Amazing Amphibians

December 13, 2019

Gr 6 Up-Amphibians are an important part of the ecological food chain. Medical benefits provided by amphibians are still being discovered. Currently, their population levels are quickly dwindling. These important messages are reinstated throughout the book. Starting with explaining what an amphibian is, their relatives, and body features, plus their natural habitats, Amstutz goes on to describe their life cycles and how dangerous the world is for these little creatures. Not only do they have natural predators, but man-made factors threaten their population levels. Each chapter has activities: searching out and identifying amphibians in one's area, playing games (LeapFrog, the Camouflage Game, and making Frog Slime), writing amphibian haikus, or crafting a letter to a scientist. All the activities are fairly simple; most can be accomplished without much adult supervision. The information is easily readable. Amphibian lovers will appreciate the clear, bold, bright illustrations. Pages are broken up into a variety of sections ("Fun Fact," "Look For") to support reader comprehension. Illustrations, photographs with additional information, and other shaded sections with questions and answers diversify the reading format. Back matter offers a glossary with simple, straightforward definitions, a list of amphibian orders, websites, a teacher's guide, a bibliography, and an index. VERDICT Students writing reports will like the book's interesting photography and appreciate the wealth of information. Amphibian lovers will dive in.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
Grades 2-5 This appealing package offers loads of accessible information on amphibians, lots of vivid photos, and 30 activities that span arts, crafts, writing prompts, and science experiments. Ten chapters tackle the basics, including what makes a critter an amphibian, amphibian parts, amphibians around the world, life cycles, habitats, threats, survival tactics, and ways young readers can help amphibian communities survive. The text is broken up into helpful subsections and accompanied by numerous graphics, including pictures, illustrations, comparison charts, fun facts, and insets. The activities are set off in shaded boxes and are introduced by "Try This!," "Look For," and "Listen For" cues. Each includes a list of materials and step-by-step directions. Some activities are simple and straightforward ("Write a Haiku"; "Make an Origami Frog"), while others are more involved and require special ingredients, time, and adult supervision (the sure-to-be-popular "Make Your Own Frog Slime"). Back matter includes a glossary, chart of amphibian orders, bibliography, list of further resources, and teacher's guide. An attractive addition to school and public library STEAM collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)