ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
YOUNGER FICTION
Brockenbrough, Martha

Frank and the Bad Surprise

64 pp. | Levine Querido | April, 2022 | Trade ISBN 978-1-64614-088-6 $14.99
(2) 1-3 Frank and the Puppy series. Illustrated by Jon Lau. "This was not fair. But it was the way of the world. Just when you think you've got it good, someone brings home a puppy." Narrator Frank, the highly contented and stuck-in-his-ways cat who narrates this brief early chapter book, lives the "good life" with his two loving male humans. Then their family of three expands: a cute, Corgi-like puppy appears and, to Frank's great annoyance, makes herself right at home--even going so far as to ruin naptime. After landing in "jail" (his crate) due to an angry claw-swipe, the indignant feline attempts to use his words. He types out and mails a note to the humans, but before they even read it, they release him with the admonition: "You must be nice to the puppy." In response, Frank composes another note--of farewell--and sneaks out the door in search of a place where he'll be appreciated. The book features seven short chapters with easy-to-read sentences that convey highly relatable, often over-the-top feelings. The accessible text is well supported by Lau's personality-filled illustrations, a mix of full pages and spot art. With the narrative being completely from Frank's wounded perspective, the illustrations display the actions and reactions of every character: the protagonist's emotional highs and lows, the puppy's extreme enthusiasm, the humans' unconditional love (not to mention their chic home décor).
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2022

RELATED 

YOUNGER FICTION

Fox & Rabbit Celebrate
by Ferry, Beth
YOUNGER FICTION

Popcorn Bob
by Rinck, Maranke
YOUNGER FICTION

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite!
by Spires, Ashley
YOUNGER FICTION

The Middle Kid
by Weinberg, Steven
YOUNGER FICTION

Ivy + Bean Get to Work!
by Barrows, Annie
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?