Synopsis
Firebelly, a small red-bellied frog missing two feet, has difficulty keeping up with the
others. He hides his stumps and becomes quiet, contemplative, and very observant. He spends
his time under a waterfall talking to an odd and alluring Old Frog who tells him about
adventures in the wild as well as what it means to be chosen as a pet. One day, ten-year-old
Caroline selects Firebelly as her pet. Although initially fearful, Firebelly is soon overjoyed
to have his own grand and beautiful container. When Caroline’s father discovers his missing feet,
he wants to exchange him for another frog, but Caroline resists—who else would care for such a frog.
When Firebelly is temporarily moved in a rental car, the lid of his container comes off and he
jumps out of his container and hides. He now is offered the choice between a between a comfortable
life as a pet and an adventurous life in the wild. The choice to become the author of his life is
frightening and terrifying. Firebelly becomes immobilized by indecision. The car is returned with
Firebelly still inside unable to choose his future.
The car is rented by a man with a troubled teenage daughter, Claire. After a conflict,
Claire steals the car and searches for something meaningful in her life. Although Firebelly
had only thought of people as potential pet owners, he suddenly realizes that only he, a small
and insignificant frog, can help this large and unknowable person. Even though he may be tossed from the window,
he realizes his next jump will create his life. With one great leap, he confronts the unknown driver.
At that moment, Claire understands that only she can care for this spectacular and unexpected being.
The arc of this poetic story introduces readers to some of the great ideas in philosophy,
especially those of the existential writers, Sartre, Heidegger, Kierkegaard, and
Dostoyevsky.
Excerpt from Firebelly
Chapter 1
