Water Song: A Retelling of "The Frog Prince" (Once Upon a Time)

Book Description

"ONCE UPON A TIME"

IS TIMELESS

Young, beautiful, and wealthy, Emma Pennington is accustomed to a very comfortable life. Although war rages abroad, she hardly feels its effect. She and her mother travel from their home in Britain to the family estate in Belgium, never imagining that the war could reach them there. But it does.

Soon Emma finds herself stranded in a war-torn country, utterly alone. Enemy troops fight to take over her estate, leaving her with no way to reach her family, and no way out.

With all of her attention focused on survival and escape, Emma hardly expects to find love. But the war will teach her that life is unpredictable, people aren't always what they seem, and magic is lurking everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

A Relatively Modern Tale.........2007-10-06

Through the thick of World War I, our British heiress/heroine Emma Pennington continues her life as if there were no war at all. Her parents, soon fearing the wrath of battle, move Emma and her mother to their estate in Belgium, seeking safety in the form of just another vacation.

But soon they find themselves directly in tumult of war and in more danger than ever. Alone and in the hands of the enemies, a prisoner in her own home, Emma must choose her actions wisely. Should she wait out the storm, or brave the weather? And of course, how can she forget her "husband" Jack, the American soldier living in her room?

For the first time, we are presented with a modern era in a "Once Upon a Time..." book. It was obviously difficult for Weyn to balance history with fantasy in it, but overall, the effect was refreshing. I like that it's not all made up. But when it comes down to the actual writing...eh. It was the easiest of settings, two young people locked up in a single room, both good-looking and intelligent. And then, 170 pages in, "Oh yeah. You're the frog prince? You saved me? I (ignorantly) had no idea. I love you. Oh. And you're a good guy." Good theory, just bad...wording.

Granted, this is more a historical novel than one of fantasy (which is totally fine by me), the story is enjoyable, and a one-night read. It's something new to add to the series, and I'm glad someone at least tried. Not with a totally successful execution, but above mediocre for me.

Best Once Upon a Time book YET!!!.......2007-06-14

So I wasn't expecting much because frankly I wasn't into Weyn's retelling of The Night Dance, but Water Song was SO GOOD! I loved it. I read up til page 15 the first day and the next night I finished the whole thing. Even after I finished it at 4AM I couldn't go to sleep. The historical bits were pretty accurate (from what I can remember from U.S. History class) and I was cheering the characters on every step of the way. High recommended to... well if you're reading this then you're already sucked in.

Disappointing...and silly, too........2007-01-14

I've read nearly all the books in the Once Upon A Time series, and I was looking forward to this one. However, it was quite a disappointing read. I didn't mind the beginning of the story; it started out okay, although it did seems to skip over a lot of things that might have made it easier to connect with the heroine. For example, her mother is killed by German bombs (this is set in WWI) while she is sitting next to her. We only hear about this, but don't actually experience it with Emma, the heroine. Not that I have a need to experience gruesome deaths, but I felt like the author just didn't feel like spending a lot of time developing Emma's character or her backstory. Suzanne Weyn doesn't spend a lot of time on the hero, Jack, either. She does take the time to explain that he knows some Native American/Creole healing potions that he learned from his mother. He apparently also learned how to "talk" to his mother's spirit, and maybe to even transport his spirit to other places...? What?? I think this is Weyn's way of introducing the "frog prince" connection; Jack is from the bayou and is a terrific swimmer, and his mother repeatedly "speaks" to him in dreams and tells him how he is a prince, and how he knows the water, etc. Emma and a minor character are both rescued from water by Jack while both are unconscious; this adds to the mystery -- "Who was that frog-man that rescued me?" Emma even asks Jack if he has magic to turn himself into a frog. This question, while German bombs explode outside, is just a bit of a silly paradox between fantasy and reality. I really think that Weyn makes the frog connection within the first part of the book. There are enough water references. She doesn't need to go so far as to have Jack's frogginess brought up nearly every page. Okay!! We get it!! Jack is the frog prince!! It just becomes silly, and almost seems like she is trying too hard. She didn't try too hard to create the relationship between the hero and heroine, though. They don't really have a relationship. I was surprised and bored when they decided they were in love with each other. They don't really have much connection at all, and therefore I didn't feel like I had any connection to them either. Weyn tries to make this a psychological fairy tale as many of the others in the series are. Themes of finding yourself, loving who you are, discovering truth, etc. are part of many of these books, but Weyn's efforts fall flat. She does try near the end of the story to have Jack realize that he is a great man, because Emma loves him, but that he was great all along, and it took her love to make him realize what was already true. Weyn's rendition of this self-discovery is even more awkward than the sentence I just wrote. What a shame. I was hoping it would be as good as some of the others in the series, but it wasn't. The best one so far in the series: The Storyteller's Daughter, by a LANDSLIDE. Read it and be satisfied.

