Frog, Log & Dave Almost Save the Day

By Trent Jamieson & Brent Wilson

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Trent Jamieson is the author of the gorgeous children’s book The Giant and the Sea as well as mnay adult books. He and Brent Wilson first teamed up with Mr Impoppable, a zany and deceptively simple story about a boy changed by friendship and understanding. In Frog, Log & Dave Almost Save the Day zany has gone full bore creating a hilarious graphic novel full of action, surprises and madcap fun which would make a great TV series.

Three friends, Frog the speed fiend, Log the lead singer, and Dave, friendly and loyal,  are the members of the band The Tricycles aided by their one devoted fan, Jeremy who drives Excalivan, the ultimate ‘gig machine’. When they lose their instruments in a lightning strike they become delivery drivers. Their first job is for the originally named evil mastermind Count Evil von Evil who has created Pollutobomb, as revenge against Town Hall who fired him. This could be a catastrophe as the city is hoping to win the ‘most pollution-free city in the world’ award. Several appalling puns, extensive shenanigans and lovely surprises later the day is saved and the group is ready for another adventure.

This story gallops along helped by the amazing Brent Wilson art, gorgeous colour, clever variiety in page design and layout and expressive characters. The sound effects – full page BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA, BOOM!, SSSNIIIIFFFFFF, FOOM! – are great fun. Each character is carefully defined, visually, verbally and through their actions. Young readers  will no doubt pick their favourite as they enjoy the witty text and short chapters.

Themes of friendship, acceptance  and the environmental underpin the story but never weigh it down. A great start to be followed in September  by Frog, Log and Dave: A Brush with Evil. For readers aged 9+

Penguin 2025

Brent Wilson

Brent is one of the artists exhibiting his work at the 2025 Book Links Exhibition: StoryArt at the Richard Randall Gallery in Brisbane, 4 -13 April, 2025. This annual event showcases local artist-illustrators whose work includes creating beautiful books for children. There will be illustrations, models and other art and books on display and for purchase. Brisbanites please join us for UP LATE  at the Book Links Story Art Exhibition on Friday 4 April, from 5:00pm @Richard Randall Art Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Free admission – bookings open now.

Meet the Artist: Brent Wilson

Trent Jamieson