Frogs

by Gail Gibbons

Summary

Frogs details the creation and growth of frogs from frog spawn to embryos to tadpoles to fully grown frogs. After the frogs are fully grown, the book goes into a discussion of what frogs are (amphibians), describes that frogs are cold blooded, details the many body parts of frogs, and even explains how frogs hunt for food and swim. The various sounds frogs make take up an entire page as well, which is enticing to children and amusing as well.

Discussion

Written for first or second graders, this book should be used as a supplemental learning aid when discussing amphibians or frogs or animals in general in a classroom. The helpful illustrations assist children in picturing the growth of the frogs, and it helps them to distinguish between a frog's growth versus another animal's growth. The second half helps them to understand what sets frogs apart from other animals, and what makes them unique and important in nature and the cycle of life.

An activity to assist teachers in planning after reading this book could be their own book. Each student could be given a different part of the frog's development and, using the book as their very own springboard, could illustrate a singular part to be put into a book for the class to use later.

Gibbons, G. (1993). Frogs. New York: Holiday House.