
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the sting of a parent's unreliability or the complex emotions of a changing family structure. It is an essential choice for families navigating separation or divorce, particularly when one parent frequently misses scheduled visits or fails to keep promises. Through the story of Billy and his frog-jumping contest, the book validates the deep disappointment a child feels when let down by a caregiver while gently shifting the focus toward the stability of the parent who is consistently present. It is appropriate for elementary-aged children who need to see their own feelings of abandonment or frustration reflected in a realistic, non-judgmental way. Parents will appreciate how Eve Bunting balances the heartbreak of a father's absence with the empowering realization that a child's worth is not defined by a parent's mistakes. The lush oil paintings provide a comforting backdrop to a story that encourages resilience and acceptance.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with parental absence and divorce. It is secular and grounded in realism. The resolution is not a fairy-tale ending where the father returns and apologizes; instead, it is a realistic and hopeful portrayal of a child finding security in the parent who stays.
A 6-to-8-year-old child who has experienced a 'no-show' parent. It is perfect for the child who feels responsible for a parent's absence or who feels 'less than' because their family looks different during school events.
Read this book through once alone. It is emotionally honest and may bring up the parent's own frustrations with their co-parenting situation. No specific scene needs censoring, but the emotional weight is significant. The moment Billy looks at the phone or the door, waiting for a call or a knock that doesn't come. This will resonate painfully with any primary caregiver who has watched their child suffer due to an ex-partner's neglect.
Younger children (5-6) will focus on the excitement of the frog-jumping and the bond with the mom. Older children (8-9) will more keenly feel the nuance of the father's excuses and Billy's maturing perspective on his father's character.
Unlike many books that try to explain 'why' a parent is gone, this book focuses entirely on the child's experience of the absence and the sufficiency of the remaining parent's love.
Billy is waiting for his father to help him catch a frog for the school contest, but his father never arrives. With his mother's enthusiastic help, Billy catches a spirited frog named 'Some Frog.' Despite his father also missing the actual competition, Billy finds joy in the event and his mother's unwavering support, eventually reaching a quiet moment of acceptance regarding his father's unreliability.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.