Book Description

Wendy Pfeffer describes the amazing metamorphosis from tiny, jellylike egg, to little fishy tadpole, to great big bullfrog. Holly Keller has created the archetypal frog pond and we see it through the seasons as the tadpoles grow legs and lungs and eventually hop onto land: bullfrogs at last. "Well-designed ink drawings washed with soft-toned watercolors stretch across the double-page spreads, showing the action above and below water level. . . .an attractive, general introduction."—BL.

1994 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)
Best Children's Science Books, 1994 (Science Books and Films) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Another Great Kids' Book
This is another great STAGE 1 book in the "Let's Read & Find Out" Science Series. The STAGE 1 Series books are written for preschool and kindergarten-age kids (age 3 to 6) about basic science concepts.
This book has 32 pages of nice illustrations (artwork NOT photography) to help the words tell about the developmental stages of frogs.

Some children's books miss the fact of who their target audience is. The "Let's Read & Find Out" books consistently keep subject matter easily understood using age appropriate vocabulary and keep a child interested at the same time.
We recently bought a home science frog growing kit. This book is perfect read along material to show my five year old son what to anticipate in coming weeks.

The books are written for the reading ability of an "average" 3 year old. Older kids may very well get bored with the simple reading in this book. But, they should find the information about frogs fascinating, especially if they are participating in growing some at home or in class! Remember how much fun frog eggs and tadpoles were as a kid?

We have several books in this series and are pleased that our son enjoys them so much.
John Row

very good
This book is very appropriate for any young one learning about frogs. My nephew has learned alot from this book about where frogs come from. The pictures are real and not drawings which I like. ... Read more

Amazon.com

We are mad for poet-painter Douglas Florian. We were buzzed by Insectlopedia, moony for Mammalabilia, and batty for hisother beautifully biological, biologically beautiful books as well. We loveFlorian for his clever, downright shameless wordplay. One of our favorite poemsin Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs is "The Wood Frog":

I am a frozen frogsicle.
I froze beneath a logsicle.
My mind is in a fogsicle
Inside this icy bogsicle.
My temperature is ten degrees.
I froze my nose, my toes, my knees.
But I don't care, I feel at ease,
For I am full of antifreeze.

We polliwoggle.
We polliwiggle.
We shake in lakes,
Make wakes,
And wriggle.
We quiver,
We shiver,
We jiggle,
We jog.
We're yearning
To turn ourselves
Into a frog.

Reviews (4)

Fabulous for reptile fans!
My two-year-old son is a *huge* reptile fan, and he loves this book. The playful language is wonderful, and it's an inspiring way to talk and think about different types of animals. It's one of those books that *I* love reading, too!

A rare find, like Loco for Lizards
This book takes an offbeat subject like lizards and makes the subject fun and entertaining, while it also informs. Very much like Jim Cherry's book, Loco for Lizards, a laugh-out-loud funny book that packs an amazing wealth of information in at the same time. Highly recommended!

Keen observations, delicate touch.
Florian delights! He's carefully observed the reptiles and amphibians in his book, and the poetry and collages are witty and subtle. This is good for kids and like great animation, terrific for herp-loving adults. --Ae Nash, Director, Colorado Reptile Rescue

Poems You Don't Want to Miss!
Douglas Florian is back with another marvelous collection of 21 poems that will charm and amuse the entire family. This time out, he tackles the world of reptiles and amphibians, from those noisy spring peepers to the transparent glass frog to the wall walking gecko. His clever poetry, full of wordplay, puns and even visual fun, is complimented by his creative and inventive artwork, that will mesmerize readers with its wit, color and detail. For all who loved Mr Florian's past collections of Mammalabilia and Insectlopedia, Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs is a terrific book you shouldn't miss. ... Read more

Book Description

Reptiles Up Close features eleven species of reptiles. Each chapter begins with four close up photographs of each reptile. Readers are asked to identify the body part included in each photo before turning the page to find the answer. Photos include the colorful patterns of Scales on the Leopard Gecko's back, the bottom of a Spotted Turtle's shell, and the horns on the nose of a Gaboon Viper.

