SOPHIE’S TROPHY

This tale of two toads told in rhyme incorporates Spanish words into the story. “Sophie the toad, the wart-covered sapo, was fea—so ugly. Her brother was guapo. His toad warts—verrugas—were cuter and smaller.” In fact, Sophie’s brother is the best-looking in the bog with a mantle full of awards to prove it. Even though Sophie dreams of being a model too, it’s her singing about her sorrows that leads to fame and her first trophy. The comic illustrations of the green blimpish, bug-eyed (à la Tedd Arnold) toads exaggerate the goofiness. Underscoring the message of self-worth, this combination of Spanish vocabulary, American Toad Idol and wartful whimsy is a “hoppy” tale that kids will relate to and chuckle over. And what kid hasn’t coveted a trophy? Useful and fun in either a classroom or home venue. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-7)