Frog and the Stranger (Frog series) [Hardcover]

Max Velthuijs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2005 | Series: Frog series (Book 7)

When a rat comes to live at the edge of their wood, the animals decide they don't like having a stranger in their midst. But Frog is friendly by nature, and decides to find out if Rat is really as unpleasant as he is made out to be. As Frog discovers, Rat is intelligent and good hearted, and proves in a series of unexpected emergencies that the other animals have been too quick to condemn him. The Frog series by internationally-renowned artist Max Velthuijs are masterpieces of graphic simplicity, with texts that will hold a child’s attention time after time.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Velthuijs's sensitive, amiable amphibian witnesses prejudice close-up when Pig and Duck take an instant dislike to an itinerant rat. Although Frog finds the newcomer not only unobjectionable but quite interesting, his friends maintain that "everyone knows" that rats are "a thieving lot." With wise Hare's approval, Frog continues to visit the rodent; Rat wins the others' approbation after putting out a fire in Pig's house and saving Hare from drowning. Frog and his cohorts are depicted in simple, graceful lines that give full expression to their endearing foibles, from Pig's stubbornness to Frog's childlike curiosity and innocence. However, the book's message is conveyed somewhat heavyhandedly and its tensions are disappointingly resolved (that Rat is accepted only after heroically proving his helpfulness dilutes the lesson about tolerance), with the result that this venture is less engaging than Frog in Winter and Frog in Love. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Pig and Duck are suspicious of Rat when he arrives as a stranger in their community. Duck says, "You have to be careful of rats. They're a thieving lot." Frog keeps an open mind, though, and gets to know the newcomer before judging him. Rat proves to be an exemplary neighbor, but Duck and Pig almost let their prejudices blind them to his positive aspects. Only after he helps them directly do they accept him as a friend. The story itself is rather thin. Rat arrives, becomes a helpful and entertaining part of the group, and then moves on. The simple tale carries a strong message, however, and should be helpful in explaining discrimination to young children. Frog persists in being friendly to Rat even when the others express disapproval. He is strong enough to hold on to his own sense of what is right. Although Rat has done nothing wrong, he must go to heroic measures (saving Pig from a fire and rescuing Hare from drowning) just to be treated with common curtesy. The brightly colored drawings give the animals personality and add appeal to the tale. The design is uncluttered and inviting. A useful lesson in values where needed.
Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Andersen Press (September 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842704664
• ISBN-13: 978-1842704660
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.2 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #968,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Never Judge a Rat By Its Cover, June 3, 2000

By 

Dawn Woolcott (Vancouver WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frog and the Stranger (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book with great colorful illustrations. When a stranger sets up camp at the end of town, Duck and Pig automatically assume that because he's a rat, the stranger must be sneaky and lazy and a bad person. Only Frog takes the time to actually get to know Rat and form his own opinion. Frog not only discovers what a friendly, interesting, and helpful Rat he is, but gains a new friend. The story is just long enough for reading at bedtime, keeps your attention without being too preachy, yet teaches morals on many different levels. I think this is a wonderful book for teaching tolerance for people different from you, as well as how not to be rude like Pig. I definitely recommend it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Inoculate Your Child Against Racism, November 16, 2010

By 

John Psymythe - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Frog and the Stranger (Frog series) (Hardcover)

This wonderful book packs a punch against racism and fear of The Other. It uses simple, yet hard-hitting words to show that hating someone just because they look different is just plain wrong.