Why? - by Nikolai Popov (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Frog is enjoying a peaceful afternoon with a flower he's picked, when a jealous mouse decides he'd like it for himself. Mouse takes it by force, but frog has reinforcements. Before long the confrontation escalates into a full-scale war. At the end of it will anyone remember why they fought so fiercely?"--

Book Synopsis

"A gentle--yet powerful--way to start a discussion about conflict, escalation, and the consequences of war."--Parents magazine

A frog and a mouse fall into an argument over a flower in this wordless modern classic, perfect for starting conversations with children about peace, conflict, warfare, and the importance of de-escalation.

In this new edition of a wordless modern classic, a frog picks a beautiful flower. When a mouse sees him with it, his jealousy overcomes him, and he grabs it for himself. Then Frog's friends chase the mouse away. But before the frogs can celebrate, a counter-attack from Mouse's friends surprises them--and the conflict soon escalates into a full-blown war. When the dust finally clears, all either side can ask is: Why? With an afterword by children's literature expert Leonard S. Marcus, this seemingly simple book is an invaluable way to talk to young children about conflict and warfare.

Review Quotes

"A gentle--yet powerful--way to start a discussion about conflict, escalation, and the consequences of war." -- Parents magazine

A National Council of Social Studies Notable Trade Book

"Even the youngest reader will quickly grasp the point of Popov's forceful allegory." --Publishers Weekly

"Makes a powerful point about the cycle of violence that seems to dominate the headlines." --Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, readbrightly.com

"Outstanding, thought-provoking book makes clear the absurdity and senseless destructive nature of war." --Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow, Books to Buy (nationally syndicated column)

"...shows, to great effect, how conflicts can grow out of petty disagreements....a book that children and adults alike can connect with." -- Through the Looking Glass

About the Author

Nikolai Popov, the author and illustrator, lives in Russia and has created many celebrated books around the world.