This is the fifth book in Mercer Mayer’s Frog series, which begins with A Boy, A Dog and A Frog (1967).

Mayer is often considered to be the father of the wordless picturebook in the USA because this witty Frog series popularised the format in the United States.

In the opening, the Boy is preparing to go out with his family for a smart restaurant meal. He’s dressed up in his best clothes and is saying a fond goodbye to Dog and Tortoise when we, the reader, glimpse the naughty Frog jumping into the Boy’s jacket pocket and sneaking a ride.

As soon as the family is settled at the table Frog is up to mischief. In the picture above the reader sees him leaping out of the Boy’s pocket and flying through the air in the direction of a musician’s saxophone. The sense of anticipation of what will happen next is delicious.

Of course Frog jumps into the saxophone’s bell and causes mayhem. He blocks the instrument and, in trying to dislodge him, the saxophonist accidentally sits on the drum and breaks it.

To escape, Frog leaps into a dish of salad leaves, which is then served to a posh lady.

Understandably, the posh lady gets a sudden shock and tips back on her chair, which then falls over. Meanwhile Frog is changing direction again and leaping headfirst into a man’s champagne glass, giving him a nasty surprise, too.

By now the head waiter has had enough of his guests being disturbed. He catches Frog and, holding him disdainfully by his feet, heads for the fire exit to dispose of him.

Luckily the Boy notices the plight of his friend in time and rescues him from disaster. But not before the whole family is ejected in disgrace from the fancy restaurant.

In the car on the way home, Mum is not best pleased and her expression speaks volumes. But the Boy lets it wash over him. He is just happy to have his friend safely back with him.

Mayer paces this funny story beautifully and his black-and-white illustrations convey the characters’ emotions with great precision. With its anarchic humour and great characterisation, Frog Goes To Dinner is the sort of book that appeals to both adults and children. And its small size is perfect for a child’s hands to hold.