Frogs

Frogs and toads fascinate us for many reasons. Frogs sport a dazzling array of colors and markings—some for camouflage, others to warn away predators. Adults also vary a good deal in size, from a tiny Brazilian frog (under one-half inch) to the West African goliath frog (almost sixteen inches), and they exhibit similar diversity in body shape, from the slender tree frogs and narrow-waisted “true frogs” to the stout-bodied roads and buxom burrowing frogs.

Frogs showcases over fifty of the world’s most fascinating frogs. While some of the frogs and toads included in this book will be recognized by readers, others will certainly be new. This is understandable, since there are over 3,950 species worldwide. Frog families such as tree frogs, toads, poison frogs, horned frogs, and bullfrogs, are shown with photographs to distinguish the different species.

In Frogs, John Netherton’s brilliant photos are paired with David Badger’s easy-to-read, non-technical text, pointing out the characteristics that make the frogs so unique and interesting. This four-color reference book gives great detail about the physical characteristics of frogs, and their behavior. From their skin, to their senses of hearing, sight, and taste, to their unique style of communication—croaking, singing, and chirping, all of the traits that make frogs special are described in detail. Their reproductive habits and springing jumps are shown with visual references.  

David Badger, of Franklin, Tennessee, is a journalism professor, former book critic and columnist for the Nashville Tennessean, and has written and edited many other books. John Netherton, of Nashville, Tennessee, is a renowned nature photographer and a regular contributor to Outdoor Photographer. The pair collaborated on Frogs.