The Mysterious Tadpole: 25th Anniversary Edition [Hardcover]

Steven Kellogg (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 26, 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Louis's Scottish uncle brings him the birthday gift of a tadpole, plucked right out of Loch Ness. But it soon becomes clear that this "tadpole" is not turning into an ordinary frog! It'll take a little help from friends and a lot of ingenuity to feed and shelter this unusual, ever-growing pet.

The Mysterious Tadpole, with its giddy mix of fantasy, adventure, and high humor, is one of Steven Kellogg's most popular books. It was an ALA Notable, an IRA-CBC Children's Choice, and won the Irma Simonton Black Award. For its anniversary, Steven has reworked aspects of the story and has created entirely new artwork in the bright, bold colors that weren't reproducible twenty-five years ago. He discusses why he wanted to revise the book in a lively author's note.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Steven Kellogg's award-winning picture book The Mysterious Tadpole, first published in 1977, is back with wonderful new illustrations and additional "nuances of character, sequence, and plot" in this fabulous 25th-anniversary edition. The story begins when Uncle McAllister brings a "wee bit of Scotland"--a tadpole to be precise--to Louis for his birthday. Delighted, Louis names him Alphonse and brings him to school for show-and-tell. A diet of cheeseburgers allows the creature to grow by leaps and bounds, and he soon outgrows his jar, the kitchen sink, and the bathtub. Finally, when the high school swim team learns of Alphonse's presence in their pool the hard way, Uncle McAllister gets a call: "'Oh, the wee tadpole?' he said. 'Why, he came from the lake nearby. It's the one folks call Loch Ness.'" Louis's ingenuity (he takes on a paper route to pay for his pet's burgers, and that of his friend the librarian (she thinks they can use the aquatic Alphonse to find pirate treasure and use the money to build him his own swimming pool) are heartwarming and hilarious. Children who are attached to a pet will completely relate to Louis's devotion to his unusual new friend. Kellogg's luminous illustrations of the ever-expanding monster and bewildered townspeople are expressive, often hysterical, and full of tiny details that demand many rereadings. A treat! (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

From Publishers Weekly

Several reissued titles will be welcomed by fans of their celebrated authors and artists. Louis gets the gift that keeps on giving or growing, rather in The Mysterious Tadpole by Steven Kellogg. The story about a boy and his burgeoning birthday present returns in a 25th-anniversary edition featuring revised text and full-color illustrations. (Aug.)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 25 Anv edition (August 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803727887
• ISBN-13: 978-0803727885
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,100,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With the same energy, humor and clarity found in his 50 books, David wows audiences at schools around the United States and beyond. David is an accomplished storyteller and a master at getting kids to think and have fun at the same time. His presentations lead children on entertaining and educational journeys that combine math, science, reading and writing. David also gives keynote presentations and workshops for educators at professional conferences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Big hit with boys!, April 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mysterious Tadpole (A Pied Piper Book) (Mass Market Paperback)

The Mysterious tadpole is a book at our preschool and it is checked out so often it is diffult to get your hands on it. Boys just love this story of friendship and problem solving. As a mom, I like the values of Louie, who won't give up on his beloved pet / friend Alphonse. I would recommend it to all boys and gils of all ages.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs Up for The Mysterious Tadpole., December 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mysterious Tadpole (A Pied Piper Book) (Mass Market Paperback)

We are second graders from Bernardsville, New Jersey and we think The Mysterious Tadpole is a wonderful fantasy. The delightful illustrations made us laugh and helped tell the story with such detail that the words were almost unnecessary. The very last picture made us wonder if Steven Kellogg will write a sequel to this story. We encourage everyone who likes a good friendship story to read this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If it ain't broke, April 30, 2006

By 

Corbu (Land of Oz) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mysterious Tadpole: 25th Anniversary Edition (Hardcover)

I loved this book as a child and have loved reading it to my son. He received the 25th Anniversary edition for Christmas and while it's very, very good, it has been rewritten and simply lacks the charm of the original (which I would rate an enthusiastic 5 stars). The story is still wonderful and if this is the only copy you have access to, you won't be disappointed. The original, though, is the best and that's why I have to give this edition 4-stars.