There has been much ado over curious cats over the years. They have nothing on Mr.
Frog.
The detective amphibian has returned for a new "Backyard Mystery"
children’s book.
Like the first book, "The Frog and the Chopper," this mystery was also born
in Steven Smetzer’s Bowling Green backyard.
The author said he was looking out his window one dry, summer day, watching birds and
other critters dart in and out of his sprinkler (yes, that was a story spoiler).

"I could do a Mr. Frog story," Smetzer said.
"The Frog and the Rain" follows the pattern of "The Frog and the
Chopper," where Mr. Frog encounters animals who all point him in the
direction of a human machine. New to this book are a chipmunk and a pair of
cardinals.
The paperback is on sale at Ben Franklin for $7, and also available in digital form
for $3.99.
Illustrator John Bussdieker, who was a high school student when he created pictures
for the first book, said he changed some things in the sequel.
Trying to appeal to children’s eyes, he brightened the look with Prismacolor markers,
and went with a more fun appearance for the characters. This book was printed on
an actual press, so the colors won’t fade or discolor over time. Mr. Frog has
also been revamped, especially around the neck.
"I think all around this one turned out better," said Bussdieker, who is
taking a semester off from his art studies at Owens Community College.
His girlfriend, Chelsea Goris, helped with the coloring in of the characters.
Smetzer, who works in information technologies and software development, said a
challenge of self-publishing is getting the word out about the book. He said
Floyd Craft with the Ben Franklin store has been a great help selling copies for
him.
"Now I need to get in touch with the kids and create a demand," said
Smetzer, who is angling for invitations from the library and area schools to
read the book.
Smetzer’s own kid, Lauren, read an excerpt of "The Frog and the Rain" for
the Web site’s preview. He hopes his son, Ryan, will do the next book, "The
Frog and the Squeak."
A fourth book, "The Frog and the Kittens," is also being fleshed out,
Smetzer said.
The family also includes wife Sandie, dog Daisy and a cat, Jack.
On the Net:
www.backyardmystery.com