Ask B-Frog

Bookish Frog – who lives at TCU Press – answers your questions about the Southwest. Write him at tcupress@tcu.edu, and he’ll add your name to his pad-to-pad e-mail list. 

Hey, B-Frog: Over the holidays, somebody told me that Texas makes more fruitcake than anybody? Is that the truth? – East Texan

     The fruitcake reportedly originated in ancient Egypt. Today the most famous producer of this popular gift item is probably Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana.

     The bakery began in 1896, and makes over a million fruitcakes every year. You can read about it in our book Braggin’ on Texas. 

Dear B-Frog: While driving near Huntsville, I saw this gigantic statue along Interstate 45. Can you tell me more about it? – Texas Tourist

     That statue’s called “Tribute to Courage,” and honors Sam Houston, first president of the Republic of Texas. He stands 67 feet tall (or maybe slightly less without his boots).

     The only taller Texas statue isn’t a human form. It’s the giant giraffe sculpture which welcomes visitors to the Dallas Zoo. 

Hey, B-Dude: What the most famous movie about Texas? – Film Fan

     Many say it’s the 1956 movie “Giant,” starring legendary actors Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean.

     Says Don Graham in his book State Fare…an irreverent guide to Texas Movies:

“ ‘Giant’ was a huge favorite in Texas for at least two generations, and did more than any other single film to define what Texas looked like to the rest of the world, especially those who had never been to the state.” 

We want to hear from you! Send your questions to tcupress@tcu.edu. To order books discussed in this column, ask your bookstore… or call 1-800-826-8911.

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The story of B-Frog:

     Bookish Frog – who answers mostly to B-Frog – is the mascot of TCU Press. His handsome form appears on the spine of every book the Press releases.

     Nobody knows how old B-Frog is. (A horned lizard doesn’t show its age.) He learned to read as a youth.

     His real passion is books about Texas and the Southwest. He’ll share that information with readers, and he’ll offer writing and reading tips from the publishing house where he lives.