Saturday, April 15, 2017

Prince Ribbit by Jonathan Emmett with illustrations by Poly Bernatene [Review & Givaway]

ISBN13: 9781561457618
My thoughts: This is a beautiful picture book with characters drawn from the imagination of Jonathan Emmett and fleshed out with the colorful drawings by Poly Bernatene. Not your ordinary and run-of-the-mill Frog into a Prince fairy tale, this one allows the reader to delve deeper into conscious thought and think out of the box exploring the sense that all is not as it may seem and that one can't always trust what is written in every book.

On the surface this is a delightful story with a twist on kissing the frog so he can become a handsome prince. It is the tale of three sisters, all princesses, two of which are engrossed with reading fairy tales and wishing for a handsome prince to marry them -  even if it meant kissing a horrid frog first.

The young Princess Martha was more interested in real frogs simply because they were frogs and without the hope of one becoming a handsome prince. She peered at the frogs in the garden and spied a clever frog who dreamed princely dreams of soft beds, wonderful food, and a glorious crown. So he devised a plan to present himself to the young princesses. The story goes on that the two day-dreaming princesses wanted to lavish treats on the frog - of course hoping to change him into a Prince. After all, that is how the story in the book went and they wanted the same thing.

The adorable and fun illustrations coupled with the story are a sure-fire winning combination and a great twist on the typical frog into a prince fairy tale. I like that the reader (and the person reading to the young child) can think deeper and a bit out of the box on this one. Typically, the young child is taught and expected to believe what the story says and what the adults teach him or her. So to even entertain the thought of a young child not believing something should be carefully approached. Granted, belief a real frog can change into a real human prince is far fetched and can easily be used to teach a youngster that just because it is in a book doesn't make it a truth. Discernment between fairy tales and truth can be taught at an early age. Care does need to be exercised by the adult in the leadership position to carefully maintain the leadership role in helping the child develop the ability to know the difference between that which is true and that which is not.

I really like this book and the twist at the end. The story is cute, expressive, entertaining, and brings a bit of educational facts to the reader. The illustrations are delightful, fun, and brightly colored.I can highly recommend it for libraries and homes

About the book: Enchanted prince or just a plain old frog? Pucker up, princesses! Theres only one way to find out.

Fairy tales are just stories, or so Princess Martha believes. But when her sisters meet a talking frog, they're convinced that giving him the royal treatment will turn him into Prince Charming. After all, that's what happens in their story books. Martha isn't so sure. The more she sees of Prince Ribbit, the more suspicious she becomes. Armed with the facts, Martha sets out to expose Prince Ribbit and prove to her sisters that just because it's in a book doesn't mean it's true. But before The End, Princess Martha might just learn that lesson for herself!
GIVEAWAY
Begins April 16
ENDS May 7 @ 12:01 a.m EDT
Open to USA addresses only..
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the Peachtree Publishers to facilitate a review of my honest opinions which are freely given. Prize copy is provided and sent to winner by publisher.

15 comments:

  1. 1a. He illustrated his own poems. The hermit in the tower is pretty funny.
    1b. He has been drawing since he was born (or so he says!)
    2. Dinosaurs after dark

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  2. I believe it's very important for children to be active in reading skills. It brings other skills as interaction with children and thinking skills. Thank you for this opportunity for this wonderful giveaway.

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  3. 1.Writer for Picture Book Den
    2.Ruby Flew Too

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  4. Critical thinking skills aren't generally something that one can seek in a disciplined way for grade-school or younger children. Let young people enjoy life and give them good books with beautiful illustrations. Books for enjoyment, but quality books.

    The author's Website: (1) It's very, very busy looking in its design, with lots of books on the left and right. (2) Another book is "The Clockwork Dragon," with a cool cover.

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  5. This book would be for my granddaughter.

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  6. 1) something about the author/illustrator, - He has written over sixty children’s books
    2) another book he has done.- Fairy Cake

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  7. I think fairy tales are not just entertaining, but also stimulate the imagination - important for both kids and adults.

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  8. I like that the children can enjoy reading for fun. As they get older they can read into the meaning of older books or take them at face value.

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  9. I like fairy tales, they expand a child's imagination. :)

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  10. I learned that he's written over sixty children’s books since 1999.
    Another book he has done is "Fairy Cake".

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  11. 1/ Jonathan Emmett has written over sixty children’s books, and they have been translated into over 30 different languages.
    2/ I also love his another book, Pigs Might Fly
    Thank You for the chance!

    Fiona N

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  12. I goofed today. Here is the second twitter link
    https://twitter.com/Arf2D2/status/858376849449263110

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  13. This looks like a fun book! Thanks for linking up at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

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  14. Reading and enjoying picture book is the first step into analyzing more complex literature.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  15. The author was born in Leicestershire in 1965, the son of a factory fitter and a primary school teacher.

    This Way Ruby! is another book from this author.

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