Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Though "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog" was written by singer Leslie Braunstein, the beloved folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary were first to record it, on their seventh studio album. Released in 1967, Album 1700 had at least one bigger hit, but "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog" is an all-time favorite of mine. Said to be intended as a lampoon of the illegality of interracial marriage in the United States at the time, the song adapts well as a children's book because of its wacky imagery and evergreen message of acceptance.

How should you comport yourself if your love interest is a blue frog who dresses in human clothes and is six foot three inches tall? You're sure to draw funny looks when you're together, but there are advantages to loving a mutant amphibian. Your offspring might be attractive like a human but with a frog's swimming skills. If your blue frog is intelligent, charming, entertaining, and instructive, who wouldn't covet such a mate? The neighbors may regard you with a jaundiced eye and resent the life you build, but embrace the chaos and you'll do fine.

I love the blueprint in this book and song for dealing with bigotry. It's stressful when others look at you with disgust because you're different in some way that should be irrelevant. It’s easy to react with bitterness and anger, rendering your argument unattractive. Instead, this song counters irrational prejudice by amplifying its ridiculous claims, proudly wearing the label that was meant as pejorative. If there are positives to marrying a man-sized amphibian, how ludicrous is it for outsiders to get upset about a relationship with a human of different skin color, or who is outside the norm in some other superficial way? Being a happy warrior and wrong-footing your detractors with silly metaphor is the best way to make your case while staying above the fray.

This book includes a music disc of Peter, Paul, and Mary performing "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog", and it wouldn't be complete without that. I often hold this song close when I'm harassed for a being a little different, the boy with his head in the clouds, and I treasure its message. Joshua S. Brunet's illustrations are a delight, and I champion this book for music fans or literates of any age.