AM I A FROG?

A tadpole can hardly wait to grow up.

A frog’s life cycle is ably and appealingly presented in an early-reader format by an experienced science writer. As the tadpole grows, it continually asks its neighbor, a snail, the title question, the equivalent of “Are we there yet?” The snail patiently explains each growth stage: the egg, where the frog started; the tadpole stage, including its parts and what they are for; and the changes on the way in the future. Leaping forward, in the penultimate act, the nearly transformed frog emerges to see the sky and feel the air. It will return to the water until its tail has been absorbed and it can survive both in and out of water. The conversation between frog and snail is presented in two colors, allowing dual read-alouds. The words and sentences are simple, with plenty of repetition. Rockwell’s illustrations, created with watercolor washes and digital tools, support beginning readers and add further information. We see the frog’s changing shape and size, its environment, some of its neighbors, and even its new long tongue, catching a dragonfly prey. An illustration toward the end depicts the frog life cycle—a solid review of the material covered in the book. These simple illustrations are realistic and accurate, right down to the snail. Reading teachers will especially welcome this informative title. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A basic biological process presented appropriately for the beginning reader.