Frogged by Vivian Vande Velde
4/5 stars
Harcourt Children's Books, 2013
198 pages
Middle-Grade Fairy Tale
Source: Received a copy from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a few of VVV's stories and of course I'm a sucker for fairy tale-esque stories, which this one seemed to hint at based on its mention of a princess kissing a frog. The twist this time is that the girl turns into a frog after kissing the boy and she can only return to her human form if she gets someone else to kiss her. Being that she has scruples, she sets off to discover a way to not have to transform someone else into a frog.
I don't have too much to say about this book as it is not very long. The story is very cute with an incredibly readable style-I finished it in mere hours as part of my mini-readathon. The princess learns some valuable lessons during her time as a frog that better prepare her for her new role as a more mature princess.
I think this would be a better experience for younger readers as older readers will probably find the story very familiar especially if they love twisted fairy tales like I do. The stakes and events didn't get high enough and the action moved rather lethargically especially for a reader accustomed to the fast-paced moving narratives of YA. It would also be fun as a read aloud bedtime story for the family.
I don't indulge in fairytale-esque stories very often, so I probably won't find this too familiar. It's younger than what I am normally used to, but I do think it sounds like a quick and cute read. Adore the cover, too. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just so adorable? I hope this feels fresher to you than it did for me if you decide to try it!
DeleteAwe,I think my daughter would love this. It sounds super cute. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I definitely recommend it for younger readers-I just think us older readers may find it too familiar.
DeleteI love fairytale retellings a lot and this one sounds cute! :D It reminds me of the twist from the Disney movie.
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
A little bit, yep; I think you might find it too familiar since you've read so many fairy tale retellings.
DeleteAdorable cover and the book sounds very cute as well!
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
I really like cartoon drawings so I love the cover too!
DeleteGood to hear it is cute and I am sure young readers will love
ReplyDeleteI bet I would have loved this book when I was 8 or so and just beginning to discover twisted fairy tales-it's perfect for its intended audience!
DeleteThis has such a cute cover, and sounds like fun, adorable story. I don't read twisted fairy tales often enough, so I'm sure I'd enjoy this. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHope you do decide to check it out-it would be perfect for a readathon!
DeleteI'm glad you said it was for younger readers. I read MG, but I sometimes find some MG, just a little too young. Sounds like this is one of them. I have read some of this author's work and enjoy it. But, I think I'll leave this one for the younger crowd!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Heather
This one felt so young! I have enjoyed MG titles as some have crossover appeal but this one just feels aimed very young.
DeleteWe read this as a bed time story. I enjoyed it quite a lot, but it does feel geared toward younger readers. I'm glad you enjoyed it too!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you and your family while reading this-I'm glad you all enjoyed it as I hoped you would!
DeleteI don't usually read this types of books for younger readers, but it seriously sounds so cute! I can see where you come from when you say the plot is a little slow, since we're all used to YA plot-pacing. Amazing review!
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot of fun especially if you like light fairy tale stories.
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