Toad Away

April 1, 2006
Gr 3-6 -Limpy, the pacifist cane toad, continues his noble quest to make friends with humans in this third entry in the zany Australian series. He is convinced that making peace is the way to stop humankind from flattening his relatives on the highway. His cousin Goliath, a perfect caricature of a gruff, dimwitted platoon sergeant, prefers to wage war. Hearing that their Amazonian relatives have discovered the secret to a peaceful coexistence between human and toad, Limpy, his sister, and Goliath hitch a ride on some migratory birds and rush to uncover the mystery. Finding the Amazon to be a murderous war zone with hostility among all of its animal inhabitants, the toads think their mission is hopeless -until they find that all humans are not bent on destroying them, and one in particular -an ancient wise man -reveals the sought-after secret. Ecological and peace-loving messages are nicely woven into the text, and all the toads have appealingly distinct personalities. A loving sibling relationship adds a gentle touch. The plot moves quickly, and there is enough kooky humor to hold children's interest. Although the book stands on its own, readers may seek out the earlier adventures. Animal fantasy fans will be delighted with this unusual perspective on the world and will be gobsmacked when they learn the secret to peaceful coexistence. A helpful glossary of tricky Australian lingo is included. -"Quinby Frank, formerly at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2006
Gr. 4-6. In his third adventure, Limpy, an Australian cane toad, heads to the Amazon with Cousin Goliath and Sister Charm to learn how their relatives coexist successfully with humans. The humor is occasionally gross (and sometimes not for the squeamish), but the pace is fast, the prose lively, and Gleitzman presents intriguing facts about toads as he acquaints kids with some important environmental issues. Give this to children who like the nonfiction Grossology series as well as readers already acquainted with the intrepid toad. A glossary of Australian slang terms is appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)