Froodle, Tiffle, and Wuppy

Picture Book: Froodle

Author & Illustrator: Antoinette Portis

Summary: This story of authenticity, silliness, and word play begins with a variety of birds singing their usual songs. 

Then Little Brown Bird decides not to peep. She suddenly lets out an usual sound. It gets everyone's attention. 

The other birds are surprised but not too displeased, except for Crow. 

Her friends remind Little Brown Bird of their usual songs.

Disheartened, Little Brown Bird peeps as she is supposed to, but it can't last. A tiffle, biffle, and a little miffle slip out. 

Then Cardinal decides to sing her special silly song - Ickle, zickle, pickle, trickle! 

Dove, who wants to be a peacemaker at first, tries out a new song too - Oobly, snoobly. 

Crow is encouraged by Cardinal to try to be silly too, but Crow rejects such a ridiculous idea and flies off. 

Little Brown Bird wants very much for Crow to enjoy the silliness and wonders. She and some friends approach Crow with caution and many demonstrations.  

 Finally...  

everything changes. 

Even other species join in with new sounds and therefore new possibilities.

Their world was never the same. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is very fun! You can encourage your audience to emit some silly sounds themselves. There are several connections to scripture. Paul encourages us not to be conformed to the world. Both Psalm 33 and Revelation mention a new song. Isaiah speaks of doing a new thing. Whether discussing a new song, a new thing, or (for adults) True Self versus False Self (see Thomas Merton's writings), emphasize the spiritual practice of authenticity and the courage it takes to transform. Do explore together how monotony and mindless routine can become lifeless and inauthentic. Then consider when it might be a good idea to break the rules. Because of all the nonsense words in this story, you’ll want to do a thorough practice read. The message of this book is similar to the classic The Big Orange Splot. Check out that post [here].

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Sing to the Lord a new song (Psalm 33:3); Behold, I am doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19); Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:12); One who is in Christ is a new creation (2nd Corinthians 5:17); 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of teens. Then talk about how God calls us into authentic transformation for the sake of the world.