Once Upon a Toad by Heather Vogel Frederick
I am Sarah. I am thirteen years old and an avid reader; it is one of my favorite things to do. Inspired by the multitude of author’s creation of magnificent places and surprising havens built by simple letters, I aspire to be an author and, meanwhile, nurture the love to write.
Everyone knows about those evil stepsisters—so horrible to the heroes of our fairytales they make milk curdle, only to receive their retribution in the end? Well, with her mom as far as way as the moon—literally, since she’s an astronaut—Cat Starr has to deal with a real-life stepsister of her own, Olivia. But that sweet revenge that she’s wishing for takes a bit of an unexpected turn since Cat’s “occupationally challenged” fairy godmother might need some practice. Now, whenever Olivia speaks she showers her audience with flowers and diamonds, while Cat’s stuck with toads popping out at every word.
But diamonds are valuable, and soon it brings down a whole bunch of trouble for Cat and Olivia’s family when their shared little brother is kidnapped. On the run from jewel thieves and the government, Olivia and Cat must settle their differences, find their brother, and for goodness sakes get rid of all these toads!
Heather Vogel Frederick spins a humorous account of a real-life fairy-tale: the story of sisters, friendship, and carrying true with the message that perfect isn’t everything, and sometimes life needs to get tossed up to forge the bonds that last the longest. Fast-paced and well-written, this is a perfectly imperfect, lighthearted tale for anyone looking for a quick, funny read.