Water Song: A Retelling of "The Frog Prince" (Once Upon a Time)

Book Description

"ONCE UPON A TIME"

IS TIMELESS

Young, beautiful, and wealthy, Emma Pennington is accustomed to a very comfortable life. Although war rages abroad, she hardly feels its effect. She and her mother travel from their home in Britain to the family estate in Belgium, never imagining that the war could reach them there. But it does.

Soon Emma finds herself stranded in a war-torn country, utterly alone. Enemy troops fight to take over her estate, leaving her with no way to reach her family, and no way out.

With all of her attention focused on survival and escape, Emma hardly expects to find love. But the war will teach her that life is unpredictable, people aren't always what they seem, and magic is lurking everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

A Relatively Modern Tale.........2007-10-06

Through the thick of World War I, our British heiress/heroine Emma Pennington continues her life as if there were no war at all. Her parents, soon fearing the wrath of battle, move Emma and her mother to their estate in Belgium, seeking safety in the form of just another vacation.

But soon they find themselves directly in tumult of war and in more danger than ever. Alone and in the hands of the enemies, a prisoner in her own home, Emma must choose her actions wisely. Should she wait out the storm, or brave the weather? And of course, how can she forget her "husband" Jack, the American soldier living in her room?

For the first time, we are presented with a modern era in a "Once Upon a Time..." book. It was obviously difficult for Weyn to balance history with fantasy in it, but overall, the effect was refreshing. I like that it's not all made up. But when it comes down to the actual writing...eh. It was the easiest of settings, two young people locked up in a single room, both good-looking and intelligent. And then, 170 pages in, "Oh yeah. You're the frog prince? You saved me? I (ignorantly) had no idea. I love you. Oh. And you're a good guy." Good theory, just bad...wording.

Granted, this is more a historical novel than one of fantasy (which is totally fine by me), the story is enjoyable, and a one-night read. It's something new to add to the series, and I'm glad someone at least tried. Not with a totally successful execution, but above mediocre for me.

Best Once Upon a Time book YET!!!.......2007-06-14

So I wasn't expecting much because frankly I wasn't into Weyn's retelling of The Night Dance, but Water Song was SO GOOD! I loved it. I read up til page 15 the first day and the next night I finished the whole thing. Even after I finished it at 4AM I couldn't go to sleep. The historical bits were pretty accurate (from what I can remember from U.S. History class) and I was cheering the characters on every step of the way. High recommended to... well if you're reading this then you're already sucked in.

Disappointing...and silly, too........2007-01-14

I've read nearly all the books in the Once Upon A Time series, and I was looking forward to this one. However, it was quite a disappointing read. I didn't mind the beginning of the story; it started out okay, although it did seems to skip over a lot of things that might have made it easier to connect with the heroine. For example, her mother is killed by German bombs (this is set in WWI) while she is sitting next to her. We only hear about this, but don't actually experience it with Emma, the heroine. Not that I have a need to experience gruesome deaths, but I felt like the author just didn't feel like spending a lot of time developing Emma's character or her backstory. Suzanne Weyn doesn't spend a lot of time on the hero, Jack, either. She does take the time to explain that he knows some Native American/Creole healing potions that he learned from his mother. He apparently also learned how to "talk" to his mother's spirit, and maybe to even transport his spirit to other places...? What?? I think this is Weyn's way of introducing the "frog prince" connection; Jack is from the bayou and is a terrific swimmer, and his mother repeatedly "speaks" to him in dreams and tells him how he is a prince, and how he knows the water, etc. Emma and a minor character are both rescued from water by Jack while both are unconscious; this adds to the mystery -- "Who was that frog-man that rescued me?" Emma even asks Jack if he has magic to turn himself into a frog. This question, while German bombs explode outside, is just a bit of a silly paradox between fantasy and reality. I really think that Weyn makes the frog connection within the first part of the book. There are enough water references. She doesn't need to go so far as to have Jack's frogginess brought up nearly every page. Okay!! We get it!! Jack is the frog prince!! It just becomes silly, and almost seems like she is trying too hard. She didn't try too hard to create the relationship between the hero and heroine, though. They don't really have a relationship. I was surprised and bored when they decided they were in love with each other. They don't really have much connection at all, and therefore I didn't feel like I had any connection to them either. Weyn tries to make this a psychological fairy tale as many of the others in the series are. Themes of finding yourself, loving who you are, discovering truth, etc. are part of many of these books, but Weyn's efforts fall flat. She does try near the end of the story to have Jack realize that he is a great man, because Emma loves him, but that he was great all along, and it took her love to make him realize what was already true. Weyn's rendition of this self-discovery is even more awkward than the sentence I just wrote. What a shame. I was hoping it would be as good as some of the others in the series, but it wasn't. The best one so far in the series: The Storyteller's Daughter, by a LANDSLIDE. Read it and be satisfied.

