The Toad (Disgusting Critters)

Gr 1-3--The latest addition to the series, in which Gravel uses her obvious passion for seemingly unlovable creatures to excite the curiosity of young readers. The text conveys age-appropriate information about the physical attributes of toads: general traits such as their long tongues and warts, which act as form of camouflage, and the particularities of specific species, such as the Emei mustache toad and the Venezuela pebble toad (though the protagonist of this book is the common toad). Gravel discusses habitats, ecological impact, and life cycle from egg to maturity. The female pronoun is used for the main character toad, though, thankfully, she is only given eyelashes and pink lips when she declares that her warts are her "beauty spots"--and the fertilization of the eggs is not discussed. What sets this book apart from other early readers is the engaging humor. Gravel's cartoonish illustrations will keep children involved with the material and the important environmental message. However, the call to action would have benefitted from a specific example of how young people can keep the environment healthy for our amphibian friends. In addition, the use of Spanish phrases, such as a frog bidding readers "Hasta la vista," may exasperate native Spanish-speakers. VERDICT For fans of the series or collections looking to add a bit of humor.--Kelly Topita, Anne Arundel County Public Library, MD

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Having surveyed worms, spiders, flies, and head lice, Gravel continues her Disgusting Critters series with a quick hop through toad fact and fancy .... A light dose of natural history, with occasional EWWW! for flavor." - Kirkus Reviews

"Gravel uses her obvious passion for seemingly unlovable creatures to excite the curiosity of young readers .... What sets this book apart from other early readers is the engaging humor. Gravel's cartoonish illustrations will keep children involved with the material and the important environmental message." - School Library Journal

"One of the highlights of the book is the toad eating her skin with a bottle of ketchup and a giant "Ewww!" speech bubble. I have a five-year-old in my house who, after reading this book, went around quoting this page for the rest of the day." - CM Magazine

"Using a cartoon framework, Gravel rattles off fast facts accompanied by wisecracking amphibians, giving spreads the feel of a gag strip .... Young readers will squeal and squirm .... Kids will readily respond to Gravel's hilarious illustrations, simple sentences, and dynamic fonts, as well as her call to help toads by keeping the planet clean." - Booklist