That’s terrible news, but the kids are excited to tell people how they can take action and help protect the frogs that are left. And all the other animals, too.
I even know some of the humans who arrive. There are some parents, of course. Aldo comes, too, with his nice wife, Maria. She tells me I’m the cutest frog she’s ever seen.
I think I’m making quite a splash!
And I’m thrilled when the principal, Mr. Morales, stops by with his children.
“Og is a very important addition to Longfellow School,” he tells them. “Just like Humphrey.”
Now, that makes me want to jump for joy!
All in all, Piney Woods is a pretty nice place. I probably would like it there.
I wouldn’t have to spend my days on the lookout for enemies, like Chopper, and searching for food. But I wouldn’t have my swamp friends to play with.
I also wouldn’t have big tads to look after. I wouldn’t have real problems to solve.
I wouldn’t have a job. And I wouldn’t have a friend named Humphrey.
I’m so glad it’s settled. I’m the second classroom pet of Room 26. The first classroom pet is a tough act to follow, but I’ll give it a try.
I still think of my friends in the swamp, of course. But it’s just like that song Mrs. Brisbane sang. I’ve made new silver friends, but I haven’t forgotten the old ones, the gold ones.
I even wrote a poem about it, just like my friends did for the poetry festival.
To my friends in the swamp far away,
I wish you could hear what I say.
From our first days as tads,
On those green lily pads,
You are very special to me.
We had good days and bad days to weather,
And we always did it together.
You were friends good and true,
And I’m telling you,
You are very special to me.
We had a ball,
But time changes all,
And I didn’t know
That I’d have to go.
We’re apart, but I still think of you.
There are new things that I’ve got to do.
But the memories stay,
And to this very day . . .
You are very special to me—
You’ll always be special to me.
It’s a good poem, I think. And now it’s time to Float. Doze. Be.
Sing-Along Suggestions
for Og’s Songs
All of Og’s songs can be sung to familiar melodies. Have fun singing!
Let us sing to life in the swamp: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
Oh, give me a home : “Home on the Range”
Sing, all you crickets: “On Top of Old Smokey”
Mealworms are mighty: “Down by the Station”
I sing a hoppy frog song: “Miss Lucy Had a Baby”
© Frank Birney
Betty G. Birney has written episodes for numerous children’s television shows, including The New Adventures of Madeleine, Doug, and Bobby’s World, as well as after-school specials and a television movie, Mary Christmas. She has won many awards for her television work, including an Emmy, three Humanitas Prizes, and a Writers Guild of America Award.
In addition to the Humphrey books, she is the author of The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs and The Princess and the Peabodys.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Betty lives in Los Angeles with her husband, an actor.
Find fun Humphrey activities and teacher’s guides at
www.bettygbirney.com
Follow Humphrey and Betty online
www.facebook.com/AccordingtoHumphrey
Twitter: @bettygbirney
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Life According to Og the Frog Page 11