Tilbee Toadlet’s Trip to Town

We first encountered the delightful writing of P.J. Cowan in March with the review of Michael O’Brien and the Magic Hat. I was pleased to be able to request another book from Ms. Cowan and asked for her selection. Tilbee Toadlet’s Trip to Town was the book she sent stating it is one of her personal favorites. I always enjoy a chance to read an author’s favorite work, and I certainly was not disappointed.

The title alone had me captured. Even the dedication at the beginning gives you a picture of the author as a warm and loving person.

For all parents and children who love small amphibians and protect the friendly creatures by making their yards and gardens a safe place for them to live and thrive.

Tilbee toadlet was captured as a tadpole by Finny Fain, and raised in an aquarium with his brothers and sisters in Finny’s room, until he grew legs. Every night Frances Fain, Finny Fain’s mother would come in and read bedtime stories to Finny. Tilbee loved hearing the stories and his greatest ambition was to be in a story himself. After hearing the story of the princess and the frog, Tilbee became determined that he would leave the Fain farm so that he could be in a story and maybe even turn into a prince one day. After all, he wasn’t much use as a toadlet.

Tilbee saw his chance when farmer Frank Fain was on his way into town and Tilbee hitched a ride on farmer Frank’s foot. Once in town, Tilbee is captured by Cameron Carter and given to his father, third grade teacher, Carl Carter and taken to school. Mr. Carter gave his class an assignment to write a story about a toad. Tilbee was thrilled. It was his dream come true. He was finally going to be in not only one story, but in many stories. He could hardly wait until school started the next day.

Things didn’t work out exactly as Tilbee had planned as none of the children knew his name and the stories weren’t even about him. And the stories didn’t change who he was. Tilbee realized that he had made a big mistake and wanted to go back home to the farm. Tilbee made it back to the farm and realized there were some lessons learned.

Maybe he did change. He learned that running away wasn’t very smart. He learned that toads can’t become princes. He learned the difference between a story and reality. He learned that the Fain family knew his name; and they really appreciated him. Tilbee Toadlet learned that being a toad isn’t such a bad thing and that he was useful after all.

I truly enjoy alliteration in children’s books which are meant to be read out loud. While I was reading, I could hear the voice of the author in my head reading it out loud. The illustrations come from MikeMotz.com and enhance this delightful story by bringing the words to life with colorful pictures depicting the action. I know that my soon-to-be three year old neice will be enchanted with the story of Tilbee (rumor has it that Grammy may be purchasing it for her soon), and it will be one of the night after night selections for the favored bedtime story.

About The Author

PJ Cowan writes children’s books during fall and winter and is an avid gardener during the spring and summer. She knows Tilbee well, he came to live in her pond three springs ago and stayed to raise a family. She can distinguish his voice from the other amphibians that visit her pond during mating season and hopes he will live a long life and stick around for awhile longer.