Leon's Song

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

Leon is a very old frog. Though not very handsome or courageous, nor
particularly good at swimming or jumping, Leon is not envious or
resentful. Rather, he rejoices in and admires others’ gifts. The one
talent that Leon wishes he did have is the ability to sing. That he will
somehow be able to do so seems unlikely, until one day the tranquil life
of the pond is threatened by a huge predacious fish. Without hesitation,
Leon finds his voice, “[t]hough cracked and dry and uneven,” and it
is “the biggest sound the pond ha[s] ever heard.”

With his song, Leon dispatches the monster. Awestruck, the other frogs
view Leon with a new respect and appreciation. To them, the sound of his
voice has a hidden beauty all its own. With his deeds and his unique
voice, Leon has earned his place in the annals of the pond.

This gentle story with its theme of appreciating individual differences
and tolerance would be useful for generating discussion of these topics
with young audiences. Dianna Bonder’s wonderfully expressive
illustrations—especially those of Leon himself—add to the enjoyment
of Stephanie McLellan’s text. Recommended.