Complete Frog: A Guide for the Very Young Naturalist

Explores the world of the frog, examining its physical characteristics, life cycle, eating habits, and place in fact and fiction.

Grade 5-8-- An adequate introduction to the physical characteristics and life cycle of frogs. In no way complete, it covers roughly the same subject matter as several other books on this animal: the history of amphibians, differences between frogs and toads, various body features, eating habits, the laying of eggs, development of tadpoles, animal and human enemies, hibernation, and frogs in folklore. There is also information on how to observe frogs and care for them in captivity, and one section briefly describes several unusual species. The phrase "very young naturalist" is a misnomer here, for the reading level is above the ability of most young children. Lacey likes explaining things, and except for some dense statements about scientific terms, her explanations tend to be readable and informative. Santoro's illustrations are pleasantly drawn and generously washed in gray tones; the small clutch of pages featuring unusual species are in color. Jane Dallinger's Frogs and Toads (Lerner, 1982) and other books from recent years are equal to or superior in information and appearances and are also more readable, but this is perfectly satisfactory where there is a need for more material on this well-known animal. --Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.