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Freddie Cottonmouth #1
Cottonmouth and the River
***SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR***I HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT NOT NOT NOT BUYING THIS BOOK IN E-FORMAT/KINDLE. I as the author have no control over its formatting, and it looks terrible (trust me, just check the poor reviews regarding it). This isn't a ploy to get you to buy the actual book, it's not that big of a price difference. This is to ensure you can actually read and understand the story. Sorry for the inconvenience! Meet Freddie Cottonmouth - A Boy Who Loves the River, Big Adventures, and a Furry Beast named Tug. Tug loves taking Freddie on wild adventures--trips to the moon, building castles, or catching fireflies with Freddie riding on his wide furry back. When Freddie finds a mysterious egg, Tug makes him promise never to eat it. But Freddie is about to discover that broken promises come at a great price. This is the rare children's story--both bold and tender and brimming with moments of great risk, adventure, and heart. Combining the artistic wonder of Where the Wild Things Are with the timeless storytelling of The Polar Express , this story will capture both the imagination and the intelligence of children and their parents as it sheds light on the power of sin, sacrifice, and redemption.
112 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
C.S. Fritz
36 books107 followersCasey "C.S." Fritz grew up on a farm in Oregon, where he milked cows and had a pet pig. To escape the endless chores of cleaning chicken coops and watering tomatoes...Casey would draw.
As a young child, Casey's family moved to Arizona. It was there beneath the fiery gaze of the Southwestern sun, that he spent most of his life. Graduating school, marrying the love of his life and having two wild kids. It was also there that C.S. Fritz's work began to take traction with local galleries and art publications.
C.S. Fritz now is an award-winning author and illustrator with published titles such as...
The Cottonmouth Trilogy, Good Night Tales, The Moonman Cometh, Seekers, and Good Night Classics!
Fritz's debut novel, A Fig For All The Devils released Halloween, 2021. Fig won best in horror with the IBPA's and is now in the works to be a major motion picture.
All Creatures Living Beneath The Sun, his sophomore horror release was published March 2023.
As a young child, Casey's family moved to Arizona. It was there beneath the fiery gaze of the Southwestern sun, that he spent most of his life. Graduating school, marrying the love of his life and having two wild kids. It was also there that C.S. Fritz's work began to take traction with local galleries and art publications.
C.S. Fritz now is an award-winning author and illustrator with published titles such as...
The Cottonmouth Trilogy, Good Night Tales, The Moonman Cometh, Seekers, and Good Night Classics!
Fritz's debut novel, A Fig For All The Devils released Halloween, 2021. Fig won best in horror with the IBPA's and is now in the works to be a major motion picture.
All Creatures Living Beneath The Sun, his sophomore horror release was published March 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 17, 2015
Imagine you're in your car starting a road trip. The landscapes outside are the most beautiful you've ever seen. The air is delicious and you're enjoying this experience. But suddenly, the car stops and you are lost in the middle of nowhere. You still like the scenery, but you want to continue your traveling and not being stuck in that place.
That's exactly how I feel.
The artwork was just fantastic. I enjoyed looking at them every single page, and that's the main reason why it took me so long to read. The story was captivating and beautifully written. There was a strange sensation in the air that caught me and didn't let me go. And then, the book was over!
Seriously, this was more a prologue than an actual book. Although I know there's a sequel, I'd have prefer to read both stories in just one book instead of two.
I still recommend this book. It was enjoyable and I can't complain, but it'd be better if you purchase the second book too, so you won't be frustrated.
-I recieve an eBook from Netgalley but this fact didn't influence the review-
That's exactly how I feel.
The artwork was just fantastic. I enjoyed looking at them every single page, and that's the main reason why it took me so long to read. The story was captivating and beautifully written. There was a strange sensation in the air that caught me and didn't let me go. And then, the book was over!
Seriously, this was more a prologue than an actual book. Although I know there's a sequel, I'd have prefer to read both stories in just one book instead of two.
I still recommend this book. It was enjoyable and I can't complain, but it'd be better if you purchase the second book too, so you won't be frustrated.
