Frog Went A-Courting

From Publishers Weekly With whimsy and much good humor, Watson sends the flower-toting, suspender-wearing Frog a-courting in her rendition of this traditional children's song. When Frog asks the winsome Miss Mouse to marry him, she answers that she cannot accept without Uncle Rat's approval. After he consents and goes off to buy his niece a wedding gown, excited preparations proceed apace. At the event, merriment prevails among the well-dressed animals and insects--until the unwelcome arrival of an uninvited guest: a large old bobcat. "So that was the end of the wedding day," says the song, the music to which appears on the book's last page. Watson makes fine use of her characteristically light palette: her delicate blues, greens and yellows playfully capture the spirit of the simple lyrics. Youngsters will enjoy seeking out the many droll details presented here--readying the wedding supper alone produces a veritable beehive of activity. Ages 4-7. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal A traditional folk song newly illustrated in soft pastel watercolors. The hillside village where Frog goes to call on Miss Mouse bustles with life; for children who like to pore over minute detail , there is a great deal to see. In some cases, however, the scene is so busy and the characters so small that both are difficult to decipher. This would be particularly hard on story-hour groups. This ballad is included in several folk-song anthologies for children, as well as in picture-book editions, such as the one by John Langstaff (HBJ, 1955). Watson's playful illustrations may succeed in introducing a younger audience to the song in collections where another picture-book version is needed. --Nancy Curtin, Port Washington Public Library, NYCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.