Not So Great: SOME SPOILERS.......2006-11-13

I quite like the "Once Upon a Time" series. They are usually fresh and original. Water Song is the 10th in this series. Some of the books are better than others and so I bought Water Song with some trepidation. I perhaps should have been more cautious. While there are some original, creative elements in the book, such as turning the "frog" into an American soldier from Louisiana, and the golden ball into a locket, the plot itself is almost painful to read. The first time the American soldier sees the heroine Emma he wants her love (pg. 33). Emma is continually frustrated with him (with good reason) and yet somehow this translates into her loving him. They seem to have a continually rocky relationship while falling in love with each other more and more. I do realize this is a fairy tale but the plot is highly unlikely. Call me a pessimist but the "love at first sight" aspect of the story is cliche and unrealistic.

Another great Once upon a Time book.......2006-10-30

I've just resently started reading the once upon a time books and have really enjoyed all of them so far. Water Song was no different. The story was original and the characters interesting. WWI and the frog prince were not something I'd think to put together. If you are a fan of the others in this series I would imagine you'd like this one too. It has a little less magic then some of the books, but I really don't think it distracts for the story at all. Magic is where you see it after all.

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The Frog Went A-Courtin to Find a Mouse.
Swamp based enjoyment
Family tradition
The centuries-old ballad of a frog who courts a mouse.

Frog Went A-Courtin'
John Langstaff
Manufacturer: Gulliver Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 015230214X

Customer Reviews:

The Frog Went A-Courtin to Find a Mouse........2005-02-01

Frog Went A-Courtin', is a story of a fantacy genre which was written in Scotland over 400 years ago, where it was told and sung to the children. As people began to move from Scotland to America they brought the "Frog and Mouse" song with them. John Langstaff explained this in the front of the book. Today, it is mainly read aloud, but the great illustrations, done by Feodor Rojankovsky, give great detail with a broad range of color use. The book was awarded a Caldecott Medal for "The most distinguished American picture book for children." The book tells a story of a frog who went out to seek a bride and meets a mouse. The mouse will not marry until her uncle "Rat" gives consent. Then with the uncle's consent various animal's contribute to the Frog and the Rats wedding. The wedding seems to be going great until the cat comes in to destroy it. With the guest running off, the book ends with the Frog and the Mouse resting on the deck of a ship going to France.

Swamp based enjoyment.......2004-03-28

The time was when the song Frog Went A-Courtin' (or as I remember it Froggie Went A-Courtin') was known to every man woman and child in the continental United States. Today, this is not the case. The story of the frog dandy and his lovely rodent bride is no longer sung half so much as it once was. What is to blame for this strange turn of fortune? Interspecies dating fears? A loathsome repugnance to frog songs? I have no idea. Just the same, it's a delight to think that books like the 1956 Caldecott winning "Frog Went A-Courtin'" can carry on the song's tradition, regardless of how often it is sung today.

In a respectful author's note at the beginning, writer John Langstaff explains the origins of the song. Transposed from Scotland to America (there's a wonderful picture of a small yellow frog jumping from one bank entitled "Scotland" to another bank entitled "America" accompanying the explanation) the song has changed and grown over the course of many many years. Langstaff is quick to give credit where credit is due. Says he, "Sometimes the grownups might forget some of the words, and the children would make up words they liked better, and put them in the song". As a result, Langstaff credits the song to the hundreds of adults and children that passed it on to one another. His version is a combination of these, and perhaps the best possible. The narration is smooth and the lyrics scan perfectly. All in all, an enjoyable tale.