-I recieve an eBook from Netgalley but this fact didn't influence the review-
May 11, 2017
I read this to my 9 year old son and while he enjoyed it I would say he's probably very near the top of the recommended age group. We have the kindle versions of this and book 2 and a soft copy of book 3, because of the amazing illustrations I'd highly recommend avoiding the kindle versions. It is well written but for some reason I wasn't expecting it to be quite so much of a children's book. It has a strong Christian theme that my son understood and picked up on with no prompting. I'd high recommend it for a slightly younger crowd.
April 25, 2015
'Cottonmouth and the River' is the first book in a series. It's for kids and it's got some great pictures. I liked it okay, but maybe not as much as some.
Freddie Cottonmouth likes hanging out by the river near his house. It brings him peace. It also brings him a strange egg one day. When the egg shows up, so does a strange furry creature named Tug who becomes Freddie's friend. He tells Freddie that the only rule for the egg is that Freddie can't eat it. Tug and Freddie do all kinds of fun things, but Freddie really misses his parents and wants them back. Tug says he can't do it, but when Tug is gone, a little rodent named Menson tells Freddy he can have whatever he wants as long as he swallows the egg. Will Freddy listen to his friend Tug or will what he wants make him listen to sneaky Menson.
It's an allegory to the Creation story in Genesis. I get that, and up to a point, I liked the story, but the ending was strange. I found it weird that Freddie is managing to live in a big house with peeling wallpaper all by himself. Tug is kind of strange, but Menson seems a bit scary. I've got a couple more of these to read, so I'll see how this develops. The art is good, and it's probably best as a story for school age kids because I think it's a bit too long to hold younger kids attention.
I received a review copy of this ebook from David C. Cook and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Freddie Cottonmouth likes hanging out by the river near his house. It brings him peace. It also brings him a strange egg one day. When the egg shows up, so does a strange furry creature named Tug who becomes Freddie's friend. He tells Freddie that the only rule for the egg is that Freddie can't eat it. Tug and Freddie do all kinds of fun things, but Freddie really misses his parents and wants them back. Tug says he can't do it, but when Tug is gone, a little rodent named Menson tells Freddy he can have whatever he wants as long as he swallows the egg. Will Freddy listen to his friend Tug or will what he wants make him listen to sneaky Menson.
It's an allegory to the Creation story in Genesis. I get that, and up to a point, I liked the story, but the ending was strange. I found it weird that Freddie is managing to live in a big house with peeling wallpaper all by himself. Tug is kind of strange, but Menson seems a bit scary. I've got a couple more of these to read, so I'll see how this develops. The art is good, and it's probably best as a story for school age kids because I think it's a bit too long to hold younger kids attention.
I received a review copy of this ebook from David C. Cook and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
April 26, 2015
I read this to my 9-year-old daughter. We both agreed the illustrations are beautiful works of art. The story allowed us to laugh together; Tug is hilarious. At one point, she gripped my arm because Freddie had to understand the consequences of his actions. She routed for him to be okay, and for Tug to jump in and help him. When Tug did, she gripped my arm tightly again and begged for everything to turn out right. We both clapped with excitement in the end.
Laila enjoyed the book without a doubt. and was saddened by its end, but then excited to learn there would be more.
I had a good time reading it to her and stopping on occasion to admire the art and discuss where the story was headed. We both agree this is a 4 star book and look forward to reading more about Freddie Cottonmouth.
Laila enjoyed the book without a doubt. and was saddened by its end, but then excited to learn there would be more.
I had a good time reading it to her and stopping on occasion to admire the art and discuss where the story was headed. We both agree this is a 4 star book and look forward to reading more about Freddie Cottonmouth.
September 6, 2014
This little book really took me by surprise. A little bit like C.S. Lewis meets N.D. Wilson. If you have a child who loves Bible stories, you must get this. The story continues in Book 2...
June 26, 2015
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This book was so thought provoking, but for kids! I loved almost every minute! It made me look at life in a new way.
February 11, 2017
Mysterious and atmospheric, this story paints the picture of Adam falling and Jesus dying for our sins. I'm not usually fond of picture/allegory representations of Jesus, though Narnia at least follows the biblical picture of a lion, which I like better than this. Still, I give it points for creativity and drama.
August 12, 2019
After reading this, I was surprised by how highly it was rated. As many others have mentioned, the artwork is beautiful and compelling. However, I found both the writing and the story arc to be severely lacking. I finished the book feeling confused and disappointed. I appreciate what the author is trying to do, but I felt like the story needed more work to really shine.
