THE FROG IN THE WELL
Retold by Irene Y. Tsai
Illustrated by Pattie Caprio
CE Bilingual Books
ISBN: 9780980130515
34 pages with enchanting illustrations 

In retelling The Frog in the Well, a Chinese fable, Irene Y. Tsai, with the assistance of illustrator Pattie Caprio, has provided a book for children that is both entertaining and educational.  The Chinese translation by Joyce Lin is an important contribution that will enable young readers to learn to read in English and Chinese simultaneously.  Although this is a delightful children’s book—recommended for ages five and up—adults should take advantage of the unique presentation to share a special learning and sharing time with the younger generation. My eight-year-old granddaughter loved the storyline and insisted that we learn the Chinese together.  She plans to take it to school and share it with her teacher. A future artist, she found the illustrations to be captivating. 

The storyline is easily understood, age appropriate, well-written and will stimulate young minds to consider the status of both the frog in the well and the turtle in the vast ocean when considering their own lives and the opportunities they have before them.  There is an ocean of knowledge to investigate that is outside the confines and happiness found in a well if one chooses to listen to others and broaden his or her cultural experiences. We can all be embarrassed by what we think we know—just ask the frog in the well.  

It is my belief that this book, and ones similarly presented, should be utilized by the educational system as a teaching tool for children.  The Frog in the Well is definitely a “must buy” picture book for parents and all caregivers of children—buy an extra one to give as a gift that is “bound” to please.  

Bettie Corbin Tucker
For IP Book Reviewers
June 19, 2008