The illustrations are really what make this tale top notch. Artist Feodor Rojankovsky paired with Langstaff on a number of different picture books over the years. In this story, every scene is well thought out and delicate. The details are brought fully to life through Rojankovsky's adept inks and colored pencils. The froggy wears shiny black boots with spurs, flipper shaped for his comfort. Bugs and beetles wear the latest 1955 fashions and gleam blue-black against their surroundings. Totally aside from the beauty of the illustrations is the fact that every animal in this book is perfectly presented. You have little doubt that Rojankovsky spent much of his time discovering exactly how many legs a bumblebee has so that he could draw one playing the banjo [just] right. In a lovely parting shot the mouse and the frog are on a steamer headed for a honeymoon in France. Froggie has doffed a beret and the two are reclining on the deck, happy as you please. The book is endlessly charming and entirely too wonderful to ever be forgotten. Do yourself a favor immediately and locate yourself a copy tout de suite.

Family tradition.......2000-02-17

My mother bought this book in 1956 for the first of her 8 children. At that time, it was a very expensive book. She has rocked and sang this book over the last 44 years to her children and grand-children. I have a copy and sing it to my son. He is instantly calmed by the rythmic beat. When I see the illustrations, I can still remember studying them as a little girl.

The centuries-old ballad of a frog who courts a mouse........1999-05-14

The card catalog description listed above is somewhat deceiving. Although I'm sure the story and the ballad have entered American folklore, this short children's book is simply a retelling of the 400-year-old Scottish folk ballad about a frog who courts and weds a mouse. It was illustrated by Feodor Rajankovsky and it won the 1956 Caldecott Medal for best illustration in a book for children.

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Frogs Sing Songs (Charlesbridge)
Yvonne Winer
Manufacturer: Charlesbridge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1570915482

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Little Frog's Song
Alice Schertle
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060200596

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A NEW SLANT ON AN OLD FAVORITE.
LOVED IT, BUT . . .
Based on the traditional, merry song of the same name
MOVE OVER RHETT BUTLER, STEP ASIDE ROMEO

Froggie Went A-Courtin
Iza Trapani
Manufacturer: Charlesbridge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1580890288

Customer Reviews:

A NEW SLANT ON AN OLD FAVORITE........2007-05-08

As a child, many a many a year ago, this was one of the first folk song I learned. I must admit when I read this one to the kids in class, I at first had some gualms. For a start, it did break tradition, and did not go along with the old, old song I had learned well over fifty years ago. Secondly, at first reading I felt that the primary lesson of the book was that to each his own and stick with your own kind, etc. After giving the book a reread, I changed my mind. I feel it is just a cute story about a frog who want to be in love and wants a wife. The lesson that you had better find someone compatable to marry is a valid lesson and one I certainly not fuss about. The illustrations are well executed and actually quite good and match the story line, which is also quite good, quite well. All in all, I have to give this one five stars. I do have to agree with a previous reviewer who pointed out that this is NOT the old, original version of this song and the buyer needs to be aware of that. Overall, recommend highly.

LOVED IT, BUT . . ........2003-12-27

the lyrics are not the ones you might be expecting, and may not "match" lyrics you have on a CD or elsewhere. In this modernized version of the classic Scottish tune, froggie carries "roses & chocolates" by his side rather than a sword & pistol. He doesn't marry Miss Mousy -- rather, he marries a fellow frog only AFTER he has asked all of the other animals in his environs to marry him, and they reject him for various reasons (he likes a wet home, whereas miss birdy lives in a tree; he eats bugs when other animals prefer nuts -- how would such a couple resolve their differences? Is this a subtle criticism on miscengenation? The "stick to your own kind" message in West Side Story?) The illustrations are full-page, beautifully-colored, and first-rate, and the rhymes are very clever; they're just different from those I learned as a child. I would definitely recommend the book -- just want you to know what to expect. I particularly like the fact that the author included the music notation at the end of the book, for a play-along/sing-along.

Based on the traditional, merry song of the same name.......2002-10-12

Froggie Went A-courtin' is a thoroughly delightful and highly recommended children's picture book by Iza Trapani and based on the traditional, merry song of the same name. Warm and jubilant color illustrations by Trapani bring to life this simple and enjoyable tale about a frog searching for someone to be his wife, until a lady frog comes to him. The final page presents a simple, sheet music rendition of the popular ditty for budding musicians.

