Froggy

This offbeat graphic novel by Walshe (Abby: Curled Up and On a Roll) follows young Froggy, a lovable and clumsy amphibian with a big heart and even bigger feelings, as he experiences moments of loneliness, wonder, frustration. and joy across a series of bravery-inspiring and connection-inciting events. "Today's the day, Froggy shouts as he gathers his belongings and makes his way to the stream, where his parents and neighbors see him off on an adventure. Though he's immediately snatched up by a hungry bird, Froggy manages to escape certain doom and soon finds himself journeying to the bottom of a pond with new friend Fishtopher. As Froggy later makes his way through the forest depicted as a whimsical land of magic and wonder--he happens upon various other smiling, gently rounded wood land inhabitants across an episodic narrative that balances dry humor in a letter to his parents, Froggy notes that he's "too young for my spine to be so angry") with quiet moments of emotional reflection. Fluid and vibrantly colorful jewel-toned illustrations enhance the plucky, positive spirit of this series-starting adventure that feels like a splash of refreshing water on a hot summer's day. Ages 7-up. (Aug.) * Publisher's Weekly *
Young Froggy is ready for adventure. He's lived in the same familiar pond setting with his parents for his entire life and today is the day he goes in exploration of new experiences. During his travels, Froggy makes new friends, travels to the depths of the pond, helps all sorts of forest creatures, eats all kinds of tasty food he's never tried before (including a legendary corn dog), and even encounters humans for the first time-with both good and not-so-good results. When Froggy is suddenly captured by a wizard, things look grim, but before long, he realizes the wizard just needs his help. A comical narrator adds wry commentary to the very silly adventures as determined, guileless Froggy faces the ups and downs of venturing out into the unknown. Soft but vibrant colors, rounded figure design, and lots of entertaining background details in the large panels give this abundant appeal for repeat reads, and the gentle lesson about bravery in the face of new things is a great one for the target age group. -- Jonathan Khan * Booklist *
Each short chapter features a mini adventure, many of which can be enjoyed as standalone stories, making this a great book for reluctant readers and those who are developing their reading stamina. The comic book design incorporates colourful, amusing illustration panels, which are peppered with speech bubbles, helping to create a sense of pace. While the text is minimal, there are plenty of visual narratives to be enjoyed within the vibrant illustrations. Silly, imaginative and with friendship firmly at its core, this quirky tale is full of humour. * BookTrust *
A lovely tale of adventure on a small scale with big stakes. Froggy leaves his tiny frog village and his family and sets out to find adventure, with the help of a slightly sarcastic narrator. Friends are made along the way. Perils faced. Enemies encountered, and righteous vengeance is sworn, even if it takes the whole book to achieve it! This graphic novel is broken down into short episodes with longer story threads running throughout the journey. The writing is tight, with great character moments. This reviewer loved hanging out with Froggy on his determined but happy-go-lucky adventures and enjoyed the friends he made along the way. The illustration is cute and lush. The book is full to the brim of full-colour detailed artwork, mood and atmosphere, bringing to life the dense undergrowth and waterside life. The character designs are strong, beautiful and expressive - any page could be a cover for the book. While to some, the illustration may look a little young and overly sweet, the writing style uses this to slightly subvert our expectations; with a deft hand, Paige grounds the story with genuine heart and humour. Overall, this book is a winner, I hope for many more tales and adventures from plucky, positive, Froggy and his pals in the future. -- Alan O'Rourke * Children's Books Ireland *
The world often feels so big, when in reality it is filled by little moments of joy, wonder and loss. Finding your pond-mates and growing with them is THE big adventure filled with little adventures we all need. That is the lesson Froggy and his gemstone hued watercolor world shows the reader. -- Isabelle Melançon * Artist of Namesake and Author of Crow Time *
Froggy is a fun, passionate protagonist brought to life by Walshe's beautiful and dynamic art. The style is fun and engaging, the colours are bright and eye catching, and the story is full of heart and humour. It's safe to say I'm a bit obsessed with Froggy and his silly bold personality, and I imagine everyone else who reads it will be too. 5/5. -- Lynn at Coventry * Waterstones Bookseller Review *
