Frog And Toad Are Friends Read Aloud

Okay, let's talk Frog and Toad. We all read it, right? Probably had it read to us a million times.

Big fan of the series? Prepare for some potentially earth-shattering opinions. Maybe.

The Read Aloud Situation

Here's a confession: I'm not the biggest fan of reading Frog and Toad Are Friends aloud.

Don't get me wrong! I *adore* the books. It's just...the read-aloud experience itself can be a bit...slow.

Is It Just Me?

Tell me I'm not alone! Remember the "Cookies" chapter? It’s cute! But “Frog, I want a cookie!” repeated 20 times? It tests my patience!

By the end, I start channeling my inner grumpy Toad. "FINE. HAVE ALL THE COOKIES. JUST LET ME FINISH THE STORY!"

And what about "The Story"? Frog makes up a story for Toad? That goes on forever! Good night? No good. Bad night? Still, no good.

The Case for *Not* Reading Aloud (All the Time)

Okay, maybe I’m being dramatic. But hear me out.

Sometimes, letting kids read Frog and Toad Are Friends independently is more rewarding. They can set the pace!

They can even appreciate the subtle humor without me doing a million different "Frog voice" and "Toad voice" attempts.

The Voices! Oh, the Voices!

Speaking of voices...Anyone else struggle with the Frog and Toad voices?

I always end up making Toad sound like a chain-smoking grandpa. And Frog? A slightly nasal Kermit the Frog impersonation. It’s not pretty.

My kid just stares at me, unimpressed. Maybe they prefer my normal reading voice? A revolutionary idea!

Appreciating the Books Differently

I still think Arnold Lobel was a genius. His illustrations are charming. The stories are sweet. The friendship is goals.

But maybe, just *maybe*, some things are best enjoyed in quiet contemplation. You know, like Toad staring at the seeds willing them to grow.

Perhaps Frog and Toad Are Friends can be a stepping stone. A book that leads to independent reading adventure!

A Call for Sanity (and Shorter Read Alouds)

So, next time you reach for Frog and Toad Are Friends for read aloud time, pause.

Consider the mood. Consider the chapter length. And for the love of all that is holy, maybe skip "Cookies" if you’re already feeling hangry.

Or, dare I say it, suggest your little one reads it themselves? You might be surprised!

We can still love Frog and Toad. We can just love them... a little quieter. And maybe with fewer character voices.

Just my two cents on a childhood classic. Don't @ me. (Okay, maybe @ me. But be nice.)

Happy reading, however you choose to do it!