In this interpretation of the folk song "Froggy Went A-Courtin'", Froggy is cast as a notorious mobster and Miss Mousie as the proprietress of a swanky nightclub. Kevin O'Malley's illustrations recall the gangster films of the 1930s and "film noir" of the 1940s.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
More a new tale told in pictures than an illustrated version of the familiar folk song--"Froggy went a-courtin', he did ride, / Sword and pistol by his side"--this is a hepped-up '30s gangster story of crime and punishment. Froggy courts the proprietress of Miss Mousie's Nightclub with the spoils from a bank robbery, but their wedding supper at Hollowtree (another after-hours joint) is cut short by Froggy's arrest by Officer Cat. In a modified ending, the criminal amphibian exchanges his zoot suits for prison stripes, and "now he's doing seven to eleven." Song and illustrations here follow different paths, converging at some points (the wedding festivities) and diverging at others (as when the bank robbery is presented only visually). This fast-and-loose approach, though stylishly executed, may confuse children. With its dark, cartoon-style images, which resemble the work of film animator Ralph Bakshi, this jazzy debut venture may well find an appreciative audience among adults--aficionados of The Untouchables should love it . Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-- O'Malley's abbreviated version of the Appalachian folk song of the same title is a sheer delight . Set in the era of gangsters and molls, this is the Bugsy of the animal kingdom. After robbing a bank, Froggy escapes in his 1930 Packard. Skillfully eluding the police, he roars away to Miss Mousie's establishment. She is the proprietor of an exclusive nightclub, and the Mae West of this story. Swinging her pearls, she glides towards Froggy in her ``velvet satin gown.'' As she gazes flirtatiously at him, Froggy unabashedly asks her to marry him. ``Without her Uncle Rat's consent, she couldn't marry the president.'' Uncle Rat gives his (forced) consent, and the couple sets off to a wedding supper at a gambling den complete with shady animal characters. There the cops catch up to Froggy, who ends up in the slammer. Children will appreciate the bold cartoon illustrations with cinematic closeups. The rhyming text is perfect for storytimes as are the larger illustrations. This is a book for those familiar with the song; they're sure to appreciate this new interpretation of it.
- Michelle M. Strazer, College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Michelle M. Strazer, College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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