A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog by Mercer Mayer, Mercer Mayer (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Mercer Mayer, beloved creator of classics like Little Critter and There's a Nightmare in My Closet, brings back his first book starring a rambunctious boy who's out to catch a wily frog.

A wordless picture book originally published in 1967, Mayer's launch into the world of children's books helped him become known as a founder of the wordless style. In it, black-and-white illustrations show a boy and his pooch heading down to the pond to catch a frog, but a series of klutzy moves lands them both in the water and without their croaker. Unfortunately, their many attempts to snag the smiling frog don't work, but after they leave for home, the frog realizes he's a bit lonely. So with a go-get-'em attitude, he hops off to their place, where he joins his new friends in the bath.

Sure to spark kids' imaginations as they think up their own words to go with the pictures, Mayer's A Boy, A Dog and a Frog is an inspired, lighthearted springboard for creative discussions about recognizing actions and feelings. With Mayer's fresh, simple illustrations, this timeless book is sure to give kids plenty to ponder. Matt Warner

From the Publisher

A boy and his dog go walking in the swamp.
They spot a frog in the water.
Can they use a net to catch him?

Mercer Mayer is considered one of the creators of the wordless picture book form. A Boy, a Dog and a Frog was his very first published book and the start of the successful series about the adventurous little boy and his curious animal friends. Since then Mayer has gone on to create the classic There's a Nightmare in My Closet, the wildly popular Little Critter series, and many more beloved books for children.

Debra Briatico - Children's Literature

This classic wordless picture book focuses on the adventures of a young boy and his pet dog and their attempts to catch a frog. Dressed in a pair of waders and carrying a pail and net, the young boy, with his dog, march determinedly down to a nearby small pond, where they hope to capture a frog. Unfortunately, when they reach their destination, they quickly discover that it is not going to be an easy task. After two attempts, they angrily give up and head back home. Safely perched upon his rock, the frog watches the pair slowly disappear over the hill and becomes saddened by their departure. He decides to follow the mischievous pair and traces their muddy footprints back to the boy's house, where the twosome is washing up in the bathtub. He surprises them by jumping into the water and joining in the fun. Young children will enjoy flipping through the pages of this small book and retelling their own version of the story over and over again. The delightful black-and-white artwork perfectly captures the innocence of days gone by. Mercer Mayer, a pioneer in the wordless picture book genre, has created a gem for readers of all ages. 2003 (orig.1967), Dial Books for Young Readers, Ages 3 to 7.

Product Details