
In this charming tale a kindly narrator recalls a summer spent with ten curious polliwogs, inviting listeners to peer into the hidden world beneath a quiet pond. Through gentle observation the story introduces the bustling community of minnows, mud turtles, dragon‑flies and other pond residents, each with its own habits and quirks. The narrator’s warm guidance encourages respect for these water‑bound friends, reminding us that the pond’s rhythm is a lesson in patience and care.
When spring arrives, the “Biggest Frog” awakens from his winter slumber, his stretched limbs stirring the murky water and signaling the start of new life. He calls on his companions—tiny minnows, shy tadpoles, and bustling turtles—to rise as the watercress begins to grow. Their playful exchanges and the subtle choreography of pond life unfold with a sense of wonder, offering listeners a glimpse of nature’s quiet celebrations and the simple joys of watching the world ripple beneath the surface.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (173K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Heather Clark and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2011-01-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Best known for gentle animal stories for children, this early 20th-century American writer turned life on farms, in meadows, and in the woods into warm, talkative adventures. Her books invite young listeners into a world where everyday creatures feel lively, curious, and full of personality.
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