This Book Is Viral!

In author Keres and illustrator Lin’s latest picture-book series installment, Finn the Frog learns a lesson about caring for others.

Finn is aware that he lives inside a book and is rather caught up in the idea of his own renown. When it transpires that the reader is feeling ill, one of the amphibian’s first reactions is worry for himself. He rallies, though, and tries to diagnose and treat the unseen patient—only for the reader to sneeze (in a splendidly disgusting rendering of yellow mucus), causing Finn to contract the sickness himself. The reader then attempts to treat Finn, with unfortunate consequences, due to the incompatibility of human medicine and frog biology. Ultimately, it’s kindness that makes Finn feel better and teaches him to be less self-absorbed. Keres narrates from Finn’s perspective, addressing readers directly through the frog’s vainglorious soliloquies. A large, faux handprinted typeface, enlivened by judicious use of colorful and boldface emphases, shares a white backdrop with Lin’s watercolor illustrations. Lin’s creative style evokes classic illustrator Quentin Blake’s work while also establishing an intimate protagonist-reader dynamic that calls to mind author Jon Stone and illustrator Mike Smollin’s classic, The Monster at the End of This Book (1971). The combination is endearing, and the gross-out subject matter is sure to appeal to young children.

A jubilant tale of empathy and rib-tickling calamity.