• Age: 6 to 7
• Grade: 1 to 2
• Reading age: 6 to 7

"Frog and friends are a delightful group—entertaining, charming, and funny. Just the sort of friends anyone is glad to have." – Kirkus Reviews

In Book 8 of this engaging beginning reader series from acclaimed children's writer Eve Bunting, when Frog and his Friends are joined for their Thanksgiving feast by a hedgehog, and they all discover that making new friends is worth it, even if it's a bit scary at first; Frog has his friends wake him from his winter hibernation so he can enjoy his first Christmas; and they ring in the new year with a festive party but decide to skip on making changes.

Eve Bunting was born in a little town in Ireland called Maghera and she was brought up in the tradition of storytelling. Her mother started a library in their house and there were always books available to read. Most were poetry, which Eve loved. She also loved ghost stories and adventure stories; actually stories of all kinds. So she grew up, got married, had three children, and became a storyteller herself.Now Eve lives in California and writes books that tell stories. She has written a lot of books, more than 250, and hopes to write many more. Because storytelling is what she does. And what she loves to do.

Eve Bunting's profile page

For as long as she can remember, Josée Masse has always spent her free time drawing. Her father was a painter and there are many memories of her spending time with him at his studio. After studying graphic arts in Montreal, she was a graphic designer for 3 years before starting a career in illustration. She enjoys illustrating children's books as much as designing images for magazines and advertising. Josée now lives near Montreal where she spends her creative hours in her workshop.

Josée Masse's profile page

The stories are quietly entertaining and cleverly humorous with solid plots, subtle lessons, and a cozy sense of community among the group of friends. Bunting's polished prose is several levels above most early readers, particularly in Frog's calm leadership and in the understated humor. Charming illustrations are thoughtfully integrated with the text, including lots of spot illustrations as well as some full-page views. Just like the Frog and Toad series, these stories work well as early readers but are also strong enough to succeed as read-alouds for younger children too. Frog and friends are a delightful group—entertaining, charming, and funny. Just the sort of friends anyone is glad to have.

Kirkus Reviews