Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad - by Brandon Reese

Book Synopsis

The explosive first book in a new middle-grade graphic novel series featuring two heroic but dim-witted frog superheroes, for fans of InvestiGators and Dog Man!

No one ever said it was easy being green! The contaminated swamp where Dr. Kim conducts experiments is overrun with mutants and evil machines like the Hater Gator and the Robot Trash Dolls. That's why she tinkered with amphibian genes to create superheroes Fantastic Frog and sidekick Tad Lad.

In their first adventure, the frogs leap forth to battle the scaly swamp thing terrorizing Sector 1. Will the Hater Gator's tail flails flatten this duo before they discover the truth behind what's gone rotten in their swamp?

And in their second adventure, the duo stumble upon a landfill of disgusting, off-brand toys in Sector 2 . . . which come alive! Outnumbered and totally grossed out, can our heroes defeat these Robot Trash Dolls?

Review Quotes

"[I]f absurd action sequences in a festering bog are your jam, join in! Frog and Tad, swapping banter as they go, are certainly having fun. Comparisons to the Dog Man universe are apt -- both in tone and visually, though Frog and Tad Lad's journey promises murkier mysteries ahead. . . . Gross-out gags split the bill with silly superheroes in this wild, weird new series." --Kirkus Reviews

"Fluid line art renders action-filled panels bustling with slapstick and occasionally existential humor. This enjoyable comic -- divided into two episodic adventures, plus an intermission -- revels in its silliness while exploring themes of environmental stewardship and self-discovery." --Publishers Weekly

"This action-packed graphic novel throws readers immediately into the story, as Fantastic Frog and his sidekick Tad Lad battle Hater Gator, but aren't entirely sure why. . . . Humor abounds, from a running joke about smells to a punny interlude with a dung beetle peddling poots (poo + boots). . . . The artwork highlights dynamic action sequences ­depicting sequential movement accompanied by onomatopoeias, and the bright color palette aptly features a heavy dose of frog green. For video game lovers, comic fans, and readers who appreciate the ­grosser things in life, this book will circulate well in libraries that love Dav Pilkey's 'Dog Man.'" --School Library Journal

About the Author

BRANDON REESE is the author-illustrator of several picture books: Cave Dada, Cave Dada Picky Eater and Oothar the Blue. He has also illustrated album covers and picture books for Grammy Award-winning musicians The Okee Dokee Brothers. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and son.