Who hired this illustrator? Where are the dolphins and frogs? What happened to the main characters?
In Dog Summer, a frog and a dolphin meet in the sea and immediately start trading goofy remarks, calling each other "goat," "donkey," and "parrot" until a passing dog interrupts to make fun of them both. It's a silly, escalating argument between two unlikely swimming buddies. Except that's not what the pictures show at all. Instead, the illustrations follow a completely different cast of characters, including pigs on a paddleboard and a dog sailing a windsurfer, with the illustrator scribbling her own confused commentary in the margins as she tries to figure out what went wrong.
The result is two stories in one book: read the words for one story, follow the pictures for another, and enjoy the running argument between them. Perfect for young readers ages 6 to 9, this playfully mismatched, laugh-out-loud picture book turns a simple mix-up into a genuinely inventive reading experience for beach days, bedtime, or anytime.
Two Stories in One: A frog-and-dolphin tale in the text runs alongside a completely different pig-and-dog story in the illustrations, letting readers enjoy both at once. A Playful Author-Illustrator Argument: Handwritten notes from the illustrator throughout the book react to the mismatch in real time, adding a second layer of humor. An Escalating Banter Contest Kids Will Love: The frog and dolphin's back-and-forth, silly name-calling builds to a genuinely funny payoff. Charming, Busy Beach Scenes: Lively, colorful illustrations packed with seaside details give readers something new to spot on every page. Perfect for Ages 6 to 9: A funny, unconventional read for beach days, bedtime, or anytime kids want a story with a twist.For more than 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a love of learning in young minds. From novelty and board books to picture books and seasonal titles, Albatros Media creates high-quality books designed to delight, comfort, and inspire.