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

Casey Lyall is the author of the acclaimed picture book A Spoonful of Frogs, illustrated by Vera Brosgol; the middle grade novels Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is; Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities; and the popular Howard Wallace, P.I. series; and the graphic novel The League of Littles, illustrated by Sara Faber. She lives in southwestern Ontario, Canada, where she also works at her local library.

Vera Brosgol received a Caldecott Honor for her picture book Leave Me Alone! She is also the acclaimed author and artist of Memory Jars, The Little Guys, and the graphic novels Plain Jane, Anya’s Ghost, Be Prepared, and Plain Jane and the Mermaid. Vera Brosgol lives in Portland, Oregon.