THE PROG FRINCE

This urbane take on a classic folktale begins earlier than the standard version. Eager to get her filched muffin money back, surly young Jane agrees to hear a talking frog’s tale. It seems that a prince once fell in love with a stablegirl named Jaylee. The witch’s potion they both drank affected them in different ways: he became a frog, she lost her memory (her “imagination,” but the effect is the same). Delicate of detail but robust with feeling, McClintock’s illustrations recall the art of Randolph Caldecott and his school; the laughing frog exudes joy; Jane, in close-fitting cap and peasant dress, glowers theatrically, and each leaf and pastry is drawn with loving attention. After the frog leaps up, leads Jane on a merry chase, then disappears, she discovers that she “misses” him. That turns out to be close enough to “kisses” to break the spell; he springs from hiding, a prince again, and Jane becomes Jaylee, the same young woman made beautiful by an agreeable expression and better hair. Share this somewhat confusing but enjoyably lighthearted episode with fans of William J. Brooke’s wry retellings. (Picture book/folklore. 7-10)