The story follows a frog named Mr. Jeremy Fisher who lives in a damp little house amongst the buttercups at the edge of a pond. Clad in a mackintosh and galoshes, he sets out in his lily-pad boat to catch minnows for a dinner party with his friends, Sir Isaac Newton and Alderman Ptolemy Tortoise. After several setbacks, including a stinging water-beetle and an elusive trout, a large pike attacks him. The fish swallows his galoshes but spits Jeremy out because he tastes like bitter rubber. Having lost his fishing tackle, Jeremy returns home to host his guests, serving roasted grasshopper with ladybird sauce instead of fish.
Children and collectors of Victorian literature read this book for its anthropomorphic animal characterizations and detailed botanical illustrations. It appeals to those fascinated by the natural world, specifically pond life and British wetlands. The reader walks away with a humorous view of the small-scale perils found in nature. By observing Jeremy’s polite response to his narrow escape from a predator, the audience gains a perspective on resilience and the domestic customs of country life through a miniature lens.
Practical, outward-looking, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Practical Optimizer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1906
- Language
- EN
