Let’s sing the praises of the nonfiction picture book Frog Song
Each two-page spread in the book presents a different frog from around the world, with a total of 11 different frogs featured. The lush illustrations – a mix of watercolor, tempera and pencil – depict the frog in its native habitat. The text fairly sings with all the sounds the frogs make and you will definitely have fun reading this one aloud. More subtly, the author works in details of each type of frog’s life cycle as well.
If the reader wants more, there’s also two pages in the back matter with “thumbnails” of each type of frog, the range, length and a quick fact not revealed in the main text. There’s also a brief section about “Frogs in Trouble.”
Frog Song will definitely appeal to animal- and nature-loving young readers. It would be great to accompany a trip to a zoo that has frogs in its collection. Hopefully it will inspire children to learn more about frogs and how to make sure there will always be frog songs around to enjoy.
Related activities:
1. This book begs to be accompanied with a map of the world. Find the location of each frog species and attach its name and/or photograph. Older children might even want to color in the ranges of each frog species.
2. You will also want to have some frog song recordings to play along.
- All about Frogs has frog song recordings
- Voices of Costa Rican Frogs and Toads also has recordings (click on “Track”)
The Queensland Museum has put together a video of some common calls of Australian Frogs and Toads (a few of the names are likely to elicit giggles).
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (February 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805092544
ISBN-13: 978-0805092547
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Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. Currently the meme is undergoing a transition, so please leave a comment if you’d like more information.
Today’s round-up is at Jean Little Library.