A Spoonful of Frogs

An all-seasons recipe for storytime success as readers will root for the frazzled witch to work her way out of a hilarious pickle.

Delicious fun for everyone—even frogs!

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.

The host of cooking show Bewitching Kitchen!—a green-skinned, pink-nosed witch, complete with pointy hat—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. As the witch tries to maintain a calm telegenic demeanor, the wily, hop-happy frogs escape from their tank, then prove subsequently and continually elusive. Lyall's (Inky's Great Escape) sly text follows the witch repeating some variation of the instruction "Place the frogs on the spoon" while unsuccessfully trying to grab, chase, or trap them ("Get another spoon. Use the two spoons to scoop up the frogs"). Employing varied, cinematic framing and comic energy reminiscent of cartoon animation, Brosgol's (Memory Jars) digital artwork follows the chase out of the TV studio and into the park, where a slippery rock and a proximate pickle truck prove lifesavers for frog and witch both. Ideal for fans of cooking shows—or any kid who gets the giggles from seeing a flustered adult trying to hold it together. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Molly Ker Hawn, Bent Agency. Illustrator's agent: Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary. (July)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.


PreS-Gr 1—A very pale, red-nosed witch, clad in burgundy rather than the traditional black, hosts her TV show entitled "Bewitching Kitchen." Today's episode involves a demonstration on how to make Frog Soup. Step by step she takes "viewers" through the recipe from placing the cauldron on the fire to attempting to put a frog on a spoon in order to add it to the pot for "a kick of flavor and a pop of color." At this point in the story, which is told in absolute deadpan but with an underlying and expanding sense of mischief, children will begin laughing at the antics of the poor witch as she attempts to complete the recipe for her audience. Expecting the frog to stay on the spoon is her undoing as she tries to remain professional and keep her cool. Brosgol's engaging digital illustrations show a fitted-out kitchen with a large stove, hanging pots, drying herbs and jars of unspecified and indeterminate contents. The army of frogs the pink-aproned witch keeps in an aquarium are full of energy and bounce and, though they are trying the woman's patience, their faces remain serenely calm and innocent. VERDICT This entertaining tale is a humorous look at how well-laid plans can sometimes go awry, and it will tickle children's silly bones.—Maryann H. Owen

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"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