1987 First Edition of The Bullfrog and the Grasshopper by Joe Larke – Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Title: The Bullfrog and the Grasshopper and Other "Tails"
Author: Joe Larke
Illustrator/Artist: Karol Larke
Genre: Children's Poetry / Juvenile Fiction / Texas Humor
Edition: Inscribed & Signed First Edition (1987)
Publisher: Grin-A-Bit Company, Inc. / Taylor Publishing Company

THE HURTING CLOUD

"A black cloud burst
And began to cry,
Then teared some hail in its pain.
When the hurt was gone
And the cloud felt better,
It's tears of hail became rain."

In The Bullfrog and the Grasshopper, Texas humorist and children’s writer Joe Larke serves up a whimsical collection of rhythmic verses crafted to spark the imaginations of young readers. Larke's poems explore the natural world and ordinary occurrences through a playful lens. From clever wordplay to charming animal misadventures, each poem captures a distinct sense of childhood curiosity and southern warmth.

Evocative stanzas, such as the poignant imagery in "The Hurting Cloud"—where a heavy black storm cloud sheds its icy tears of hail until it feels better and gently shifts into a soft rain—provide comforting emotional resonance for developing minds. This copy features an inscription and signature from Joe Larke dated 1988 on the front paste-down. An excellent read-aloud story for families to share during cozy bedtimes or play dates.

Joe Larke was a gifted American humorist, poet, and storyteller whose creative legacy is rooted in the regional literature of Texas. Operating through his independent venture, the Grin-A-Bit Company, Larke specialized in self-publishing rhythmic, highly accessible tales that blended folksy humor with timeless childhood lessons. Over his productive career, he designed multiple well-received juvenile titles alongside his wife, Karol, including Can't Reach the Itch, Two Pigs in Wigs, Trouble on the Farm for Dopie Dope, and Dopie Dope Goes to the Fair. His ability to find lighthearted, comforting perspectives in the natural world earned his work a dedicated following among small-press children's books.

Illustrator/Artist Karol Larke was a talented American visual artist and children's book illustrator celebrated for her long-running creative partnership with her husband, author Joe Larke. Her whimsical design sensibilities and expressive characters brought a vital visual counter-weight to her husband's humorous verses. For The Bullfrog and the Grasshopper, her illustrations and covers capture the energetic, playful essence of the text. Working with the Grin-A-Bit Company and Dallas-based Taylor Publishing Company, her artistic style became a comforting, recognizable staple for families throughout the independent publishing scene.

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Condition*: Very Good. Illustrated cover boards: Moderate shelfwear. Inscribed and signed on front paste down, dated 1988. Pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.