MOVE OVER RHETT BUTLER, STEP ASIDE ROMEO.......2002-07-14

Move over Rhett Butler, step aside Romeo, there's a new heartthrob out and about - Froggie, Iza Trapani's adorable lovesick frog is on the prowl. As the Bard put it, the course of true love never runs smooth - surely apt in Froggie's case. Nonetheless, he has gumption and, as nother said, hope springs eternal!

Trapani sets her search for the perfect mate to song, sure to appeal to young ones, ages 2-7. Her endearing and mirthful illustrations make this a romance story to remember.

Remember, you may have to kiss a frog to find a prince but you just have to read this book for loads of enjoyment.

Book Description

Journey with Frawg and friends on a tortoise shell boat through the magical lands of Terramore. Twelve masterpiece illustrations to embellish the fascinating story. To be read to children of all ages by people or amphibians 8 years and up.

Customer Reviews:

WHAT A PLEASURE TO READ THIS ONE!.......2007-05-07

I like books of fantasy for kids. I feel they are important. Most children love a good, rousing story, including 63 year old ones like myself, and getting the young ones to read is getting more and more difficult each year. This wonderful little story is bound to grab any kid of any age and keep him going from front to back.

The story is a quest story whose setting is the world of Terramore. This world is inhabited by a wonderful assortment of creatures, from toads, to frogs to foxes, snakes, lizards, insects of all sorts and some critters I am not real sure about. Our hero, Frawg Findig III, a very special frog in many ways, finds himself caught up in an adventure, an adventure, which must be had in order to save their world. We already have plenty of plot summaries here, so I will not dwell on that further.

The book is quite well written. J. Lynon Layden's prose approaches lyrical at times here, and once you catch on to his syntax, you will find it delightful. His imagination has created and entire world, an alien world to be sure, yet one that is not as alien as you might think at first glance...it is all around us. For such a short story, his character development is quite remarkable and he is able to convey the characteristics of his characters using very few, but very effective words. I like that. The poetry sprinkled here and there throughout the book is absolutely delightful, some being more song than poetry.

The illustrations by Kenny Savage are in black and white and are quite effective and detailed. They are actually a delight to the eye. I would have liked to have seen them in color as I feel they would have been beautiful, but suspect this would have been cost prohibitive in the production of the book.

As a retired person, needing something to keep me from being underfoot all the time, I do a tremendous amount of substitute teaching at local school. I took this book with me and "forced" a number of the young folks to read at least the first two chapters, and indeed read them to the entire class on several occasions. There was not one student that did not want more. This of course is the ultimate test for this genre...do the kids like it and will they read it. If response here is any indication, the answer is a yes for this book.

I do hope we get more of Frawg from this author and this illustrator. This work is a joy to read but it does leave you with wanting more. Highly recommend this one.

A Frawg he would a hunting go.......2007-05-02

(To the tune of "A Frog He Would A'Wooing go")

Frawg sailed in a tortoise shell, mm mm, mm mm,
A gath'ring spores and medicines,
And selling his spices and plant specimens, mm mm, mm mm.

He met up with a dragonfly, mm mm, mm mm,
Searching for nectar for his kin
Frawg came to his rescue by scooping him in, mm mm, mm mm.

The flowers are dying in Terramore, mm mm, mm mm,
No insects left to chirp or cheep
The King's daughter Lily has fallen asleep, mm mm, mm mm.

The Hua plant was still alive, mm mm, mm mm,
It flowered only once per year
With pollen that could banish hunger and fear, mm mm, mm mm.

Frawg took some pollen and went to the King, mm mm, mm mm,
Who begged his friend to lend a hand
To destroy the snakes and heal Mudgunkland, mm mm, mm mm.

He gave him a scimitar made of gold, mm mm, mm mm,
And sent him with a bullfrog guide
With Leapin and Hoppin right there by his side, mm mm, mm mm.

So off they rode to face the foe, mm mm, mm mm
The armadillo and weasel too
Were happy to sign up with this motley crew, mm mm, mm mm

Cobraxas is the Lord of Snakes, mm mm, mm mm,
We all know he's behind all this
He's tending his cauldron with a creepy hissssssss, mm mm, mm mm.

Soon there is fighting in the South , mm mm, mm mm,
The tree frog army sounds the horn,
While Frawg and his team seek out the Whistlethorn, mm mm, mm mm.

