You can use them, but you don't have to use them. *Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. Have you ever moved to a new area and left all your friends behind? Have you ever had a friend who moved away? What kind of things can you do in the snow? The part of the land that is away from cities or industrial areas rural districts.ĭiscussion topics for during/after reading:ĭoes anyone have a friend who is totally different from you? To regard with wonder or surprise (usually used ironically or sarcastically): I admire your audacity.ĬOUNTRY - a territory distinguished by its people, culture, language, geography, etc. To go and bring things.ĪDMIRED - to regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval. To cause to come bring: to fetch a doctor. On the opening page what season do you see?ĬROAKING - to utter a low-pitched, harsh cry, as the sound of a frog or a raven.įETCHING - to go and bring back return with get: to go up a hill to fetch a pail of water. This understated picture book allows plenty of room for young readers to interpret the animals' feelings for themselves and perhaps discuss their own emotions.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal Making expert use of color and texture, Muth's expressive paintings clearly convey the tale's emotional nuances. In 'spring again,' a sad-looking City Dog befriends another critter with a familiar line, and then beams 'a froggy smile' (shown in close-up, this warmly illustrated grin guarantees that Country Frog will not be forgotten). When City Dog arrives again in 'winter,' Country Frog is nowhere to be found (a wordless spread shows the pooch sitting on the rock, looking small and forlorn against a stark winterscape). In 'fall,' Country Frog is tired, so the friends spend their time remembering. Asked, 'What are you doing?' Country Frog smiles and replies, 'Waiting for a friend…but you'll do.' The two play Country Frog games ('jumping and splashing and croaking') and when reunited in 'summer,' they enjoy City Dog pastimes ('sniffing and fetching and barking').

In 'spring,' City Dog runs free in the countryside for the first time ever and discovers an unfamiliar creature perched on a rock. Presented with a comfortingly consistent narrative structure, the events are set against the backdrop of the changing seasons, reassuring readers that winter will turn again to spring, sadness to joy. Spare, poignant, and ultimately upbeat, this tale depicts the natural cycle of friendship from an enthusiastic first encounter to contented companionship to the heartbreak of loss and eventual emotional renewal. Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.) Volunteers needed in May! Click here to sign up.

City dog country frog by mo willems