Reviews

The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

zoeyforeman's review against another edition

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5.0

Even though the book is for grades 3-7, it surprised me how well it is written. It's not only funny and contains nice illustrations, but also whole illegal fish trade thing is very educational. In addition, in the end there's unexpected plot twist. Or should I say two twists? :) Definitely great read!

* I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads

libscote's review against another edition

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3.0

I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. Awesome title, for sure. I liked the noir aspect. I thought Zengo got a bit disrespectful rather fast/too much teasing, but maybe others won't have that problem.

pun_intended's review against another edition

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5.0

I liked it because it was funny, they had adventure.

biblioventurer's review against another edition

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2.0

Somewhere between first chapter and true jfic. Lots of illustrations. Wasn't sure I really liked it, but the ending left me wanting to find out more. I was kind of annoyed with the premise being "synthetic fish" (is that a thing?), but loved the use of monotreme as an insult for the platypi. I liked it better than I anticipated.

ms_la's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is geared to ages 8-12 and I think it will be a great addition to my 2nd grade classroom library. Some of the language might be difficult for kids on the younger side of that range but nothing that will get in the way of comprehension. The book gives a great introduction to mystery novels, leading readers down one path then twisting to another and after the case is solved it leads to a teaser for the next book that lets you know not everything is as it seems. Chapters might be too long for early readers but for those who are ready this is a fun read.

saragrochowski's review against another edition

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4.0

I suppose I should preface this review by admitting that I adore all of Jarrett J. Krosoczka's books and I recommend his amazing TED Talk to people all the time. Simply put, I respect him because his books are fun, he seems like a very engaged, thoughtful guy, and, most importantly, the kids at my library can't get enough of his Lunch Lady graphic novel series! All that said, I obviously picked up his newest offering Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked with high expectations, and, just as I'd hoped, I feel he's written another novel middle grade readers are sure to love!

This first installment in the Platypus Police Squad follows the fresh faced rookie Rick Zengo, newest addition to the Platypus Police Squad, and his partner, O'Malley, an experience detective, as they attempt to solve a case involving a missing schoolteacher and the illegal fish trade. Complications arise when the clues lead Zengo and O'Malley to billionaire businessman - and potential mobster - Frank Pandini Jr.

A play on the partner cop trope, but for a younger set, The Frog Who Croaked is in many ways familiar while simultaneously unique with its animal characters that allow for a silly and fresh take on the jokes one expects in such a formula. Coupled with the intermittent illustrations, Krosoczka's novel has a definite charm and appeal.

I'll definitely be adding The Frog Who Croaked to my library collection and recommending it to readers of the Lunch Lady series. As always, I look forward to seeing what Krosoczka offers his readers next!

allisonfitzgerald's review against another edition

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2.0

I didn't like this book, but can see the appeal to 3rd and 4th grade boys. I think they will love it.

abigailsbooks32's review against another edition

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4.0

super cute and fun read. I love how quick these books are and just how silly they are

booksandbosox's review

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3.0

Not as funny as I had hoped, but amusing. Can easily see the appeal for kids, though.

Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy, which I received about a million years ago at a conference. :)

libscote's review

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3.0

I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. Awesome title, for sure. I liked the noir aspect. I thought Zengo got a bit disrespectful rather fast/too much teasing, but maybe others won't have that problem.