Froggy Plays in the Band



Last updated Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Author: Jonathan London
Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 0670035327
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2009

Synopsis: When Froggy hears about an upcoming marching band contest, he wastes no time in digging out his dad's old saxophone from the attic. Soon, along with his recorder-tooting, triangle-tinging, baton-flinging pals, Froggy has himself a bona fide marching band. As long as they can remember the rules--"Don't look left. Don't look right. And DON'T STOP FOR ANYTHING!"--they might even win the big prize. Of course, it's hard to take everything into account... Created by clever author-illustrator team Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz, Froggy has starred in many endearing picture books, including Froggy Eats Out, Froggy Gets Dressed, and Froggy Goes to School. With his earnest expressions and high personal standards, this amiable amphibian plays the perfect straight man to his own droll antics. Young readers will adore watching Froggy get into--and out of--yet another pickle. Rock on, Froggy!

Note to readers:
•  Vocabulary: Saxophone, drums, recorder, triangle, cymbals, majorette

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Does anyone have a frog for a pet?
•  What are the animals & instruments on the cover?
•  What sound do frogs make?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What's the big rule for marching bands? (Don't look left. Don't look right. Don't stop for anything.)
•  Would you like to enter a band contest someday?
•  What instrument would you like to play?
•  Why didn't froggy look at his father during the parade?
•  What other types of animals are attending the parade?

Craft ideas:
•  Have the children pick their favorite instrument (cymbals, triangle, recorder, or saxophone) out of the book and draw it on a piece of paper. Then cut out the instrument. They can be used as a bookmark or an instrument they can pretend to play.

Special activities:
•  Have each kid act & sound like a different instrument in the book.
•  Have kids act like a marching band & march around the room or back to the auditorium

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!