Froggie Went A-Courting: An Old Tale with a New Twist

With characteristic verve, Priceman (One of Each) turns the Scottish folk song about the marriage of a frog and a mouse into a zingy picture book. In this rendition, the action takes place not in the countryside but in contemporary Manhattan. Froggie hops a cab over to Ms. Mouse's apartment above the Cheese World storefront and asks for her hand in marriage. Soon preparations for a reception atop the Statue of Liberty are underway. Word of the engagement flashes in Times Square lights; Ms. Mouse reads Modern Mouse Bride. But just as the wedding celebration goes into full swing, ""a guest with a long black tail"" arrives, sets the partygoers scurrying and makes a meal of crabby Auntie Rat. Priceman pays a fitting tribute to the Big Apple, giving her text a big-city bustle and rhythm and showcasing such attractions as Chinatown, the Empire State Building and a Circle Line tourist boat. She more than matches the story's zip with gouache and cut-paper compositions saturated in kicky color. A master of clever perspective, Priceman whisks readers from street-level views of towering buildings to the sky-high party in Lady Liberty's crown. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)