het een leuk verhaal

[Rozemarijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kikker is geweldig.

[Yingyi · Rating 3 out of 5]

哪儿都不如自己家和身边的朋友。

[Marineke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Max Velthuijs maakt mooie illustraties maar zijn teksten kan ik niet zo waarderen. Een beetje oubollig en ze lopen niet echt lekker. Jammer.