Plunk your magic twanger froggy is a phrase that gained popularity through its association with the popular radio show "The Adventures of Superman." The phrase was often used by the show's host, Ed "Stash" Gardner, as a way to introduce the show's sponsors. However, its origins can actually be traced back to a character from another radio show called "Smilin' Ed's Gang." The character, Froggy the Gremlin, was a mischievous imp who loved to cause trouble. Whenever Froggy appeared on the show, he would often say, "Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy!" This phrase became his trademark catchphrase and endeared him to audiences across the country. When "The Adventures of Superman" began airing in 1940, Ed Gardner brought the character of Froggy with him.
The powerful Leon Redbeard, who has been training Emily thus far, knows that safety lies only in finding the legendary city of Cielis somewhere in the faraway clouds. Most are convinced that Cielis was destroyed in the last great battle between the Stonekeepers’ nation of Alledia and Gulfen, the nation of Elves, but Leon believes Emily’s great-grandfather Silas was just about to find it before he passed away. Using Silas’ notebooks as a guide – and hiring the unlikely Captain Enzo, his sidekick Rico, and their rickety small ship – Emily and her motley crew dare the impossible … next stop, Cielis or bust!
Though I personally found Amulet s storyline a little too drawn out and chaotic and I would have liked Kibuishi to begin drawing at least some elements together by the end of book three, I have to admit that there is a cinematic quality to his work which keeps a reader engaged. But that is the perfect fit for a fantastic story such as this and just because a character doesn t look realistic, doesn t mean that he or she looks any less menacing or heroic.
When "The Adventures of Superman" began airing in 1940, Ed Gardner brought the character of Froggy with him. Froggy became a regular feature on the show and would often be heard saying his signature phrase. The phrase quickly caught on, and listeners started using it in their everyday conversations.
Review: Amulet, Vol. 1-3
Emily and her brother Navin have moved into their Great-Grandfather Silas’ house after their father dies. They and their mother are looking for a new start, but they don’t expect it to come in the way that it does. Their mother is kidnapped by a tentacled beast and dragged into another world. When Emily and Navin follow her, they discover a destiny that links them to their ancestors. Together they will meet strange new friends, face deadly enemies, and brave the darkest secrets of their own hearts. Amulet, vol. 1-3
Kazu Kibuishi
Ages 9-13; Grades 4-8
Scholastic/GRAPHIX
Volume 1: The Stonekeeper: Jan. 2008, ISBN 978-0-439-84681-3, 192 pages, $9.99
Volume 2: The Stonekeeper’s Curse: Sept. 2009, ISBN 978-0-439-84683-7, 224 pages, $10.99
Volume 3: The Cloud Searchers: Sept. 2010, ISBN 978-0-545-20885-7, 208 pages, $10.99
The Amulet series is an ambitious undertaking. In the first three books, Kibuishi begins crafting a layered fantasy adventure that features a legion of characters, a wide variety of locales, and many elements that will be familiar to fans of hero’s quest style fantasy and science fiction. The question is whether or not he will be able to tie all of those elements together at some point in order to end his series coherently. Even three volumes in, it’s hard to tell exactly where he is headed with his story. Kibuishi has offered a lot to his readers and expects them to keep up with him. That’s not a bad thing for a creator to do, but with about a year between each volume, that does mean that libraries should expect a good amount of re-reading of previous volumes.
The elements that tie all three books together so far are Emily and her brother. Emily discovers that she is a Stonekeeper, a person chosen to wield a magical stone. The problem is that the stone’s motives are not as benign as they might first seem. She soon discovers that she will have to work hard to master the stone’s power or be in danger of allowing it to master her. Navin, on the other hand, quickly shows himself to be a resourceful young man and a deft pilot, though readers are never quite told how he learns the skills that he displays. There are a multitude of additional characters who both help and hinder Emily and Navin’s quest, including an evil Elf lord who is consumed by the power of his stone and the mysterious fox Leon Redbeard who helps train Emily to control her stone. With so many characters to keep straight and with the children’s quest taking them over so much territory, a character guide and a map would have been useful inclusions. Kibuishi’s art is more than up to the task of bringing life to the land of Alledia, where the story takes place. He has a slightly cartoonish style when drawing characters, so none of them look overly realistic. But that is the perfect fit for a fantastic story such as this and just because a character doesn’t look realistic, doesn’t mean that he or she looks any less menacing or heroic. Kibuishi’s settings, though, are where he really shines. Whether the adventurers are flying through the clouds or trekking through the forest, whether they are exploring the bowels of a house or walking the back alleys of a city, the paths they travel seem to leap from the page, imbued with life and alive with vibrant colors.
