Review by Booklist Review
In this handsome picture book, Hurley leads viewers through the life cycle of a frog, one double-page image at a time. On the title-page spread, two frogs dive into a pond. Each turn of the page brings a new picture, accompanied by one word: wait (a cluster of eggs lies beneath the water); hatch (a tadpole swims away from the cluster); and grow (a tadpole with a tail and legs nibbles a waterlily stem). The story continues through the frog's stages of growth as it catches food, avoids predators, hibernates, and finds a mate and the cycle begins again. The two jagged-edged half shells that the tadpole leaves behind on the hatch page bear little resemblance to the gelatinous coating of a frog's egg, though they symbolically convey the basic idea that the tadpole has broken free. Hurley's strong sense of design is evident in the digital artwork, which uses flat, subtle colors and simplified forms to create pictures that show up very effectively from a distance. A good choice for group sharing and discussion.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Rich, graphic-style illustrations are the backbone of Hurley's latest title. In the same vein as Nest and Hop, this selection is based on the life cycle and behaviors of a frog, spanning the time between tadpole and adulthood. Each page contains one word related to the frog's stage at that point in life. Even though the picture book does not contain complex text, its use of bold colors and clear, active language directs young readers through the evolution of this frog's life. This would be a great addition to any child's reading life, and it serves as a conversation starter. A lengthy author's note explains much of what the illustrator hoped to capture in her visual representations. As children learn from not only the text but also the visuals, they will begin to ask questions and want to know more. VERDICT Young nature lovers will enjoy learning about the life cycle of a frog through this lively and engaging picture book.-April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The life cycle of a frog is shown with illustrations and minimal words in this picture book.Continuing the format and style of her previous books (Hop, 2015, etc.)one word per double-page spread and crisp, matte illustrationsHurley's new book illustrates the life cycle of a leopard frog. The book begins with an illustration of a cluster of frog's eggs and the word "wait." Next is "hatch," as the illustration shows a tadpole emerging. Eating, avoiding being eaten, metamorphosing from a tadpole to a frog all follow in their proper order. A seasonal clue arrives with "hibernate," and the illustration shows the frog nestled into the mud of a pond, which is covered in ice and snow. When Hurley reaches the mating part of the frog's life cycle, however, she veers from her unambiguous delivery and uses the word "ribbit" to indicate breeding. While the author's note at the end of the story tells readers that frogs do most of their croaking when looking for a mate, this side-stepping on "ribbit," especially when juxtaposed against the book's otherwise straightforwardness, strikes an off note. A vertical gatefold is successful, as it gives an appreciated twist to the one-word-per-double-spread format. The book's overall design is impeccable in its spare way, but the author's note is essential to fill in the blanks. A visually impressive, mostly well-executed offering. (Informational picture book. 2-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
