"This pond is mine. All mine," Bear tells the other creatures on the hottest day of summer in the forest. But Frog doesn't like being bullied, especially by Bear. Frog proclaims the pond is his, and bear roars "MINE!" with her jaws open wide. When she closes her mouth, Frog has disappeared. "Where is Frog?" ask Turtle, Minnow and others. Bear can only hiccup in reply. There is no need to worry, however. Marion Dane Bauer's book featuring many of the characters first introduced in Turtle Dreams resolves the mystery of Frog's disappearance happily in a story marked by gentle humor and spurred to its conclusion by the action of small, brave Turtle. Graceful language distinguishes this charming story for beginning readers. (Ages 6-8)

On a hot summer day, while Bear and Frog are arguing about who owns the cool, wet pond, Frog disappears and Bear develops a sudden case of hiccups.