The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs

November 1, 2011

Gr 5-7-This eye-catching, well-written book provides a window into the efforts of a coalition of scientists, wildlife groups, and zoos to decode the mysterious die-off of the Panamanian golden frog, which began in the mid 1990s. Markle follows the work of biologist Karen Lips as she studied and investigated the deaths of so many of these creatures. Further, it records the work of Project Golden Frog to protect those still alive. Fine full-color photos grace every page in this excellent exposition of science at work in field and lab. An author's note is appended, as is a listing of local and global rescue efforts. Pair this gem with Pamela Turner's equally fascinating The Frog Scientist (Houghton, 2009) detailing an investigation into the effects of agricultural chemicals on frog populations, and for a nifty look at froggy facts, try Mark Moffett's colorful Face to Face with Frogs (National Geographic, 2008).-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2011

The golden frog, a Panamanian national symbol, began vanishing from its high mountain forests in the late 1990s, prompting a scientific investigation and rescue process that continues today.

Veteran science educator Markle (Hip-Pocket Papa, 2010, etc.) describes a mission that has involved scientists from around the world. Organizing her information in short chapters, she opens with a straightforward introduction of both the problem and the two biologists who have been most closely involved. She explains why the increased frog mortality couldn't be blamed on habitat destruction, pollution or global climate change and describes the discovery of the devastating chytrid fungus, explaining how it works to kill frogs and offering some hypotheses that explain how it spread. Finally, she turns to the rescue and search for a cure. Panamanian golden frogs may now be extinct the wild, and no way has yet been found to ensure their survival outside the institutions that keep breeding colonies alive in Panama and in North American zoos. The text is set on golden pages and accompanied by large, clear color photographs and maps. In the backmatter, the author notes that in spite of their common name, these frogs are actually toads and offers suggestions for helping frogs locally and learning about global efforts.

A sobering glimpse at science in progress. (glossary, list of books and websites, index) (Nonfiction. 9-13)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Starred review from September 15, 2011
Grades 4-6 *Starred Review* In 1996, biologist Karen Lips revisited a high mountain forest in Panama, where she had studied Panamanian golden frogs four years earlier. On this trip, though, she found only dead frogs. After a pathologist discovered unusual sacs under their skin, a newspaper article about Lips' research led to communication with other scientists worldwide and the discovery that a fungus was killing off the frogs. Launched in 1999, Project Golden Frog collects healthy animals and keeps them in zoos and conservation centers until the fungus can be controlled and the frogs can be safely returned home. Since 2008, few golden frogs have been found in the wild. Notable for clarity, directness, and simplicity of writing and design alike, this volume, both handsome and fascinating, begins with the hunt for the frogs' killer and ends with the urgent need to create a safe environment for their return to the wild. Excellent photos, microscopic views, and maps illustrate the book. Back matter includes a glossary, recommended reading lists, and an author's note. While few readers will take up Markle's suggestion to become the science detective who finally stops this killer, many will absorb the notion that scientific research can be intrinsically interesting and vitally important. Pair this book with Turner's The Frog Scientist (2009).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)