TADPOLES

by Elaine Pascoe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1996

The draw for readers may be information on how to catch, raise, and observe tadpoles from egg to adult, but this solid entry in the Nature Close-Up series also discusses the classification of amphibians, frog families, frog anatomy, life cycle, and endangered status. Pascoe (Freedom of Expression, 1992, etc.) includes simple experiments, e.g., determining whether tadpoles prefer light or dark conditions. The activities stress the careful treatment of the creatures under scrutiny, but some naturalists will question keeping tadpoles in the refrigerator for observation. The text gives safety warnings for collecting specimens in ponds and streams, advising readers to wear shoes or sandals to protect their feet (although one of the young collectors is twice shown wading barefoot in the full-color photographs). Neat facts buoy the text, e.g., a frog closes its eyes when swallowing because it is ""pushing with its big eyeballs, to help force the food down its gullet."" Many photographs are appealing, but it is hard to see the changes from tadpole to frog in one major sequence because the leafy green background obscures essential details. Nevertheless, an especially handsome cover will attract young readers.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1996

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Blackbirch

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1996

Categories: CHILDREN'S