Magic of the Frogs

There are a very few books that can actually change a child’s life. We’re lucky if we find one title that we can hold dear in our hearts as we grow old, or one book that represents childhood and the joys of innocence. We have a very limited window of time to find it too, before the world and school and the pressures of growing up force us to banish childish things from our lives. And those of us who find that one book are truly blessed, because we are surely better people for it. Magic of the Frogs could easily be that book for so many children. It deserves to be published before they too join us in the ranks of less-happy adulthood.

Author JJ Marro paints his tale with magical and colorful brush strokes. His descriptions of place bring us right down into the story and his characters are memorable, even when they exist in the guise of humble frogs, or perhaps more so because of it.

The writing itself is stylistically perfect for the age group. It’s challenging enough so that readers will feel rewarded going through it, yet never so much so that it gets in the way of the adventure. It will help children learn to read, and learn to read better, even as it entertains them along the way.

Magic of the Frogs is destined to be a classic, and I know one day we will be talking about Marro in the same breath as Judy Blume and other authors who have made their mark on the world, and left it a better place.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

I read the book in its entirety several weeks ago. "Magic of the Frogs" is an excellent story for children. Whether you are a fan of children books or not, you will enjoy this story. It is written to perfection and with the style of a classic. Children stories are a challenge. JJ Marro has met this challenge with a fantastic read.
I applaud you!
Sara

CHIRG review
I loved this - such a wonderful tale. Perfect for the age group. Beautifully described with strong characterisation. There are some clever ideas in here. Love the sinisters snakes. Larien is truly magical. I could picture Covington perfectly. This is exactly the kind of story I would have read to my son when he was younger, and I know he would have loved it. Wishing you much luck, and success with MOTF.
Eva H
Children of the Raven

I utterly adore this magical tale. It has all the elements needed for a perfect fairy tale, and is superbly written. Bastion is likable, the names you used for the snakes are imaginative and fun (Morgana especially is one I enjoyed!), I can't wait to read on and learn more about that adorable little sprite! The whole thing just sparkles with magic.

I wish I could say more about it, but I don't think I can, it has quite literally left me speechless. This deserves a place on the ED!

Well done, very highly starred!

RK Summers
The Albion Pages

The Magic of the Frogs is a sweet little tale. My girls are lovers of magical stories and this did not disappoint! Reading a bit every night, they enjoyed the cliffhangers and the suspenseful moments, and the magic of it all. Of course the best loved children's tales are full of talking animals and the tiny creatures that children naturally give a voice to. Bastion is a lovable hero, cute, funny and bold to boot. Larien, the imp, added a great element of femininity to the story and my little princess drank her up. This story is simple, a sweetness reminiscent of Little Bear or Wind-in-the-Willows while bearing all of the heroism of a true adventure. The best part for me is the mature sentence structure level of reading skill required. It is difficult for me to find books that are fun and exciting for the girls to read. Its a delicate balance, finding something that is not so long that they lose interest but challenging enough to help them sharpen their reading skills. Chapter books are often so simply written, not allowing a child's mind to be challenged. The Magic of the Frogs strikes the balance, providing enough strong characters to keep the child wanting to read while secretly teaching them better literacy skills. I highly recommend this story and I would love to see more of this caliber on the shelf in the children's books section. Well done JJ Marro!

Ever wonder why you cannot recall a dream upon awakening? Meet the Dream Gypsies.


Hi my name is Kareasa, I would like to read your book and comment honestly, and would appreciate if you would take a look at Gypsy of Vilda. :) a YA/MG fantasy.Thanks for your time. :)

KMM

read the first chapter really enjoyed it

What a great story and so well written. Well paced and captures the imagination as well as the attention of the young and young at heart. The one fault I can find is that there isn't enough of it; hopefully there will be in the near future!

A clever idea, well written, that does exactly what it says on the tin. Excellent.

JJ, congratulations to you have. What a great book for children. Hope to see you in print soon.

