Kids Ask Authors Answer: Frog, Fish, and Worm
Kids Ask Authors Answer: Frog, Fish, and Worm
Join authors as they answer kids' questions about the book 'Frog, Fish, and Worm.' Discover the inspiration behind the story, the characters, and the message of friendship, and get a glimpse into this funny world the author created.
Introduction
Welcome back to "Kids Ask, Authors Answer," a delightful series where we bring together curious kids and talented children's book authors for a fun and engaging session. In each episode, children who have read a specific book send in their questions for the author, who answers them on the spot, without prior knowledge of what the questions are. This creates a spontaneous and often entertaining interaction that reveals more about the creative minds behind beloved children's books. Your kids can join in on the next episode too! There is information on how to participate at the end.
Meet the Authors
Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els
The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.
Joining Amy and Sam in this episode is Christina B. Bianco, the author of Frog, Fish, and Worm and also the Dorothy Dustbucket series. Her book stands out for its creative storyline centered on anti-bullying themes intertwined with humor and lessons on friendship.
A Peek into 'Frog, Fish, and Worm'
"Frog, Fish, and Worm" is a delightful book that handles the serious subject of bullying with a whimsical and light-hearted narrative. The story features a frog, a fish, and a worm who team up to deal with a bully named Stan with the unexpected help of a toothless crocodile. The rhyming verses bring an additional charm and rhythm to the storytelling.
The characters in Biano’s book are not just random creatures; they have distinct personal attributes and quirks. For instance, the frog has a big tummy, which adorably he tries to cover with a yellow jacket. The fish is a little fashion-forward, opting for attire to keep warm in his cold pond environment. And the worm? Well, he sports a tiny hat and scarf, mainly because, as Bianco humorously puts it, worms need a bit of protection in the water.
Diving into the Kids' Questions
The Q&A segment is the heart of the "Kids Ask Authors" show, where young readers send in questions, and the authors respond in real-time.
Why Does the Frog Have a Big Tummy?
Mary, age three, inquired why the frog had such a big tummy. Christina amusingly explained that the frog loved his food, especially little fishes, and that is why he had a prominent belly. This not only added to the humor but also gave the character more depth and personality.
Fish Burps
Grace, age six, had a peculiar question: can a fish burp? Bianco wasn't entirely sure but speculated that while animals can pass gas, observing a fish burping isn’t common. This curious question highlighted children’s genuine curiosity and the fascinating nature of the natural world, providing both entertainment and education.
The Thrill of Real-Life Inspirations
Edison, age eight, asked a hilariously relatable question: "Have you ever had a fish slap your face or had a worm go up your nose?" Reflecting on her personal life, Bianco shared a funny story about her husband’s fishing trip where the only fish they ever caught slapped him in the face. This anecdote showed how real-life experiences can creatively inspire parts of a story.
Dealing with Discomfort: Worm’s Bottom Cream
One of the children, Marnie, posed a very imaginative question about whether the worm ever needed to see a doctor for his sore bottom. Christina confirmed that indeed the worm had to, and the playful explanation included using loads of cream and a little bandage for about a week, ensuring that the worm was soon back to his usual self. This lighthearted answer reflects adorable child innocence and creative storytelling.
Finding Inspiration: Where Ideas Bloom
Louis age seven, was curious to know what inspired Christina to write her book. Christina candidly shared that the thought stemmed from the desire to write a story about anti-bullying. The development of the characters - a frog, a fish, and a worm - along with the crocodile at the end, was a natural outcome of wanting to depict friendships fighting against bullying. This insight into the creative process gave young viewers a glimpse into how authors transform ideas into comprehensive stories.
Worm’s Wishful Thinking: Legs!
Jackson asked an intriguing question about whether the worm ever wished to have legs. Bianco humorously considered that worms might indeed feel shortchanged for not having legs and imagined that had the worm had legs, perhaps he would dance or maybe even chase after Stan the Fisherman.
Dressing Up in Style
Another double-edged question came from Hannah and Lorna wanting to know why the frog, fish, and worm wore clothes when they'd get wet. Christina’s creative mind put the pond in England, narrating that these characters wore outfits due to the cold, and their attire wasn’t really optional, bringing practical reasoning to the fantastical elements.
Rapid Fire Round: A Fun Light Moment
The rapid-fire segment provided Christina with some adrenaline-pumping action. Questions related to frogs, fish, and worms were thrown her way, and amidst the fun chaos, there were plenty of laughs to go around.
Questions included:
"What do frogs use to catch bugs?" (Their tongue!)
"What slippery creature has no legs and lives underground?" (A worm!)
"What do fish use to breathe underwater?" (Gills!)
Christina’s efforts reflected her wit and quick thinking, making the rapid-fire round a delightful highlight for the young viewers.
Conclusion: Looking Towards Future Stories
As the session drew to a close, Christina shared dreams of her future books, including "Stinky Pop and Lazy the Cat," "Bendy Banana," and more Dorothy Dustbucket stories. Each idea is centered around friendship, inclusion, and fun – core values that Christina holds dearly and which form the foundation of her books.
In summary, "Kids Ask Authors Answer" is a wonderful initiative that connects young readers with the creative minds behind their favorite stories. Through humorous, heartfelt, and insightful exchanges, authors like Amy Doslich, Sam Howard-Els, and Christina B. Bianco inspire a new generation of readers and writers, emphasizing the values of inclusion, friendship, and the magic of storytelling.
Want to grab a copy of Frog, Fish, and Worm You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/3YSPNcO
Want to watch a read aloud of Frog, Fish, and Worm? Watch it here! https://youtu.be/FBDG9Szm87U&list=PLTquYiEn6uVq6zQLQPjx-C-cd3fHoeS10
You can also find Amy and Sam's books here:
Amy - Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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Want your kid to participate in the next episode? Make sure you are subscribed to our YouTube channel to see who the next author coming soon is, read their book (always a free option!), and then send your questions to KidsAskAuthors@yahoo.com.
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