Froggie Froggette

This Spanish import attempts a lesson in self-acceptance via an unsuccessful revamping of cliches. When Mr. Toad asks Froggie Froggette to be his wife, she declines, explaining that since she has already changed from egg to tadpole to frog, she now feels it is time to become something more attractive--perhaps a bird. A bluebird takes her under his wing, so to speak, instructing her in chirping and flying. But gravity prevails, and Froggie plummets earthward, landing on a soft pile of grass--""Otherwise, she might have gotten herself killed."" This time she is more receptive to Mr. Toad when he croons his love song: ""Bug-eyed and round-faced,/ my Froggie Froggette,/ I think you're beautiful,/ when dry or when wet./ Will you be my wife?"" Escriva's droll facial expressions convey Froggie's vacillations between smug ambition and headscratching puzzlement, and subdued tones help offset the sometimes sugary renderings of bluebirds and flowers. Perera's tone is less sure, occasionally dipping into inanities, and the narrative logic is flawed (Why does Toad recognize that it's impossible for Froggie to become a bird, but Mr. Bluebird does not?). Some adults may object to the anachronistic message she sends in having Froggie marry the moment her attempts to fly don't pan out. Ages 6-8. (June)