February 21, 2023
Goodreads First Read
Really pretty illustrations and the story was good too. A little mystery and a life lesson on the power of promises and those that make you break promises with fancy words. Not really a children's book but definitely worth keeping in the library until the kids are a little older.
Really pretty illustrations and the story was good too. A little mystery and a life lesson on the power of promises and those that make you break promises with fancy words. Not really a children's book but definitely worth keeping in the library until the kids are a little older.
June 14, 2017
Here is the book you want to sit and read with your son or daughter. Illustrations are fantastic and move you quickly to the end of the book. You need to read book 2 two and three. Great picture of sacrifice.
August 29, 2018
Great book series for elementary aged kids as a story based on imagery and analogy of what Jesus has done for us and what is to belong to him. My seven year old loves these books and asks to read the over. Highly recommended!
July 28, 2019
Confusing
The artwork was good. But it seemed things were missing. Maybe the formatting for Kindle cut off things? Or maybe they just weren't there.
But the sweet parts of the story were overcome by the overall confusion it left me with.
The artwork was good. But it seemed things were missing. Maybe the formatting for Kindle cut off things? Or maybe they just weren't there.
But the sweet parts of the story were overcome by the overall confusion it left me with.
June 26, 2021
It was the best book!
May 7, 2023
A sweet childrens tale with sacrificial love
March 1, 2017
4 stars for the art only - so visually beautiful, so problematic to read
I read this book on Kindle and it is visually stunning in design, concept and technique. It's incredibly beautiful and makes consummate use of the capacity of images to tell and transport a story.
BUT it was very hard to read. Physically the text was tiny and not scalable because it's embedded in the images and there were no text enhancements enabled. I actually went and bought a pair of readers (which I don't use normally) just so I could make sure I had read the entire story correctly.
Thematically, while the allusions to Christian themes were plentiful, overall the tale lacked consistency and the story arc was flawed. To me, the end result just felt frayed.
I wanted to love this story so much. It should be a beautiful and richly allegorical gem but I only finished it feeling very confused (though I was still amazed by the art).
I read this book on Kindle and it is visually stunning in design, concept and technique. It's incredibly beautiful and makes consummate use of the capacity of images to tell and transport a story.
BUT it was very hard to read. Physically the text was tiny and not scalable because it's embedded in the images and there were no text enhancements enabled. I actually went and bought a pair of readers (which I don't use normally) just so I could make sure I had read the entire story correctly.
Thematically, while the allusions to Christian themes were plentiful, overall the tale lacked consistency and the story arc was flawed. To me, the end result just felt frayed.
I wanted to love this story so much. It should be a beautiful and richly allegorical gem but I only finished it feeling very confused (though I was still amazed by the art).
March 6, 2017
Cute and clever!
It is a very creative story, well illustrated and a great tool to help young minds understand some fundamental and profound truths.
It is a very creative story, well illustrated and a great tool to help young minds understand some fundamental and profound truths.
July 30, 2015
I know it may sound creepy, but I love children's book. At some point I get tired of all the stuff going on in the Young Adult world, the same stories and the same characters. So I usually take a break from that world letting myself touch some magic in children's books. They all have magic somehow, they teach you something and they're easy to read. You can read them without letting go of them and you don't even notice that.
Freddie loves spending time by the river near his house, but someday he finds an egg. With the egg, he also finds Tug, that becomes his friend. The only rule in this game is that Freddie can't eat the egg. When Tug is gone, a rodent tells Freddie that he could get whatever he wants as long as he swallows the egg.
This is a story about life, about things that don't always go as we planned. I guess this is a really important message, that we should start understanding when we're still children. Because at some point in our lives, if we didn't get that life isn't always as we want it to be, we'll just fall apart, and it's really hard to take the pieces all together, if you know what i mean.
Freddie is a lost child, but he still has hope, and that is the most beautiful thing that Fritz could add to his book. He has lost both his parents, he lives all alone in their house, but he still wants to live. He still has something to fight for, and he still wants to bring them back somehow.
I really liked this book, and I'm sure this wasn't the last of Freddie Cottonmouth.
Freddie loves spending time by the river near his house, but someday he finds an egg. With the egg, he also finds Tug, that becomes his friend. The only rule in this game is that Freddie can't eat the egg. When Tug is gone, a rodent tells Freddie that he could get whatever he wants as long as he swallows the egg.