Catherine

Love it! elements of Watership Down and other lovely stories I still read. I like the easy style and reliance upon word pictures. Well done!

I have watched Magic of the Frogs make its way up the ladder and I´m so happy it is finally on the desk.

Magic of the Frogs brings to the desk a genre (literature for children) which is not often on offer on authonomy and the people like yourself behind the story is a special gift which not a lot of authors or authors to be a blessed with.

Magic of the Frogs is another children´s book we should see on the bookshelves of bookstores, and another choice for children who love to read.

JJ Marro has been waiting patiently in the shadows of this site with Magic of the Frogs and her deserves all the support he has received and all the support he still deserves.

Let´s hear it for the frogs.

There are a very few books that can actually change a child’s life. We’re lucky if we find one title that we can hold dear in our hearts as we grow old, or one book that represents childhood and the joys of innocence. We have a very limited window of time to find it too, before the world and school and the pressures of growing up force us to banish childish things from our lives. And those of us who find that one book are truly blessed, because we are surely better people for it. Magic of the Frogs could easily be that book for so many children. It deserves to be published before they too join us in the ranks of less-happy adulthood.

Author JJ Marro paints his tale with magical and colorful brush strokes. His descriptions of place bring us right down into the story and his characters are memorable, even when they exist in the guise of humble frogs, or perhaps more so because of it.

The writing itself is stylistically perfect for the age group. It’s challenging enough so that readers will feel rewarded going through it, yet never so much so that it gets in the way of the adventure. It will help children learn to read, and learn to read better, even as it entertains them along the way.

Magic of the Frogs is destined to be a classic, and I know one day we will be talking about Marro in the same breath as Judy Blume and other authors who have made their mark on the world, and left it a better place.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

I spent 14 years of my life watching all children's movies, tv shows and reading children's books to my children. When they finally grew past that, I thought I was done, then the grandchildren came. I am accustomed to children's stories now, but there are not many that are as charming as this story. You have quite an imagaination. I don't think I can ever write a story like that and I have been writing for 44 years. It is delightful, especially the characters and their wonderful names. You have a winner. I don't give 6 stars often, but you deserve six stars.

A delightfully imaginative read. The kids will love it!
Backed with pleasure,
Laurence Howard, The Cross of Goa

Lovely tale. Perfect for reading at bedtime, either alone or with a parent; without giving the little ones nightmares.
Sarah J Ryan

Lovely tale. Perfect for reading at bedtime, either alone or with a parent; without giving the little ones nightmares.
Sarah J Ryan

This book has a lovely overall feel about it which, in my opinion, is a prerequisite to a successful aged 6-10 story.
When I think back to my childhood (which is difficult as my 'think' doesn't go that far back these days) memorable stories were Robin Hood, The Elves & the Shoemaker, Treasure Island, The Cat in the Hat - all quirky but with a clear storyline, larger-than-life characters and a generous sprinkling of magic dust. I think Magic of the Frogs has all of this.
Just one thing though, I prefer the original name which is actually one of the things that drew me to the book amongst the vast pile of other books on here. I can understand why the name might have changed for commercial reasons, but 'Magic of the Frogs' is more memorable and has more standout for me. Just sayin' .Cover works a treat though :)

Good luck with your ED review. High stars from me.
Goliath Stokes

this is a goood fuc*in book i actually like it and i hate reading wtf lol

Chirg
I cannot understand why I have not commented on this before now. It is a great childrens story and well deserves to be where it is now. I am going to shelve this and hope you would do me the honour of having a look at my Tales for Children. I look forward to hear what you think of it.
Brian.

This is a CWOG review, as well as a Children's Reading Group (CHIRG) and Write the Fantasy (WTF) review:

Truly lovely start to the book, and a very enjoyable, light sense of humor. There's some great writing, and the story is brimming with imagination. I really enjoyed the quirky group of characters you've assembled here, with the pompous sprite and the daring frog, and there was a real sense of adventure and fun.

