Amazon.com Review
Forget the birds and the bees--frog spawn is where it's at! When a little girl and her mother read a story about a frog that grows bigger and bigger and bigger, they decide to watch some real frogs growing. Armed with a bucket, they head to a nearby pond and scoop up some of the "gray jelly stuff" floating on top. ("Yuck!" the girl says.) Over the next week or so, the spawn, now in a fish tank at home, develop into tadpoles, and then frogs. When the frogs start hopping onto stones so they can breathe air, it's time to return them to the pond. Vivian French's simple, amusing text (in a handprinted-style typeface) infuses life, humor, and plenty of personality into this environmentally sound, scientifically accurate introduction to frog metamorphosis. The girl's view of her evolving friends ("There were feathery things on their heads, and I could see their eyes") blends seamlessly with the explanatory text ("The feathery things are called gills, and they're what underwater animals use for breathing").
Illustrated by the talented Alison Bartlett, this terrifically appealing picture book features color-drenched double-page spreads with big, childlike, anatomically correct paintings. French and Bartlett have written and illustrated many well-loved books for children, including several other vibrant team efforts, including Oliver's Fruit Salad and Oliver's Vegetables. Frog lovers, rejoice! (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-There's just something about Growing Frogs that captures the imagination. After a mother and daughter read a story about a frog that gets bigger and bigger, Mom suggests further study. Off they go to collect frog spawn (in small quantity from a man-made pond, lest the dwindling frog population be further endangered) and then watch the transformation and return the little frogs to the home pond. Spirited splashes of bright acrylics stretch and focus the enterprise to illustrate the developmental stages of a frog as the diminutive zoologist nurtures her cluster with Mom providing support when needed. Though the illustrations may not present the minute, scientific detail required in a field guide, they are just right for a first encounter with tadpole mysteries. The text presents all of the essential tips in such a lively manner that readers will want to become involved. Various factoids in smaller type appear throughout the adventure to ensure a successful experience. Though youngsters fascinated by frogs may be drawn to this text on their own, it will make a most rewarding read-together or read-aloud to a class. A hopping-good collaboration.
Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
