There's a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake

In this illustrated adaptation of the popular song by the same title, Long (Love) adds excitement to the well-known lyrics with delightfully detailed, bold illustrations. Building itself with repeating, ever-growing lines, the tune-cum-tale introduces readers to a frog who lives in a log on the bottom of a lake, as well as to a fly on the frog, a gnat on the fly, and a fish that happens upon them all. Long adds a second narrative to the repeating lyrics: a turtle and snail appear throughout, observing the scene on each page as the turtle comments on the song's lyrics and the duo's situation. While peering into the hole in the log, the turtle loses his balance, calling out a plea to the snail: "Dial 911! Turtle on its back! Emergency! Turtle freaking out!" In Long's recognizable style, shades of green give depth and texture to the underwater scene. One to visit again and again, this updated version of an old favorite is appended with sheet music and a breakdown of the song by verse ("For some reason, I have the urge to take guitar lessons," says the turtle, tucked in beneath the lyrics). Ages 4-8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 2--In the oft-sung, cumulative classic children's song, Long portrays the main character as an innocent-eyed, but sometimes goofy frog surrounded by his watery habitat. The illustrations are a great strength of this book. The charming artwork adds comedy to the song and creates a demand for repeated readings. Dark green hues dominate the illustrations created in acrylic and colored pencil. The art fills each page and will show well in a storytime presentation with larger groups. Unique to this rendition is the addition of a tiny snail and a small turtle who contribute their own comic relief. They provide side comments about the major action in the story--"There's a log? There's a log!" (as the turtle sarcastically retorts, "It's just a piece of rotten wood."). Music is appended. VERDICT Refresh musical and storytime collections with this old favorite that has been updated with delightful images.--Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA