Daniel D. Waterman School Library: 1st grade

Angry at being forced to keep her promise to a frog, the princess finally resorts to violent action, with unexpected results.Show More Show Less

Frog has always imagined how wonderful life would be --- if only she were a princess. Now her wish is about to come true. The Prince has lost his golf ball in the palace pond and has promised anything to the one who can find it! But being a princess is not at all what Frog expects. Frog must make public appearances on the royal balcony, at a ship launch and at a jousting tournament --- and all this before lunch! Tired, confused and utterly famished, Frog hopes to find food at the evening ball. When she discovers, with horror, what delicacies are being served, she decides that the life of a princess is not for her. With frogs' legs a-flying (both hers and those on the platters!), Frog makes a quick getaway and returns to her simple life.

"Ribbit . . . Ribbit . . . er . . . good afternoon!" Is that a frog speaking? Yes, but clearly it's no ordinary pond frog. This frog is the substitute principal of P.S. 88. He showed up shortly after the real principal, Mr. Bundy, was called away indefinitely. Now the school has to learn to get along with a slimy, green-skinned amphibian for their principal. It's not always easy. He plays leapfrog with kids in the gym, swims in the kindergarten sink, and eats a student's science homework when it happens to be a collection of flies. Even with this odd set of habits, though, the kids have to admit he tries hard to be a good principal. But he's not their beloved Mr. Bundy. Or is he? Inspired by "The Frog Prince", as told by the Brothers Grimm, this riotously funny spoof will surprise and delight readers of all ages.

This spirited, contemporary retelling of the classic fairy tale features a hilarious Southwestern spin. Reba Jo loves riding all over the wild prairie and roping any critter unlucky enough to cross her path. But when the spunky cowgirl finds herself in a mess of trouble, she's forced to strike a deal with a horned toad-he'll save her hide, but only if she grants him three wishes. Reba Jo tries her darnedest to weasel out of her part of the bargain, but the clever horned toad won't let her off the hook. In the end, she learns an important lesson that a promise is a promise and that words once spoken are not easily taken back. Author Jackie Mims Hopkins's sizzling Southwestern retelling of the classic fairy tale "The Frog Prince" is enhanced by the Spanish vocabulary sprinkled throughout the text, and is complemented by Michael Austin's vibrant, distinctive illustrations, which colorfully transport young readers to the untamed, dusty prairie.

Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo- chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo! Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent's classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. Tikki Tikki Tembo is the winner of the 1968 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books.

Clever soldiers outwit greedy townspeople with the creation of a special soup in this cherished classic, a Caldecott Honor book. First published in 1947, this picture book classic has remained one of Marcia Brown's most popular and enduring books. This story, about three hungry soldiers who outwit the greedy inhabitants of a village into providing them with a feast, is based on an old French tale.

A favorite fairy tale brought vividly to life by Steven Kellogg's elaborate, classic artwork--perfect for a read-aloud pick! Join young Jack as he climbs a giant beanstalk to a magic castle in the clouds. Meet a hen that lays golden eggs and a harp that sings by itself. And don't forget the ogre... A classic fairy tale with rich and dynamic illustrations that will leave you chanting "Fee-fi-fo-fum!"

When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book from Tomie dePaola. Strega Nona--"Grandma Witch"--is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results. In this retelling of an old tale, author-illustrator Tomie dePaola combines humor in the writing and warmth in the paintings as he builds the story to its hilarious climax.

"Illustrated in dePaola's signature style, this has an inviting look. Buoyant watercolors are framed by thin orange borders....An engaging read-aloud choice for St. Patrick's Day." -- BooklistA Cheery picture book, with the artist using the lighter, brighter side of his palette....Attractive and amusing." -- Kirkus Reviews