Willie, the Frog Prince [Hardcover]

C. S. Adler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 1994 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

In helping his new friend and classmate Marla solve her problems with her unpleasant home life, eleven-year-old Willie finds a greater acceptance of and by his perfectionist father.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In spite of his best intentions, fifth-grader Willie never seems to measure up to the expectations of either his humorless teacher or his exacting father, who merely wants Willie to "concentrate." Even Marla, the new girl, is reluctant to respond to Willie's friendly overtures because, as she explains, "You don't fit, and people won't like me if they see me with you." Only his indulgent mother seems to appreciate Willie's ample good qualities, but she also comes across as immature and weak. Ultimately Willie does win Marla over and in the process makes a dent in his relationship with his father, but these small triumphs are hard-earned--and Marla almost immediately moves away. The lack of sympathetic, strong adults and Willie's naive vulnerability are not an entirely credible combination, much less a comfortable one. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Willie is a likable fifth grader who has trouble concentrating, especially in school. He's somewhat naive, a bit of a joker, but consistently honest and loyal. His father is temporarily home full time after a dispute with his boss and has apparently just become aware of his son's shortcomings. The boy's poor academic performance and his dog's lack of training become primary targets of his father's criticism. Then, a new girl moves to the area. Marla is shy, quiet, and leery of Willie's overeager attention. His persistence and kindness win out, and eventually Marla learns to trust him. Their friendship is short-lived but the boy succeeds in helping her through a hard time in her life and in accepting yet another move. Willie's interactions with his parents, particularly his father, are important throughout the short novel, and in the end he does earn the man's praise. However, this story is primarily about his relationship with Marla. Although the plot is rather thin and some of the characters are not fully developed, Willie shines through as a believable child who is wise beyond his years.
Marilyn Long Graham, Lee County Library System, Fort Myers, FL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; First Edition edition (April 18, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039565615X
• ISBN-13: 978-0395656150
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,529,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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