From Booklist
Gr. 3^-6. Designed as a field guide, this colorful book devotes a page to each of 30 creatures, such as the spring peeper, the Great Plains toad, and the box turtle. Readers will learn what the animal looks like, where it lives, what it sounds like, what it eats, and (in small, decorated sidebars) "Interesting Facts," one per page. Another little box contains a warning or a bit of advice, ranging from the useful ("DO NOT TOUCH. This turtle bites hard and fast!") to the obvious ("Don't leave behind any litter"). Each section of the book begins with a general introduction and ends with an easy craft project. The five "Scrapbook" pages, bordered but otherwise blank, may invite unwanted scribbling. Sturdier and more attractive than most paperbacks, this wide-format book has sewn signatures, glossy pages, and several small line-and-wash illustrations on each page. Despite its drawbacks, the book presents useful information in an attractive format. Carolyn Phelan

Card catalog description
Describes the physical characteristics and habitats of a variety of different frogs, toads, and turtles. Includes related activities and scrapbook pages.

ANNOTATION

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and diet of thirty kinds of frogs, toads, and turtles.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Colorful illustrations and useful tips help 8- to 12-year-olds find and identify 30 different kinds of frogs, toads, and turtles in this fun guide that's perfect for outdoor adventures. For each species, children learn what it looks like, what it eats and where to find it. Plus there are fascinating facts, fun activities, and scrapbook pages for notes or drawings. 90 color illustrations.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

At first glance, the book is appealing. It invites the reader to explore types of frogs, toads, and turtles. Divided into three sections, each specific type of frog, toad, or turtle is given one page. On that page, one can find a picture and description of a particular sub-specie, its habitat, and dietary needs. However, other than the actual picture of the amphibian, the small illustrations are almost cartoon-like. The inserts of "interesting facts" are fascinating, but distracting. In the bottom border of each page is an irrelevant quote that is even more distracting. The most disturbing issue is the poor description of where each specie can be found. An example of this is, "The treefrog is found everywhere east of the Mississippi River south to northern Florida, and west into Texas." If adult readers have difficulty deciphering the information, children will find it impossible. The table of contents is detailed enough, but the further information and index are not. Other books on this topic are much more highly recommended. The book is part of the "Young Naturalist Field Guide" series. 2000, Gareth Stevens, Ages 5 to 10, $21.27 and $6.95. Reviewer: Jenny B. (J. B.) Petty

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