Publisher's Synopsis
Kicker the frog is a happy-go-lucky sort of fellow. He loves to spend time with his family and his friends. He worries about not growing up fast enough while still enjoying being young.
Flinnder the butterfly is wise beyond her age. She is thoughtful and kind, a friend to all she meets. She has a heart as big as her whole body. Kicker and Flinnder continue their adventures, meeting new friends along the way.
Their First Five Adventures and Lessons Learned
The Adventures Begin and Bully for Flinnder, two stories
In "The Adventures Begin", we meet Kicker the frog and see him go from tadpole to frog. Kicker is young, energetic, friendly, and a little rambunctious. Flinnder is a viceroy butterfly. We see her metamorphosis as she wonders what her future will hold. We read how Kicker and Flinnder meet by accident and become fast friends.
"Bully for Flinnder" is a story of bullying, peacemaking, and keeping your cool.
Kicker's rambunctiousness gets him into trouble with Spike, a rather crabby dragonfly. Although Kicker is apologetic, Spike's anger is not assuaged. Enter Flinnder, who diffuses the situation with her calming words and spirit. Just about the time Kicker thinks all is well, in flies Barry beetle and bops him the head. But, Kicker realizes that anger is a wasted emotion.
Turtles Cannot Climb Trees
In this story we learn that when friends work together obstacles can be overcome.
Meet two new characters, Shelbert the turtle and Terry the three-toed tree toad. Shelbert is a slow moving, good-hearted fellow with not much of a sense of adventure. Terry, however, is all about adventure and fun. Terry's invitation to Kicker and Shelbert to join him up the apple tree proves to be quite the challenge for poor Shelbert.
Flinnder's Miracle
Flinnder is feeling a little sad and lost at her family's annual get together. But, when she wanders away she learns a valuable lesson about self worth from a little boy and his mother. She learns that like all creatures, she is special just the way she is.
End Every Dream with a Smile
While papa is out of town, Kicker helps mama around the house and in the garden. They spend the day working, singing and dancing. Kicker's good day ends in a bad dream, though. He dreams a young girl catches him in a net and places him in a jar. But, when she shows her daddy, he helps her to understand that the little frog deserves to live free. Together the little girl and her daddy release Kicker into the Silver Pond. Kicker awakens from a nightmare and cries for his mama. She comes into his room and comforts him with a lullaby.
Hawkeye, the Five-Spotted Hawkmoth
Kicker and Flinnder learn that meeting someone new can be exciting and fun.
They welcome a stranger and help in his search for a lost item. Hawkeye is very different than anyone or anything they have ever met. Together the three of them explore Mr. B's beautiful garden.
