Wendy Watson's Frog Went A-Courting

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. (May)