In this case, less would be more.- Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NYĬopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All that might plausibly be worked into a satisfying historical novel cum fantasy, but when Weyn overburdens the narrative with the "frog's" complicated Louisiana mixed-race backstory involving Natchez magic, a history as a runaway, a stint in the merchant marines, and more, the narrative sinks under the weight. Readers are meant to understand that he is the frog prince. As soon as he is able to see Emma, he wants her to kiss him. He's a good swimmer, his skin is blistered, and his eyes are bulging and swollen from the gas. When she tries to retrieve it, she discovers an American who's been fighting with British forces hiding in the water in an attempt to counter the effects of a gas attack. To compound her trauma, her fiancé has broken off their engagement and, in a fit of pique, Emma throws the golden ball-shaped locket with his photo into the well-an action she immediately regrets. Their home is requisitioned as a garrison for the German army. Emma, a British citizen, is stranded on her family's estate after her mother is killed by a bomb. Grade 5 Up-Setting this retelling of "The Frog Prince" in World War I Belgium is an interesting idea that didn't work out very well.
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