Froggy might just be one of my favourite reads of 2025. The story is sweet, the setting charming and the characters are utterly fantastic. Froggy himself is the highlight of this book - and oddly relatable. There is never a dull moment in his adventures and I found myself giggling out loud and his antics. I think both children and adults will find something to love about this title. 5/5 -- Reii * Waterstones Bookseller Review *
Froggy is a wonderful story about going on an adventure and building a community through kindness and goodwill. The illustration style is cute and represents the sillier aspects of the story perfectly. It would make a wonderful read for kids interested in animals as the main character Froggy meets many different animals who live in and around the pond. 5/5 -- Maisie Walsh * Waterstones Bookseller Review *
You'll want to take this one home! -- If you see this on the shelf, pick it up and have a flick through, you too fellow booksellers! This is ridiculously adorable and I related to Froggy way too much! I guarantee you'll want to buy it. Cute short chapter graphic novel with fantastic illustrations. 5/5 -- Sarah * Waterstones Bookseller Review *
Simply Stunning! - The story is both heartwarming and full of adventure while the illustrations in this graphic novel are absolutely breathtaking. I often find myself flipping through it for inspiration! Highly recommend it to any animal lover out there. 5/5 -- Pati * Waterstones Bookseller Review *
A truly delightful graphic novel about a small frog with a big heart heading out on his own adventures! [..] I absolutely loved the art style and the way the graphic novel was written. A children's graphic novel to treasure. -- Jess at Swindon * Waterstones Bookseller Review *
Divided into ten chapters and illustrated in vibrant shades, this is just the book to tuck into your own backpack, find a shady spot to sit down by the waterside and enjoy adventuring along with the endearing protagonist. -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *
this is a graphic novel that delights the reader in all the right ways. [...] Paige Walshe has set a high bar with brilliant visuals and some madcap ideas: one to watch! -- North East Teacher * The Great British Bookworm *
Long dreaming of seeing the world, little Froggy decides to leave his home-pond and his family to begin his journey. On the way he will make new friends and have the most bizarre misadventures that all seamlessly come together in the end. Paige Walshe matches the carefree yet anarchic tone of her script with bright colours and absolutely charming character design. A truly hilarious adventure that will have kids and adults chuckling. -- Dean Simons * Comics Beat *
Simple, but attractive art accompanies Froggy making new friends, always with plenty to distract young eyes while also subtly teaching about the countryside and its attractions. As the story begins in a recognisable world, but moves into more unusual areas there's also plenty of opportunities for Walshe to dazzle with her creations. [...] That Walshe ends by supplying characteristics for all the creatures seen indicates the creative imagination applied to A Pond Full of Pals, and young readers will surely delight in exploring the world created. -- Ian Keogh * Slings and Arrows Comics and Graphic Novels Guide *
Most pond frogs are content to live a simple life of catching flies, sitting on lily pads, and bobbing in the water, but Froggy is not your average amphibian. He longs to see the world-or at least downstream a bit-guided by his affirmational call-to-arms, "The sun is shining and my skin is slime-ing! Why not now?" Over the course of 10 chapters, Froggy is joined by a slew of new and indelibly quirky coconspirators to join in his escapades: Fishtopher the fish, Buzzter the bee, Ratrick the rat, and the rest of the pond-dwelling gang. But when a human snags a photo of their friendly local forest cryptid with the intention of becoming famous, the tranquility of the animals' peaceful pond life hangs in the balance. Froggy and friends set out to make things right, and along the way, Froggy discovers the value of true friendship and community. Walshe builds a warm, cozy world stocked with a cast of adorable characters that will enchant young readers and adults too. The narrator's scene-setting captions and cheeky commentary are the perfect complement to Froggy's bravery, silliness, and unabashed determination. Hopefully there will be much more to come from Froggy's whimsical world. VERDICT Dive right in, the water is fine, and if there is one lesson to be learned: in a world full of humans, be a Froggy. -- Sarah Simpson * SLJ *