Not So Great: SOME SPOILERS.......2006-11-13

I quite like the "Once Upon a Time" series. They are usually fresh and original. Water Song is the 10th in this series. Some of the books are better than others and so I bought Water Song with some trepidation. I perhaps should have been more cautious. While there are some original, creative elements in the book, such as turning the "frog" into an American soldier from Louisiana, and the golden ball into a locket, the plot itself is almost painful to read. The first time the American soldier sees the heroine Emma he wants her love (pg. 33). Emma is continually frustrated with him (with good reason) and yet somehow this translates into her loving him. They seem to have a continually rocky relationship while falling in love with each other more and more. I do realize this is a fairy tale but the plot is highly unlikely. Call me a pessimist but the "love at first sight" aspect of the story is cliche and unrealistic.

Another great Once upon a Time book.......2006-10-30

I've just resently started reading the once upon a time books and have really enjoyed all of them so far. Water Song was no different. The story was original and the characters interesting. WWI and the frog prince were not something I'd think to put together. If you are a fan of the others in this series I would imagine you'd like this one too. It has a little less magic then some of the books, but I really don't think it distracts for the story at all. Magic is where you see it after all.

Average customer rating:

Enlightening
Excellent
A Fabulous Book for Older Children
Pictures worth a thousand words

Why?
Nikolai Popov
Manufacturer: Michael Neugebauer (North South Books)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1558589961

Customer Reviews:

Enlightening.......2006-11-18

I think that this book is really the most profound explanation of how a war starts and how it ends. I have used this wordless amazing book in order to discuss with children about war. I have taught a course called 'The little philosopher' in a gifted children institute; I sat with the kids and each child had to tell the story of one page. The class was so great! This picture book is a wonderful educational material.

I believe that Popov succeeded in teaching (with beautiful pictures) that one should always stop and re-think the reasons of a deep conflict. As an Israeli, I can see how difficult this can be! In addition, it reminded me of my childhood; I have three older brothers (the difference in age between four of us is 6 years) and our home was literally a battle field.

Do the world a favor, buy many copies of Why? and distribute them to whoever you know!

Excellent.......2004-06-17

I was looking at this book with my sister (who's a teacher), and we loved it. There's no writting, so children can discuss what happened in th argument etc... It's also a story that can mean many things, from fights on the playground to war.

A Fabulous Book for Older Children.......2001-11-30

I am currently a 5th grade teacher, but I have shared this book with 4th graders also. It is a great book to bring out when "trouble" begins to brew in your classroom. The students are facinated with a "wordless" book, and they also enjoy reading a picture book (something they often do not read as they get older).
This book illustrates what happens when 2 individuals start an argument and then gain assistance from others who are not originally involved, resulting in a large catastrophe . These situations happen many times on the playground, and all I have to do is show them this book and discuss that fighting does not improve anything.
I recommend this to all upper grade teachers. I enjoy it, and it teaches a valuable lesson in life.

Pictures worth a thousand words.......2000-05-02

Popov's allegorial tale is a witty and provocative tale that will appeal to "readers" of all ages. His drawings have a dark comedic edge that does not undermine the seriousness of his message. "Why?" is a wonderful book for stimulating discussion on conflict, its causes and its end results. Bravo, Popov, for a job well done.

Frog Wars: A Lesson in Perseverance (Big Idea Books® / VeggieTown Values)

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Frog Wars: A Lesson in Perseverance (Big Idea Books® / VeggieTown Values)
Inc., Big Idea , Cindy Kenney , and Doug Peterson
Manufacturer: Zonderkidz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0310706270

Book Description

Junior Asparagus learns a lesson in perseverance when he goes on an amazing journey to help a friend lead God’s people after they’ve been captured by a frightful villain.

Panic in Paradise: Invasive Species Hysteria and the Hawaiian Coqui Frog War (Environmentalism Gone Mad!)

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Panic in Paradise offers a rational view of an extremely irrational environmental war

Panic in Paradise: Invasive Species Hysteria and the Hawaiian Coqui Frog War (Environmentalism Gone Mad!)
Sydney Ross Singer , and Soma Grismaijer
Manufacturer: ISCD Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Hawai'I's Invasive Species: A Guide to Invasive Plants and Animals in the Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii Biologicval Survey Handbook)

ASIN: 1930858078

Book Description

Hawaii's environment is under attack by the most invasive species on the planet -- humans. Armed with bulldozers, chainsaws, acid, and caustic lime, an army of killer environmentalists is attacking tiny tree frogs that they fear might pose the greatest threat to Hawaii since European contact. The Aloha State is now the Emergency State. Tourists and residents beware! Hawaii is now an environmental war zone.

