Frogs

Don’t tell Kermit, but frogs are not soft and cuddly little things. In fact, some of them are even poisonous. They are fascinating creatures and come in a wide variety of sizes—the smallest are smaller than a dime and the largest are the size of a grapefruit—and colors, from green to brown to red to purple to blue to yellow and more. They live on every continent except Antarctica, and they have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, 140 million years ago. These fascinating creatures are the subject of a new book for the younger set by award-winning science writer Seymour Simon. The text is accessible for young readers, answering all those questions they ask without talking down to them. Simon packs a great deal of information in this little book. It is illustrated with spectacular close-up photographs that show the creatures in their natural habitats, warts and all. Yes, some frogs do have warts. A few of the photographs could benefit from captions, but that is a small thing in what is otherwise a perfect picture book for elementary school children. This is not to be missed.