There is fun information about each species, such as how a baby Water Moccasin attracts food with its tail.An "Explore More" question at the end of each chapter encourages readers to find out more about each reptile.With over 75 full color original photos, this 56-page book includes a glossary of terms used throughout the book.There is also information on where to learn about reptiles in your area and how to share the world with reptiles. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fantastic Book
This is a tremendous book for children and also a great book for adults. The photographs are suberb and the text is well written and a lot of fun.

Kudus to David Nieves and Tom Weidner.

Cool Photos
Wow!!!! Really cool eyeball pictures. I liked the book a lot and trying to guess the close-ups was fun!!! ... Read more

Book Description

How can fish live in water? Why don’t they drown? The answer to this fishy question and more can be found in this latest addition to the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. The book clearly explains how a fish’s body is perfectly suited to life underwater, just as our bodies are suited for life on land.

1996 ‘Pick of the Lists’ (ABA)
Best Children’s Science Books 1995 (Science Books and Film) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great science book for young kids!
Wendy Pfeffer has a talent for making difficult science concepts understandable to young children. This is a lively and very kid-friendly book with cheerful illustrations that kids will enjoy and learn from. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the intriguing world of reptiles -- their natural history, habits and lifestyles.

Here is an original and exciting new look at the fascinating world of reptiles. Stunning real-life photographs of snakes, crocodiles, lizards and turtles offer a unique "eyewitness" view of some of the world's most curious living creatures, their intriguing characteristics and unusual behavior. See a snake eating a rat, a lizard in mating display, a crocodile's pantry, a baby snake hatching from its egg, and a turtle defending itself. Learn how crocodiles look after their young, how snakes measure the size of their prey, how lizards store fat in their tails, and how chameleons swivel their eyes. Discover how baby reptiles are independent from birth, how snakes are charmed, how geckos walk upside down, how crocodiles swallow stones so they sink under water, how a snake is milked of its venom, and much, much more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great for toddlers/preschool
My 3 year old son loves these books,and they have really helped get him excited about animals and nature. Now when we go for walks he can name every bug, bird, snake etc. that we see and tell me a little about them.

A very intresting book with every type of reptile.
This is a very good book and is my second favorite Eyewitness book coming after Eyewitness SHARK. This book tells about every reptile: Snakes, Allogators and Crocidiles, Lizards, Turtles and Tuateras.I love this book because it tells you very intresting facts about reptiles. You should buy this book because it is awsome! ... Read more

Book Description

The most accessible recognition guides. A systematic approach, authoritative text, and clear photographs make the Smithsonian Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians the most comprehensive and easy--to--use pocket guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the world. Packed with over 600 color photographs of more than 400 species, this handbook is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily. Expertly written, each entry combines a precise description with fully annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each species. A comprehensive introduction describes the anatomy, lifecycle, and behavior of the major groups of reptiles and amphibians, while the initial steps of identification are facilitated by a clear visual key. Each entry in the Smithsonian Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians is accompanied by a map showing the geographical distribution of the species while the text and color--coded bands give the internationally accepted scientific name and provide at--a--glance information on size, diet, habitat, reproduction, and population status. A concise glossary explains all technical and scientific terms used in the book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a useful book
I've the same book but a french one, it is the most useful book a reptiles' lover must have. It is simple to read, to understand. There's a good introduction to reptiles classifications (which is not obvious for begginers), the "identity card" for each animal is well conceived.
A good book to bring for travelling.

One great book.
Like all the books in this series "Reptiles and Amphibians" gives a species by species look at a huge variety of creatures. From Chameleons to Cobras this book has a great selection. There are not many field guides out there with such fantastic and detailed photos so I suggest it for anyone who loves the to some "unlovable" slimy or scaly creatures of our world. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the world of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders -- their natural history, habitats, and fascinating life cycles.

Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the rare caecilians come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, sizes, and habitats. They live both is water and on land and move in a great variety of ways, from swimming, to hopping, and even flying. With a series of specially commissioned photographs, Eyewitness Amphibian looks in close-up at the fascinating natural world of these remarkable creatures, from bright green red-eyed treefrogs to dull, burrowing, wormlike caecilians; from startling black and yellow fire salamanders to tiny, see-through glass frogs. Unique photo-sequences show newt tadpoles developing into adults, and a burrowing frog disappears before your very eyes. A giant ornate horned toad devours a mouse, and a grog leaps across the pages -- caught in mid air with tongue outstretched after a tasty meal. See the underwater courtship display of a great crested newt, and watch a salamander eating an earthworm. Full of amazing facts and extraordinary real-life photography, Amphibian is a unique and exciting introduction to the varied world of amphibians. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

fun book
My son and I greatly enjoyed this book. It is presented in the typical, and attractive, Eyewitness style, and is packed with information and pictures. I especially enjoyed reading about ancient amphibians. I had no idea that they grew so large in ancient times! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Delightful for children--and adults!
The artwork lured me to this book. Each page has a marvelous rendition of a sea turtle's nesting saga. The storytelling is accurate but lyrical so even the youngest children will be captivated. I highly recommend it for parents and grandparents to give to the children they love--especially if you're headed for the beach!

Kudos from my Grandson
My grandson, Cameron Howard, has checked this book out from the library on numerous ocassions. Despite his generally responsible attitude toward returning books in a timely manner, he just can't get this book back when it's due. Why? Because he is busy reading and re-reading the book. He is captovated by the pictures. He is infactuated with the text and dazzled by the illustrations. He called me up to see if I could get him this book. This seven year old made sure I knew the exact spelling of the author's name and the illustrator's name! It's a hit among the 7 year old crowd! ... Read more

Book Description

This Level 2 book is perfect for children who are beginning to read alone.

Longer sentences and an expanded vocabulary make this series of 48-page books slightly more challenging: Level 2 is appropriate for children who have started to read but still need help. Information boxes full of background information will stimulate inquisitive minds. These books contain between 700 and 850 words, and they are approximately 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I'm only seven And it is great
I just learned to read in first grade. The pictures were so great that I really wanted to read it. I started and finished in one day. I don't like reading that much, but I don't mind reading when it is something cool like snakes!
... ... Read more

Book Description

The desert Southwest
is full of sounds.

Skitter, skitter, scratch.
A scorpion is crawling.
Pop, pop, pop.
kangaroo rat is hopping.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
A rattlesnake is
shaking its tail.

But the spadefoot toad
is quiet in her
underground burrow,
listening for one sound
in particular...
What is that sound?
And what will the
spadefoot toad do
when she hears it?

Reviews (2)

My son says, "Give it a 'ten'!"
My son used this book as a reference for a science project that involved raising spadefoot toad tadpoles. This is a picture book with a very simple story, but the excellent illustrations depict the toad's lifecycle and unique habitat.We have enjoyed watching the spadefoot toads for years.They appear in drovesafter big summer storms, lay their eggs, and disappear almost immediately.

entertaining & educational for both mom & daughter
This is a lovely book.Very well written, with delightful illustrations.My daughter begs for me to read it to her over & over again.It taught me new things about several animals, and it's fun to read aloud.We love it. ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring 120 color photographs by renowned nature photographer John Netherton, Frogs explores in detail the lives of 50 of the most unusual frog, tree frog, and toad species from around the world. Author David Badger includes fascinating frog lore from across the centuries and describes everything from the physical traits and reproduction habits of frogs and toads to territorial behavior and life span.

Highlights general "frog facts" along with literary quotes from famous authors, plus frog lore. Features 120 color photographs by renowned nature photographer John Netherton. For natural history buffs; fans of frogs.

Also recommended: Snakes, Frogs Postcard Collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful Frogs
Tired of seeing the same photographs in older books ? Try this book, you will not be disappointed with the spectacular original color photographs by well known nature photographer John Netherton. Accompanying text gives general description of frog sizes, habitats, mating habits and distributions. This book is a definite must for any nature lover for its photos alone. ... Read more

Book Description

The award-winning Our Living World series emphasizes thefascinating patterns in the natural world, enabling readers to discovertheir own place in the network of life. Each book includes chapters onunique characteristics of the organism, senses, metabolism, reproductionand growth, food webs and food chains, fitting into the web of life.Introductions by John Behler, New York Zoological Society.

