Frogs, Vol. 1

Children's Literature - Dia L. Michels and Marilyn Courtot

Amazing amphibians leap from the pages of this "Penguin Young Reader." It begins with a "Ker-plunk!" as a frog dives into the water to escape a hungry bird. Young readers learn all about the world of frogs and toads, seeing them climb trees, catch flies, and grow legs. For a frog's life begins in the water where a female frog lays a batch of eggs that eventually release tadpoles. The tadpoles are more like fish and must live in the water. As they grow, their bodies change and they become creatures that can live on land and breathe air, but still need to spend time in or near water. The various types of frogs is mind-boggling (4,000 ranging from big Goliath frogs to ones that fit on a fingertip). Frogs can protect themselves from prey in a variety of ways—camouflage or poisonous skins. Frogs are not the only amphibians; toads are also part of this family. This easy reader is easy to look at, too. With collage illustrations representing frogs in every color, size and shape, the pictures jump out at you. This book is as enjoyable to look at as it is to read. A Level 2 book that is also identified as Guided Reading Level "I." The opening page contains a note to parents and educators about the series and tips for making best use of the book. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels and Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature - Dia L. Michels

Amazing amphibians leap from the pages of this "Penguin Young Reader." It begins with a "Ker-plunk!" as a frog dives into the water to escape a hungry bird. Young readers learn all about the world of frogs and toads, seeing them climb trees, catch flies, and grow legs. For a frog's life begins in the water where a female frog lays a batch of eggs that eventually release tadpoles. The tadpoles are more like fish and must live in the water. As they grow, their bodies change and they become creatures that can live on land and breathe air, but still need to spend time in or near water. The various types of frogs is mind-boggling (4,000 ranging from big Goliath frogs to ones that fit on a fingertip). Frogs can protect themselves from prey in a variety of ways—camouflage or poisonous skins. Frogs are not the only amphibians; toads are also part of this family. This easy reader is easy to look at, too. With collage illustrations representing frogs in every color, size and shape, the pictures jump out at you. This book is as enjoyable to look at as it is to read. A Level 2 book that is also identified as Guided Reading Level "I." The opening page contains a note to parents and educators about the series and tips for making best use of the book. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels and Marilyn Courtot