From the time they meet, City Dog and Country Frog are good friends. During the spring and summer, they play Country Frog (jumping and splashing) and City Dog (fetching and barking) games. In fall, Country Dog is tired so they play “remembering games”—games to recall their happy memories from spring and summer. But when winter arrives, a lonely City Dog waits for Country Frog, but Country Frog never comes. When spring arrives again, Country Chipmunk appears, a surprising twist that brings Mo Willems’s tender tale about friendship, nature, and cycles full circle. Willems skillfully uses simple language and repetition, along with elements of humor, to tell a soothing story that can be interpreted in many ways, making it rich for discussion possibilities with young children. Jon J Muth’s vibrant watercolor artwork, with expressive, anthropomorphized characters, captures the contrast of changing seasons and the emotions associated with discovery and loss. Honor Book, 2011 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–7)

In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. “You’ll do,” Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog’s rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.

Mo Willems’ spare, poignant text and Jon J. Muth’s expressive watercolors team up to tell a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.