The Koi and the Frog

By Richard Plourde

Ponds are the most fabulous place for discovering all kinds of wonderful things! There are plants, insects, birds... and, of course, beautiful green frogs. Sometimes, one can even find fish, such as the flamboyant koi. But the koi has not always been king of the pond. There was a time when it was just an ordinary black-and-white fish. This was before Bekko, a young koi, fell in love with Matsou, the pretty frog. Here is a colourful love story like no other.

The book was originally published in French and received excellent reviews:

“One of the best French-Canadian children’s books of the year.” -- Magazine Protégez-vous (a consumer guide magazine)

“A great book for the summer vacations. One of the top ten children’s books of the summer. ” -- Journal de Montréal & Journal de Québec

“A beautiful love story. I loved it! ” -- Christine Michaud, TVA

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Plourde
• Release date: Dec 30, 2015

Richard Plourde

Richard Plourde lives in Edmundston, a lovely town nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains in New Brunswick (Canada). His first three novels were published in French and all have had a resounding success. Two of his books have been translated and published in English. « Back to You… - The astonishing fate of John Fisher » This unconventional love story chronicles a man's extraordinary journey to find the woman whose selfless act saved his life. The French version was a finalist for the "Prix France-Acadie" International Literary Prize. « The Koi and the Frog » A heartwarming love story between a fish and a frog that celebrates the beauty of differences and promotes self-acceptance. The French version was called one of the best Canadian children's book of the year by the reputable consumer guide magazine Protégez-vous. Richard is currently working on his fourth novel and is also writing the screenplay for his first novel.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

A Love Unlike Any Other

Ponds are the most fabulous place for discovering all kinds of wonderful things! There are plants, insects, birds... and, of course, beautiful green frogs. Sometimes, one can even find fish, such as the flamboyant koi. But the koi has not always been king of the pond. There was a time when it was just an ordinary black-and-white fish. Here is the story of this noble race of carp, and of Bekko, the young koi who changed the course of history for his species.

Once upon a time there lived a sad koi named Bekko. He lived in a magnificent pond bordered by a luxuriously green forest. Poor Bekko was sad because he was secretly in love with... a frog! Yes, a frog! But the lovely creature was unaware of his affection.

Everybody would laugh at me if they knew I was in love with a frog! despaired Bekko. Nevertheless, every day while his hungry friends playfully searched the pond bottom for bits of food, our young koi would wander through the algae and swim out to the water lilies under the giant willow tree. There, he would surface and meander among the numerous plants afloat on the still waters, searching for the love of his young life.

There she is! he exclaimed one fine morning when he spotted her.

Oh,