"Ella stopped and took him out of her pocket.
"Didn't you hear what I said? If you kiss me,
I'll turn into a prince!"
He puckered up his wide froggy lips and squeezed
shut his big froggy eyes.
Ella put him back in her pocket and continued
walking."
I don't remember reading this book when it was first published in 2010. I am delighted that it has been reissued in paperback for a new audience. I had great fun reading it, and then reading it again yesterday. It's a lively story of friendship, humor, and persistence.
A frog with a crown offers an invitation to Ella as she passes by, clad in a red baseball cap, blue jeans and basketball in hand. He thinks he's making an offer she cannot possibly refuse. After all, he's a prince; he just looks like a frog. What girl would refuse a chance to kiss a prince? It turns out that Ella is that girl. She has no interest in his puckered lips and closed eyes. She's happier having a frog in her pocket.
The frog is extremely persistent about the kiss. Ella wants to know the advantages should she kiss him and return him to his princely status. He is keen to explain to her just exactly what princes and princesses are allowed to do: study, ride horses, and wear suits and gowns. Not much appeal for Ella; she prefers a talking frog,
The frog grows tired of trying to persuade her to kiss him. The two play games, swim in the pond, and get dirty. The frog likes it. When a courtier comes to Ella's house to return the frog to the castle, Ella must wave goodbye. Two weeks later, the frog returns. He has been kissed by many, but the curse will only be broken with the kiss of a true friend.
Ella wants to be sure a kiss is what he wants. He explains that his parents have made promises to make his life less princely. He wants to be able to do what Ella can do. As the story comes to an end, Ella gives him a kiss. We can only assume they 'live happily ever after' as good friends.
Fun Facts about Frogs follow.
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