Myron and Swimmy’s friendship blossoms as they peruse the hot desert dunes together, with Myron patiently answering Swimmy’s endless questions about the curiosities they find, giving younger readers a chance to learn more about the book’s spotlighted natural wonders—like geodes, egg-shaped rocks filled with crystals, and intriguing quartz clusters that Swimmy is convinced are the elusive ostrich eggs. Nacinovich allows Swimmy free rein to query Myron to his heart’s content, and kids will relish investigating alongside this curious, charming frog.
Nadia Ronquillo’s lively illustrations show the two friends happily wandering together through their desolate yet beautiful desert home, complete with pale blue skies and flowering cacti around every turn. Myron resembles a friendly garden gnome with his long, white beard and pointed hat, while the perpetually grinning Swimmy hilariously carries his water in a fishbowl, tied to his back with a piece of rope. Eventually, the two encounter their sought-after nest of eggs—and apparently the ostriches have been expecting Myron, as they left an extra just for him. Kids will be pleased to see Myron transporting the egg to the Big City’s zoo, giving him and Swimmy the chance to explore yet another new environment together in future adventures. This lighthearted tale will encourage kids—and their adult readers—to look for fun and friendship in the most unexpected of places.
Takeaway: Canyon tree frog explores his desert home with a new friend.
Comparable Titles: Conrad J. Storad’s Life in the Slow Lane, Brendan Wenzel’s Two Together.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