I wrote down a few notes as I read, though they're all quite minor, and could simply be subjective. Please do disregard anything you disagree with.
CHAPTER 1:
- “the pond(')s trusted guardian.”
- “Occasionally, Bastion would encounter one or more of them.” - I wasn't sure about this line, as it felt a bit like stating the obvious, though it could be perfectly fine for the age group.
- “listened intently” and “listened carefully” were in the same paragraph. I might possibly take one out.
CHAPTER 2:
- I might change the line to: “He cut the hook off the line with his sword(, being) careful not to cut himself.”
- There were quite a few instances of “as he” in this chapter for me, including two in the sentence starting with “Bastion held his sides as he laughed”; I'd try to mix up the phrasing a bit to avoid using this too often.

Despite a few very minor quibbles, though, I thought you did an excellent job with this, and I had a great time reading it so far.
Very high stars.

Mike
What, the Elf?
Arrival of the Ageless

I've just finished chapters 4-10 and I've decided to back the book for many reasons. Mainly because I believe it to be joint best young children's book on this site (alongside Grampa's Teeth). The story never loses purpose, pace and isn't afraid to show a little bit of death. I wasn't making many notes and just want to read out of pure enjoyment but the parts that stood out for me were the small details, such as the fly sandwich. Bastion skidding around the pond on his bottom added that humorous image, Delathalion and his castle area was cool, Draqur was a villain with simple motives and great for the target audience. The deaths of Morgana and Voltar were actually a bit unexpected and made the story better. Baldar's battle with them was good, I was glad Gerald lived because he added comic value to the story. The story had a great ending for what it is and no doubt there can be more from Bastion and Larien.

Fantastic children's book that is worth the read. Well done JJ

CWOG Review

A charming tale, charmingly told. One of the nice things about reading a children's tale on authonomy is that it's usually not so long one can't finish it. I read the entire story. Talking frogs, snakes, fish, and turtles. Swashbuckling amphibians. all great fun.

This is a story that I think a child would very much enjoy. It could be read to a child over a week's period or it could be an early book that the child reads him/herself.

Nicely done. I can see why it's so popular on the site.

Mark
HELL'S SUPER

Magic of the Frogs - The name says it all. A whimsical tale that is sure to please the younger crowd, the stage is set early with mystery of the sprite and the terrors of the serpents. Of course there's also , the heroic Bastion to guard over them all and keep them safe! Nicely done...
Cindy
CADreiliing - The Line - Beginnings

This is a fantastic childrens book and I can see good times ahead if you support and push it. You have chosen a Genre that is very difficult to write for yet you do it with ease. I have to congratulate you on a brilliant book.
Sean Connolly British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider adding me to your wish list wont you. Happy New Year.

I know frogs, but I never know duty bound frogs, king frogs, mermaid-flirting frogs, gaurd frogs.- OH..MY.. Mr. JJ where did you get all these frogs. don't tell me from your brain. Highly starred and on my W/L. On the way to my shelf.

Adorable story. I love it, and want it to stay on the Ed. desk! 6 stars and going on my bookshelf! =D

i don't have room on my shelf sadly, and it needs 24 hours for it to even matter - but i wanted to give your froggy book some love before the year ends so i've added you back to my watch list, ramped up your stars... and wrote a comment just because

big hearts! and a happy new year!

Hi Jack, A friend asked me to look at your book and I have read the first chapter and based on what i read and especially looking at your write up and purpose of the book. I have starred it a six . I hope this will help you to stay on the desk. Good Luck!

CHIRG REVIEW
Magic of the Frogs/J.J. Marro
Bastion the frog brought a smile to my face. He is the kind of guy many would enjoy to have as a friend. Your description at the pond is really magical and a child will very easily be able to "live" in this world :-) You've created enough excitement and wonder to keep young minds occupied and when the sprite turns up, Bastion is quite off his stride of looking busy as if he's fishing...
many stars from me and all the best on the Ed's desk
Maretha
African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends

I'm so happy to see this lovely book in the top 5! I remember visiting it on this site awhile back...a wonderful piece!

