City Dog, Country Frog

Willems, M.  (2010).  City dog, country frog.  New York:  Hyperion Books for Children.

This book is from the Notable Books for Children list.

Exposition:  It's springtime and City Dog is in the country for a visit.  He starts to run as far as he can and spots a frog sitting on a rock.  City Dog asks Country Frog what he is doing and Country Frog says he is waiting for a friend, but that City Dog will do.

Conflict:  When it's winter, City Dog runs to find his friend, Country Frog, but Country Frog is nowhere to be seen.

Rising Action:  City Dog and Country Frog become friends in the springtime.  Country Frog teaches City Dog frog games.  During the summer, City Dog runs to find his new friend, Country Frog.  City Dog teaches Country Frog dog games.  In the fall, City Dog runs to find his old friend, Country Frog.  Country Frog says he is tiring and doesn't want to play frog or dog games.  He simply wants to play remembering games.  They remember all the good times they have had together.

Climax: When winter comes City Dog goes looking for his good friend, Country Frog.  He could not find Country Frog.

Falling Action:  Springtime comes again and City Dog is sitting on the rock.  Country Chipmunk sees City Dog and asks what he is doing.  He says, sadly, that he is waiting for his friend. 

Resolution:   He then smiles a froggy smile and says that Country Chipmunk will do.

Jon J. Muth is the illustrator of this lovely book.  His illustrations look like water colors and they do a beautiful job of establishing the mood.  The winter scene shows how sad City Dog is when he can't find his friend, Country Frog.  He uses bright colors when they are playing together.  Definitely a picture book to add to your collection.