A Frog He Would A-wooing Go, Page 5.

Category

Library Item

Item no

40183

Title

A Frog he would a-wooing go, page 5.

Description

A line drawing depicting the frog bumping into the rat, taking his hat off in a polite form of greeting, with the flowers he picked by the river in the other hand. The accompanying text reads,
'"Pray, Mr. Rat, will you go with me."
Heigho, says Rowley!
"Pretty Miss Mousey for to see?"
With a rowley-powley, gammon and spinach,
Heigho, says Anthony Rowley!'

Artist / maker

Caldecott, Randolph

Date

1883

Size

19.9 x 23.5 cm

Type

Publisher's print

Location

Art and Design Library

'A Frog he would a-wooing go' published in 1883, is one of a series of illustrated children's books by R. Caldecott that were so popular they were published every Christmas for eight years. Caldecott's work is considered to have transformed the nature of children's books in the Victorian era. His books such as this, are praised for their sense of fluidity and repeated phrases, which creates a sense of movement from one page to the other, a style which appeals to children.
His illustrations were exercised with a manner of humour and full of life, reflecting his own personality. Stylistically, 'A Frog he would a-wooing go' is written in the form of a cumulative tale. This is when a tale is told by repeating dialogue that builds up to allow the story to progress.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Animals > Amphibians > Frogs

Animals > Mammals > Rats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Sport and leisure > Activities > Reading and books

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.