A Frog in the Bog

A Frog in the Bog

by Karma Wilson
Illustration by Joan Rankin

There's a small, hungry frog sitting on the log in the middle of the bog is a hilariously illustrated story that teaches young readers the concept of counting from one to five and back again.

Preschool-age children will love this simple counting-to-five book that features rhythmic text and humorous illustrations of a frog eating his way through a bog while sitting on a half-sunk log. Kids will giggle as the frog's stomach expands with each insect entree, from one tick to five snails. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations do a wonderful job of capturing the peaceful, lazy setting of the bog while the frog and insects are given sweet expressions and welcoming details.

Young children can practice counting by adding up the number of insects the frog consumes. After a surprise twist frightens the frog, children can count backwards from five as all the bugs escape during the amphibian's wide-mouthed holler. Repetitive text such as, "and the frog grows a little bit bigger!" gives kids the chance to chime in and extra observant eyes can guess which insect will be featured on the following page by catching a glimpse of the bugs in the background of the previous page.

As an adult who has ready many children's books, this is one of my favorites, which is a good thing because it is also tops the list of the three-year-old I babysit. It's a fun and humorous story that has yet to get old, despite numerous readings. Emily loves participating in the reading and often finishes the punch line before I do. She also thought it was hilarious when the engorged frog leaps up and looks like a giant blog with little legs, or as she said, "He looks like a jellyfish!"

--Abby