4 out of 4 stars
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The Legend of Putter the Frog of Frogmore, SC by author Randy Bazemore is a wonderful tale about a tadpole that grows up in a pond on a golf course. From a young age, he watches players take swings sending their white golf balls zinging through the air with some landing right in the frog's home. This fascinates him, and he ends up pursuing the idea by fashioning together his own club with a stick and using a berry as a golf ball.
What I enjoyed the most about this story was that it sends the message to young audiences that whatever you wish to do in life, you can. The main character finds something he enjoys and creates a way to make it happen. He is cheered on by his siblings and is assisted by a fly named Freddie who shows up to be his caddie. This helper really should be his nemesis and his next lunch, but they become fast friends working side by side in unity.
In addition, the frog is an obedient role model. He does his chores and homework first, and then he goes out to play on his makeshift golf course. When his parents call him in for dinner, he follows their request even though he wants to stay outside and play longer. It was so impressive to discover that there was no conflict in the plot at all. Usually, books of this nature have a bully present or some big dramatic dilemma to overcome. This book demonstrates that a dream can be fulfilled without a struggle or a tension-filled atmosphere. In one part, there is a slight mention of Putter not becoming a banker or a doctor, but it doesn't become a significant issue. I liked that it was given a slight nod of attention, and then it was dismissed as he grew into his chosen career.
There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't like. The illustrations are spectacular, and there are no errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar, so it is quite apparent that this has been professionally edited.
It is with much joy that I give this book 4 out of 4 stars for its positive approach in teaching young ones about having a good work ethic and honoring one's authority figures. This one would be a perfect fit for adults to read to preschoolers who have not mastered reading on their own yet, but it would also be appropriate for kids who can read independently in early elementary grades.
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The Legend of the Putter Frog of Frogmore, SC
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The tadpole found something that it liked to do and family members cheered him on. It is also a lesson in supporting dreams. Great job with the review!
