From School Library Journal
Grades 1-4--Arnosky takes full advantage of the greens in his palette for this exemplary introduction. Clear, simple text is complemented by careful, informative acrylic illustrations on every page. From the beginning definition of an amphibian to the more esoteric fact that frogs use their eyeballs to push their prey down their throats, the careful precision of word choice makes this book both understandable to and respectful of the serious intent of young researchers. The paintings introduce many types of frogs as they elucidate the points made in the text. Captions indicate which illustrations are life-size, and black silhouettes clarify anatomical features. Arnosky ends with a plea for protecting the animals' environment. Among the many introductory books about frogs, this is one of the best.
Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Arnosky adds to his excellent All About series, which includes
All about Owls (1999) and
All about Turtles (2000). Here, he brings to the subject of frogs his considerable skills as a naturalist, artist, and writer. Beginning with a discussion of amphibians, the book goes on to talk specifically about frogs: their distinctive characteristics, habits, habitats, range, life cycle, diet, and the threats to their existence. The attractive acrylic paintings, well designed to illustrate particular points, zoom in for details and show various kinds of frogs engaged in typical behaviors and seen from many points of view. Arnosky takes care to point out when an illustration shows the actual size of a particular species. Always informative, yet casual in tone, the text will engage young readers without talking down to them.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
See all Editorial Reviews