In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. “You’ll do,” Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog’s rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.
1. Pre-reading activities:
- Ask your child what they know about dogs; what they know about cities; what they know about frogs.
- Ask your child if a dog would be friends with a frog.
2. WATCH and LISTEN to “City Dog, Country Frog” by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon J. Muth.
3. Post-reading discussion questions include:
- Just like in the book, we live in a place where there are four seasons. In the story, each season is special and unique for both City Dog and Country Frog. Talk about major events that take place during each season. Spring, summer, autumn, winter.
- Think about how the characters change throughout the book. This may prompt a second reading of the book, while you and your child focus on how the characters change throughout the book.
- Why do you think City Dog waits on the rock in the winter? How do you think City Dog feels? Does he miss Country Frog? Is he worried? Then, talk about how this shows how much City Dog cares and how important their friendship is to him.
4. Choose one or two activities to extend learning:
5. For older kids, click here for Kindergarten-level resources.