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Grandpa Toad's Secrets
As Grandpa Toad and Little Toad make their way through the forest, Grandpa shares all his secrets for dealing with hungry enemies, but when a huge monster threatens them both, it is Little Toad who saves the day.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
33 people want to read
About the author
Keiko Kasza
26 books62 followersKeiko was born on a small island in the Inland Sea of Japan. She grew up in a typical Japanese extended family with her parents, two brothers, and grandparents. Uncles, aunts, and cousins also lived nearby. She came to the United States in 1973 to continue her education, and in 1976 she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts from California State University at Northridge.
While working as a graphic designer, Keiko read Leo Lionni’s masterful work, Frederick, and she became interested in picture books. She began experimenting with picture books in her free time. Her first book was published in 1981 in Japan and thereafter she continued to publish in her native language. The Wolf’s Chicken Stew, a 1987 ALA notable book and the winner of the 1989 Kentucky Bluegrass Award, was her first work to be published in the United States. She has now published 22 books and her work is translated into 16 languages.
Keiko compares the process of creating a book to acting on stage under the lights: “I become the character that I’m working on at that moment. I pretend that I’m a bird looking for a mother, or a pig trying to impress his girlfriend. When I’m acting, I’m a child myself.” Her ambition is not to create a hundred books but to create one really good book that will be kept on the bookshelves for generations (although a hundred good books would be even better, of course!)
Keiko Kasza lives in Bloomington, Indiana with her husband, a professor of Japanese politics at Indiana University, and they have two sons.
While working as a graphic designer, Keiko read Leo Lionni’s masterful work, Frederick, and she became interested in picture books. She began experimenting with picture books in her free time. Her first book was published in 1981 in Japan and thereafter she continued to publish in her native language. The Wolf’s Chicken Stew, a 1987 ALA notable book and the winner of the 1989 Kentucky Bluegrass Award, was her first work to be published in the United States. She has now published 22 books and her work is translated into 16 languages.
Keiko compares the process of creating a book to acting on stage under the lights: “I become the character that I’m working on at that moment. I pretend that I’m a bird looking for a mother, or a pig trying to impress his girlfriend. When I’m acting, I’m a child myself.” Her ambition is not to create a hundred books but to create one really good book that will be kept on the bookshelves for generations (although a hundred good books would be even better, of course!)
Keiko Kasza lives in Bloomington, Indiana with her husband, a professor of Japanese politics at Indiana University, and they have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 9, 2018
Small fry’s thoughts, “But why is being brave and smart a secret??”
My thoughts: “Why is a turtle trying to eat two frogs??”
Kid Lit Experiment 2018 #6
My thoughts: “Why is a turtle trying to eat two frogs??”
Kid Lit Experiment 2018 #6
July 1, 2017
ارتباط خوب نوه و پدربزرگ
June 22, 2021
Grandpa gives advice to his grandson, "be brave, be smart."
September 20, 2025
Grandpa Toad passes on his wise secrets to Little Toad. Little Toad must immediately apply what he has learned. Sweet story. Love the respect for those who are older and wiser.
November 5, 2014
What can I say about this book "Thumper" I like frogs...but I don't love this book. It seems like be aware that evil is around and be brave...it was puzzling and didn't sit well with me. I guess I can't really put my fingers on what I don't like! This little toad is scared out of his wits because Grandpa pretty much has told him evil lurks around any corner. Living your life and being prepare is important but this books seems like have your sword drawn at all time if bad things happen strike, strike strike!
September 14, 2008
It's just not very interesting. Grandpa toad is teaching his grandson how to be safe in a world of predators - be brave and be smart. But before he can give the third tip, he gets attacked by a monster! Luckily, his grandtoad is there to be brave and smart for him and save the day, incidentally demonstrating the third tip: Have a good friend to depend on. Aw.
There's nothing wrong with this book, it's just not that interesting.
There's nothing wrong with this book, it's just not that interesting.
March 22, 2014
This is the funniest book from this author. But all other books are fabulous and must read to young children and later on they make great readers. I strongly believe that if you know the content already you learn to read easier. This is how I learned English and many other languages. Since the easiest books are children's books, I started from reading these.
April 6, 2011
This book is about a grandpa toad telling his grandson how to protect himself from enemies. This story is great for a read aloud. It is also good for predicting what could happen to the toads each time a new enemy is introduced.
June 2, 2011
I loved this book because the kids were so involved in the story. They so trouble coming without me asking and pointed it out. When the book asked a question they both answered without prompting. I just put a request in at the library for the rest of this authors books.
September 11, 2009
The phrase "our world is full of hungry and dangerous enemies " put me off. True enough, I suppose.
November 1, 2010
Humor with a twist. I plan to read this to my school group.
March 2, 2011
Great for prediction! Fun read-aloud.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews