Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert is Scared of Frogs

Frank and Bert love to visit the little pond where they can play with Bert’s toy boat. However, Bert is very scared of frogs and when he spots one on the pond, Frank tries to help him manage his fear. But Frank has a secret…Bert’s not the only one who is afraid of frogs.

The ‘Frank and Bert’ books are some of the most delightful picture books about friendship! In these stories, these two very different characters show that not only can opposites attract, but can form deep, enduring friendships based on support and trust.

Bert is very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ sort of character! Loyal and lovable, he wears his heart on his sleeve. Frank is kind and supportive and, in his efforts to help Bert cope with the frogs by the pond, pretends that he is not scared of frogs. Once he admits that he too is afraid, the two friends are able to face their fear together. Their attempt to deal with the frog leads to laughter which helps them to realise that frogs are nothing to be frightened of.

Perfect for both school and home settings, ‘The One Where Bert is Scared of Frogs’ makes an excellent starting point for discussing fears and how we deal with them as well as the ways in which good friends support each other. The gorgeous illustrations are a real joy and children will love to return to this story- and the others in the series- again and again!

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert is Scared of Frogs

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805133971

You can read my review of ‘Frank and Bert’ here , Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike’ here, ‘Frank and Bert: The One Where Frank Learns to Play Football’ here and ‘Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Biscuits’ here and discover some Frank and Bert activities here.

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Football

Frank is teaching Bert all about football. Sometimes things go wrong, but Bert has a new ball and the two best friends are ready to play. When Frank spots Barbara, the best football player ever, he is delighted that she agrees to have a game with him, forgetting all about poor old Bert. But as Frank finds himself in a spot of trouble, it is his best friend Bert who is there to save him!

The latest in this lovely series about best friends, Frank and Bert, ‘The One Where Bert Plays Football’ is every bit as heartwarming and endearing as the others. Frank and Bert are very different characters, but this enhances their friendship, proving the old adage ‘opposites attract’. Good natured and loveable, Bert often obviously needs help with things and Frank is always there to support him; however, the stories show that Bert brings much to the friendship as well.

Children often experience difficulties negotiating friendships and managing to include others who might appear to be jeopardising a close relationship or taking someone away from them. In this story, Frank is dazzled by Barbara’s footie skills, flattered that she should want to play with him and so neglects his best buddie. But when the going gets tough, it is Bert who is there for Frank, proving his loyalty once again. The story offers plenty to discuss and offers opportunities for role play and drama activities to explore the feelings of the different characters and how they acted.

Although Bert is not a natural football player, Frank helps him to develop skills which play to his strengths and allow him to feel success. The illustrations are full of gentle humour and celebrate the wonderful friendship Frank and Bert share through the whole range of emotions they experience through its ups and downs. Each book in this series is an absolute joy and I hope there are many more to come!

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Football

Chris Naylor- Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805134923

You can read my review of ‘Frank and Bert’ here, The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike’ here and ‘The One With the Missing Biscuits’ here.

Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Biscuits

Frank and Bert are best friends who love going on picnics together. However, picnics are not without possible perils- rain, wasps and even scary squirrels- but Frank is convinced that today’s picnic is going to be perfect, particularly as Bert has a big box with a surprise in it! When Bert falls asleep, Frank can’t resist taking a peek inside the box and sees that Frank has made his favourite biscuits. Confident Bert won’t mind if he tries one, Frank eats first one, then two…until he realises every last biscuit has gone. How will he explain this to Bert?

I am the biggest Frank and Bert fan! Full of humour and heart, the ‘Frank and Bert’ stories explore the joys of friendship- and the foibles we all share! In this story, Frank is faced with the dilemma of explaining the missing biscuits to Bert (something my husband often has to do!)- should he tell the truth or concoct an elaborate story involving ten scary squirrels? Their friendship is so strong that Frank can’t bear to continue the lie and admits what he has done. Bert’s instant response is to forgive and the story offers plenty to discuss and think about. These adorable characters are so easy to identify with and the ending is just perfect- classic Frank and Bert- making the book sure to become a firm favourite.

The illustrations are as wonderful as ever! There is so much for children to ‘read’ in the pictures as Frank and Bert experience a whole range of emotions, but my favourite spread by far is the one of the two friends sharing a hug as Bert forgives Frank! Children might enjoy creating glove or finger puppets of these lovely characters, enabling them to act out this story- and to create their own.

Frank and Bert are the perfect double act and I hope there are many more stories about them to come.

Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Biscuits

Chris Naylor- Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805130673

Published 14th March

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone

You can read my reviews of ‘Frank and Bert’ here and Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike’ here.

Frank and Bert

Meet Frank and Bert. These two pals LOVE to play hide-and-seek, but, although he thinks he is, Bert is not very good at hiding. This means that Frank wins every single game they play…until it occurs to him that maybe winning is not what’s important…maybe being a good friend is the most important thing of all.

Ever since discovering a copy of ‘I Want to Eat this Ant’ whilst on holiday one year, I have loved the work of Chris Naylor-Ballesteros. Many people know his fabulous book, ‘The Suitcase’, but each of his books is full of warmth, wisdom, humour - and incredible illustrations. ‘Frank and Bert’ is his latest gem!

There is so much to adore about this story. Frank the fox loves to win and when playing hide and seek with Bert, he does this a lot! Bert’s hiding skills leave a lot to be desired- even when Frank agrees to count to one hundred. But delighted as he is to win, Frank pauses to consider his friend’s feelings and put Bert’s happiness over his (Frank’s) competitive nature. The story offers the perfect starting point for discussing these feelings and encouraging empathy with others.

The pictures are full of humour! Children will giggle at Bert’s attempts at hiding and really enjoy the little twist at the end which shows that perhaps Bert is not as clueless as he first appears! His bright pink scarf suits him perfectly and it’s wonderful to see Frank knitting for his friend. Their expressions are just wonderful, adding to their personalities!

Children will love joining in with the counting and enjoy sharing this story again and again. I hope there are more stories about this adorable pair!

Frank and Bert Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788008419