Frogs

Wolfe, Art

ISBN 10: 0517709066 ISBN 13: 9780517709061

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1997

Synopsis

Think you know all there is to know about frogs? Acclaimed author James Martin will make you think again in this fascinating look at the ever-popular amphibian. Martin deftly details all the froggy facts--their amazing metamorphosis from tadpole to frog, what it means to be an amphibian--but then he delves deeper, giving readers a reason to care about frogs. Frogs are among the Earth's oldest creatures, dating back 190 million years. Because of their remarkable ability to adapt to different climates and habitats, frogs are what scientists call an indicator species: By monitoring how frogs are doing, we can get a sense of the health of our planet. And lately frogs have been dying out at drastic rates. Loaded with fabulous color photographs from Art Wolfe, Frogs is a beautiful, informative, and thought-provoking introduction to a creature many of us can find in our own backyards.  

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6?A fresh look at frogs is offered in this cogent introduction. The text conveys the nature of these slimy-skinned amphibians through succinct descriptions of physical characteristics common to all; special characteristics of unusual species; methods of locomotion; metamorphosis; mating behavior; care of young; defense mechanisms; and hibernation. Over two dozen frog species are discussed (plus a couple of toads); the majority are found in Central and South America. Outstanding full-color photographs appear on nearly every page. The photos are extraordinarily good, with imaginative composition and remarkable clarity. Picture captions identify species by both their common and scientific names. The lively, well-organized text is sprinkled with intriguing details not found in other titles. The average size of the species is not given, but this is a minor omission. Elizabeth Lacey's The Complete Frog (Lothrop, 1989) and D. M. Souza's Frogs, Frogs Everywhere (Carolrhoda, 1994) are two good general introductions that offer more information on metamorphosis than Martin's book. As Martin focuses on exotic frogs, most of which are not covered in other titles, and boasts exceptional photography, it will be a valuable addition to most collections.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

The full-color photographs in this work pay gleaming, glistening homage to the frog, who survived for millions of years after the dinosaurs, only to be endangered by manmade pollutants today. Martin and Wolfe (Hiding Out, 1993, etc.) include startling examples of frogs' adaptations to climate and habitat. There are the white spotted burrowing frogs of Australia, which stay underground in desert climates for up to seven years, emerging only when it rains, and wood frogs, which allow themselves to freeze in winter, miraculously thawing out in spring. Wolfe includes a rainbow of brightly colored poisonous dart frogs, as well as several views of camouflaged frogs (which readers must find). The only frustration--a minor one--is that some intriguing frogs mentioned in the text are not represented in the pictures. Otherwise, this is a convincing testament to unique creatures and their increasingly threatening environment. (Picture book. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0517709066
• ISBN 13: 9780517709061
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32