But is this really a frog of mass destruction? Or is Hawaii just suffering from a bad case of enviromania?

According to medical anthropologists Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, the frog war is a carefully planned fraud, motivated by corruption and conflict of interest, and rooted in a philosophy of hate and intolerance for non-native species. Panic in Paradise exposes the hidden agendas and lies that have driven Hawaii's residents to hysteria and willing to spend millions on an unwinnable, unnecessary, destructive environmental war.

"Frogs are disappearing from the Earth because of pollution," Grismaijer notes, "and here in Hawaii they are trying to pollute the environment to kill the frogs."

Customer Reviews:

Panic in Paradise offers a rational view of an extremely irrational environmental war.......2006-02-07

The authors have done an excellent job exposing the flaws in the "coqui war" that has led to more environmental destruction than the "invasive species" it was intended to destroy. Hawaii's government and media have demonized a tiny frog that is beloved wherever it exists and have ignored many other, far worse "invasive" species. The authors put forth plausible explanations for this irrational behavior. Hopefully this little book will help Hawaiians to have some "aloha" when it comes to this peaceful little amphibian that wants nothing more than to coexist with humans and other organisms that love their new island home.

Average customer rating:

can it get any better?
Powerful, humorous and brilliant
brilliant
FIVE STARS NONETHELESS...
Sorry for the cliche, but you'll laugh & you'll cry...

Under the Frog: A Novel
Tibor Fischer
Manufacturer: Holt Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805052453

Book Description

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize

Tibor Fischer's brilliant and hilarious first novel follows the fortunes and picaresque adventures of two young Hungarian basketball players through the turbulent years between the end of World War II and the anti-Soviet uprising of 1956.

Customer Reviews:

can it get any better?.......2007-04-15

I just picked up the book from Goodwill - just read the back cover and did not know what to expect - once I started reading the book there was no stopping - I could not stop laughing and sometimes crying at the same time. My attention was increased by the fact that I know somebody who took part in some of these events - but now he is extremely successful businessman in US and one of my good friends.

Tibor Fischer is flamboyant in describing the trying times of Hungary, just after World War II, during the Russian occupation (somewhat) - but the surprising part is the wit, satire and pan - which help us to see beyond the unimaginable tragedy of the destruction of a country and the fast death of a vibrant society under communism.

The protagonist Gyuri, a twenty something basketball player describes some of experiences in war torn Hungary in between December 1944, as the Germans are starting to retreat and the Red army is marching forward and October 1956 as the Russian tanks are again rumbling in Budapest. Hungary had turned into an orgy of atrocities - its darkness everywhere but Fischer shows the darkness in a light of wit without cynicism - the society falls apart, families perish and Gyuri loses his friends one after another. Fischer's description of the Hungarian society under siege is vivid. I promise you will love it

Powerful, humorous and brilliant.......2006-12-09

Written in a style that shares an awful lot with Joseph Heller's Catch 22, Fischer chronicles life in post (and partly mid) World War II Hungary. Since what I know about Hungary can fill a thimble, it proved to even be partly educational.

The book chronicles the story of Gyuri and Pataki, friends who wind up playing basketball together in Soviet era Hungary, but the two young men seem to spend a lot more time endeavoring to get laid (a cinch for Pataki, but a bit of challenge for Gyuri) doing their best to shirk off anything that smells like responsibility and in general keep from going mad in a world that seems to be rapidly disintegrating into insanity.

In an episodic fashion the reader is introduced to a host of brilliantly crafted and hysterical characters, each one more vivid than the next. This is a world where the fate of a village can hinge upon an eating contest.

Under the Frog would be a good book if all it was a comic adventure of two sometimes professional basketball players in post-war Hungary, but Fischer isn't content in telling a story that's all fluff. These are, after all, some very serious and scary times, and the author doesn't pull any punches in order to write a light-hearted tale. The book is as serious as it is funny, is downright heartbreaking in parts. In fact, the book is a lot like life, which it seems is never all serious, and never all laughs.

brilliant.......2004-09-02

Following footsteps of great english satirist, Fischer writes the marvelous book, that trembles with irony, that cries in agony, that shatters the reality of pink glasses and shows to all of you who still live in utopia, how life in communsim was really like. Mind you, this is not the political novel so do not be alarmed from the beggining. This is the novel of humans and peculiar way of interpreting the rules, way that people on balcan mastered in so great a scale that no one can outmatch them anymore. If you want great life, and something to think over, this is the book for you.

FIVE STARS NONETHELESS..........2004-08-24

I have yet to read your novel sir; but since so many critics hand out negative reviews without having read the damn book, I figured it was high time someone who had not read a book gave one a glowing review.

Remember me if I am ever up for the Man Booker, and you are still a judge.

