Toad Has Talent by Richard Smythe

Every winter, when Moonlight Pond freezes over, the animals of the forest gather for their annual talent contest. Ducks dance across the ice, mice perform impressive tricks, and everyone shows off their special skills.

Well… almost everyone.

Hidden behind a rock, Toad quietly watches the show year after year. He never enters the competition because he is sure of one thing: he doesn’t have a talent.

But when Toad is finally discovered and slips onto the icy pond, something surprising happens — he discovers he actually has an amazing hidden talent for ice-skating!

Toad Has Talent is a funny and heart-warming picture book that reminds children that everyone has unique abilities and that sometimes the only way to discover them is by trying something new.

Why we and schools love this book

• Encourages confidence and perseverance
  Children learn that talents can be discovered when they are willing to try.
• Supports social-emotional learning
  The story explores themes of self-belief, courage, and overcoming self-doubt.
• Perfect for reading aloud
  Its humorous moments and charming woodland characters make it engaging for group storytime.

If you enjoyed this story, you may also like these wonderful picture books that explore confidence, friendship, and discovering hidden strengths:

• Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
• Dog's Guide to Helping Others by Lisa Edwards
• Kwala Makes the Right Choice by Lisa Edwards

You can find these and many other carefully selected children’s books at Contigo Idiomas, where we curate stories that inspire language development, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading.

Written by Richard Smythe, Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books