Grades 4-8; 8 1/2 x 11; 64 pages; Sturdy library binding;Classification Charts; Glossary; Further Reading; Index; 50-55 full-colorphotos and art pieces ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The best book for beginners
This book shows so much insight to both beginners and veterans in the field of reptiles. It shows what they eat, where they're found, and most importantly, what they look like and if they are poisonous or not. A great book for a beginner herpetologist.

Reptiles (National Audobon Society's First Field Guide)
This is a wonderful little book! I bought this for my 4 year old son, and he just loves it. He is not yet able to read, but really enjoys the beautiful photos. It also comes with a reference card that has thumbnails of all of the most common reptiles. So that if you see one, you can find it quickly. He looks at it for hours. It's a fun learning tool. ... Read more

Book Description

Tiny and golden (in Brazil) to the relatively hefty Goliath in Africa, frogs come in a staggering assortment of forms and occupy virtually every type of habitat. The dazzling diversity of these creatures has led to their astounding success: of the 4000 species of amphibians alive today, over 3,500 are frogs, toads, or related tailless types known as anurans. Spectacular photographs and fascinating descriptions reveal every aspect of frogs: their marvelous Lycra-like skin; their long, strong legs that facilitate jumping; their relatively short life cycle; and the energy of their mating rituals, which include raucous calling, leaping, and waving. Frogs face dangers too: while the eggs and tadpoles are especially vulnerable, even the adults are a favorite delicacy of wading birds, snakes, and mammals. Also here are lively, passionate discussions of frogs' portrayal in myths and legends, the effects of pollution on their homes, and the triumph of amphibian monitoring programs in helping the population flourish.
... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

This Level 1 book is appropriate for children just beginning to read.

For children who are just beginning to read and who have a limited vocabulary, these 32-page Level 1 books-about everything from tadpoles to puppies-use word repetition and simple sentences to convey meaning. Picture dictionary boxes with word labels "show" the meanings of words. These books contain between 400 and 450 words each, and they are 80 percent pictures and 20 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Learn to read, then read to learn!
While living in Africa we would often rescue frogs from our pool. Sometimes eggs had already been laid and the eggs were wrapped in a clear jelly. In the stream near our home we would collect tadpoles and take them home to show mom. Sometimes we found what we thought were miniature frogs. They were just baby frogs and we were sent back to the stream to release them so they could grow up and be productive insect hunters.

Yes, there is a certain wonder in watching animals grow up in the wild and that is how it should be in an ideal world. This same wonder can be transmitted through books with stunning photographs.

Eyewitness Readers are designed in conjunction with leading literary experts. The engaging easy-to-read stories are accompanied by photographs which show every detail in full color and with great clarity. DK is known for this great quality. This book is level one and is for children who are just beginning to read.

Level one contains picture dictionary boxes, word repetition, limited vocabulary and simple sentences. Children can begin to read at the early age of three, but some don't learn to read until they are 8.

Learning to read by the phonics method allows children to start reading earlier and before children will be able to read this book they will need to know phonics. This is also a fun book you can read to your child. The phonics game sold here at Amazon can help children get a head start in life in the department of reading. First children learn to read and then they read to learn.

Tadpoles rule!
"Tale of a Tadpole" combines excellent full-color photographs with a simple text by Karen Wallace in order to tell the story of a tadpole's life cycle. The result is a delightful book for beginning readers.

Like the other books in this series, "Tale of a Tadpole" includes a "Picture Word List" at the end. This is basically a summary of vocabulary words with a photograph to illustrate each word: "gills," "eye," etc. The main text of the book begins with the newly laid eggs, and depicts the tadpole (and sometimes his siblings) hatching, evading predators, and undergoing the marvelous metamorphosis into a full-grown frog.

The photography is superb. Both "action shots" and more relaxed scenes are skillfully captured. And our star tadpole/frog is a most appealing hero! Overall, I highly recommend this book both for its educational value and for its charm.

