About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is hiding a mistake, feeling ashamed of a struggle, or nervous about trying something new. It is an ideal tool for parents whose children are approaching a developmental milestone, like learning to swim or ride a bike, but are paralyzed by the fear of looking 'uncool' or failing. Monty the frog provides a safe, humorous mirror for these heavy feelings. The story follows Monty, a frog who is deeply embarrassed by his inability to swim. Through a direct conversation with the reader and eventually his parents, Monty learns that secrets lose their power when they are shared. It is a gentle, funny exploration of honesty and family support for children aged 3 to 7. By the end, parents will have a natural opening to discuss their own vulnerabilities, showing children that even adults have 'secrets' and fears they work through every day.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A preschooler or kindergartner who is resisting a new activity out of fear, or a child who tends to 'mask' their difficulties or lie about small things to save face.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold.
Age Experience
For a 3-year-old, the focus is on the funny irony of a frog who can't swim. For a 6 or 7-year-old, the focus shifts to the internal social pressure of having a secret and the bravery required to be honest. To deepen the bond after finishing the story, parents might consider sharing a "secret" fear of their own, modeling the behavior shown by the father character.
What Makes It Special
The direct address to the reader creates an immediate bond of trust, making the child an active participant in Monty's emotional journey rather than just an observer.
Read plot summary
Monty, a small frog, breaks the fourth wall to tell the reader a secret: he is a frog who is afraid of the water and cannot swim. He worries about what others will think, but after much hesitation, he decides to tell his parents. Instead of being disappointed, they are supportive, and his father even reveals a relatable secret of his own (he's afraid of the dark), which helps Monty feel less alone.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Monty was so worried about telling his secret? What did he think his parents would say?
2
Monty tells us his secret before he tells his parents. How did it feel when he finally shared it with them?
3
At the end, Dad tells Monty a secret too. Why do you think Dad shared that? How did it help Monty?
4
Is there something you are learning to do right now that feels a little bit scary, like swimming was for Monty?
