Sprig and Anne's adventures are a joy to behold, mostly thanks to their delightfully compatible personalities and the sweet friendship that develops between them. Though Anne has had experiences with what she assumed to be friendship, her interactions with Sprig convince her that friendship is actually something quite different -- and quite a bit more wonderful -- from what she had thought. In Sprig's case, he'd long been a bit of an outsider in his swamp home, but coming to know Anne helps him step out of his shell and embrace life in new ways.

Meanwhile, the mystery about how Anne came to Amphibia and how she might get home unfolds slowly, involving characters with questionable motives and some surprises. As Anne reflects on her past, the story illustrates issues like bullying and emotional manipulation in ways that will resonate with kids and tweens and can prompt discussions about the topics. Amphibia's quality writing, endearing characters, positive themes, and visual appeal make this a truly enjoyable pick for families to watch together.