Dr. Fieldmouse and the Frog

by Solveig Paulson Russell

A little fieldmouse doctor

Shook his furry head

And tweaked his whiskers anxiously

As thoughtfully he said,

“It’s sad that cars are limited

To people—yes, indeed—

And can’t be had by fieldmice

No matter what the need.

For here I am a doctor

With shoes so worn and thin

That I have trouble keeping

My little toes within.

Now if I had a car to drive,

I’d feel quite safe and grand—

But oh, alas, there are no cars

In all of Fieldmouse Land.

But still I must keep going

To make my calls, you see.

Oh, dear! I really cannot tell

What’s to become of me.”

He then picked up his little bag

And pulled his high hat down

And scurried on a little path

That led to Fieldmouse Town.

He hadn’t traveled very far

Before he met a frog

Blinking in the sunshine

On a pussy-willow log.

The froggy spoke politely

And bowed his old green head,

“How do you do, good doctor?

I just heard what you said.

And if you’d like my services,

You’re welcome as can be,

For I don’t need to walk at all;

I merely hop,” said he.

“And so my shoes are never thin;

My back is strong and wide.

Do climb aboard, dear doctor,

And we’ll be off,” he cried.

The doctor answered, “Mr. Frog,

You fill me with delight!

A doctor seated on a frog

Will be a handsome sight.

And since my job’s important,

I’ll gladly ride with you,

And we will share together

The work there is to do.”

The doctor pushed his little toes

Into each worn-out shoe

And tucked his bag beneath his arm,

And with no more ado

He climbed upon his hopping steed.

The frog went jumpety-jump.

And Doctor Fieldmouse traveled far—

Kerplunk, kerplunk, kerplunk.

He traveled far day in, day out,

And even to this day

They both go hopping on their rounds—

At least so fieldfolk say!

Illustrated by Phyllis Luch