When they get to Cobraxas' lair, mm mm, mm mm,
Frawg makes use of a magic cloth ,
Confirming that many cooks DO spoil the broth, mm mm, mm mm.

What's next in line for the tale from Yore, mm mm, mm mm,
The very next thing we'd like to see
Is a movie made for the whole world to see, mm mm, mm mm.

Now this is the end of this little song, mm mm, mm mm
A little song one verse too long
Buy this one today and you wouldn't go wrong, mm mm, mm mm

Amanda Richards, May 1, 2007

An excellent children's fantasy tale........2007-04-07

I don't get many children's fantasy books to review, and I am not by any means an authority on this genre; however, I did read the book and can recommend it as enjoyable family reading material.

The Other Side of Yore is an enchanting adventure story about Frawg's journey with his friends into Mudgunkland to save the world of Terramore from destruction by Cobraxas, a snake. All the flowers are dying, poisoned by the green smoke from the dark swamps, and the good King's daughter, Princess Lilypad, has fallen into a deep sleep.

Included in this story are thirteen artfully illustrated drawings by Kenny Savage, plus poems, riddles and songs to delight children of all ages.

It is a delightful story-well-edited and designed-which I'm sure children will enjoy. Joseph Layden has been writing professionally for over ten years as a freelance journalist. The Other Side of Yore is his debut Children's Fantasy novel,and I wish he and Kenny much success in their creative efforts.

Adentures for you and Yore children.......2007-03-26

Such imagination and thought went into this book. I read it to my three children (4, 8, and 12) who could not wait for the next reading session. I also looked forward to seeing how the story would unfold. There are also many excellent illustrations that added to the experience. Great positive message is a bonus. This is not just a book to read to children but also one adults can enjoy!

The Other Side of Yore.......2007-03-12

What a great book! The adventure keeps my grandchild asking me to read, "Just a little while longer". It also teaches children to believe in themselves! I hope there is a continuation of the excitement in another book!

Frog Went A-Courting: A Musical Play in Six Acts

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Relieved to find this fun, fun book!

Frog Went A-Courting: A Musical Play in Six Acts

Manufacturer: Boyds Mills Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1590782852

Customer Reviews:

Relieved to find this fun, fun book!.......2000-11-01

...Our two and a half year-old daughter remained captivated by this book for weeks. Reading this book over and over again is not monotonous like some children's books since you can sing it, read it, or tell the story by the pictures. The colorful, detailed illustrations kept her interest in the wedding ceremony, which she is learning is a special, yet common, tradition. It was also fun to hear her sing the story in her own version. This book is a wonderful change from the ordinary and will give your child an opportunity to appreciate music, rhyme, drama, and visual art, all with the charm of a seventeenth century Scottish courtship and marriage.

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Frog Song
Jillian Sawyer
Manufacturer: Glass Books Pty. Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0958528284

Book Description

Featuring frogs of every shape, mood, and attitude, this guide to creating beautiful stained glass presents frogs as they would be found in nature and others that are purely figments of the designer's imagination. More than 40 designs are included for such frogs as Tap Dancer, Choccy Frog, Little Red & Applejack, Jellybean & Minty, Pip, Squeak, and Sloppy Joe. Each design includes tips for construction and a verse that further defines the personality of each of these delightfully froggy creatures. These designs can be used with other crafts such as quilting, appliqué, machine or hand embroidery, and silk or china painting.

The wheels on the bus (Leap frog lift-a-flap)

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The wheels on the bus (Leap frog lift-a-flap)

Manufacturer: Publications International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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The Children's Book that has it all

The Foolish Frog
Pete Seeger , and Charles Seeger
Manufacturer: Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0027814807

Customer Reviews:

The Children's Book that has it all.......2000-06-13

The Foolish Frog is a book that I never read as a child but wished I did. I discovered it through a guest speaker at a meeting for a local Parent Participation school that my children will be attending. It immediately sparked my interest, and touched a part of me that went all the way back to my own childhood. The book contains all the elements that will draw your child to it time and time again. Humour, ryhme, melody and imagination.

The Foolish Frog tells the story of a bullfrog, whose pride proves his undoing when he becomes the subject of a popular song made up by a farmer. The songs contained within are truly remarkable and endearing to children (and myself included!) Some may find them silly, but they are a source of laughter that will never dry out for your children.

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