Bubbles: Big Stink in Frog Pond - a bookwrap

Unwrapping...

Bubbles: Big Stink in Frog Pond

Authored by Ben Woodward

Illustrated by Fran Riddell

Ages 3-7

Praises for the book...

"Bubbles uses humor to teach children how to deal with embarrassing situations as well as about self-respect. It is definitely a good book for young children." ~ Bound 4 Escape

"This book is great for teaching problem solving skills, bullying, and manners. The illustrations are wonderful." ~ Jane Ritz

"On top of all of this book’s other endearing qualities is the fact that my three-year-old giggles almost continuously whenever we read this story. That makes Bubbles: Big Stink in Frog Pond a winner in our house." ~ Spark and Pook

"What excited my grandchildren to this book? The tale itself and the size of the illustrated frogs and insects and the pond. Simple and few words made the story a very easy read but got the message across, yep one word in particular, 'Bloop'." ~ 2ReadBook

"This was an interesting book from the get-go. As you might imagine, the little frog named Bubbles has a reputation and is appropriately named." ~ Naila M. (Amazon)

Unwrapping the illustration...

My review...

Bubbles is a tiny frog and he is a little stinker....literally.  How do you think he got that name? He is bubbled propelled. His problem is his bubbles emit an offensive odour that drives everyone underwater just to get away from them.  Poor Bubbles.... he farts AND he smells!!!

His froggy friends suggest that if perhaps he changes his diet his gastro problems might be eliminated, so Bubbles gives that a go.  Alas it is useless, he is doomed to stinketh forever he doth think.

His friends finally cannot stand the stench one more minute and they cast him out.  He reluctantly goes and as he is swimming away he suddenly hears a commotion happening back in the pond.  A group of nasty kids have landed on the bank and are trying madly to attack his froggy friends.  Without a moment's hesitation Bubbles heads back and saves the day with his weapons of mass destruction.....his putrid toots.  

 Will his friends seeing Bubbles bravery and sense of loyalty to them overturn their decision of banishment and let him stay amongst them?   Will they finally accept him for who he is....funky bubbles and all?  

The book is entertaining and just plain fun.  It will be a hit especially with boys  who love to talk about body functions...especially ill-scented ones.  The story inspires kids not to be afraid of being different and to be creative as they work through problems together.  

The illustrations are whimsical and Bubbles is depicted as an adorable, loveable main character.  A little red ladybug is tucked into the illustrations on every page so it is a fun game trying to spot her. The book is a great reminder that we are not all the same but we must come together and celebrate each other's differences.  

About the author...

A spellbinding storyteller of high adventure, Ben Woodard has walked the Great Wall of China, hiked in Tibet, and climbed to 18,000 feet on Mt. Everest. And recently learned to surf in Hawaii.

Ben is active in SCBWI and a member of a local children’s writing critique group. He is a former Marketing Manager for a major corporation and ran his own marketing consulting business. He started writing children’s stories in 2008 and has written picture books, middle grade and young adult. Stories of adventure and wonder. Stories that inspire and educate, and, most of all, entertain. 

Ben lives in Kentucky with his wife Lynda.

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