A Spoonful of Frogs

“An attempt to make frog soup, a witch’s favorite treat, spells disaster during a cooking show when a key ingredient refuses to cooperate with the enchanting chef. . . . Lyall paces this mischievous story deliciously with well-timed page turns and repetition . . . Brosgol, meanwhile, makes excellent use of both white space and multipanel pages to enhance the comedic experience. . . . An all-seasons recipe for storytime success as readers will root for the frazzled witch to work her way out of a hilarious pickle.” — Booklist (starred review) “After heating the cauldron and adding spices and veggies, [a witch] reaches for the pièce de resistance: a ‘spoonful of frogs.’ Unfortunately for her, but hilariously for readers, the would-be ingredients repeatedly, cleverly hop away, evading the stew, stirring up trouble, and ultimately providing inspiration for a brand-new recipe. Lyall’s spare, mostly restrained text uses ear-pleasing, catch-phrase-worthy repetition and variation (“Put. The FROGS. On. The SPOON”) while Brosgol’s retro-chic, increasingly frazzled digital illustrations are a chef’s-kiss of comic timing.” — Horn Book (starred review) “Frog Soup [is] ‘a witch’s favorite treat’ . . . The glamorous witch filming this TV segment, however, quickly discovers that frogs are not the easiest thing to get onto a spoon. . . . Surefire ingredients for a giggly storytime.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “[A witch] demonstrates how to make frog soup in this humorous picture book tutorial. But after tossing in various veggies, the key ingredient—the titular froggy spoonful—refuses to cooperate. . . . The wily, hop-happy frogs escape from their tank, then prove subsequently and continually elusive. . . . Ideal for fans of cooking shows—or any kid who gets the giggles from seeing a flustered adult trying to hold it together.” — Publishers Weekly “[A witch] hosts her TV show . . . Today’s episode involves a demonstration on how to make Frog Soup. . . . Expecting the frog to stay on the spoon is her undoing as she tries to remain professional and keep her cool. . . . This entertaining tale is a humorous look at how well-laid plans can sometimes go awry, and it will tickle children’s silly bones.” — School Library Journal “Who knew soup-making was such an aerobic activity? . . . . It’s tough to add a spoonful of frogs when the ingredient in question has other plans that include hopping, jumping, and, ultimately, escaping. Thanks to a little culinary magic, however, the day is saved with a briny substitution that pleases both the witch and their new froggy friends. . . . Storytellers will have audiences in stitches with this delectable delight, and children will giggle with each new frenzied attempt of the witch to place the frogs on the spoon. . . . Delicious fun for everyone—even frogs!” — Kirkus Reviews