There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake

In this illustrated adaptation of the popular song by the same title, Long (Love) adds excitement to the well-known lyrics with delightfully detailed, bold illustrations. Building itself with repeating, ever-growing lines, the tune-cum-tale introduces readers to a frog who lives in a log on the bottom of a lake, as well as to a fly on the frog, a gnat on the fly, and a fish that happens upon them all. Long adds a second narrative to the repeating lyrics: a turtle and snail appear throughout, observing the scene on each page as the turtle comments on the song’s lyrics and the duo’s situation. While peering into the hole in the log, the turtle loses his balance, calling out a plea to the snail: “Dial 911! Turtle on its back! Emergency! Turtle freaking out!” In Long’s recognizable style, shades of green give depth and texture to the underwater scene. One to visit again and again, this updated version of an old favorite is appended with sheet music and a breakdown of the song by verse (“For some reason, I have the urge to take guitar lessons,” says the turtle, tucked in beneath the lyrics). Ages 4–8. [em]Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Sept.) [/em]