Frog Crush has a positive message, that something good can come out of an unexpected situation. It creates a lively discussion point where parents and teachers can explore with their children and learn about how animals live in Africa. It also allows a conversation that can tackle more serious themes about the circle of life and the need of animals to hunt smaller animals.
Frog Crush presents a scene from life in the African savannah and it follows the short journey of five animals in the midday sun, while they are trying to find something juicy and tasty to eat. The book opens with the sight of a Frog singing on a lily pad and who is feeling particularly hungry. An emotive Fish who is sniffing away, a furry Fly and a two-meter-long Crocodile who is dreaming of an ocean cruise all turn up in the story.
Mr Hippo, the lead character is one of the biggest and happiest characters in the whole of The Crush Series as he waddles along singing his favourite song. The facial expressions of the animals are full of character and wit and the image at the end with the accidental crush between a Frog, a Fish, a Fly, a Hippo and a Crocodile all looking dazed and confused, makes the afternoon in the savannah priceless as everyone escapes unhurt, although still hungry.
Ian wrote The Crush Series books many years ago, along with hundreds of poems, both to keep his 4 young children happy and occupied on family holidays, as well as to be able to discuss and explain the circle of life. As Ian’s career in surveying grew, as did his children, and so his love of writing took a back seat in his life. The tragic death of Ian’s son Robert at the age of 27 led to him dusting off the draft of his books and getting them published as The Crush Series. He also established a charitable foundation in his son’s name.
