Frog and Toad Are Friends Paperback – Illustrated, February 18, 2003

A Timeless Treasure: A Review of the "Frog and Toad" Books by Arnold LobelArnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" series is more than just a collection of charming stories for young readers; it's a tender exploration of friendship, resilience, and the simple joys of life. These beloved books, featuring the ever-optimistic Frog and his more cautious but equally endearing friend Toad, have captivated generations with their gentle humor, heartwarming narratives, and timeless wisdom.What makes these books so enduringly special is the beautiful and relatable dynamic between Frog and Toad. Their personalities complement each other perfectly. Frog is often the initiator, full of bright ideas and a zest for adventure, while Toad is more contemplative, sometimes prone to worry, but ultimately loyal and appreciative of his friend. Their interactions, whether they're searching for lost buttons, flying kites, or simply sharing a cup of tea, are filled with genuine affection and understanding.Lobel's writing is deceptively simple yet profoundly insightful. He tackles everyday experiences – planting a garden, telling a scary story, waiting for the mail – with a gentle touch that resonates deeply with both children and adults. The stories are paced perfectly, allowing young readers to follow along easily while subtly introducing important themes like patience, empathy, and the comfort of companionship.The illustrations are an integral part of the magic. Lobel's soft, watercolor artwork perfectly captures the personalities of Frog and Toad and the beauty of their natural world. The images are expressive and evocative, adding layers of emotion and humor to the text. From Toad's worried frown to Frog's cheerful grin, the illustrations bring these characters to life in a way that words alone cannot.Beyond the engaging stories and charming illustrations, the "Frog and Toad" books offer valuable life lessons without ever feeling preachy. They celebrate the beauty of the natural world, the importance of slowing down and appreciating small moments, and, most importantly, the strength and comfort found in true friendship. The gentle humor woven throughout the narratives ensures that these lessons are delivered with a light touch, making them all the more impactful.Whether you're revisiting these classics from your own childhood or discovering them for the first time with a young reader, the "Frog and Toad" books are a guaranteed delight. They are a testament to the power of simple storytelling and a heartwarming reminder of the enduring value of friendship. These books are not just for children; they are for anyone who appreciates kindness, understanding, and the quiet beauty of the world around us. They are a treasure to be cherished and shared for years to come.

I use these books in small centers for my lower readers and they are perfect! I loved these books as a kid and I love that my students till enjoy reading them! They find them funny, easy to read and enjoyable! My kids love making connections with these stories and trying new words that they find in them! Love these books so much and I love that I get to share them with my class!

I got the hardcover over and it's perfect! The classic story I remember with a fresh unbroken spine! I can't wait my son to grow up reading this awesome story like I did!

This book, along with another by author Arnold Lobel "Frog and Toad Together," have become favorites of my daughter (just turned 3) and me. The book is written around two main characters, Frog and Toad, and their adventures together, and is also part of the "I Can Read" series of books. Below are main points based on hours of reading with daddy's girl:* The tales are charming and relationship-based, so the child is exposed to issues of friendship through storytelling in a subtle way. The particulars of the story are thoughtfully presented and often humorous. That is not to say that this is exclusively a teaching tool; some tales lean more toward relationship issues, while others are simply entertaining, but all of them revolve around the connection between friends. I read to my daughter daily and often, and at this stage this book is just right with regard to length, complexity, and situations that are bound to tickle her brain.* The illustrations are simple but attractive and follow events in the story. This is one of the first books I've read to my daughter that is weighted more toward the printed word than the illustrations. This also makes it vastly more interesting for this particular daddy, who may have been growing tired of simpler fare.* This is the first book my daughter has gotten into that has independent chapters. Each chapter is sized just about right, about twelve pages or so, and is perfect for keeping my daughter's interest. It also makes for a nice bridge to 'bigger' books and allows me to point out that a longer story can be made up of more individual events and the imagery produced by the spoken word can begin to overtake printed illustrations.* This particular book is a Caldecott Honor Book. I tend to seek out books that are unique, challenging, and rewarding to read, and it is nice to know that it also has been recognized by a respected organization.The bottom line is this: out of the universe of children's books, this is one - at least from this daddy's perspective - that I don't mind reading over and over for days on end and which my daughter loves and asks for by name. For me, this also hits a sweet spot between fantasy and reality, values and entertainment, and challenging material that my daughter enjoys digesting. As with any media, toy, or developmental tool my child is exposed to, I am very choosy - as I am certain any parent is. It also comes down to personal preference, one's particular values, developmental stage, etc. For me, however, this book hit the mark at the right time and has helped transition from simpler tales full of pictures to more complex stuff.

These books are magical and timeless. My son and I love all of these. There is a style to this writing that is hard to emulate in modern times. Frog and Toad have wonderful personalities and my son and I always laugh at their antics. I continue to buy them for young children as gifts.

I bought this as a gift since my daughters loved reading Frog & Toad at a young age.

I don’t have kids or grandkids, yet a feature article about Arnold Lobel in my daily newspaper sparked my interest in his work. I’m looking for an escape from our complex, crazy world, and that’s what Frog and Toad are Friends gave me. The same-sex relationship between Frog and Toad reminds us of what it means to be a true friend: in other words, being there for somebody no matter what. The five tales that comprise this book are about encouragement, appreciating the little things in life, learning to laugh, generosity and thoughtfulness, with charming, detailed illustrations to enhance the stories’ meanings. Lobel’s words are not just for kids. Frog and Toad are Friends can serve as a vessel of inspiration for all ages, something to turn to when things get rough to remind us of what’s important in life.