Frog and Toad Are Friends 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition - by Arnold Lobel (Hardcover)

About the Book

"First published in 1970, Frog and Toad Are Friends was the first of the four beloved Frog and Toad books. This special edition contains all of the original stories--from the story about going swimming, to finding lost buttons! ... includes seven pages of rarely seen bonus material, including archival photographs, sketches, pages from the original book dummy, the manuscript of the first story "Spring" (written in Lobel's cursive on lined notebook paper!), plus a biography of Arnold Lobel and how he was inspired to write the Frog and Toad stories. --

Book Synopsis

This beautiful commemorative picture book edition of the Caldecott Honor title Frog and Toad Are Friends is the perfect way to celebrate Frog and Toad's 50th anniversary!

This handsome edition features matte paper, remastered artwork, and a green ribbon book marker. It makes a lovely gift for collectors, fans of children's literature, and anyone and everyone who loves Frog and Toad!

First published in 1970, Frog and Toad Are Friends was the first of the four beloved Frog and Toad books. This special edition contains all of the original stories--from the story about going swimming to finding lost buttons!

This lovely volume also includes seven pages of rarely seen bonus material, including archival photographs, sketches, pages from the original book dummy, the manuscript of the first story, "Spring" (written in Arnold Lobel's cursive on lined notebook paper!), plus a biography of Arnold Lobel and how he was inspired to write the Frog and Toad stories. The series has also been adapted into a Broadway musical and an Emmy-nominated animated series on Apple TV+.

An Atlantic 65 Essential Children's Books Selection, 2025

Review Quotes

This book is termed an "easy reader," but in truth, it is poetry. Lobel's introduction to his beloved woodland pair, whose many books of adventure have endured for more than 50 years, is a lyrical meditation on the joys and challenges of friendship. It is wonderful to read aloud, and wonderful to hear--again and again and again. - Kate DiCamillo, The Atlantic 65 Essential Children's Books, 2025
A leggy green frog and a squat green toad do for friendship something of what Little Bear does for kinship. - Kirkus Reviews
In five brief stories Frog plays straight man to his best friend Toad. Simply plotted and full of the give-and-take of friendship...the illustrations abound in cheerful good humor. - New York Times
A happy book, this collection of five stories recounts the adventures of two best friends. The illustrations are so enticing that they will lead any child into learning to read the words they illustrate--again and again and again. You'll see. - Publishers Weekly