From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-A modern spin on a traditional tale. A princess has fallen victim to a spell that has turned her into a frog, and to reverse it, a boy must kiss her before two cycles of the moon pass. Her time is running out. One day while out catching tadpoles, Davey discovers Princess Amelia, and he can't believe his luck. He immediately sees her as a way to make him the most popular boy in school, for no one else has a talking frog. Amelia is horrified, and she is further distressed when she discovers that Davey has a terrible track record in pet care. What he doesn't bank on is that she can be a royal pain-she's bossy, determined-and terrified. This story will charm its readers, and the pencil drawings add to the fun. Children will relate to the boy's struggle between desiring popularity and taking responsibility for his actions. There is a lot of funny, snappy dialogue, and the spot and full-page black-and-white drawings are equally engaging. A strong selection for early chapter-book readers.
Linda B. Zeilstra, Skokie Public Library, ILCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 2-4. When Davey catches a frog in the neighborhood pond, he's somewhat surprised to notice its blue eyes--and plenty surprised when it speaks to him. Their first conversation quickly turns into an argument. The frog, who reveals herself to be Princess Amelia, transformed by a wizard into her present amphibious form, commands Davey to kiss her in order to break the evil spell. Davey knows that he
should kiss the frog, but he can't help putting it off. In the first place, he wants to show off his talking frog. Second, he bridles at Amelia's bossy manner. And finally, the thought of kissing a frog makes him ill. The portrayal of Davey's family and friends provides a realistic grounding for the story and makes a good juxtaposition with the fantasy elements. Wohnoutka's illustrations, sympathetic and often amusing depictions of the characters, enhance the story's child appeal. For children reading short, illustrated chapter books, this light fantasy provides good fun.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