All the best,
~Faith

I have started to read this book it is great so far! highly starred!

Thomas

Wonderful, wonderful story, filled with bravery and magic. I read the whole thing and truly enjoyed it. It should definitely make it. I also like the cover--it is beautifully done. Larien is my favorite, of course. I thought it was nice that she went on into another existence, continuing the prior legacy. I enjoyed the description of Bastion's duties around the pond--described so well, can definitely picture it perfectly. I also liked the fact that all the people of Covington end up being alive--no one died from the final attack.

Hope you will return the read of Return to Eternity,
Alexandra

Hi

This was a great piece I feel that you have created a colurful and engaging world that I found myself become involved in I loved all the elements and your writing style is good and allows the story to progress , a really lovely piece that all children would love - starred and on my shelf !

Good luck
Steph

I only read a few chapters, but have backed you to help keep you at the desk :-)

If you ever have time, would appreciate it if you would look at my work too

Thanks

xx

CWOG and CHIRG review Chapters 1-3

JJ, I have to admit I'm into this more than I thought I was going to be. You've blatantly created this small world (so far) down to the tiniest details. Bastion is easily liked, his mannerisms and the way he talks are memorable. There's a fun element to it too. I made the connection with the name Mr. Bass straight away and laughed that they used that name as part of a joke.

I didn't read the pitch until just now - I don't like having spoilers if I can help it. The story Larien tells in Chapter 3 comes as a great surprise. I didn't see that coming - although you give the hint of snakes and frogs being the only animals that can talk. More than anything, children would love this. The age range I'd say you're aiming for is about right.

I will read more (I often read full stories on here when I can and with this being in the top 5 now I may have to complete it pretty sharpish) Anyways well done. - Awesome cover too.

John

Great cover!

Rian Torr
New London Masquerade
www.ATstudio.ca

What can I say? I love frogs.

Hi there,

I saw your book rising to the top and figured it must be good - plus I've already told you how cool your cover is, so why not give it a read?

First off, have you considered joinging WTF - I think your book would fit right in:
invite to WTF: http://authonomy.com/forums/threads/106125/wtf-write-the-fantasy/

I love the unique names of Bastion and Larien...

This is for sure a cute children's tale... but it's fun for all!

I like to comment on one or two things that jump out at me - things i might do differently, or spelling/grammar mistakes, but nothing caught my eye. This is highly polished and enjoyable - not at all surprised it is doing so well!
you'll be number 1 next month, easily :)

cheers for now
Jaclyn x
It Never Happened

As I love pond fishing, I entered the frog world very quickly. Your easy to read story will (I am sure) help send a child to dreamland without a fuss.

Outstanding work, JJ. As a reader, I see no flaws in your book at all and am eager to see it illustrated, published and in my local library! I can see our librarian on "reading day" sitting in a chair surrounded by children and reading your book to them! They'll be totally captivated - just as I was. Bastion is such a great hero and Larien, the charming love of his life and a creation of Melena, the good wizard. I loved the final scene with Bastion turning briefly into a man and then back into a frog and Larien reappearing as a female frog. The story of the people of Brackenridge being turned into frogs by the good fairies in order to hide them from the wicked wizard is a unique and fascinating take on the usual fantasy. I enjoyed a lot of your sub-stories also such as the bully frog, Baldar.
Altogether excellent work and I'm leaving you six stars and hope to see you published soon!
Sincerely, Patricia Laster

Read it in one sitting. Loved it and will back it.

Hello JJ.

