A Highly Creative Imagination - A Wacky Adventure

"Billy and the Birdfrogs" is a zany story of adventure beneath the streets of New York City. Billy's mother was a paleontologist. Billy's father worked as her head assistant on her archaeological projects. While still a young child Billy's mother mysteriously disappeared. As a result of her disappearance his father deserted Billy. As the story begins Billy is living with his unconventional grandmother.

The Manhattan townhouse where Billy lives with his grandmother contained and underground passage. Threatened by strange birdfrogs, coming up from the tunnel, Billy's grandmother boarded up the basement door. To ward off further attacks by the birdfrogs she boarded up all the doors of the house They became virtual prisoners within their own home. Trap doors, wooly mammoth fossils, and underground caverns all became a part of Billy's intriguing exploration.

Wurge creative imagination triggers a chain reaction as the plot develops. The reader is confronted with brain exploding wild images, visualizations, and ideas of their own. Wurge uses mystery, suspense, conflict, to build a plot of non stop adventure. His character development is superb. I found I empathized with Billy and his grandmother. I felt a disdain for the villains Mr. Earpicker, Miss Pointy, and Mr. Jubber.

The book is filled with clever illustrations, delightful humor, and a marvelous story. The book is line designed to be enjoyed by children ages 9 - 12, but with an appeal for all ages. An ideal book for reading aloud to young children. "Billy and the Birdfrogs" is entertaining, downright funny, and highly imaginative. A great read.

Leapfrog Press LLC, 978-0981514826

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review