The Fragile Frog [School & Library Binding]

Wil Mara (Author), John R. Quinn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1996 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

In this fascinating account, herpetologist William P. Mara describes the life of the Pine Barrens treefrog and its struggle to survive its most powerful enemy--humankind. Beautiful illustrations and full-color photographs heighten the readers' appreciation of this tiny, beautiful animal.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-6. The story of the tiny Pine Barrens treefrog makes a big splash in the study of amphibian life and endangered species. The diminutive frog--about two inches long--is native to only five southern states and, like many other frog populations, is threatened by pollution and habitat destruction. Very lively writing and good color photos and drawings eloquently express the plight of this beautiful frog and many other frog and toad species across the U.S. Denia Hester

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807525804
• ISBN-13: 978-0807525807
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,205,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Wil Mara, a lifelong fan of the National Football League, is the author of more than seventy-five books. He has written both fiction and nonfiction, for both children and adults. Aside from his "NFL novels," he also wrote the 2005 disaster thriller Wave, which won the 2005 New Jersey Notable Book Award.