Princess Stinky-Toes and the Brave Frog Robert

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Princess Lunetta has a problem. A witch plans to feed her to a horrible
dragon on her 10th birthday, and no one in the kingdom can help her.
While moping in the palace garden, the long-faced Lunetta attracts the
attention of a talking frog named Robert. The Princess tells her sad
story, and it turns out that Robert has his own problems with this same
witch. He was once a brave knight until the witch turned him into a
frog. In order to shed his froglegs, Robert must somehow save someone
from death. Alas, being a six-inch amphibian precludes any
swash-and-buckle solution so Robert must use his brain instead of brawn.
Fortunately, Robert comesup with an idea. It is so awful that Lunetta at
first rejects it; but as the fatal birthday approaches she has no other
choice and decides to give it a try.

If there is ever a prize for “best title,” this book deserves the
award. Leslie Watts also warrants high praise for putting a new wrinkle
in the old damsel-in-distress tapestry. Although Robert is indeed a
knight to remember, he needs Lunetta as much as she needs him. They are
both allowed to be brave and bright together, and the story is much the
better for it. Watts complements her fine text with first-class
illustrations. This book is an instant classic. Highly recommended.