Read Under the Frog. I gave it a full five stars!

(Publishers may not know how to work the graft and corruption--but have faith Mr. Fischer--some of us still do.)

Sorry for the cliche, but you'll laugh & you'll cry..........2004-06-11

I don't remember how I came across this book in the first place, but by the second page I was laughing out loud, read the whole thing in one sitting and immediately went back to the beginning and started reading again.

Why's it so good?

First of all, it's packed with Fischer's unique sense of humor. Read the first couple sample pages; if you're not laughing, you probably won't enjoy the rest of the book. The humor is black, definitely. But there's a good chance you'll be laughing HARD nonetheless. Pranks, absurd situations, physical comedy, and wicked wordplay rule the roost.

Second of all, it's dead serious. The book is about communism and the attempted revolution in Hungary in 1956. If you want to see the absurdity and insanity of the communist system as it looked from the inside at that time, Fischer delivers. It is fascinating, shocking, and it would be unbelievable if the author didn't make it so very believable.

Customer Reviews:

The Frog Collectors Bible.......2006-09-20

Frog, Flies right off the Ground, The model company that started before Airfix and ended with its moulds being sold to the Soviet Union in the day's of the Cold War.
This book is not only a history of Frog but an interesting social history of Great Britain. An advert for Frog appears in the book stating that making models during the Blackout helped stop boredom !!
The early Penguins are covered as well as the flying models.
A tribute to Frog must be that the moulds are still be used to this day in Russia and still sold here.
This book is one that will be picked up again and again, I highly recommend this volume to anybody with more than a passing interest in Model Aircraft

Fantastic!.......2000-04-23

This is just about the best model reference book that I know of. Even if you've never seen a Frog model aircraft or kit, it's written with such verve and enthusiasm that you'll want to start collecting them before you reach the end! This should be the model (if you'll excuse the pun) for anyone contemplating the production of a similar company history. Great illustrations and a very comprehensive reference section at the back. I paid the equivalent of $50 for my copy and it is worth every cent.

Average customer rating:

Terry Pratchett has nothing to worry about!

Frogs of War
Andrew Harman
Manufacturer: Little Brown U.K.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1857235886

Customer Reviews:

Terry Pratchett has nothing to worry about!.......2002-04-19

Disappointing is all I can say. My edition (Aust) has a review claiming "The nearest I've seen to a genuine rival to Terry Pratchett". If this is the nearest thing to TP, then he has absolutely has nothing to worry about.
Harman has, in my opinion, tried way to hard to emulate Pratchett's style, but I cannot compare them other than to say how poorly he has succeeded.

Average customer rating:

El mejor!
Por Que

Por que? (SP: Why?)
Nikolai Popov
Manufacturer: Michael Neugebauer (North South Books)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

El mejor!.......2004-06-19

Por que is an excellent book on war. It has no words, so the reason for the grog and rat's fight is unknown. Popov manages to show the destruction of war. The reader from Palmdale only saw this as aviolent book, which it isnt.

Por Que.......2000-05-05

As an educator who purchased the book for my classroom library, I was disappointed in what I saw. The book contains violent acts of animals shooting other animals with guns to the point where everything was destroyed. I don't feel the book is appropriate for children.

A Shower of Frogs: A World War II Memoir

Average customer rating:

It's like being there.
World War II -- Not by the numbers

A Shower of Frogs: A World War II Memoir
William Jasper, Jr. Stigall , and William Jasper Stignall Jr.
Manufacturer: Vantage Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0533135354

Customer Reviews:

It's like being there........2001-07-28

Mr. Stigall's style makes the reader truely feel what it was like for him and the other characters in his book to be a part of history in the making. The personal experiences portrayed are described in such detail that one can't help but visualize himself in the time and places mentioned. On a personal note, My father was one of the characters and this book gave me a finer understanding of what my Dad went through as a P.O.W. I've had little glimpses of what went on through the the years when Dad felt like talking about it but never in this detail. Thank you Mr. Stigall for this opportunity to better know my Dad.

Tony Coppola Nogales, AZ

World War II -- Not by the numbers.......2001-03-30

A friend sent me A Shower of Frogs and it was a real pleasure. This is a first-hand account of the World War II that doesn't make the movies, of a GI's experience in North Africa, Italy, England, and Normandy, and German POW camps that focuses on how one guy actually felt through all of this. Besides the geographic panorama of the mundane events that foreshadow and follow great events, the book is truly readable. You get the sense you are there with this Shakespearean actor who volunteered as a private and somehow bridged those worlds. And of the angst that war cannot avoid. The book concludes on a note that permeates throughout: "Of one thing only was I sure - I wanted to go home." Shower of Frogs is neither bleak nor rosey-eyed; it is like the title, an unexpected but illuminating rainfall.

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