Frog and Toad - Cookies / The Letter (S1E1)
Frog and Toad try to resist a batch of yummy cookies. Frog finds out Toad has never gotten mail before, so he writes Toad a letter.
| Runtime (min) | 23 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2023-04-27 |
| Genres | Kids, Animation, Family |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Apple TV |
Storyline
In the first segment, Frog bakes a batch of delicious cookies and shares them with his best friend Toad. The two friends quickly discover they cannot stop eating the cookies, even though they know they should save some for later. Recognizing their lack of willpower, they try various strategies to resist temptation, including putting the cookies in a box, tying the box with string, and placing it on a high shelf. When these measures fail to curb their desire, they take increasingly drastic steps to keep the cookies out of reach.
In the second segment, Frog learns that Toad has never received a letter in the mail, which makes Toad very sad. Determined to cheer up his friend, Frog rushes home and writes Toad a kind letter, then asks a snail to deliver it. While they wait for the letter to arrive, Toad sits by his mailbox day after day, hoping for mail. Frog keeps him company during the long wait, and when the letter finally arrives, Toad is overjoyed to receive his very first piece of correspondence.
What parents say
Parents have praised the Apple TV+ adaptation of Frog and Toad for its gentle pacing and faithful representation of Arnold Lobel's beloved stories. Many appreciate that the show slows down to let moments breathe, creating a calming viewing experience that stands apart from faster-paced children's programming. The animation style, which honors Lobel's original watercolor illustrations, has been noted as particularly charming and nostalgic for parents who grew up with the books.
Parents have also complimented the series for modeling healthy friendship and emotional honesty. They note that Frog and Toad express their feelings openly, support each other through small disappointments, and demonstrate patience and kindness. Some parents mention using episodes as conversation starters about self-control, empathy, and being a good friend. The show's quiet, contemplative tone has made it a favorite for bedtime or calm-down time in many households.
What kids learn
Children learn about self-control and the challenge of resisting temptation through Frog and Toad's cookie dilemma. The episode shows that willpower can be difficult even for well-meaning friends, and that sometimes the best solution is to remove temptation entirely rather than rely solely on self-discipline. Young viewers see that it's okay to acknowledge when something is too hard to resist and to take practical steps to help yourself make better choices.
The letter segment teaches children about empathy and thoughtful friendship. Frog notices that Toad is sad about never receiving mail and takes action to solve the problem, demonstrating how friends can lift each other's spirits through small, meaningful gestures. Children also learn about patience as Toad waits days for his letter to arrive, and they see how true friends offer companionship during times of waiting and uncertainty.
Both stories reinforce that friendship involves noticing what others need, taking time to help, and being present for one another. The episode models emotional awareness and shows children that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can bring great joy to the people we care about.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the show appropriate for very young children? | Yes, this episode is gentle and age-appropriate for preschoolers and early elementary viewers. There is no conflict beyond mild frustration over cookies and sadness about not receiving mail. The slow pacing and quiet tone make it especially suitable for children who may be overwhelmed by louder, faster programming. The themes of friendship and self-control are presented in simple, accessible ways. |
| How faithful is this adaptation to Arnold Lobel's original stories? | Both segments are direct adaptations of classic Frog and Toad stories from Arnold Lobel's books. The dialogue and plot points closely follow the source material, and the animation style honors Lobel's watercolor illustrations. Parents familiar with the books will recognize the stories beat-for-beat, making this a faithful introduction to the characters for a new generation while offering nostalgia for adults. |
| What is the lesson about the cookies supposed to teach? | The cookie story teaches children that self-control is hard and that it's okay to need help resisting temptation. Frog and Toad try multiple strategies to stop eating cookies, ultimately giving them away to the birds. The lesson is practical: sometimes removing temptation is smarter than fighting it. It normalizes struggle with willpower and models problem-solving when self-discipline alone isn't enough. |
| Why does the letter take so long to arrive? | Frog gives the letter to a snail to deliver, and snails move very slowly. Toad waits for four days while the snail makes its way to his mailbox. This plot point teaches patience and delayed gratification, showing children that good things sometimes take time. Frog's willingness to sit with Toad during the wait also models loyal friendship and emotional support. |
| Is the pacing too slow for keeping my child's attention? | The pacing is deliberately gentle and contemplative, which some children love and others may find slow. It works well for quiet time, bedtime routines, or children who prefer calmer content. If your child is accustomed to fast-paced shows, you might need to set expectations or watch together initially. Many parents report that the slower rhythm becomes soothing once children adjust to it. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Frog and Toad try to resist a batch of yummy cookies. Frog finds out Toad has never gotten mail before, so he writes Toad a letter. |
| 1 | 2 | Toad's delivery of refreshing ice cream to Frog turns into a melty disaster. Frog and Toad go to great lengths to find a button. |
| 1 | 3 | Frog wants Toad to spend the first day of spring with him. To prove they're brave, Frog and Toad set off to climb Mount Gloom. |
| 1 | 4 | Toad thinks the seeds in his new garden are afraid to grow. Frog wants to bake a cake for Toad, even though he doesn't know how. |
| 1 | 5 | Frog and Toad attempt to fly their homemade kite despite some doubting Robins. Frog handles being lost differently than Toad does. |
| 1 | 6 | Toad goes on an epic quest to find a story to tell an unwell Frog. When Toad loses his to-do list, he's stumped about what to do next. |
| 1 | 7 | Toad is excited about his new shoes—until they cause nothing but trouble. Frog aims to rescue Toad's fancy jacket from a lonely closet. |
| 1 | 8 | After a long night's sleep, Toad realizes Frog's been busy without him. Frog helps Toad feel OK about plans not going perfectly. |
| 1 | 9 | Frog gets sidetracked while running a last-minute errand on Christmas Eve, causing Toad to wonder about where his friend could be. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Toad feels left out when Frog gives all his attention to his amazing, most perfect stick. Frog helps Toad tidy up. |
| 2 | 2 | Toad struggles to find a gift fit for a fancy box. Frog gives Toad the courage to go sledding. |
| 2 | 3 | Frog reassures a swimsuit-shy Toad that he doesn’t look funny at all. Frog and Toad secretly plan to surprise each other. |
| 2 | 4 | Thoughts of chores piling up make it hard for Toad to relax. Frog’s birthday gift for Toad goes over well except for a “small” issue. |
| 2 | 5 | Frog and Toad set off on a search for spring. Toad steps in as a last-minute performer but runs into trouble when he can’t see Frog. |
| 2 | 6 | Frog convinces Toad to go camping, but the forest creates quite the disturbance. Frog hopes his spooky story gets a reaction from Toad. |
| 2 | 7 | Frog and Toad try to reunite a lost umbrella with its owner. Vacation plans hit a snag when Toad worries about what to pack. |
| 2 | 8 | A picnic dinner stretches well past bedtime for a celestial sighting. Toad comes to the rescue after Frog’s roof springs a leak. |
| 2 | 9 | Toad sets out to pair Frog with the ideal instrument. Frog leaves a note that stirs up a flurry of feelings for Toad. |
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