Like his perfectly paced Elephant & Piggie books, with wry humor and minimal text, City Dog, County Frog's stories are gems that bring a warm smile of recognition as the two connect through the seasons. Jon Muth’s watercolor paintings speak all the words that Willems need not put on the pages. The range of expressions Muth manages to give both dog and frog are playful as well as elegant. You have to see dog up to his neck in the water with frog on top of his head to gather what contentment looks like; or frog holding a large leaf over dog in the summer rain that says everything about their friendship! The mark of a fine picture book is when the writing and the art are both needed and they blend as one. Together Willems and Muth have created a jewel of a tale that is not just about the grass or leaves or snow, but of friendship. Nor does it end there. "For everything there is a season" and this memorable book captures both the sadness of endings and joys of beginnings. Don't miss this one! 4-7.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.