Mike's Toads

Reach for this book when your child struggles with the 'easy promise,' often volunteering others for tasks or committing to things they cannot finish. Mike is a well-meaning but impulsive boy who accidentally volunteers his brother to care for a neighbor's toads, only to find himself stuck with the slimey, demanding responsibility. It is a perfect choice for teaching accountability and the social consequences of overstepping boundaries within a family. Through Mike's humorous and often frustrating summer, children see the weight of integrity and the necessity of making things right. The story is gentle and grounded in everyday reality, making it highly relatable for elementary students. It balances the 'lesson' with genuine humor and fascinating details about nature, ensuring the moral of the story never feels like a lecture.