Customer Reviews

Frogs (First Discovery Books)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This series is an imitation of the Eyewitness format for younger readers. It is most appropriate for ages 2-5.

This pictures are gorgeous, like all the books in this series. And like virtually all the books, it runs into some serious problems when it comes to its actual content!

The biggest problem is that the "frogs" in this book are one particular European species (called a "green frog" in the book), and so the information that it true about that one species isn't true about many frogs. This one "lives in the water almost all the time." It eats "frogs, worms, and other small animals" and is hunted by pike. Its vocal sacs are on the sides of its head.

There are translation errors, like calling the vocal sac a vocal bag.

There are poor definitions--like stating that most toads prefer to live on land instead of water, as if that were their defining characteristic, though it does mention the bumpy skin most common to toads.

There are outright factual errors, like the statements that "only amphibians...breathe underwater as babies but breathe on land as adults." They are the only VERTIBRATES, yes, but there are a number of insect species that live as larvae underwater and on land as adults.

I do like that the life cycles and habits of frogs are decently presented, and the brief mention of other amphibians works here. So does the distinction between reptiles and amphibians. Overall, the book is mediocre, but there are few alternatives for this age group, so I'd still recommend it with reservations.

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The First Discovery books are right at the leading edge of high quality children's picture books.

This series of books which continues to grow in number, pioneers the exciting technique of the "double sided overlay", a brilliant illustrating tool which brings excitement and almost dynamic movement to story telling. Perhaps one day we may even see this concept applied to website design?

This book on Frogs is almost luxurious in the depth and quality of its illustrations. The text that accompanies the pictures is succinct but informative and always engaging.

What is it about Frogs that is so appealing? Those bulging eyes, those comic sounds, those amazing leaps, that incredible fly catching tongue? This book captures that magic.

The metamorphosis from an egg to a tadpole to a frog must be many children's first introduction to the wonders of the animal kingdom. How many youngsters have been inspired to a lifetime interest (or even a career in life sciences) after observing or nurturing some frogs?

This book would be an ideal resource to support and enhance their interest.

My 4-year old just loves this book! He likes the see-through pages to flip back and forth between pictures. The text is not so long as to lose small ones' attention, but gives enough information that he can tell me many frog "facts".