City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems and Illustrated by John Muth

In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog's rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different

this time.

I’m used to Willems being both the author and illustrator.  However in this book he provides the text and John Muth provides the beautifully expressive watercolors.  Willems provides a touching heart warming story of two unlikely friends.  Readers, both children and adults will feel City Dog’s dismay when winter arrives and Country Frog is nowhere to be found and his delight when he discovers another new friend.   Just what happened to Country Frog is up to interpretation and adults reading to very young children might wish to tread carefully at this point.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m used to Williems' quirky, goofy stories about Knuffle Bunny and Pigeon.  This was a good reminder for me that just because you think you “know” an author they can still surprise you.

Recommended for 1st Grade and up.

Mrs. Archer’s Rating: 4 of 5.