Though I personally found Amulet’s storyline a little too drawn out and chaotic and I would have liked Kibuishi to begin drawing at least some elements together by the end of book three, I have to admit that there is a cinematic quality to his work which keeps a reader engaged. The action scenes move the book along quickly, leaving readers breathless until the plot pauses for a moment to allow them to catch up. Then it’s off again, daring readers to follow. I can guarantee that older elementary school and middle school readers will eat this series up, because I’ve had to repair quite all of the very-well-loved copies of Amulet at the school where I volunteer. A great choice for fantasy fans looking for a long, complex series. This review is based on a complimentary copy supplied by the publisher. All images copyright © Scholastic/GRAPHIX. Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews
SHARE:About Snow Wildsmith
Snow Wildsmith is a writer and former teen librarian. She has served on several committees for the American Library Association/Young Adult Library Services Association, including the 2010 Michael L. Printz Award Committee. She reviews graphic novels for Booklist, ICv2's Guide, No Flying No Tights, and Good Comics for Kids and also writes booktalks and creates recommended reading lists for Ebsco's NoveList database. Currently she is working on her first books, a nonfiction series for teens.
Book 3 opens with open betrayal. Prince Trellis, the evil, so-far unstoppable Elf King’s son, decides he’s “sick of hearing [his father’s] voice,” and will obey him no more. His mysterious – and overly frightened – companion Luger is convinced that Trellis has sealed their death fate. Meanwhile, the Elf King hires infallible Gabilan the Assassin to hunt down the new Stonekeeper Emily and her unlikely crew, which includes her widowed mother, brother Navin, and a devoted brigade of robots and animals. If Gabilan has to kill Prince Trellis to get to Emily and company, so be it, the Elf King decrees. Someone obviously needs a parenting lesson or two!
"Plunk your magic twanger froggy" may seem like a nonsensical phrase, but it has become synonymous with the joy and excitement of vintage radio shows. It represents a simpler time when radio was a primary source of entertainment for many people. Today, the phrase is often used as a nostalgic reference or as a lighthearted way to express enthusiasm or surprise. It has even made its way into popular culture, appearing in songs, books, and television shows. In conclusion, "Plunk your magic twanger froggy" is a phrase that originated from the radio show "The Adventures of Superman" but gained popularity through the character Froggy the Gremlin. It has become a beloved part of radio history and is still remembered and used today as a playful expression of enthusiasm..
Reviews for "Embracing the Magic of the Twager Froggy in Daily Life"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Plunk your magic twanger froggy." The storyline was confusing and didn't make much sense to me. Additionally, the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The animation was also subpar compared to other similar films. Overall, I found it boring and would not recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5
I couldn't stand "Plunk your magic twanger froggy." The humor was completely juvenile and didn't appeal to me at all. The jokes were recycled and predictable, making the film feel stale. The voice acting was also grating, with the characters' voices being annoying and hard to listen to. I wouldn't waste my time watching this film again.
3. Emily - 2/5
"Plunk your magic twanger froggy" was not what I expected at all. The plot was all over the place, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the film. The pacing was off, with some parts dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. The animation style was also unappealing to me personally. It just wasn't my cup of tea, and I would not recommend it to others.
4. David - 2.5/5
I had high hopes for "Plunk your magic twanger froggy," but it fell short for me. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to invest in their journeys. The dialogue was also weak, with uninspired and forgettable lines. The film had potential, but it felt like a missed opportunity overall.