In Keres’ latest picture-book series installment, a frog may be ready to try something new.
Finn the Frog usually likes his home on the page to be tidy: No doodles allowed by readers—only pictures by the book’s illustrator, Arthur Lin. But at the beginning of this story, Finn decides to try something different and ask his mostly unseen reader for assistance: “I’ve always wanted to look STRONGER. These arms are so thin, I can barely see them. You think you could help with that?” The results are encouraging and even exciting, so Finn decides to ask for more changes. He requests glasses, some hair on his head, and pants to round out his new self. As the changes pile up, he becomes increasingly nervous, until he’s frantic to put things back the way they were. As in the previous installments of Keres’ series, Finn is fun and engaging because he breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the reader. Those familiar with his antics will be impressed that he wants to broaden his horizons, and this may help youngsters to learn about the ups and downs of doing the same themselves. Lin’s full-color cartoon illustrations are all enjoyable—and laugh-out-loud funny on the last two pages.
A nuanced and delightful entry in a tried-and-true series.