This is a story about life, about things that don't always go as we planned. I guess this is a really important message, that we should start understanding when we're still children. Because at some point in our lives, if we didn't get that life isn't always as we want it to be, we'll just fall apart, and it's really hard to take the pieces all together, if you know what i mean.
Freddie is a lost child, but he still has hope, and that is the most beautiful thing that Fritz could add to his book. He has lost both his parents, he lives all alone in their house, but he still wants to live. He still has something to fight for, and he still wants to bring them back somehow.
I really liked this book, and I'm sure this wasn't the last of Freddie Cottonmouth.
April 24, 2015
“The world was empty of light, and blackness filled the land. People began crying and shouting for the dark Sun to return. You see, Freddie, it was then that the Moon realized that even though he didn’t get what he wanted he was exactly what he needed to be. This similar truth is for you now.”
Do you like adventure? Finding an egg was the start of Frederick Cottonmouth’s adventure. Where Frederick theReckless meets Tug the Comforter . Tug and Frederick go on many adventures but when Tug cannot give what Frederick wants most of all, Frederick leaves Tug knocking at the door. Seeing that Frederick has left Tug, Menson the rat makes his acquaintance to Frederick promising him to give him all that he desires. Believing the lie of Menson is not the end of the story. Tug brings Frederick back to the river where it all started.
With contrasting illustrations and word metaphors you are in the middle of the adventure with Frederick the reckless and Tug the comforter.
The River is the creative, imaginative way of retelling the story of the Fal of Adam and Eve and the Deceiver.
I love these series. I am a fan. This is a great series to introduce kids from 8 up to the Gospel and have some great discussions. These also would make great gifts to the children we love and want to share the gospel with.
A Special Thank you to David C. Cook and Netgalley for an ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Do you like adventure? Finding an egg was the start of Frederick Cottonmouth’s adventure. Where Frederick theReckless meets Tug the Comforter . Tug and Frederick go on many adventures but when Tug cannot give what Frederick wants most of all, Frederick leaves Tug knocking at the door. Seeing that Frederick has left Tug, Menson the rat makes his acquaintance to Frederick promising him to give him all that he desires. Believing the lie of Menson is not the end of the story. Tug brings Frederick back to the river where it all started.
With contrasting illustrations and word metaphors you are in the middle of the adventure with Frederick the reckless and Tug the comforter.
The River is the creative, imaginative way of retelling the story of the Fal of Adam and Eve and the Deceiver.
I love these series. I am a fan. This is a great series to introduce kids from 8 up to the Gospel and have some great discussions. These also would make great gifts to the children we love and want to share the gospel with.
A Special Thank you to David C. Cook and Netgalley for an ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 6, 2015
Originally posted: https://lindeay.wordpress.com/2015/05...
The story of the lonely boy Cottonmouth, is a rather sad one. The little boy has lost both his parents, and he lives in an empty house alone. Every day he goes to the river, hoping for his parents to return. It is rather unclear whether his parents left him or if they died, though from the sound of the story I would guess that they are dead.
The monster Tug is a rather interesting character, and made me think of “Where the Wild Things Are” though he does not possess the anger or “the Wild Things”
The simplicity of the illustrations adds to this rather straight forward story. Cottonmouth finds an egg that can grant him anything he wishes (but not the return of his parents), but he must never eat it. Of course he is struck with temptation, and must face the consequences of his actions. It is a very moralistic sort of story.
The story is rather grim, but it has a few up-notes. It’s ending has a pretty clear hint to what’s to come next.
The story of the lonely boy Cottonmouth, is a rather sad one. The little boy has lost both his parents, and he lives in an empty house alone. Every day he goes to the river, hoping for his parents to return. It is rather unclear whether his parents left him or if they died, though from the sound of the story I would guess that they are dead.
The monster Tug is a rather interesting character, and made me think of “Where the Wild Things Are” though he does not possess the anger or “the Wild Things”
The simplicity of the illustrations adds to this rather straight forward story. Cottonmouth finds an egg that can grant him anything he wishes (but not the return of his parents), but he must never eat it. Of course he is struck with temptation, and must face the consequences of his actions. It is a very moralistic sort of story.
