THE MAYFLY AND THE GREEDY BULLFROG

A frog learns valuable lessons in Allen’s picture book.

Butch, a large, ravenous bullfrog, luxuriates daily on a lily pad, slurping up flies. He meets a mayfly who begs Butch not to eat him. The mayfly explains that his life span is merely one day. Butch is shocked! No fly has ever spoken to him before. And the amphibian loses his appetite after learning that the poor creature doesn’t even get to eat on its sole day on Earth. He kindly asks his new pal if he can make his day better somehow. The insect says he’d like help crossing the pond to get to the meadow without being eaten. Butch accompanies the fly, and on the way, the two swap stories. When they encounter a hungry-looking frog, Butch carries the mayfly in his mouth until the threat passes. Finally, they part ways. Butch, grateful for the fresh outlook on life, heeds the fly’s wise words: “Live each day as if it’s your last, for you may only have one day!” Although the word count here is atypically high for the genre, the author earnestly emphasizes appreciating new perspectives and learning from others. The book would be a nice pick as a read-aloud, enabling discussions about personal differences. Adam’s charming painted illustrations aptly accompany the text. Young readers will enjoy the detailed elements such as the expressive characters and various plants and colorful insects flying about. Pond life is well depicted, particularly the swirling green-and-blue water.

A quirky, compassionate story about finding wisdom in unlikely places.