10/07/2024
An adventurous canyon tree frog named Swimmy explores his desert home in this imaginative picture book debut by Nacinovich. One day, as the enthusiastic Swimmy is venturing through the sand dunes, he spots a cactus elf named Myron hunting for ostrich eggs. “Ostrich eggs are the very best. They are also the largest eggs around” Myron declares, prompting an excited Swimmy to join in his hunt. On their journey, the unlikely pair learns about many unique desert creatures, including a slew of red fire ants and “javelinas wearing polka-dot pink pants.”
Myron and Swimmy’s friendship blossoms as they peruse the hot desert dunes together, with Myron patiently answering Swimmy’s endless questions about the curiosities they find, giving younger readers a chance to learn more about the book’s spotlighted natural wonders—like geodes, egg-shaped rocks filled with crystals, and intriguing quartz clusters that Swimmy is convinced are the elusive ostrich eggs. Nacinovich allows Swimmy free rein to query Myron to his heart’s content, and kids will relish investigating alongside this curious, charming frog.
Nadia Ronquillo’s lively illustrations show the two friends happily wandering together through their desolate yet beautiful desert home, complete with pale blue skies and flowering cacti around every turn. Myron resembles a friendly garden gnome with his long, white beard and pointed hat, while the perpetually grinning Swimmy hilariously carries his water in a fishbowl, tied to his back with a piece of rope. Eventually, the two encounter their sought-after nest of eggs—and apparently the ostriches have been expecting Myron, as they left an extra just for him. Kids will be pleased to see Myron transporting the egg to the Big City’s zoo, giving him and Swimmy the chance to explore yet another new environment together in future adventures. This lighthearted tale will encourage kids—and their adult readers—to look for fun and friendship in the most unexpected of places.
Takeaway: Canyon tree frog explores his desert home with a new friend.
Comparable Titles: Conrad J. Storad’s Life in the Slow Lane, Brendan Wenzel’s Two Together.
Production grades Cover: A- Design and typography: A- Illustrations: A- Editing: A- Marketing copy: A
