Literary Titan
The Gumdrop sisters have big plans for their dayââ?¬"flapjacks made with love by Grandma Bean and then a trip to Candy Corn Cave. Nothing would make the two girls happier than ending their day with one of Grandma Beanââ?¬â?¢s special dishes. Grandma, however, has plans for a meal that may just be more than Gia Pia and Callie Cat can handle. When their grandmother mentions ââ?¬Å"frog soup,ââ?¬Â? thoughts of what may lie ahead interfere with their candy corn-picking plans. What does Grandma Bean have in mind? Is frog soup really what they think it is?
Frog Soup, Brianna Shostak�s engaging children�s book, follows two witch sisters as they brainstorm ways to get out of eating the meal their grandmother has planned. Like any siblings determined to avoid an unpleasant meal, the two begin to toss around ideas and even resort to considering a spell to change their dinnertime fate. The vivid illustrations give life to these relatable characters, witches though they may be. Children will smile and nod as they recall a meal or two when they would have been glad for the help of a spell.
From their joy at collecting candy corn to their seriousness as they study a spell book, readers will see every emotion in colorful detail. Even their sheer dread as they come face to face with Grandma�s promised dish will resonate with young readers. Shostak�s narrative and illustrations will appeal to parents, teachers, and young readers alike. Hidden inside the levity of Shostak�s storyline is an important lesson on trying new things and having a little trust.
This Halloween-themed read bears a cast of characters readers will enjoy and a series of illustrations that are reminiscent of anime art. I can see Shostak�s children�s book becoming a favorite among readers aged 5-8 and a staple in any library�s Halloween collection.