The story is rather grim, but it has a few up-notes. It’s ending has a pretty clear hint to what’s to come next.
April 25, 2015
This beautifully illustrated book is for children ages 8-12. I think six-and-seven-year-old's may enjoy having the story read to them. I loved that it is an easy book for a child to understand. When, the young boy, Frederick, meets Tug, Tug offers him joy and the chance to go on adventures with him. Frederick chooses things that most children would relate to, and that greatly adds to their appreciation and understanding.
The deeper meaning of sin, forgiveness and redemption is laid out in a simple manner that a child can grasp. Even the youngest of them would be able to comprehend that because the boy didn't listen to Tug, and he allowed himself to be tricked by the rat, bad things happened. I loved the Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, and this is similar, but much shorter.
The deeper meaning of sin, forgiveness and redemption is laid out in a simple manner that a child can grasp. Even the youngest of them would be able to comprehend that because the boy didn't listen to Tug, and he allowed himself to be tricked by the rat, bad things happened. I loved the Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, and this is similar, but much shorter.
June 30, 2015
Interesting format... I think the author is a better illustrator than writer. As an allegory, the story is confusing, and as a story, it's unsatisfying. (Also, in the second book, the author uses the word 'regrettably' incorrectly, and it really bugs me when neither the author or anyone on the editorial staff catches mistakes like that). No one in my family had any desire to read past the first book.
December 31, 2015
I have a great love, understanding, and appreciation for the story this allegory is based on. I think for that reason, I appreciate this book more than the average reader.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and resemble, in some ways, Where the Wild Things Are.
However, the story felt a little choppy to me. Transitions seemed to be missing, and the storyline leapt a couple times, leaving me to go back to make sure I hadn't missed a page.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and resemble, in some ways, Where the Wild Things Are.
However, the story felt a little choppy to me. Transitions seemed to be missing, and the storyline leapt a couple times, leaving me to go back to make sure I hadn't missed a page.
January 18, 2017
Good intro to Jesus
Short, sweet and to the point. I'm glad I have a friend who in truth paid the price for me to have a normal life.It's a good starting place to explain Jesus and what he did for us. I'd like to share it with some little people I know. Oh the art was lovely, it was realistic, in detail, I liked the wall paper, it took me back to the walls in the house where I grew up.
Short, sweet and to the point. I'm glad I have a friend who in truth paid the price for me to have a normal life.It's a good starting place to explain Jesus and what he did for us. I'd like to share it with some little people I know. Oh the art was lovely, it was realistic, in detail, I liked the wall paper, it took me back to the walls in the house where I grew up.
January 21, 2017
We loved it!
My 6-yo and I read this together after we had read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Our daughter was able to see the parallels between the two stories and the power of redemption. I loved how the book ended because the parent(s) then can have further discussion about truth. Thank you for this beautiful story!
My 6-yo and I read this together after we had read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Our daughter was able to see the parallels between the two stories and the power of redemption. I loved how the book ended because the parent(s) then can have further discussion about truth. Thank you for this beautiful story!
May 11, 2015
The story is amazing. The illustrations are wonderfully beautiful. I recommend this book to young and old.
I would like to thank the author, illustrator, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to have this book free for an honest review.
I would like to thank the author, illustrator, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to have this book free for an honest review.
July 11, 2016
The illustrations were beautiful. I understand what the other was trying to convey, but I think it needed a little bit more to the story. I will update with my son's thoughts if he chooses to read it.
February 5, 2017
Allegory
I'm guessing this is supposed to be an allegory or a story representing the life of Christ, I'm excited to read the rest of the series it seems like a great book for young readers to understand the life we are given through Christ and the sacrifice he made for us!
I'm guessing this is supposed to be an allegory or a story representing the life of Christ, I'm excited to read the rest of the series it seems like a great book for young readers to understand the life we are given through Christ and the sacrifice he made for us!
July 8, 2013
Cottonmouth and the River is a true joy to read. This book has changed the way I will look at children's literature, and is sure to do the same for you.
October 21, 2014
I love these stories, they are subtly profound and sweet. The entire construction of the book is a work of art, though the illustration can certainly hold its own. Stunning, absolutely stunning.
April 20, 2015
Beautiful illustrations and a simple story. A quick read in between two other books. The second book continuing Freddie and Tug's story waits for tomorrow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews