Frog and Toad Are Friends



Last updated Monday, August 27, 2007

Author: Arnold Lobel
Date of Publication: 1970
ISBN: 0060239573
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2007

Synopsis: Amazon.com: Frog and Toad agreed: it was a perfect day for a swim. And Frog was kind enough not to look at Toad in his bathing suit, per Toad's request. But when the swimming was over, a crowd had gathered to see Toad in his funny-looking suit, and neither Frog nor Toad could make them leave. The endearing pair hops along through five enchanting stories, looking for lost buttons, greeting the spring, and waiting for mail. Their genuine care for each other makes Frog and Toad two of the finest amphibious role models around. Young readers will chuckle with Frog as they watch Toad's silly efforts to make up a story. And they will applaud Toad as he finally wakes up after hibernating all winter. The fifth story will warm the hearts of any would-be pen pal--or anyone who has ever known what it's like to have a true-blue (or green) friend. Arnold Lobel's comfortable brown and green illustrations invite and delight every reader, setting the tone for warm, funny stories about friendship. A Caldecott Honor Book and finalist for the National Book Award for Children's Literature, this installment of Lobel's classic Frog and Toad series is another essential addition to any youngster's shelf.

Note to readers:
•  You don’t have to read all the chapters-choose which ones you like. You may be able to finish them all.
•  Vocabulary: shutters, meadow, pleased.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What are the differences between a frog and a toad? Can you look at the picture and tell which is Frog and which is Toad? (Toad is brown and Frog is green)
•  Can Frogs or Toads read?
•  What would you like to be? A toad or a Frog? Why?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you have to wake up any of your brothers or sisters in the morning? Do your parents wake you up for school? What tricks do your parents use to get you out of bed?
•  What do you do to remember or think of something? Is it a good idea to bang your head against the wall?
•  What do you do when you lose something? Do you have others help you or retrace your steps?
•  Do you know how to swim? Is it safe to go into or near the water if you don’t know how to swim? What swim wear should you have when you go into the water—floaties, life jackets, swim suits.
•  Have you ever received a letter or card or mail? Have you ever written a letter or card to one of your friends? Do you like to receive mail? Why?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a frog out of construction paper. Cut out a large circle and four long, thin strips for the arms and legs. Fold the arms and legs accordion style. Attach them to the large circle. Fold the very top of the circle over to make the nose. Attach eyes to the top on the back side and a red tongue inside the fold.
•  Write a letter or card to your friend or distant family member and have your parents help you mail it.

*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!