Fragile Frog

Children's Literature - Wendy Keen

The effects of pollution and ozone damage upon the future of a species, and what this means for human survival becomes evident when you understanding the nature of the endangered Pine Barren treefrog. Mara uses clear and simple explanations to create a lively narrative. Highlighted by Quinn's realistic illustrations and a series of vibrant photographs, The Fragile Frog is both a useful reference tool and an effective argument for species preservation.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-This concisely written introduction focuses on the Pine Barrens treefrog, now found in only five states, in Eastern and Southeastern U.S. The text briefly describes the physical characteristics of frogs in general while also discussing the special characteristics, life-cycle, and environmental needs of this rare species. The book outlines the theories scientists have developed to explain its decline and gives information on four other endangered (or extinct) amphibians in the U.S. Bits of miscellaneous information about frogs and toads frequently appear in small green print in the margins. Ten mediocre-quality full-color photos, along with some assorted pen-and ink-drawings and diagrams, appear throughout. A number of the shots of the wetlands habitat are taken at too far a distance to show any details and only a few closeups are included. Good general information on frogs is widely available in Elizabeth Lacey's The Complete Frog (Lothrop, 1989) or D. M. Souza's Frogs, Frogs, Everywhere (Carolrhoda, 1995), which also briefly discusses the problem of diminishing species and mentions the Pine Barrens treefrog. Sylvia Johnson's beautifully photographed Tree Frogs (Lerner, 1986) is an excellent introduction to arboreal frogs, but it focuses on Japanese species. The Fragile Frog will be a useful addition to the endangered-animals sections of most collections and will be particularly valuable to libraries located in areas where this rare amphibian resides.-Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library