ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
PRESCHOOL
Taylor, Sean

Natterjack Toad Makes a Mighty Crunch

40 pp. | Candlewick | March, 2025 | Trade ISBN 9781536238938 $17.99 | Ebook ISBN 9781536249897 $17.99
(2) PS Illustrated by Kathryn Durst. Loud colors, inflated shapes, and animated details heighten the silliness of this action-packed story full of snacks and predators. It begins peacefully: “Natterjack Toad is smiling. He is happy to be alive! The sky is blue. The water sparkles with pleasure.” Natterjack Toad is about to indulge in his package of “CHOCO-LATE-CHUNK CRUNCHY-MUNCH COOKIES” when a great blue heron appears. Not wanting to become a snack himself, Natterjack Toad hurries away quietly. Every time he thinks he has found a safe spot to enjoy his noisy treat, he encounters a new enemy. A beret-wearing worm, a firefly, and a dragonfly keep things amusing between disruptions, and even the more threatening parts of the story are rendered in the art with exaggerated comedy. After moving two times, Natterjack Toad decides he can wait no longer for his crunchy snack—despite warnings of a nearby forest hog from a “worried little mole” and a “scared-looking vole.” One noisy bite does indeed attract an enormous forest hog who, looming over all the other characters, overtakes the double-page spread. Natterjack Toad has to act quickly to save himself—with some help from his friends. Ultimately his reluctant sacrifice is rewarded, closing this fast-paced, entertaining read-aloud with cookies for everyone.
Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

RELATED 

PRESCHOOL

The Farmer and the Circus
by Frazee, Marla
PRESCHOOL

Bird House
by Gómez, Blanca
PRESCHOOL

The Crow and the Peacock
by Fernihough, Jo
PRESCHOOL

Something's Wrong!
by John, Jory
PRESCHOOL

Grandpa Across the Ocean
by Yum, Hyewon
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?