Froggy Gets Dressed (Froggy)

Abundant onomatopoeia and dialogue betwen a young frog and his mother make this straightforward story a good choice for reading aloud. The rambunctious Froggy has more pressing pursuits on his mind than hibernating through the winter--"Snow! Snow! I want to play in the snow!" Accompanied by kid-pleasing sound effects (zoop! zup! zat!) he excitedly dons cold-weather gear and "flop flop flop"s outdoors. His mother, however, quickly points out that he has forgotten a few items; he returns to the house repeatedly for such essential apparel as pants, a shirt and a coat--and his long johns. (One memorable illustration has him tugging a red union suit up to his green chin.) The simplicity of London's tale is amusingly complemented by Remkiewicz's ( Greedy anna; The Last Time I Saw Harris ) typically colorful, playful take on a frisky protagonist. Any youngster who has ever bundled up for wintertime play will surely laugh out loud over this addled amphibian's constant undressing and dressing. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)

PreS-1-- Instead of taking his winter nap, young Froggy wants to play in the snow. Unfortunately, each time he goes outside he is called back because he has forgotten an item of clothing. Finally, he is so exhausted from dressing and undressing that he goes to sleep for the winter. London's use of repetition should appeal to children; they'll surely remember the funny sounds Froggy's clothing makes: "he buttoned up his shirt-- zut! zut! zut! Then he Snapped on his coat-- znap! Put on his hat-- zat! " These noises may turn the chore of donning clothes into a game as young audiences try to imitate the text. Remkiewicz's colorful cartoonlike illustrations are uncluttered and follow Froggy's progress each time he ventures out. This entertaining book shows youngsters that everyone has trouble getting dressed--even frogs! --Rachel Fox, Port Washington Pub . Lib., NY