Excellent non-fiction for preschoolers
This book works well as a non-fiction read-aloud for preschoolers. Great photos keep their attention as the book briefly, but thoroughly, describes the environment & life of a frog from egg to mature frog. Wallace does a better job than some similar books at providing a bit of a story-line to go along with all of the facts. ... Read more

Book Description

Crocodiles and alligators have always been one of humankind's most feared predators. Around since the days of the dinosaurs, they are probably the source of myths about ferocious serpents and man-eating dragons. All tall tales aside, these reptiles remain fascinating creatures. Did you know that crocodiles and alligators eat their food without chewing? Or that they use the sun to regulate their body temperature? Renowned science writer Seymour Simon's accessible text, and full-color photos, provide a stellar introduction to these reptile wonders.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 2000--selected by Natn'l Science Tchrs Assoc. & Child. Bk Cncl.

Reviews (1)

Cool
This is a neat book. If you like reptiles, then you will love this book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent learning tool!
I purchased 5 books of this series for my five year old daughter for Christmas, as she wanted a "field guide" like her older sisters when exploring our 45 acres of woods. After reviewing these books before giving them, we decided to use them as part of our science program for our home school. These books have bright and colorful pictures, short accurate explanations of the animal, their habitat, eating habits, and even some of the popular anecdotes that go along with the animal. It has the appropriate warning for studying certain animals and tips on studying nature in general. What we enjoy most is that many of these animals can be found in our back yard to furthur study. Each book deals with three types of animal, such as Frogs, Toads, and Turtles. They are separated into sections dealing with each type. At the end of the section is a wonderful hands-on project the child can basically do on their own within the recommended age group (9-12) or with some assistance for a younger age group like my daughter. My 5 year old begs us to read these books to her and loves the projects. I highly recommend this book and others in the series for those who want their children to learn about nature and how to respect it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent learning tool.
I purchased 5 books of this series for my five year old daughter for Christmas, as she is a nature lover and loves anything to do with science. After reviewing these books before giving them, we decided to use them as part of our science program for our home school. These books have bright and colorful pictures, short accurate explanations of the animal, their habitat, eating habits, and even some of the popular anecdotes that go along with the animal. It has the appropriate warning for studying certain animals. What we enjoy most is many of these animals can be found in our back yard to furthur study. Each book deals with three types of animal, such as snakes, salamanders and lizards. They are separated into sections dealing with each type. At the end of the section is a wonderful hands-on project the child can basically do on their own within the recommended age group (9-12) or with some assistance for a younger age group like my daughter. My 5 year old begs us to read these books to her and loves the projects. I highly recommend this bokk and others in the series for those who want their children to learn about nature and how to respect it. I can't wait to obtain the remaining books of this series.

Snakes, Salamanders, and Lizards-- A Children's Delight!
I used Diane Burns' book as an aid for nature programs while I was working as a naturalist. Each animal is depicted in full color with pertinent details and hazards to watch for. Young kids love the colorful pictures of their favorite "slimy" creatures, while older kids can read the information and learn where and when to find the creatures. I found that Burns' book works better than a more sophisticated source when working with children, as it is written at their level -- but adults can also gain much knowledge from the information. My congratulations to Diane Burns for writing such a wonderful book! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Did You Know.....
Did you know that there are around 120 different kinds of chameleons, that their eyes move separately and their very long tongues have a sticky tip at the end? Did you know that chameleons are lizards, that some are the size of small cats and that they change colors when they're angry or too hot or cold or sick...but not to match their surroundings? Martin Jenkins loves chameleons and his enthusiasm is infectious. He's authored a marvelous book full of fun and interesting facts that's perfect for all young nature lovers. His enjoyable, conversational text is complimented by Sue Shields colorful, expressive artwork, that will mesmerize youngsters with its close-up attention to detail. Written for kids 5-9, Chameleons are Cool is a winner!

"Chameleons Are Cool" is COOL!
In our elementary school library, not many non-fiction books make it as successful read-aloud books. This is one of them.

Primary age students beg for this title. Both the brightly colored, humorous illistrations and the light conversational tone of the text grab the interest of the children. I'm continually amazed at how many facts about chameleons are slipped into this cheerful picture book, like "they change color when they're angry, or when they're too cold or too hot, or when they're sick."

Many pages have additional facts worked into the illustrations, such as "Chameleons usually get sick and die of kept as pets."

This book is to be recommended not only as a great read-aloud, but as a good source of information for students doing a report on chameleons. It even has a helpful index. ... Read more