Review by Ian Keogh

Froggy is an adventurous young frog who left the security of their home pond to explore the wider world. A trip into the unknown was detailed in A Pond Full of Pals, and showed Froggy making new friends, and delighting in discovery, so much so that Froggy decided to remain with those new friends. Among them is a human wizard, and as seen on the sample art, they’re integral in giving Froggy’s mate Fishtopher the opportunity to fly.

Creator Paige Walshe values exploration, and her simple, drawings of cheery characters show them revelling in new environments. In a series aimed at young readers, it mirrors their joy of learning about the world, while simultaneously showing adventures they’re unable to have, but sparking their imagination. It’s accompanied by a wry and sardonic sense of humour, represented on the sample page by the wizard not having a clue when the spell will wear off. It also manifests via incorporating the narrator into the narrative, and with some gloriously off-message asides, one from a market stall holder contemplating a moat with a crocodile. We want that as Froggy’s next adventure!

Fishtopher’s experience is but the first of a succession, as each character wishes for something and the remainder try to make it come true. This is all handled in a cheery and supportive manner, while tasks and adventures are stimulating, the creations of the type children can recreate at home with a little imagination. A Pond Full of Pals is good, but Autumn Antics is even better, an absolute delight for children, and a lot of fun for adults reading it to them.