Module 7: Frogs

Bibliography: Bishop, N. (2008). Frogs. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Summary:  A large variety of information on frogs is presented in this book.  For example, the general characteristics of a frog are given: long back legs, large head, big eyes, and damp skin.  The importance of habitat is also discussed.  Most frogs need wet places to live because they can only breathe easily through damp skin.  Other topics covered include types of skin, feet, the reason for large eyes, camouflage, eating habits and movement.

Impressions:  A good addition to any library’s children section and especially useful for elementary school teachers.  The text is easy to follow and serves as a good introduction to and overview of general information on frogs. Colorful and striking photos help the reader understand the various concepts discussed in the book and include a fair sampling of the various types of frogs that exist in the wild.  I was especially impressed with the photo that showed a frog jumping up out of the water to capture a tasty caterpillar.

Reviews:

Bishop, who illustrated Cowley’s Red-Eyed Tree Frog (1999) and his own Nic Bishop Spiders (2007), presents a number of large, striking photos illustrating a clearly written discussion of the physical characteristics and habits of frogs. Dominating the book are Bishop’s remarkably fine color photographs of frogs from around the world. One dual-foldout spread carries a stop-action scene showing five stages of a frog’s motion as it leaps into the air and dives into water. Even the images that are magnified to many times life-size, such as the underwater shot of a tadpole in the clutches of a predatory water bug, are exceptionally clear. Another remarkable shot shows the underside of a tiny glass frog with its internal organs visible through its transparent skin. In an appended, illustrated note, Bishop relates some of his encounters with the frogs he photographed. Even libraries with dozens of frog books on the shelf should make room for this eye-catching volume. – Carolyn Phelan (Booklist)

-          Phelan, C. (2008). Frogs Review. Booklist (Vol. 104, No. 9). Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~ylhMvF:11

“WOW! These up-close, spectacular photos of frogs from around the world will certainly grab the attention of readers. Biologist Nic Bishop scores another hit and utilizes patience and resourcefulness to capture these candid moments. Amazing photos reveal the internal organs of the see-through skin of the glass frog, the resplendent color of the poison dart frogs of the rainforest--and the sequence of a jumping frog is breathtaking. Fascinating and quirky facts--such as one half of a frog’s bones are in its feet and toads can eat up to 5,000 insects in a single summer--provide information about size, life expectancy, habitat, diet, etc. One of the most hardworking mother frogs is the Strawberry poison dart frog who carries each of her tadpoles, one at a time, on her back from the rainforest floor up a tree and then deposits each one in a separate bromeliad pool. Just like the frogs, this handsome book will jump from library shelves into eager hands.” – Beverly Fahey (Children’s Literature)

-          Fahey, B. (2008). Frogs Review. Children’s Literature. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~ylhMvF:11

Suggestions for Use in a Library:

Bring a large bundle of construction paper, scissor, markers, glue and a single large piece of poster board.  Have children cut out a frog shaped piece of paper and decorate it.  Paste the ‘frogs’ on a single piece of poster board for display.