Review: A Place for Frogs by Melissa Stewart

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (April 1, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1561455210
• Source: Publisher

It never fails to astound me how much nature is impacted by the action of humans. For example, the insecticides sprayed on crops not only kill the insects they are engineered to destroy, they also kill frogs as well.  And tadpoles are killed by chemicals farmers use to increase the growth of crops. A Place for Frogs is an incredibly detailed and informative picture book about how we can protect frogs and the environments in which they live.  Each spread discusses a particular problem; the first page describes the problem and the second details a solution.  Also included are several examples of frog species and environmental dilemmas they are in.

The book is also full of very vivid illustrations, thanks to the talented Higgins Bond (that name alone is lovely!)

My boys and I read this book together one evening.  Following are their comments:

Justin (4): There were so many frogs.  I liked to count all the frogs.

This was one of the things that make this book perfect for many ages…the hidden details.  After my oldest son and I read the text, my youngest would then count the frogs, tadpoles, birds, or other creatures found on the pages.  It kept both of them engaged.

John (10): The thing I like about this book is that it shows a lot of details about frogs.  It talks about what we can do to help keep frogs alive. One of nature’s greatest things is frogs.  Frogs help people by eating annoying insects like mosquitoes.  People: Every time you find a frog/toad in a dangerous place, take it to a safe place. Frogs are a part of nature, too.  Don’t do anything to hurt them.  SAVE THE FROGS!

A Place for Frogs would be a great addition to any home, school or public library collection.