📖 Overview
In this picture book, Frog discovers something shiny in the ground and believes he has found treasure. His friends Rat, Pig, and Duck help him dig to uncover what lies beneath the soil.
The group works together to excavate the mysterious object, facing various challenges and setbacks along the way. Their efforts lead them on an unexpected adventure filled with teamwork and determination.
The friends' journey raises questions about what makes something truly valuable, while celebrating curiosity and the bonds of friendship. Through simple text and illustrations, the story explores how the pursuit of treasure can sometimes yield rewards beyond material riches.
👀 Reviews
There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Max Velthuijs's overall work:
Parents and educators praise Velthuijs's Frog series for tackling complex topics in an accessible way for young children. Readers note his simple, bright illustrations help children engage with difficult subjects like fear, death, and acceptance.
What readers liked:
- Clear, expressive illustrations that children connect with
- Stories that prompt meaningful discussions with kids
- Characters that feel authentic and relatable
- Gentle approach to serious themes
What readers disliked:
- Some found certain books in the series too heavy for very young children
- A few readers noted translations can feel slightly awkward
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: Frog series books average 4.0-4.3/5 stars
Amazon: Most titles maintain 4.5/5 stars
Book Depository: 4.4/5 average rating
One teacher wrote on Goodreads: "Frog's stories create natural openings to discuss emotions with my students." A parent on Amazon noted: "The illustrations communicate so much - my child picks up new details each time."
📚 Similar books
Frog and Friends Save the Day by Eve Bunting
Two woodland friends embark on a quest to find a missing necklace in their pond community.
Rabbit's Gift by George Shannon A forest rabbit starts a chain of generous acts among the animals during winter's food shortage.
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers A boy discovers a penguin on his doorstep and travels to the South Pole to help it find its way home.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter A young rabbit searches for vegetables in Mr. McGregor's garden despite his mother's warning.
The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc A lion discovers an injured bird and forms a bond through seasons of care and companionship.
Rabbit's Gift by George Shannon A forest rabbit starts a chain of generous acts among the animals during winter's food shortage.
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers A boy discovers a penguin on his doorstep and travels to the South Pole to help it find its way home.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter A young rabbit searches for vegetables in Mr. McGregor's garden despite his mother's warning.
The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc A lion discovers an injured bird and forms a bond through seasons of care and companionship.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐸 Author Max Velthuijs is one of the Netherlands' most celebrated children's book creators, winning the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2004—the highest international recognition for children's book illustrators.
🌟 The Frog series, which includes "Frog and the Treasure," has been translated into more than 50 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
💫 The character of Frog was inspired by Velthuijs' observations of his young son playing with a toy frog, leading to the creation of this beloved amphibian protagonist.
🎨 Before becoming a children's book author, Velthuijs worked as a graphic designer and created postage stamps for the Dutch postal service.
📚 The Frog series teaches important moral lessons through simple, everyday adventures, making complex themes accessible to young children—a storytelling approach that has earned these books a place in many school curricula across Europe.