Bufo's Discovery

Monday morning Bufo went to town to see what was happening at the Toad House. He thought he would check on the flowers, look for some mosquitoes to eat, and make sure the troll hadn't left any trash. He found a large open trailer parked at Toad House, so being the curious toad that he is; he hopped right in.

Then he hopped around to the side and found something printed on the trailer, but being the near-sited toad that he is, he couldn't make out the words.

He thought he'd better go inside.

On the first floor he found some promising buckets of water--though no mosquito snacks were to be found in or around the buckets. A peculiar white chalky substance covered the paper that had been laid on the floor. In a quandary, Bufo hopped up to the second floor. No hints there, so up the ladder he climbed to Isabella's Loft.

Aha! Three new helpful friends, more of the white chalky stuff, but still no mosquitoes.

Bufo learns about drywall.

Bufo has been wondering about the inside walls of Toad House.  He thinks they do not look good with the rafters and insulation showing. 

 Well last week Fred Kotukski and friend came to the rescue. Bufo was thrilled to see them and from the looks of it, they were quite taken by his charm. That Bufo, always up front and center on anything to do with Toad House.

 He is also quite literary, if you've noticed, having made peace with the new picture book, Little Sprout. However, he finds some parts of the Little Sprout display at the library––puzzling. If you come to the library, please help Bufo with his puzzle.

Pat Smith of Smyles Book Company

Bufo, the book publisher, met with Pat Smith of Smyles Book Mobile to deliver the first copies of Little Sprout. Pat has been a wonderful supporter of all that Bufo does. He travels around the state to schools and libraries with his red book mobile. It is a wonderful resource of all the best books for children and young adults. 

Bufo and Pat Smith with Little Sprout

Pat and Susan Smith have had the business for over 40 years.  Pat's father worked for E. M. Hale, who was a book distributor for 38 years, in the 50's and 60's in Wisconsin. Pat bought the business and has been traveling about the state ever since.

Each year Pat compiles and stocks the very best books in the country from over 30 publishers. Librarians, teachers, and the public are welcome to visit the book mobile and see what Pat has to offer. He enjoys carrying signed books so you can find signed Toads, Little Sprout, and the Jan Brett books at the Smyles discount price.

One of the most significant value-added components of the Smyles Company is that the schools and libraries are able to have a hands on preview of the books.

If you see a little red trailer parked outside of McDonalds this spring or next fall, stop and see if it is Pat. Tell him, Bufo sent you.

Bufo and the Norwegian Dancers

Bufo attended Sunday's Flambeau Valley Arts Concert at the Ladysmith High School and asked to have his picture taken with two of the young dancers. He was quite smitten, being fond of dancing in his younger days.

Tony and Friend

Although this photo is about a week late, I still wanted everyone to know that Bufo is still alive and well, giving Tony a hard time whenever he can.  We have all made it through the winter and are excited to watch Bufo's pond in the Enchanted Forest as it fills with the spring thaw.

Hope you all will stop in the library art gallery. Bufo helped hang the Little Sprout artwork. At first he felt a little miffed that he may have been slighted after his big debut in TOADS, but then he found himself in the family tree and in the hand of little boy. Now he feels better and loves to come to the gallery to stare longingly at all the insects in the artwork.

Please come and see!