A FROG'S BODY

Once more, a sharp, clear presentation of essentials. Cole provides a viewing point at the start with the statement that a frog's body is ""suited to a life half in and half out of water."" She also notes that because the adult frog's organs are so much like those of other land animals, including humans, they are used by students to learn about the body--and then she is careful to point out, when each particular feature comes up, how frogs are different: they have no ribs, outside ears, or external sex organs; their long tongues are attached at the front, not the back of the mouth; and so on. Wexler's photos are as always splendidly to the point, and they are supplemented here and there with drawings. (The drawings meant to show sex differences could be confusing, however, as sone non-sex organs--heart, liver--are shown in the female but not the male, and others only in the male.) One might wish for a strip of photos showing the change from tadpole to frog that Cole mentions on the last page, but perhaps that will be another book. Overall, a well-focused introduction to the frog, and to the fit between body features and their functions.