This book, published in 1971, is the second of four. Toad is a bit negative and nervous, and worries about rules, while Frog is often cheerful and dedicated to alleviating Toad's fears and doubts.
"A List" is a funny story remembered long after reading it - Toad has a list of things to do, and anything not on the list can't be done. He loves to do something, then cross it off. But what happens when your list blows away, and "run after the list" wasn't even on the list. Worse, you can't remember what else was on the list. Frog is such a good friend, he just sits quietly with Toad as he struggles to figure out what to do.
In "The Garden," Toad would like to have a garden like Frog has, and with Frog's encouragement, he starts one. He tries directing the garden to grow, until Frog (hearing all that shouting) gives him some advise on how to nurture a garden.
"Cookies" is probably one of the best stories. Frog and Toad make cookies, and they are so good that they can't stop eating them. They determine its about will power, and in the end they end up with no cookies "but we have lots and lots of will power." Frog says.
"Dragons and Giants" is about Frog and Toads fears and how they deal with them. "We are not afraid!" Frog and Toad screamed at the same time. A funny story that children will like.
The last story "The Dream" is a bit deep - Toad is asleep and has a dream about starring in a play, while Frog sits in the audience and shrinks almost to non-existence.
The stories are short, sweet and about friendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to hold a story with an amusing message. riendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to hold a story with an amusing message.
In "Frog and Toad Together," they talk walks, do things on a checklist, eat too many cookies, learn about self-discipline (not eating too many cookies), and feed cookies to birds.
Somehow, Arnold Lobel has discovered a gentle yet honest way of presenting two childhood friends. They've got a warmth that is similar to Bert and Ernie, like loving brothers.
Lobel drew some great pictures too. There is a European classic-ness to them, and to the diction of the story.
I fully recommend this, and all of Lobel's books.
Anthony Trendl