Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Science writer Pringle truly delivers with his latest, a fascinating look at the similarities and differences among the many and varied species of frogs. Think that all frogs jump on the ground, are green and leave their eggs/tadpoles to fend for themselves? Well, this text will set readers straight. The Reinwardt's flying frog glides between trees, the mantella and poison frogs come in all the colors of the rainbow and one can guess what makes the marsupial frog stand out. Nothing if not thorough, this covers just about everything one would want to know about frogs. Camouflage, mating, development, coloring, size, locomotion, how and what they eat and how and why they make sounds are just some of the topics. The last few pages deal with humans and the ways they affect frog populations and habitats. While Pringle presents large paragraphs of information on each page, he perfectly measures out each fact, balancing it with some interesting tidbit sure to fascinate and help kids remember the details that are presented. Henderson's detailed, realistic watercolors match the text, showing the great diversity among the many species of frogs. Insets accompany much of her full-spread artwork, allowing her to depict the many variations that exist. Budding herpetologists will snap this one up faster than a frog can catch a fly. (author's note, answer key, list of resources for more information) (Nonfiction. 6-10)

ALA Booklist (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

The latest volume in the dependable Strange and Wonderful series introduces frogs. The book shows how varied these animals are, not just in their sizes, colors, and shapes, but in the sounds they make, their habitats, their development from egg to adult, and their means of protecting themselves and their young. Flowing naturally from one topic to the next, the writing is clear and authoritative. Pringle recognizes what will intrigue children as well as what they need to know to understand the subject. Closely aligned with the text, Henderson's watercolor paintings illustrate the characteristics of specific frogs with precision and beauty. Though no sources are mentioned, two authorities in the field reviewed the manuscript and illustrations. An enjoyable author's note relates Pringle's close encounters with frogs as a child, as a father, as a wildlife photographer, and as a neighborhood ecologist acting locally to protect and even create anuran habitats. A must-have addition to science collections.

Horn Book

In a well-organized, accurate, and conversational text, Pringle classifies these diverse amphibians without jargon and explains features common to most, such as jumping ability, excellent eyesight, foot structure, tongue capabilities, and mating and nurturing practices. He concludes with discussion about threats to their survival. Henderson's complementary illustrations feature detailed animals and impressionistic backgrounds.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Science writer Pringle truly delivers with his latest, a fascinating look at the similarities and differences among the many and varied species of frogs. Think that all frogs jump on the ground, are green and leave their eggs/tadpoles to fend for themselves? Well, this text will set readers straight. The Reinwardt's flying frog glides between trees, the mantella and poison frogs come in all the colors of the rainbow and one can guess what makes the marsupial frog stand out. Nothing if not thorough, this covers just about everything one would want to know about frogs. Camouflage, mating, development, coloring, size, locomotion, how and what they eat and how and why they make sounds are just some of the topics. The last few pages deal with humans and the ways they affect frog populations and habitats. While Pringle presents large paragraphs of information on each page, he perfectly measures out each fact, balancing it with some interesting tidbit sure to fascinate and help kids remember the details that are presented. Henderson's detailed, realistic watercolors match the text, showing the great diversity among the many species of frogs. Insets accompany much of her full-spread artwork, allowing her to depict the many variations that exist. Budding herpetologists will snap this one up faster than a frog can catch a fly. (author's note, answer key, list of resources for more information) (Nonfiction. 6-10)

School Library Journal (Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

Gr 4-6 Pringle's readable text explores the wide range of shapes, sizes, colorations, habits, and habitats of these elusive, intriguing creatures. He includes flying frogs, marsupial frogs, and the brilliantly colored poison frogs that can kill predators with their toxins. Children learn about frogs that lay their eggs in ponds and puddles and those that nurture their tadpoles in their mouths until the froglets are fully developed. Henderson's lovely, realistic illustrations keep careful step with the text, showing the amphibians in all their variety and even providing a double-page "hide-and-seek" that emphasizes their skill at camouflage. The tiny Gold frog and the Cuban frog, tied for smallest in the Guinness Book of Froggy Records, have been supplanted by an even more minuscule species ( Paedophyrne amauensis ), newly discovered after this book went to press. Pringle ends with a discussion of the dangers frogs face from loss of habitat, including chemically induced deformities and new diseases ravaging their populations. An author's note is a revelation of his own affection for these creatures and his personal efforts to give them a fighting chance. A list of conservation organizations is included. Comparable in difficulty to Nic Bishop's attractive Frogs (Scholastic, 2008) and Mark Moffett's Face to Face with Frogs (National Geographic, 2008), and much simpler than Sandra Markle's intriguing The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs (Millbrook, 2011) or Pamela Turner's engaging The Frog Scientist (Houghton Harcourt, 2009), this is a handsome, informative look into the unexpectedly diverse world of frogs. Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY