Tuesday, May 10, 2022

RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS: A Nonfiction Picture Book Review and Mini- Author Interview

 


Have you ever wondered what the difference was between toads and frogs? Or, maybe as a child you were curious about how frogs ate. Or, maybe your kid wants to know the different sounds that frogs make.

Whatever your question is about frogs, Annette Whipple's new "Truth About" book from Reycraft Books will answer it. With amazing photographs and "Leapin Legs" illustrations on many pages, Annette provides so many answers that you and your child will want to start building a DIY toad house (directions included, of course) immediately! 



To be perfectly honest, reading this book is like having a chat with your own personal herpetologist!



Here are a few things I learned from Ribbit!:

  • More than 100 species of new frogs are discovered each year.
  • Some frogs quack. (yes, really. Wood frogs!)
  • The Cane toad can lay 30,000 eggs at a time. WOW! That's a lot of babies!
  • Frogs invented the frog kick. Duh...
  • Some frogs live underground. You're going to have to read the book to find out which ones burrow to stay cool in deserts.
  • Sugar in a frog's body acts like antifreeze and keeps it from freezing during the winter. 
  • Frogs are important to science (see the book for surprising reasons why) and to our ecosystems. 



CURRICULUM RESOURCE


T
his is Annette's fourth book in the "Truth About Series." All of them make great science books for grades 1-3. You can read about two of her other books (on dogs and spiders) here

All of Annette's books are great STEM assets for school and home school classrooms, as well as for libraries. Several resources and downloadable activities  are available on her website; here's a link to the frog Teacher Guide.


Coming soon on Annette's site!

By the way, for those of you who are feline fans, her next book, MEOW! The Truth About Cats will be out in the fall. 

MINI-AUTHOR INTERVIEW

CAROL: Why frogs?

ANNETTE: I chose frogs because I was already curious about them. I also knew with all of the varied species they'd showcase beautifully in photographs, too. 

CAROL: How did you come up with the question and answer format? Obviously, I think it works really well!

ANNETTE: After setting aside my manuscript for what became Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls for a couple of years, I returned to it and completely changed it. I changed the structure to a question-and-answer format. I also made it for a younger audience and added the humorous sidebars. As soon as I made these changes I knew it was finally marketable. (The previous drafts were well-written, but they didn't shine enough for a publisher to be interested.) 

CAROL: What is your research process like?

ANNETTE: When I research any topic, I use a combination of books, online resources, videos, and professional journal articles. I also consult with experts. Typically, I try to meet with an expert after I have a solid understanding of my topic. However, I met with an herpetologist early in my research for Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs because the timing was right. It was early spring! I keep a physical research notebook and file folders (physical and digital). You can see a bit of a research notebook at my blog

Check out this cute book trailer for all five books!


GIVEAWAY

If you are interested in adding this book to your home or school library, leave me a comment by May 14. If you follow my blog or decide to become a new follower, let me know in the comments and I'll put your name in twice. U.S. addresses only.

Congratulations to Marci Whitehurst who was thrilled to win DIVING DEEP. 

28 comments:

Emily Weitz said...

Wow this book looks fantastic! I would love to have a copy for my school library!

Danielle H. said...

Frogs are my all-time favorite animals. I have 7 aquatic frogs here that I rescued from a certain freezer death after they were in a science classroom for the school year (the teacher didn't have the heart to kill them, but knew releasing wasn't an option). I've now had them for 10 years. Yes, please enter me for a chance to win this stunning book with facts I will love to read.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Danielle and Emily. You're both on the list!

Ashley Belote said...

This is great! Being able to simultaneously educate and entertain is a true talent!

Annette Whipple said...

Thanks so much for having me here on your blog, Carol!

Hoppy reading, friends!

Carol Baldwin said...

My pleasure, Annette. And you're right, Ashley. You do it very well too!!

Marci said...

Looks like a fascinating book! Good work, Annette!! (No need to enter my name since I won a book yesterday. I just love the looks of this one & wanted to comment!!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Marci!

Storylady said...

Would love to have a copy of this book for 2 of my grands who love all things frog.

Carol Baldwin said...

you're in Gwen!

Unknown said...

WOW, they can lay 30,000 eggs at one time!
lots of facts! I learned something new today. :)
Thanks,
Hewi Mason

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Hewi, you're in! Your grandson would like this book!

Terri DeGezelle Michels said...

Great subjects and young readers will love the photography!

Susan said...

Would love this book! We have so many frogs up at our Wilkesboro house - it would be fun to learn about frogs in general!

Carol Baldwin said...

Right up your alley then, Susan!

Carol Baldwin said...

I agree, Terri!

Rosi said...

I absolutely love frogs, and this book looks like a terrific one. I can't wait to read it. Thanks for telling me about it.

Janet Frenck Sheets said...

I'm another frog fan, and this book looks terrific. I'll stay out of the giveaway this time, though, because I'd love to see a frog owner or a teacher/librarian win. Thanks for featuring RIBBIT!.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for commenting and allowing someone else to win, Janet. I appreciate you following my blog!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Rosi. You're on the list!

Barbara Younger said...

I would love to win a copy! Frogs are intriguing, and the vibrant photographs may inspire some new paintings of mine.

Carol Baldwin said...

You're in, Barbara! Thanks for stopping by.

Trish said...

I would definitely love a copy of Ribbit!! I know my little grands will enjoy it so much!

Carol Baldwin said...

You're in!

T, Truax said...

Yes please! For my school library.
I do follow your blog. It's a favorite.
Tammi

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Tammi! That makes me happy that I'm one of your favorites!!

Beth Anderson said...

Love the format, snappy writing, and overall design - so irresistible!

Carol Baldwin said...

So do I, Beth. Thanks for leaving a comment!

PUSH-PULL MORNING: Dog Powered Poems About Matter and Energy

I wouldn't have believed that a book about matter and energy would be read by the picture book crowd, except that my third-grade and kin...