Let's Go, Froggy!

April 4, 1994
This inferior sequel to London and Remkiewicz's Froggy Gets Dressed finds main character Froggy waking up on a sunny spring morning; while the first Froggy tale (about the green amphibian's plans for a snowy day) has an air of spontaneity, this book's gaiety seems forced. This time, Froggy's dad suggests a bicycle trip and mentions some things to bring along--a bike helmet, a butterfly net, a ball. Unsurprisingly, Junior has misplaced his gear, and a familiar parent/child exchange recurs each time Froggy initiates a search: `` `I don't know where it is!' said Froggy. `It's wherever you left it!' said Frog Sr..'' The mildly humorous forgetfulness becomes repetitious; even the onomatopoeia (``flop flop flop'' to imitate the sound of Froggy walking), one of the highlights of the previous book, seems excessive. On the other hand, Remkiewicz's illustrations are as punchy as ever, and his exaggeratedly expressive characters are almost infectiously eager. Ages 2-6. Children's BOMC main selection.