Rana dreams about traveling to a fun destination: Frog Island. The idea excites her so much that she gathers her closest friends—consisting of her younger sister, Polli, her best friend, Sunflower, and Sunflower’s sister Daisy—for a meeting at their clubhouse. After picking up supplies from the local diner and getting their car all ready, they begin a journey that takes them to exotic locations such as Couch Mountain and the Cave of Pillows. Along the way, they encounter new friends like Donovan Dragon, who gives them magical wands, and Orson the Orca, who helps them pull their eventual boat across the sea to the island home of Princess Trish, a penguin. Eventually, they reach Frog Island and have fun visiting with all the inhabitants. When they need to return home, they are given a “wish travel hoop” to transport them wherever they want. So, they return home with the potential for many new adventures ahead.

Certain stories have an intimate feel associated with gifts from close family members. These four friends who go on a journey in a large house environment—where pieces of furniture, toys, and even cats become characters for them to encounter—is just such a story. A child who perhaps recognizes the toys featured in the book might get a huge thrill out of seeing them partake in different adventures, photographed in cute positions throughout a familiar home. However, it must be said that other children unfamiliar with the author and her family could also get a thrill out of reading the story of the four friends for the same reason. It is basically like watching a session of make-believe unfold, which is charming as well. Overall, this is a fun little book that reads like a family heirloom.

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