Classic Books
All annotated novels and novellas from Friendly Frog Press include:
- Vocabulary Builder for tricky words (great for children and folks improving their English skills)
- Chapter-by-Chapter Summaries (excellent for students to help with their studies)
- List of Characters (broken down by chapter)
- List of Places (broken down by chapter)
The Call of the Wild [Annotated]
Cruelly dognapped and trafficked into the frozen Northland, Buck is immediately thrown into the world of being a working dog during the famous Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. With an ever-changing lineup of masters, some incompetent and some kind, and being forced to brave the harsh winter climate and strange creatures of the vast wilderness, Buck learns how to survive and persevere. Will Buck be able to tap into his primordial instincts to become famous throughout the region? Find out in Jack London’s exciting novella, The Call of the Wild.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
Over the Santa Fé Trail [Annotated]
It’s America in 1857 and you need to Go West, young man, with Captain Chiles and his team on the Santa Fé Trail. While delivering valuable freight to the frontier, you’ll encounter a wide variety of Native American tribes across the prairie—some friendly, some hostile, and some looking to trade. To survive you’ll need to hunt buffalo, chase down herds of elk, and avoid the gray wolves. Don’t forget to keep your cattle well fed and never fall asleep in a cactus patch. Come join the wagon train from Missouri to the New Mexico territory in Over the Santa Fé Trail.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
Christmas in Chicago [Annotated]
Step into the holiday spirit of one hundred years past with this wonderful short piece of work entitled “Christmas in Chicago.” Reminisce on the urban Christmas traditions of a world in the distant past, but one that still lives on in our hearts. The beautiful trees, fashions, and temperaments of 1920s Chicago is hard to imagine in today’s landscape, but the remnants of the glorious city come alive with this short book. Celebrate the holiday season by reliving the past with “Christmas in Chicago.”
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The War of the Worlds [Annotated]
London, the late 19th century, the pinnacle of civilization’s achievements. Little did the people know that a vastly technologically superior race of Martians was about to descend upon earth to wreak havoc on mankind. H.G. Wells revolutionized the science fiction genre—menacing aliens, a population in total panic and disarray, and fascinating yet deadly weaponry. How will the pitiable humans survive this extraterrestrial calamity? Find out in H.G. Wells’ classic novel The War of the Worlds.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The Fall of the House of Usher [Annotated]
After receiving a letter from his boyhood friend that he is suffering from some sort of debilitating illness, a man feels compelled to travel to a reclusive mansion to assist him. He learns that his friend and his deathly-ill sister are the last in the Usher line—and slowly collapsing into madness. The Gothic mansion seems to have a bizarre metaphysical connection with the brother and sister, and there are incredibly strange occurrences that continue to happen late at night. Will this well-meaning friend survive another night in this macabre Gothic house of horror? Find out in this classic Edgar Allan Poe short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The Red Badge of Courage [Annotated]
During the American Civil War, a young Union Army Private named Henry Fleming envisions that his first battle will be like a great Homerian epic. Swollen with pride and the admiration of his entire hometown, he embarks on his great military adventure with confidence. However, when the bullets first start flying and the artillery shells first start exploding, he immediately flees the battle in total cowardice. Will Henry be able to redeem himself on the field of battle the next day or will he live in total disgrace and shame the rest of his days? Find out in Stephen Crane’s definitive novel on the Civil War from a young soldier’s perspective The Red Badge of Courage.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The Wendigo [Annotated]
Deep in the remote Canadian wilderness, a group of moose hunters make their way further into the woods. Rumors of a terrifying human-like monster that lurks in the forest are dismissed as mere “superstitions.” But, as their isolation becomes more apparent, they begin to smell something foul and feel shadows creeping in on them like slow death. After having “seen the Wendigo”, how long will they be able to survive? Find out what happens to this unfortunate group of men in the bone-chilling horror novella The Wendigo.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The Little Mermaid [Annotated]
A beautiful princess lives in a magnificent kingdom deep, deep below the sea. While her five older sisters are content being mermaids, the little mermaid wonders endlessly about what life is like among the humans on land. On her fifteenth birthday, she saves a handsome prince from a terrible shipwreck. Unfortunately, the prince thinks that another girl—a human!—rescued him instead. How much suffering and how many sacrifices is the little mermaid willing to make to live happily ever after with this handsome prince? Find out in this classic fairy tale.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The Time Machine [Annotated]
Moving around in three dimensions is simple, but can people travel freely in the fourth dimension of time? In 19th-century London, a man known only as the Time Traveller has created a machine that can do the impossible. He travels into the distant future and finds that human society has evolved into one of complete leisure and pleasure. Everything that people could want is provided for, but deep beneath the surface of this future world lies a terrible secret. Join the Time Traveller in H.G. Wells’ thrilling sci-fi adventure, The Time Machine.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
Beauty and the Beast [Annotated]
A merchant down on his luck is coerced into bringing one of his daughters to a magnificent castle full of lavish feasts and a multitude of riches. The only downside is that it is home to an ugly creature known as Beast. Understanding her father’s predicament, Beauty agrees to go to the castle. She finds that it is indeed splendid and that Beast is a tremendous host and gentleman, but she can’t quite get over how hideous he appears. Will Beauty be able to fall in love solely out of virtue, even with her two evil sisters attempting to sabotage the relationship? Find out in this classic fairy tale.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge [Annotated]
A condemned man stands on the edge of a railroad bridge with a rope around his neck. The Union Army is preparing to hang him during a tumultuous period of the Civil War. His thoughts drift to that of his wife, his children, and his sacrifice for the great cause of the South. But what if he is able to escape the hangman’s noose and make an escape downriver past the Union soldiers? What sort of thoughts and fantasies go through a man’s mind as he faces the gallows. Find out in one of the most popular and influential American short stories of all time, which includes a shocking ending.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz [Annotated]
Join Dorothy, the young girl from the Kansas prairie, and her little black dog, Toto, as they go on their adventure through the magical Land of Oz. On the way they will encounter a Scarecrow who longs for brains, a Tin Woodman who wishes he only had a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who seeks true courage. This group of travelers will meet friendly Munchkins, fight with savage beasts, and attempt to get an audience with a mythical wizard in the Emerald City who can supposedly grant their wishes… but may indeed be a scammer! Will the cruel Wicked Witch of the West be able to derail their ambitious plans? Find out in this classical adventure tale.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
