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“I do smell shenanigans in the air.”
Rana dreams about traveling to a fun destination: Frog Island. The idea excites her so much that she gathers her closest friends—consisting of her younger sister, Polli, her best friend, Sunflower, and Sunflower’s sister Daisy—for a meeting at their clubhouse. After picking up supplies from the local diner and getting their car all ready, they begin a journey that takes them to exotic locations such as Couch Mountain and the Cave of Pillows. Along the way, they encounter new friends like Donovan Dragon, who gives them magical wands, and Orson the Orca, who helps them pull their eventual boat across the sea to the island home of Princess Trish, a penguin. Eventually, they reach Frog Island and have fun visiting with all the inhabitants. When they need to return home, they are given a “wish travel hoop” to transport them wherever they want. So, they return home with the potential for many new adventures ahead.
Certain stories have an intimate feel associated with gifts from close family members. These four friends who go on a journey in a large house environment—where pieces of furniture, toys, and even cats become characters for them to encounter—is just such a story. A child who perhaps recognizes the toys featured in the book might get a huge thrill out of seeing them partake in different adventures, photographed in cute positions throughout a familiar home. However, it must be said that other children unfamiliar with the author and her family could also get a thrill out of reading the story of the four friends for the same reason. It is basically like watching a session of make-believe unfold, which is charming as well. Overall, this is a fun little book that reads like a family heirloom.
“Come to think of it, it sounded a little bit like Mama’s voice when we snuggle…”
Three siblings, Pada, Rama, and Polli, go on a scavenger hunt that their mother has arranged in their home. With help from a friendly dragon, they use teamwork to find clues, decipher their meanings, and make progress towards the solution. The participants demonstrate respect for the property of others as well as their appreciation of one another and their mother. However, for the siblings, hunting and cooperation are combined with pranks and an occasional accident or misinterpretation of a clue. After they find a treasure map, they decide to venture to Pirate King Island. There, they meet a friendly pirate king named Lars, who shows them the treasures that he has amassed, and they have a visit loaded with information. At the end of the day, Lars urges them to go home before their mama begins to worry, wishing them a safe trip home with a friendly farewell.
This story for young people intersperses adventure and fun with the characters. It teaches about having a sense of responsibility for the feelings, experiences, and possessions of others. The siblings’ desire for new experiences is tempered by their knowledge of the need to keep their environment clean, not to take anything that doesn’t belong to them, to obey social rules, and focus on positive stories and experiences, such as learning that a pirate king can be welcoming and caring, and a dragon thoughtful and helpful. The illustrations, which depict the siblings as Ewok-like beings, add to the gentle and caring themes of the story. Caldwell teaches that life can combine adventure with personal and social responsibilities and positive emotions.
The book received a RECOMMENDED rating.
My third book is coming soon! If you loved Our Many Adventures to Frog Island & Our Adventure to the Pirate King Island, get ready for another incredible journey filled with adventure, wonder, and unforgettable moments! Stay tuned for the official reveal—something magical is on the way!
