A Frog's Life

Nature writer Kelly (Even an Octopus Needs a Home) provides a warm and vividly detailed examination of frogs. Airy spreads offer facts about frog species, behaviors, diets, common predators, habitats, and life cycles-from fertilized egg, through life as a tadpole, to full-grown frog. Italian artist Borin renders her subjects in graceful watercolors, adding naturalistic detail through pen and pencil outlines and accents; the frogs' brilliant array of skin colors are represented in mosaiclike patterns. A cutaway image shows a frog's internal organs, while another graphic depicts a frog in the process of shedding its skin: "the frog stretches, turns, and `hiccups' to loosen its old skin and pulls it over its head like a sweater," Kelly writes. A section on ecological threats facing frogs concludes with a call for readers to protect the amphibians in their own local habitats. Ages 4-8. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

* "Kelly, winner of numerous awards for her nature books for children, now introduces the amazing activities that encompass the life of a frog. . . . Borin has perfectly captured the lives of frogs and their various habitats by creating attractive watercolor illustrations in a design that is reminiscent of an artist's sketchbook. The detailed drawings will encourage students to look closely as they discover different patterns and textures. Each picture shows a particular species, which Kelly carefully names even as she describes common behaviors. Also included is current information on frog disappearances and conservation efforts to save endangered ones. The simple text and detailed illustrations make this is a fun and informative tour through the exciting amphibian world. Perfect for young researchers and a welcome addition to all libraries."—School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Full of frog facts, this picture book provides an inviting introduction to the life cycle, behaviors, and characteristics of frogs. Intricate, colorful illustrations of many species are featured here, accompanied by straightforward, informative text that explains how frogs breathe, shed, hunt, eat, jump, hide, reproduce, develop, and survive in their habitats. . . . A solid addition to the nature shelf."—Kirkus Reviews

"Borin's inviting artwork, rendered in watercolor, marker pen, and pencil, features bright colors and depicts the textures and shadings on various species, resulting in an impressionistic feel. . . . an attractive addition to the amphibian shelf."—Booklist