Too Many Frogs! by Sandy Asher

"
Illustrations by Keith Graves

Rabbit is just settling into his big purple chair to read himself a story, as he does every night, when a “knock-knockety-knocking” sounds at his door. It’s Froggie, who invites himself in to listen to Rabbit’s story with rapt attention and thankful enthusiasm. He returns on several subsequent nights to hear more stories, and makes himself progressively more at home with each visit, fixing snacks and making himself comfy with a pile of pillows. With each visit Rabbit becomes more and more annoyed that his privacy is being invaded and cluttered with so much mess, but he endures until, one night, Froggie shows up with his whole family. Rabbit kicks the family out and returns to his solitary and quiet reading, but it isn't long before he realizes that, just maybe, he liked it better the other way, and invites everyone back inside. Graves’s illustrations pop with color, and the exaggerated cartoon effect masterfully complements the text and conveys the full meaning of what the words only hint at. Rabbit's annoyance and horror is evident on his face at every turn, while Froggie’s genuine enthusiasm for reading is shown in his wide smile and bug-eyes. The story conveys a lesson on friendship without being heavy-handed or didactic.

"The humorous, repetitive text is well matched by the funny, expressive illustrations. Persnickety Rabbit is appropriately anxious and irritable, while Froggie and his family exude bug-eyed cheerfulness. A good choice for storytimes.” - Booklist

"The humorous illustrations create empathy for Rabbit but also for Froggie, who is genuinely delighted to listen to a story. The varied facial expressions lend credence to the adage "A picture is worth a thousand words"...the horror on Rabbit's face is priceless. A fun story that celebrates reading and standing up for oneself.” - School Library Journal