Let's play make bee-lieve

Who'd bee-lieve hanging with bees could be fun? Froggy thinks differently. Though a neighbor of Bumble and Bee, Froggy would rather read in the pond and stay out of their games. Somehow, though, the amphibian gets roped in. Take guess-the-animal. While the apian duo demonstrates ineptitude at figuring out what creature each pretends to be(e)--though it's clearly obvious to readers--Froggy attends to reading. Or tries to--hopeless glances at readers are priceless until, exasperated, Froggy butts in with the answers. Before long, Froggy enters the game and, due to an unexpected visitor the bees notice but Froggy doesn't, they guess Froggy's "identity" immediately. The other stories in this small graphic early reader, just the right size for little hands, are equally comical. A pirate game with the bees rewards Froggy with the "sweetest treasure in the world," though, sadly, not of the sugar-laden, high-calorie kind. In the final story, the bees' confused hide-and-seek session finally brings Froggy peaceful reading time. This rollicking collection, presented comics style and with dialogue set mostly in speech balloons, will have readers forgetting any fears of bees and eager to join these quirky friends. Simple language and sweet, expressive, humorous illustrations that work perfectly with the text will have children giggling and enjoying reading success. Guaranteed to give emerging readers a buzz. (Early reader. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.