This is a very enjoyable read and I even smiled as I finished the first chapter (doesn't happen often). I think you really have something special here and I think children will simply adore this book. It is well written and your talent for painting pictures with your writing is astounding. I will not only watchlist this and come back to finish it, but I will gladly back this wonderful piece of work. There are only a very few bits of grammar mistakes but none really to make note of. I really wish the best for you and this book and congrats on a wonderful job! -Uriel Author of Spark

This is lovely. Clearly written, very good well-drawn characters and a believable setting. Excellent!
Andrea
The de Amerley Affair

JJ Great writing. Wonderful story telling. So creative and enjoyable to read. I am sure any one looking for a good children's read should not miss this one. It is exciting and full of life. Makes the reader want to know more. Lovely. I shall find space to support you soon. You are going into my watch list. Great book.

Catherine
"If Only You Could Tell"

This story is great! Kind of like "Wind in the Willows" with a magic twist. I love it so far. I will be putting this on my shelf I think.

Reading it and (just because I'm picky like this [sorry]) I've noticed a few grammatical errors... Save that and it is a very well written story. It is, however, not my kind of read. Well written, I will give you that, I just wouldn't read the whole thing.

I've just started to read your book, and I think it is really enjoyable. It is very imaginitive, and well written. I think children of any age would find this a good read. I would love it if you could have a quick look at my book and see what you think. Dream Questers is a fantasy novel for children and young adults, with all the usual suspects - dragons, elves, wizards, etc. It is my first book, and I would love some feedback.
Good luck with your book.
Fiona

Hi, thanks for accepting my friend request, your pitch looks great. There are only certain children;'s book that I enjoy, but this looks like one of them. Added to my watch list x

Cathy

Thanks for the invite to check this book out, it's a very fun read. I only read through the first chapter, but I can already see a magical world filled with all sorts of things for children to meet as Bastion continues on his epic adventure to wherever the fairy leads him.
I'll toss you up on my watchlist and will be back to read more as time permits.

This is lovely! I adore frogs and your have woven a hopping tale with these sweet little magic amphibians.
Blessings!
Please read my second book Scribe-LIngs for children.
Thank X

This is based on the first 4 chapters but I do intend to read more. I very much preferred chapters 3 and 4 to the first two. For me it did seem to take a while to find some kind of hook or point of tension. You evoke the world beautifully but, perhaps personal taste here, I found the descriptions and scene setting just went on a bit too long. However, once more characters were introduced and the excellent hook of the 'tale' at the end of chapter 2 were brought in I really began to warm to it.

I love all the names you give to your world and characters and somehow they are all pitch perfect and just work. For me I enjoyed your conversations which fizzed and sparkled and wonder if you couldn't introduce a bit more of this in the first two chapters..? but again this could just be down to personal taste.

Personally I have never quite got on with anthropomorphic books but this one may well change my views on that!

I enjoyed the language and world you'd evoked.

Mawdlin
The Witches' Cauldron

CHIRG review
I loved this - such a wonderful tale. Perfect for the age group. Beautifully described with strong characterisation. There are some clever ideas in here. Love the sinisters snakes. Larien is truly magical. I could picture Covington perfectly. This is exactly the kind of story I would have read to my son when he was younger, and I know he would have loved it. Wishing you much luck, and success with MOTF.
Eva H
Children of the Raven

CHIRG
Lovely story for 8 to 12 years, very well written. I enjoyed reading this. If you post more let me know.

Ch2 loved the description of Mr Bass.
On your pitch you say Magic of the Frogs is aimed at 6 to 10 years... The writing style is too old for this age group. At a library ask to see books recommended for 6 years upwards and see for yourself.
Five stars for now
Best wishes with this
Cas
The Wind Maker
Seed Stories

This is a fun little story to read. I liked the twists that Bastion and Larien are ‘reincarnations’ of Bastion the warrior and Melena the witch, that they loved each other and still do. The battle against the snakes to save Covington was a bit like a frog version of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, in also that Bastion was the major fighter. I do feel that snakes are too often cast as villains, but with this, it was just fun.