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Chapter Book of the Month: WE ARE NOT FROGS!

So February seems to be whizzing by which means that it is time for us to share our chapter book choice for this month. Mini Reviewer, Izzie, is getting quite into the swing of "team reading" longer books at bedtime. Having finished Matilda, all the current Isadora Moon stories and several Rainbow Fairy stories, we have just started Bee Boy and are trying to finish Pippi Longstocking. Unfortunately I seem to be getting even slower at writing about our favourites but please do bear with us!



Our choice this month is from the fantastic Little Gems series by publisher, Barrington Stoke. We first came across this series late last year when we reviewed I Killed Father Christmas (not as grisly as it sounds!) and we found the book to be the perfect step between a traditional picture book and a longer chapter book, which Izzie could read independently. So we have been keen to find some more Little Gems.



Released this month is the new Little Gems edition of We Are Not Frogs! written by Sir Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Sam Usher. As with all the Little Gems books it is a great size to hold and has activities to try out inside the front and back covers. It is also illustrated throughout and the layout and simplified text are great for building confidence in developing readers. 

The story itself is a lot of fun. The toads and frogs are playing long-jump in the garden. The frogs always win. The toads are more interested in leading a quiet life but when a little boy and girl arrive and want to find some good jumpers, the toads are quickly disturbed. The toads make a deal with the children that they will show them to the jumpy frogs provided the children let the toads go. All is going to plan until Mutt the dog gets involved and all the frogs escape! The story ends with the upset children being comforted by Granny and her chocolate cake, which looks absolutely delicious!



Sam Usher's energy packed illustrations really make this book the perfect little package for young readers. Izzie had such fun spotting and counting the frogs on each page. I thought this would be her favourite thing about the book but no, apparently it was the chocolate cake recipe inside the back cover. She is an avid Bake Off fan so I shouldn't be surprised and it looks like one of our half term activities may already have been decided! Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending us a copy of this book and for the baking inspiration!

Have you read any of the Little Gems books? If so, do you have a favourite?






*We were sent a review copy of this book from Barrington Stoke, however all opinions are, as always our own. Please note that this post contains affiliate links. You can find out more about the affiliate programmes we are part of here.

20 comments:

  1. The illustrations are adorable! This book is perfect for young readers.

    #KCACOLS

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  2. This sounds like a really cute book - will have a look into it for my youngest who is learning to read #KCACOLS

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  3. Michael Morpurgo is such a good author, the front cover of this looks very funny indeed! #readwithme

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  4. This looks lovely! My guy is 5 and really getting into reading so I see a lot of books like these in our future soon #KCACOLS

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  5. This book looks lovely. I really need to get my twins reading more x #kcacols

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  6. The pictures look a lot of fun.
    #KCACOLS

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  7. Oh what a gorgeous little book! I love the illustrations, my children would love this! #KCACOLS

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  8. What an adorable book, the illustrations are great aren't they #kcacols

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  9. I've not heard of Little Gem, but this sounds like a great book! #KCACOLS

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  10. This looks good, am also on the look out for some slightly easier chapter books #KCACOLS

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  11. Sounds like a really good book! I love the illustrations :) #KCACOLS

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  12. Love the illustrations - they always make a book I think #KCACOLS

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  13. Those frogs look adorable! I bet my Little would enjoy reading that one to mee! Thank you! #kcacols xo

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  14. What a lovely book. I also like the illustrations, they are all very bright and cute. I will make a note of it for my girls. Thanks for sharing this with us! :) x #kcacols

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  15. We read this one during a library visit a while ago, think I picked it up because I recognised Sam User's illustrations. The Little Gem books are fab, perfect for introducing chapter books. #readwithme #KCACOLS

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  16. love the illustrations and my LO just learned how the frog sounds. Perfect new book for her #kltr

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  17. Absolutely love all Michael Morpurgo's work so I will definitely look out for this. #KLTR

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  18. Now this is a really cute book idea. The illustration s really are like no other!

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  19. My son has really got into chapter and has recently really enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so I think we should try this! Thanks for linking up to #KLTR

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