playing with paper

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wednesday In Writing: Frog and Toad

My initial inspiration for Wednesday In Writing came when I retrieved The Frog and Toad Treasury from the attic for my youngest daughter. Like her two sisters before her, she thoroughly enjoys hearing the stories over and over again. (I believe the oldest actually requested it for the youngest.)

The Treasury is made up of three Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel: Frog and Toad are Friends (1970), Frog and Toad Together (1971, 1972), and Frog and Toad All Year (1976). Each book contains five stories, usually one for each season of the year, plus an extra. The last story of the first book is titled "The Letter."

Toad was sitting on his front porch. 
Frog came along and said, 
"What is the matter, Toad? 
You are looking sad."
(click image to improve readability)

It is only a twelve-page, easy-reader story, but it made me realize how many children's books we have that feature mail. I suppose I am drawn to them, but sometimes I am pleasantly surprised to find letters and postcards playing an important role in the stories I read aloud.

2 comments:

  1. That's so true! I never really think about how often snail mail pops up in children's books, etc. Interesting observation!
    Side note: I remember being in first grade and we were reading The Frog And The Toad books and we had to make our own story of the characters. I remember drawing them and thinking HOW GOOD my drawing was. I was super impressed with it. When I was in high school I went through some old boxes and found that drawing and realized how bad I thought it was. I wish I had the confidence I had when I was 6. :-)

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    1. We should all work to be proud of our best effort no matter our age!

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