Frog Squad: Bungle in the jungle by Kate and Jol Temple. Illus. by Shiloh Gordon

This is quirky, a little bit mischievous, significantly barmy and a tale about the Frog Squad as they solve an environmental problem. With puns and silly bits that will appeal to a slightly older audience (e.g. parents who read this to their children), this is just an adventure involving a variety of frogs as they try to solve a potential disaster. They must overcome their arch-rivals the TOADS (The Organisation of Amphibious Devious Scoundrels) and use all of their many skills to thwart the threat.

This is a silly story and illustrated with comic cartoon-style visual storytelling, so will appeal to young readers aged 6-9. The puns and vaguely accurate Info panels might still be appreciated by slightly older readers, or those who want a very quick read for the ‘fun-tertainment’ quality. (There are some vocabulary inclusions that might stretch some early readers, but the humour makes up for that.) With a couple of quirkily inserted ‘advertisement breaks’ to divide the story, this is almost like reading a cartoon.

Themes: Amphibians, Environment, Comedy.

Carolyn Hull