A CHILD IS A CHILD

Mama and Papa frog are missing; the baby frogs are scared and alone. Mr. Mole, Mr. Hedgehog, and Mrs. Blackbird don’t know what to do. Then along comes Mrs. Mouse with her five babies, and she says she’ll look after the froglets. The adults remind her that mice and frogs are different, to which she replies: “A child is a child.” She sends Mr. Hedgehog for some worms, Mr. Mole to dig a burrow, and Mrs. Blackbird to fetch a bathtub-waterbed for the little orphans. In no time, the froglets are happy and playing with their new mouse siblings. Weninger and Tharlet have collaborated successfully for years on the Davy Rabbit series, and this represents their best work together. Tharlet’s earthy palette and expressive animals are an excellent match for Weninger’s light story on a weighty topic. The message of love, acceptance, and community is simply communicated, making this a perfect title for adoptive or blended families. (Picture book. 2-7)