Skip to Main Content

999 Frogs Wake Up

Illustrated by Yasunari Murakami
Published by NorthSouth Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
LIST PRICE $19.95

About The Book

"...this book is a gift to the youngest readers, who should thoroughly enjoy it." - Publishers Weekly

Wake up—it’s springtime in the swamp! As 999 young frogs awaken, they panic to find that all of the other animals are still asleep. First they wake the biggest frog… then the tortoise, the lizard, and the ladybugs. But when they hop down a hole and all pull together, they find someone they don’t want to wake—a big, long snake. Don’t wake him up! Luckily for the frogs, the tortoise carefully carries him away.

Ken Kimura and Yasunari Murakami are back again in this delightful tale about frogs and friendship!

About The Author

Ken Kimura was born in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. In addition to writing children’s books, he makes handmade children’s toys. Mr. Kimura lives in Japan.

About The Illustrator

Yasunari Murakami was born in Japan in 1955. In addition to illustrating children’s books, he also likes to devote himself to nature depictions. His works have received awards including the Bologna Graphic Award and the Japanese Picture Book Award.

Product Details

  • Publisher: NorthSouth Books (January 1, 2013)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780735841086
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

This Japanese import is an excellent storytime choice.

– Kirkus Reviews

"A sweet animal story for young readers, “999 Frogs Wake Up” is cartoonish and carefree and age-appropriately anthropomorphic."

– New York Times Book Review

"Free of irony and full of innocent, even clichéd, wonder at the beauties of spring (“I always oversleep and miss seeing the flowers, but this year I am awake on time. Thank you!” says the turtle), this book is a gift to the youngest readers, who should thoroughly enjoy it."

– Publishers Weekly

"Although it’s fiction, I could see 999 Frogs Wake Up working well for introducing nonfiction concepts. The story provides a number of jump off points for exploration on hibernation, habitats, ecosystems, life cycles, and more. It also ranks high the on the read aloud meter. An all-around good book to have on hand."

– Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes, School Library Journal

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Ken Kimura

More books from this illustrator: Yasunari Murakami